Technical terms associated with the concept of bala: A Literature review

Abstract

Bala is a broad concept in Ayurveda which includes Thvidhabala namely Sahaja, Kala)a and each of which depends on many factors such as the nature of Sukra and mother's food habit during pregnancy, Desa and Käla of birth. variations of Tridosa, food habit and nature of the function of .4gni of the individual and age (Bä/a- Madhya-Vrddha). This study was carried out to analyze definitions for Bala and other related terms from Ayurvedic perspective on the basis of a literature review. Carakasamhitå. Sushrutasamhitä, Astäfigahrdayasarilhitä and their commentaries ( 77kä) were used as the sources in this study. The basic meaning of Bala is strength or power. Acårya Caraka has explained Bala as both repressive and preventive in its function against ailments Further, he has recommended the interpretation of Baia according to vvä_vümaiakti which is determined by weight lifting, etc. Carakasarilhitå recommends the examination of both Säririka and Mänasika Bola of the individual in terms of Sara, Sahrhanana, Sätmva. Satna, etc. In the diagnosis and treatment process. These Ayurveda Acaryas use the tenn •Bala' in its unique sense and therefore, its derivations should be defined precisely in order to interpret the associated concepts. These words referred to as 'Svasahj/iä' by both Carakäcaryu and Sushrutäcarya require subjective interpretations so as to comprehend the concept of Bala in its true sense. For instance. Balaparik'ä should be contextually interpreted in terms of Särfr•ikabala, Mänasikabala of the patient and Rogabala. The concept of Bala during the examination of patient (Rogiparikyä) has been viewed in slightly distinct ways by different Acaryas. Aearyl Sushruta has used the term 'Bala' to be interpreted in terms of individual's stature of the body (Kriaslhldädihheda), However, Acarya Caraka holds a different opinion stating that the individual's strength of body (Dehaba/a) cannot be determined on the basis of stature alone. He further states that the physician is likely to he misled if he treats a person with a fat body as having higher strength (Balava') and vice versa. A number of such terms including Balya, Balalut, Balakrt, DanrbaOu, Durba/a, Alpaba/a, Ba/abhrari"a, Balavrddhikara and Agniba/a were chosen for providing precise definitions in this Study. It can be concluded that Bala has a meaning spreading through a vast range which should be defined from the perspective of Ayurveda in its context.