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Explanation Samanya (Similarity): When there is similarity between two entities…

Dr. Anagha K Vartak · Mon Jul 21 2025
Explanation
Samanya (Similarity): When there is similarity between two entities or qualities, it leads to the increase of those qualities. For example, consuming food that has qualities similar to your body's dhatus (tissues) will nourish and increase them.
Vishesha (Dissimilarity): When there is dissimilarity between two entities or qualities, it leads to the decrease or reduction of those qualities. For example, consuming food that has qualities opposite to an aggravated dosha (bodily humor) will help to pacify or decrease that dosha.
Pravrittirubhayasya Tu (The application of both these principles): The shloka emphasizes that both Samanya and Vishesha are continuously at play in the body and in the environment. Their application, whether through diet, lifestyle, or treatments, leads to either an increase or decrease of the Dravya (substance), Guna (quality), and Karma (action) in the body, according to LNCT University. 
Significance
This shloka highlights the foundational Ayurvedic principle known as the Samanya-Vishesha Siddhanta (Theory of Similarity and Dissimilarity). This principle is crucial for understanding health, disease, and treatment in Ayurveda. According to ResearchGate 
Diagnosis: It helps diagnose imbalances by observing the increase or decrease of doshas, dhatus, etc.
Treatment: It guides treatment by suggesting that substances and actions similar to what needs to be increased should be used, while those dissimilar to what needs to be decreased should be employed. 
In essence, this verse from Charaka Samhita encapsulates a core principle that helps Ayurvedic practitioners understand how various factors interact with the body and how to utilize these interactions to maintain health and treat diseases. Modern Science Perspective:
Modern science also acknowledges the importance of balance. For instance, the concept of homeostasis and allostasis highlights how the body regulates itself internally to maintain equilibrium, and how external factors can influence these regulatory mechanisms

Explanation Samanya (Similarity): When there is similarity between two entities or qualities, it leads to the increase of those qualities. For example, consuming food that has qualities similar to your body's dhatus (tissues) will nourish and increase them. Vishesha (Dissimilarity): When there is dissimilarity between two entities or qualities, it leads to the decrease or reduction of those qualities. For example, consuming food that has qualities opposite to an aggravated dosha (bodily humor) will help to pacify or decrease that dosha. Pravrittirubhayasya Tu (The application of both these principles): The shloka emphasizes that both Samanya and Vishesha are continuously at play in the body and in the environment. Their application, whether through diet, lifestyle, or treatments, leads to either an increase or decrease of the Dravya (substance), Guna (quality), and Karma (action) in the body, according to LNCT University. Significance This shloka highlights the foundational Ayurvedic principle known as the Samanya-Vishesha Siddhanta (Theory of Similarity and Dissimilarity). This principle is crucial for understanding health, disease, and treatment in Ayurveda. According to ResearchGate Diagnosis: It helps diagnose imbalances by observing the increase or decrease of doshas, dhatus, etc. Treatment: It guides treatment by suggesting that substances and actions similar to what needs to be increased should be used, while those dissimilar to what needs to be decreased should be employed. In essence, this verse from Charaka Samhita encapsulates a core principle that helps Ayurvedic practitioners understand how various factors interact with the body and how to utilize these interactions to maintain health and treat diseases. Modern Science Perspective: Modern science also acknowledges the importance of balance. For instance, the concept of homeostasis and allostasis highlights how the body regulates itself internally to maintain equilibrium, and how external factors can influence these regulatory mechanisms

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