Abstract

AYURVEDIC CONCEPT OF KRIYA KALA AND ITS CORRELATION WITH HOMEOSTASIS AND DISEASE PROGRESSION: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Dr. Gayatree Vishwanath Madhwai, ^*Dr. Sheetal Roman

Abstract

Introduction: Ayurveda describes health as a state of physiological equilibrium and disease as a progressive disturbance of this equilibrium. The concept of Kriya Kala, particularly the six stages described by Acharya Sushruta, provides a sequential framework for understanding the progression of Dosha imbalance from an initial stage to clinically manifested disease and subsequent complications. Modern physiology describes homeostasis as the maintenance of a relatively stable internal environment through coordinated regulatory mechanisms. The present review explores the possible conceptual relationship between Kriya Kala, physiological homeostasis and the progressive development of disease. Materials and Methods: A narrative review was conducted using classical Ayurvedic literature, including Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita and Ashtanga Hridaya, along with contemporary literature related to homeostasis, pathophysiology, disease progression, early diagnosis and preventive medicine. Relevant literature was identified through databases including PubMed, Google Scholar and Ayurvedic scholarly sources. Classical and contemporary concepts were critically analysed and compared to identify possible areas of conceptual convergence. Results and Discussion: Kriya Kala describes six sequential stages: Sanchaya, Prakopa, Prasara, Sthana Sanshraya, Vyakti and Bheda. The first stages represent progressive Dosha accumulation, aggravation and dissemination, while later stages involve localization, clinical manifestation and complications. From a modern physiological perspective, these stages may be conceptually compared with progressive alterations occurring from physiological adaptation and early dysregulation to tissue-level pathology, clinically apparent disease and complications. Homeostasis maintains physiological variables within functional limits through feedback and regulatory mechanisms. Persistent disturbances may result in compensatory responses and eventually pathological changes. The concept of Kriya Kala therefore provides a potentially useful Ayurvedic model for understanding disease as a dynamic process rather than a sudden event. However, direct equivalence between Ayurvedic stages and modern pathological stages cannot currently be established. Conclusion: Kriya Kala provides a valuable conceptual framework for understanding the temporal progression of disease and emphasizes early recognition and intervention. Its possible relationship with homeostasis and modern concepts of disease progression may provide an interdisciplinary research framework for Kriya Sharir. Future studies integrating Ayurvedic assessment with measurable physiological, biochemical and molecular markers may help evaluate the scientific applicability of this model.

Keywords: Shat Kriya Kala, homeostasis, disease progression, Dosha, pathophysiology, Ayurveda, physiology, preventive medicine.