Do Not Suppress Body Urges: Charak Samhita Sutrasthana 7th chapter

As per Ayurveda, natural body urges like the urge to defecate, urinate etc should not be suppressed. The 7th chapter of Charak Samhita Sutrasthana explains in detail about various diseases caused due to suppression of natural body urges and the line of treatment for each.

Natural non-suppressible body urges

One should not suppress the following natural urges.
Mutra Vega – urge to urinate
Pureesha Vega – urge to defecate
Retas – Urge to ejaculate
Vata – urge to fart
Chardi – Urge to vomit
Kshavatu – Urge to sneeze
Udagara – urge to belch
Jrumbha – urge to yawn
Kshut – hunger
Pipasa – thirst
Vashpa – urge to weep
Nidra – urge to sleep
Nishwasa – Urge to breathe caused by over exertion. [3-4]

Various types of diseases occur by the suppression of these urges. Such diseases and lines of treatment are explained below. [5]

Suppression of micturition

Symptoms

Suppression of urge to urinate causes
Basti Mehanayo shoolam – pain in bladder and phallus,
Mutrakruchra – dysuria, pain while passing urine,
Shiro Ruja – headache,
Vinamo – bending of the body and
Vamkshana anaha – distension, fullness of lower abdomen.

Treatment

Sveda – sweating therapy
Avagahana – tub bath therapy
Abhyanga – oil massage
Sarpisha Avapidana – nasal drops of ghee

Three types of Basti – urethral / vaginal / rectal enema. [6-7]

Suppression of defecation

Symptoms

If one holds the urge for defecation, it causes
Pakvashaya Shula – abdominal colic pain,
Shirashula – headache,
Vata, Varcha Pravartana – involuntary defecation and release of flatus
Pindikodveshtana – cramps in the calf muscles
Adhmana – distension, fullness of abdomen.

Treatment

In such cases,
Sveda – sweating therapy
Abhyanga – oil massage
Avagaha – sitz bath
Varti – rectal suppositories
Basti Karma – rectal enema
Pramathi Annapana – intake of foods and drinks that are laxative in nature. [8-9]

Suppression of ejaculation

Symptoms

Suppressing urge to ejaculation leads to
Medhra Vrushana shoola – Pain in phallus and testicles,
Angamarda – malaise, body ache,
Hrudi Vyatha – pain and discomfort in chest region
Mutra Vibandha – retention of urine

Treatment

Abhyanga – oil massage over the groyne region
Avagaha – sitz bath
Madira – wine
Charanayudha – chicken
Shali – rice
Paya – milk
Niruha type of basti (made with Kashayam)
Maithuna – sexual intercourse. [10-11]

Suppression of urge to fart

Symptoms

If one suppresses the urge for passing flatus, it causes
Sango Vit Mutra Vatanaam – retention of faeces, urine and flatus,
Adhmana – distension, fullness of abdomen,
Vedana – pain,
Klama – exhaustion, tiredness and
Diseases of Vata imbalance in stomach.

Treatment

Snehana – oil massage,
Sveda – sweating treatment,
Varti – rectal suppositories,
Vatanulomana Bhojana, Pana – intake of foods and drinks that enable normal downward movement of flatus and
Basti – rectal enema. [12-13]

Suppression of vomiting

Diseases and symptoms

Kandu – itching, pruritus, urticaria,
Kota – black pigmentation of face,
Aruchi – anorexia,
Shotha – oedema,
Pandu – anaemia,
Jvara – fever,
Kushta – skin diseases,
Hrullasa – nausea and
Visarpa – erysipelas, spreading type of skin diseases.

Treatment

Prachardanam – induction of vomiting,
Dhumapana – herbal smoking,
Langhana – fasting,
Raktamokshana – bloodletting (useful in skin diseases),
Rooksha Annapana – food and drink that are dry in nature,
Vyayama – physical exercise and
Virechana – purgation treatment. [14-15]

Suppression of sneeze

Symptoms

Diseases caused by suppression of urge to sneeze are – 
Manyasthamba – neck stiffness – torticollis,
Shirashoola – headache,
Ardita – facial paralysis,
Ardhavabhedaka – hemicrania, migraine and
Indriyanam daurbalyam – weakness of the sense organs.

Treatment

Urdhwa Jatru Abhyanga – oil massage to head and neck,
Svedana – sweating therapy,
Dhumapana – herbal smoking,
Navana – nasal drops,
Food that pacifies Vata and
Ghrita – intake of ghee after meals. [16-17]

Suppression of belching

Diseases

Diseases caused by suppression of belching / Eructation reflex:
Hikka – hiccups,
Shwasa – breathing difficulties,
Aruchi – anorexia,
Kampa – tremors and
Vibandho Hrudaya uraso – feeling of obstruction in chest and heart region.

Treatment

Similar to the treatment for suppression of hiccups. [18]

Suppression of yawning

Symptoms

Diseases caused by suppression of yawning reflex:
Vinama – forward bending of the body,
Akshepa – convulsion,
Samkocha – contractions,
Supti – numbness,
Kampa – tremors and
Pravepana – shaking of the body.

Treatment

All the measures to balance Vata Dosha should be taken up. [19]

Suppression of hunger

Symptoms

Diseases caused by suppression of hunger –
Karshya – weight loss, emaciation,
Dourbalya – weakness,
Vaivarnya – change in skin complexion,
Angamarda – Malaise, body ache,
Aruchi – Anorexia and
Bhrama – dizziness .

Treatment

Intake of oily (unctuous), hot and light-to-digest food. [20]

Suppression of thirst

Symptoms

Diseases caused by suppression of thirst –
Kanta Asya shosha – dryness of throat and mouth,
Badhirya – deafness,
Shrama – tiredness,
Sada – weakness, body ache and
Hrudi Vyatha – discomfort in heart.

Treatment

Coolant drinks that bring about satiation. [21]

Suppression of tears

Symptoms

Diseases caused by suppression of Tears –
Pratishyaya – rhinitis, running nose,
Akshi roga – eye diseases,
Hrudroga – heart diseases,
Aruchi – anorexia
Bhrama – dizziness.

Treatment

Sleep, intake of wine and pleasing talks. [22]

Suppression of sleep

Symptoms

Diseases caused by suppression of Sleep:
Jrumbha – yawning,
Angamarda – malaise, body ache,
Tandra – drowsiness,
Shiroroga – headache, diseases of head,
Akshi Gourava – heaviness in the eyes.

Treatment

Sound sleep and body massage. [23]

Suppression of exertion breathing

Symptoms

Diseases caused by suppression of exertion Breathing :
Gulma – bloating,
Hrudroga – heart diseases and
Sammoha – fainting, unconsciousness.

Treatment

Rest and following of regimen prescribed for Vata Dosha balance. [24]

These are the diseases caused by the suppression of various natural body urges. One who wants to prevent diseases should not suppress these urges. [25]

We learnt about Adharaneeya Vega – the urges that should not be suppressed / withheld.
Now Charaka explains about Dharaneeya Vegas – the urges that should be suppressed.

Dharaneeya Vega – Suppressible urges

One, who is desirous of his well-being during his lifetime and after death, should suppress urges of rashness and evil deeds – mentally, orally and physically. [26]

Mental suppressible urges

A wise person should suppress mental urges pertaining to
Lobha – greed,
Shoka – grief,
Bhaya – fear,
Krodha – anger,
Mana – vanity,
Nairlajja – shamelessness,
Irshya – jealousy,
Atiraga – excessive desire
Abhidhyaya – ill will, malice. [27]

Speech related suppressible urges

One should suppress the urges of
Parusha – speaking extremely harsh words,
Atimatra – speaking excessively,
Soochaka – back-biting,
Anruta – lies and
Akala Vakya – use of untimely words. [28]

Deeds related suppressible urges

Stribhoga – desire towards other women,
Astheya – theft,
Himsa – violence, hostility,
Parapeeda – ill-treatment is to be restrained. [29]

The virtuous person who suppresses all the above mentioned bad urges related to mind, speech and physical actions, is happy and he alone enjoys the fruits of

Dharma – good deeds,
Artha – wealth, prosperity
Kama – desire, wish. [30]

Exercise

Definition

The physical activity done with the purpose of improving body strength and immunity is called Exercise – Vyayama. Exercise should always be done in moderation. [31]

Benefits

Good effects of exercise:
Right amount of exercise brings about
Laghavam – lightness to the body (and mind),
Karmasaamrthyam – increased work capacity,
Sthairyam – increases body stability,
Dukha sahishunta – improves body and mind resistance to discomfort,
Doshakshaya – balances the Tridosha and
Agnivruddhi – improves digestion strength. [32]

Ill effects of excessive exercise

Shrama – tiredness,
Klama – exhaustion,
Kshaya – depletion of body tissues,
Trushna – excessive thirst,
Raktapitta – bleeding disorders – such as nasal bleeding, worsening of menorrhagia in women etc.
Pratamaka – breathing difficulties,
Kasa – cough,
Jwara – fever and
Chardi – vomiting.  [33]

Features of right amount of exercise

Svedagama – sweating, perspiration,
Shvasa vruddhi – enhanced breathing,
Gaatranaam laghavam – lightness of the body parts,
Hrudayadi Uparodha – feeling of inhibition / resistance in the heart and such other organs of the body are an indication that it is time to stop exercising.

Avoid excess indulgence in the following

Vyayama – exercise,
Hasya – laughing,
Bhashya – speaking,
Adhva – travelling by foot,
Gramya Dharma – sexual activities and
Prajagara – staying awake till late night. [34]
One who indulges excessively in these and other such activities, perishes like a lion trying to fight a huge elephant. [35]

Exercise contraindications

The following should quit exercise –
Ativyavaya – who indulges in excessive sexual activity,
Bhara – who lifts heavy weight,
Adhva – who walks long distances,
Karmabhi atikarshita – who is weakened by excessive work,
Bala – children,
Vruddha – elderly,
Pravata – who have Vata imbalance,
Ucchai Bahu Bhashaka – who speak loud and who speak too much,
Kshudhita  – who is hungry and
Trushita – who is thirsty.

Schedule for giving up bad habits

A wise person should give up unwholesome and unhealthy practices to which he is addicted and should gradually adopt wholesome and healthy practices. This process of shifting to healthy practices should be gradual.

On the first day one should give up a quarter of the unhealthy practice (shall maintain ¾ of it) and correspondingly adopt a quarter of healthy and wholesome habits.

One the second and third days, half of the bad habit should be given up and half of the wholesome practice is to be continued.

On the 4th, 5th and 6th days, ¾ of the good habits should be adopted. On the 7th day, switch fully to good habits. [36-37]

By slowly and gradually giving up the bad habits and by slowly cultivating good habits, the body becomes accustomed to the new habits without any complications.  [38]

Dosha Body types

Some persons maintain perfect balance of Vata, Pitta and Kapha Dosha from the very time of conception; some are dominated by Vata, some by Pitta and some by Kapha.

Those with perfect balance of Tridosha are not prone to diseases – called Anatura.

Those with single Dosha body types, like, Vata body type, Pitta body type etc are called Sadatura and are very much susceptible to diseases. The persons with two Dosha dominant body types (i.e. Vata-Pitta, Pitta-Kapha, Vata-Kapha) are less prone to diseases.(than those with single Dosha body types).  [39-40]

In case of Single Dosha body types, diet and regimen with qualities opposite to the Dosha should be followed. For individuals having  Tridosha balanced body type, habitual intake of diets consisting of all Rasas (tastes) in proportionate quantity is prescribed. [41]

Excretory orifices

There are two orifices in the lower part of the body (rectum and urethra), seven orifices in head (two eyes, two ears, two nostrils and a mouth) and multiple openings of sweat glands, i.e hair roots serving the purpose of excretion.

These orifices may get vitiated by excessive production of waste products. If there is heaviness in the excretory orifices or there is excessive excretion, it is indicative of an increase in excreta (waste products). Similarly, if there is lightness in the excretory orifices or three is no excretion it indicates the decrease in excreta. [42-43]

Principle of treatment for disorders of excretory orifices

One should decide on the exact nature of the disease with the help of signs and symptoms indicated above. One should ascertain the extent of increase or vitiation of excreta and then should treat the curable ones with therapies which are having opposite qualities from the diseases and their causes, paying due regard to the dose and time. [44]

Importance of following the regimen for healthy persons

Those who do not follow healthy daily and seasonal habits are prone to diseases. Hence, a healthy person should follow proper daily and seasonal regimens for the maintenance of good health. [45]

Time for Panchakarma purification procedures

One should administer purification procedures on

Madhava Prathame Maasi – Chaitra (Mid March – Mid April)
Nabhasya Prathame Maasi – Shravana (Mid July – Mid August)
Sahasya Prathame Maasi – Margashira (Mid November – Mid December)

After the oleation (Sneha karma) and sweating therapies (Svedana), one should administer emetics (Vamana) and purgatives (Virechana). Then one should administer enema (Basti) and inhalation therapies (Nasya) in proper sequences according to the requirement.

After that, one should administer rejuvenation and aphrodisiac therapies (Rasayana and Vajikarana) based on the patient’s requirement. By this, the body tissues get good nourishment. This delays aging process.

Thus, the ways and means of preventing diseases due to endogenous factors (Nija vyadhis) have been described. Those with exogenous causes (Agantuja Vyadhis) are explained further. [45-50]

Exogenous diseases – Agantuja Roga

These diseases are caused by
Bhuta – evil spirits,
Visha – poison,
Vayu – wind,
Agni – fire,
Samprahaara – assault / external injury. These diseases are caused by Prajnaparadha – acting against one’s right conscience.

Even the bad emotions such as
Irshya – malice, jealousy,
Shoka – despair, grief,
Bhaya – fear,
Krodha – anger,
Mana – vanity and
Dvesha – hatred, etc mental disorders are due to Prajnaparadha. [51-52]

Prevention of Agantuja Roga

These Agantu rogas can be prevented by
Avoiding Prajnaparadha – acting as per one’s right conscience,
Indriyopashama – control over sense organs,
Smruti – Keeping God in memory,
Desha, Kala Atma Vijnana – knowledge of the place, time and one’s own soul and
Sadvrutta – good conduct.
One desirous of his own well-being should follow this, in advance. [53-54]

Aptopadesha (Knowledge about the prescription and advice of ancient authority sages),
Prajnana – having superior knowledge, are the means to prevent and to treat diseases. [55]

Unsuitable persons for company

Such unhappy human beings, who have a sinful conduct, tension seekers, backbiters, sadists, greedy, those who envy the property of others, cruel, those who indulge in defaming others, the fickle minded, those who serve the enemy, those without any compassion and those who do not follow the virtuous course of life should be disowned. [56-57]

Suitable persons for company

Buddhi Vidyavayaha – experienced, intellectuals, knowledgeable,
Sheela, Dhairya, Smruti – with good character, courageous, having good memory,
Vruddhopasevi – who takes care of elders,
Vruddha – aged,
Svabhaavajna – who understands your nature,
Gatavyatha – who are devoid of anxieties,
Sumukha – who speak sweet,
who are peaceful, those who follow righteous course of action; those who advocate good conduct and those whose very name and sight are auspicious should  be accompanied. [58-59]

One desirous of health in this world and the world beyond, should try his level best to follow the principles of health relating to diet, conduct and action.[60]

Rules for using curd

One should not take curd at night;

If one desires to take curd at night, it can be taken along with ghee, sugar, green gram soup, honey or Amalaka (Amla – Indian Gooseberry.) It should not be taken hot.

If one does not follow these rules he is likely to suffer from diseases like fever, Raktapitta (bleeding disorders), Visarpa (Erysipelas), Kushta (skin diseases), Pandu (Anaemia), Bhrama (dizziness) and Kamala (Jaundice). [61-62]

Summary

In this chapter, Acharya Charaka has explained, all about natural urges, diseases caused due to suppressing them, urges that are to be suppressed, what is wholesome, what is unwholesome; how to leave a bad habit and replace it with a good habit, diet rules, prevention of diseases, persons who should be accompanied and who should not be and rules regarding intake of curd. [63-64]

Thus ends the seventh chapter.