Introducing Ayurveda The Science of Health and Disease | Class 11 Knowledge Traditions Practices of India Notes
By ConceptScroll Team · Published on 17 July 2026 · 3 min read
Introducing Ayurveda The Science of Health and Disease – this guide gives you a concise, exam-ready overview of Introducing Ayurveda The Science of Health and Disease from Class 11 Knowledge Traditions Practices of India, written by ConceptScroll editors and reviewed against the latest NCERT textbook.
Systems Approach of Ayurveda to Health
The fundamental theory of Ayurveda is the Tridoṣa theory, which identifies three primary bio-energies or doshas—Vāta, Pitta, and Kapha—that govern physiological and psychological functions. These doshas correspond to three main functions: Vāta controls movement, Pitta governs metabolism and transformation, and Kapha is responsible for growth and support. Each dosha is characterized by ten pairs of opposing properties (Viṁśatiguṇa), such as cold-hot, heavy-light, slow-sharp, oily-dry, immobile-mobile, soft-hard, smooth-rough, sticky-non-sticky, viscous-fluid, and minute-gross. These properties describe both the biophysical nature of substances and their effects on the body. The doshas form a network of interconnected properties, where stability is key to health and perturbation leads to disease. Ayurveda applies this theory broadly, classifying dietary ingredients, plants, activities, seasons, and clinical symptoms according to their effects on Vāta, Pitta, and Kapha. For example, wheat increases Kapha, exercise increases Vāta, autumn increases Pitta, and clinical symptoms like dry skin indicate Vāta involvement. This common platform enables a unified understanding and management of health and disease.
📊 Diagram: See figure_14: Vāta, Pitta and Kapha provide a common platform for all the factors which play a role in health and disease. Adapted and reprinted from Ref (28) with permission from the Journal Editor.
🔗 Connection: This section connects to Ayurveda's regimens for health management, including daily and seasonal routines.
Frequently asked questions
Explain about the *manuṣya* and *mṛga Āyurveda*.
Manuṣya Āyurveda refers to the branch of Ayurveda that deals with human health and diseases, focusing on the maintenance of health and treatment of ailments in human beings. Mṛga Āyurveda, on the other hand, is the branch of Ayurveda concerned with the health and treatment of animals. It includes veterinary science and the care of animals, emphasizing the similarities and differences in biological processes between humans and animals.
What are the eight branches of *Āyurveda*?
The eight branches of Āyurveda, known as 'Aṣṭāṅga Āyurveda', are: 1) Kāyachikitsā (Internal Medicine), 2) Śālākya Tantra (ENT and Ophthalmology), 3) Śālya Tantra (Surgery), 4) Bhūtavidyā (Psychiatry and Demonology), 5) Kaumāra Bhritya (Pediatrics), 6) Rasāyana (Rejuvenation Therapy), 7) Vājīkaraṇa (Aphrodisiac Therapy), and 8) Agadatantra (Toxicology). These branches cover a comprehensive range of medical knowledge and treatment modalities.
Explain the role of *Vāta*, *Pitta* and *Kapha* in maintenance of biological cycle.
In Āyurveda, Vāta, Pitta, and Kapha are the three fundamental bio-energies or doshas that govern physiological and pathological processes in the body. Vāta is responsible for movement and communication, controlling nerve impulses, circulation, and elimination. Pitta governs metabolism, digestion, and transformation of substances, maintaining body temperature and enzymatic activities. Kapha provides structure, lubrication, and stability, maintaining moisture and immunity. The balance of these thr
Name the Ayurvedic surgeon who is also acknowledged in modern surgery.
The Ayurvedic surgeon acknowledged in modern surgery is Susruta. He is known as the 'Father of Surgery' and authored the Susruta Samhita, an ancient Sanskrit text that details surgical techniques, instruments, and procedures including rhinoplasty and cataract surgery.
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