Anatomical Study of Garbha with Respect to Garbhaj Vikritiya

Abstract

Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine, is deeply intertwined with the pursuit of Moksha, emphasizing the importance of health and well-being through the balance of Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha. Central to Ayurvedic teachings is the understanding of the human body and its functions, as described in texts by Acharya Charaka and Sushruta. These scholars highlight the significance of \"Rachana Sharir\" in diagnosing health and disease, underscoring the importance of the balance between the five elements within the body. A critical area of focus in Ayurveda is the study of congenital deformities or \"Garbhaja Vikriti,\" which arise during fetal development. These deformities often linked to genetic factors (Beeja Dosha), maternal health, and environmental influences, are detailed in Ayurvedic texts as imbalances in the body’s elemental composition. Modern genetic science corroborates these ancient teachings by identifying chromosomal mutations and gene mutations as primary causes of congenital abnormalities. This abstract explores the relevance of Ayurvedic concepts such as Garbhaja Vikriti in understanding fetal development and congenital deformities, offering a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern genetics. By analyzing both perspectives, we gain a deeper understanding of human development, health, and the causes of abnormalities, highlighting the enduring value of Ayurvedic principles in contemporary medicine and genetics.

Introduction

I. INTRODUCTION

Ayurveda, as described in ancient texts, is considered an integral part of the Atharveda, serving as a guide to attaining Moksha through proper adherence to Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha. The science of Ayurveda is deeply rooted in understanding the health and well-being of individuals, emphasizing the importance of both physical and mental health in the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. Charaka, one of the key figures in Ayurvedic tradition, highlights the significance of studying the human body and its functions to discern whether a person is in a state of health or disease. According to Charaka and Sushruta, the human body is a harmonious integration of the five elements, and any imbalance in these elements can lead to diseases or abnormalities.

A key aspect of Ayurveda involves the study of "Rachana Sharir," which helps in identifying the causes and effects of various diseases, including congenital deformities or "Garbhaja Vikriti." These deformities, originating during fetal development, can be influenced by hereditary factors (Beeja Dosha), maternal health, or environmental influences. Ayurvedic texts detail how such deformities are associated with imbalances in the body's fundamental elements, leading to developmental abnormalities.

Modern science further connects these abnormalities to genetic mutations and chromosomal disorders, demonstrating the relevance of both Ayurveda and contemporary biology in understanding human development. The study of Garbhaja Vikriti in Ayurveda aligns with the modern understanding of genetic inheritance, emphasizing the crucial role of genetics in shaping the human body and its potential abnormalities. Therefore, the ancient Ayurvedic perspective on fetal health and abnormalities is highly relevant in the modern context of genetics and embryology.

II. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

1. Study of Garbha according to Ayurveda
2. Study of Garbha according to Modern
3. Study of Garbhaj vikara according to Ayurveda
4. Study of Garbhaj vikara according to Modern

III. MATERIAL & METHODS

This study was conducted in the Department of Rachana Sharir at the National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur. The literature was collected from different Samhitas, published journals, modern books, and other published literature.

IV. LITERATURE REVIEW

Ayurveda, a time-honored science, has long acknowledged the natural processes occurring in the body. While modern science has validated the existence of these processes, Ayurveda also calls for deeper research to prove the facts established by ancient Acharyas. One such area of study is the development of the embryo (Garbha) and its potential deformities (Garbhaj vikriti). In Ayurveda, it is universally acknowledged that the embryo develops through the fusion of male and female gametes. This corresponds to the scientific understanding that an embryo forms when the sperm (Shukra) and ovum (Shonita) unite, with the involvement of Jiva  (soul). The embryo’s growth is further supported by the nutrition derived from the mother’s Aahara Rasa throughout the gestational period.

In addition to Shukra and Shonita, several factors, including Garbha samagri (Ritu, Kshetra, Ambu, and Beeja), Shadbhavas[i] (six states of existence), and Garbhini Paricharya (maternal care) are essential for the healthy development of the Garbha. Acharyas emphasized that the presence of all these factors is crucial for successful conception and gestation; the absence of any may result in complications or the failure to form a Garbha altogether.

This study highlights the relevance of Garbhaj vikriti in today’s life, as Acharyas recognized both genotype anomalies (Aadibal pravruta vikritij) and phenotype anomalies (Janmabal pravruta vikritij) in the development of the embryo. Ayurveda states that Garbha forms when Shukra, Artava (ovum), and Atma (soul) unite within the uterus (Kukshi).[ii] This process, along with the association of Prakriti (nature) and Vikaras (disorders), leads to the development of physical body parts. Modern science explains this as the combination of 23 chromosomes from the male and female pronuclei, forming 23 pairs, and undergoing mitotic division to form an embryo

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In modern science, embryo development begins with the fusion of male and female gametes, followed by cleavage division, formation of morula and blastocyst, and implantation. Trophoblast and chorion differentiation occurs, leading to the appearance of bilaminar and trilaminar germ discs. The three germ layers then differentiate, forming tissues and organs, followed by rapid fetal growth and placenta development. In Ayurveda, Shadbhavas[iv] are the key factors responsible for fetal formation, while modern science attributes it to maternal, paternal, hereditary, environmental, and nutritional factors, as well as etiological influences on the embryo's development.

Table No.1: Month-wise development of the foetus

A. Review Of Garbha Posahan[vii]

The fetus does not experience hunger or thirst and is entirely reliant on the mother for sustenance. In the early stages, while specific body parts are present but not fully developed, it obtains nourishment through moisture and osmosis. As the body parts become more distinct, the fetus derives nourishment through Upasneha (moisture) that permeates the skin, particularly through hair follicles, and through the umbilical cord. The umbilicus of the fetus is connected to the umbilical cord, which links to the placenta, and the placenta is connected to the mother’s heart. The mother’s heart circulates blood through the placenta, providing essential nutrients. The nutrients from the mother’s diet form Rasa, which nourishes the fetus, giving it strength and complexion, allowing it to develop in the uterus.

Acharya Charaka[viii] emphasizes that the Rasa derived from the mother's food serves three functions: nourishing the mother, producing milk, and sustaining the fetus. Initially, the blastocyst implants in the uterine wall, receiving nutrition via diffusion from maternal blood, eventually leading to the formation of the placenta.

B. Review about "garbhaj vikriti"

In Ayurveda, Acharyas emphasize the importance of "sudha shukra" (pure semen) and "sudha artva" (pure ovum) for the creation of healthy offspring. When these elements combine during the right "ritu" (season) and "kshetra" (place), the result is a healthy foetus with desired characteristics. However, any deformity in the "Beeja" (seed), "Beeja bhag" (part of seed), "Beeja bhagavayav" (parts of the seed organ), "ritu," or "kshetra" may lead to foetal deformities in size, shape, and behavior.[ix] Ayurvedic texts describe various foetal abnormalities, including serpent-like, scorpion-like, and monster-like forms such as "nagaudara," "upvistaka," and "lina Garbha."

TABLE NO.2:- "GARBHAJ VIKRITI"

C. Review of foetal anomalies w.r.s. To teratology

Teratology is the study of abnormal fetal development, focusing on teratogenic exposures such as drugs, chemicals, infections, physical agents (radiation, heat), and maternal or metabolic factors like diabetes and phenylketonuria. Fetal defects include cranioschisis, cleft palate, heart defects, scoliosis, Klinefelter's syndrome, and spina bifida, among others. These anomalies arise from causes such as infections, radiation, mutations, hormonal imbalances, maternal diseases, nutritional deficiencies, and exposure to heavy metals. Various diagnostic methods, including ultrasonography, maternal serum screening, amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling, and fetal therapy, are available for detecting fetal anomalies.

D. Concept Of Chromosome And Foetal Defects

Chromosomes are the basic plateform to transfer the genes from one generation to another generation. If there is any deformity in chromosome it leads to foetal deformity. There are two types of chromosome in human being, autosome and allosome.

Autosomes are responsible for vegetative maintenance and allosomes are responsible for sexual activities. The no. of autosome is 22 pairs and no. of allosome (sex chromosome) is 1 pair (X&Y). So total no.of chromosome in human body is 23 pairs which is responsible for heredity.

Chromosomes may be affected by many causes. Firstly mutation may take place which affects the chromosomes. Chromosomal aberration may occur. One change is in the chromosome number and other is structural changes in the chromosome. Monoploidy, polyploidy, aneuploidy etc. are the main cause for foetal anomalies. Another chromosome affects are monosomy, trisomy, and nulli-somy.

Ex. "Putiprijan"

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It means the deformity in the chromosomes of sperm and ovum leads to abnormal foetus named as "Putiprijan".

E. Review About Genes And Foetal Anomalies

Genes are hereditary units that transfer characteristics from one generation to the next, composed of DNA sequences. These sequences define genes, with specific genes located on autosomes or X/Y chromosomes, responsible for sexual characteristics inheritance. Disorders like hemophilia, color blindness, sickle cell anemia, Prader-Willi syndrome, and Edwards’s syndrome are chromosomal gene-related conditions that contribute to fetal anomalies.

Genes function in triplet codes, known as genetic codons, specific to amino acids. The basic structures of genes—cistron, muton, and recon—are involved in inheritance, mutation, and recombination. Any deformity in these processes can result in specific fetal organ abnormalities.

V. DISCUSSION

The concept of "Garbhaj vikriti" described in Ayurvedic texts has significant alignment with modern genetic research. Ayurveda ancient knowledge, found in texts such as the “Brihatrayi” and “Laghutrayi”, emphasizes that the "Beeja" (seed) is fundamental to creation. Acharyas have described how vitiation of the Beeja, at the micro level—similar to modern genetic defects—leads to specific fetal anomalies. Ayurvedic texts mention deformities like serpentine or scorpion-like shapes, which correspond to the modern understanding of congenital malformations. The concept of twins, referred to as "Yamala," demonstrates the advanced insight of Ayurveda, predicting what modern science now recognizes in twin births.

Foetal anomalies caused by "Beeja dosha" in Ayurveda show strong parallels with genetic disorders known today. For example, "Bandya," described as an inability to conceive due to genetic flaws in the Beeja, closely resembles modern cases of sterility, which may result from conditions like oligospermia, azoospermia, or defective ovulation. Similarly, the term "Putiprijan" refers to the loss of a fetus before birth, indicating that while the Beeja has some potential, it is incapable of producing a viable offspring.

Terms like "Trinputika" and "Varta" describe conditions where offspring do not fully express sexual characteristics, reflecting genetic abnormalities in secondary sexual traits. Ayurvedic texts also explain twins as the result of the breakage of "Beeja-anu" (zygote) by Vata dosha, which aligns with modern scientific understanding of identical twins formed by the division of the zygote. After thoroughly reviewing all available literature, it becomes clear that Ayurvedic descriptions closely mirror modern genetic theories.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ayurveda provides profound insights into fetal formation and development, highlighting the importance of factors like Shukra, Shonita, Atma, Prakriti, and Vikara in the creation of Garbha (fetus). Teachings from Acharyas Charaka and Sushruta emphasize the need for a balanced womb environment, supported by proper maternal care, diet, and adherence to Garbhini Charya for healthy fetal development. The six Bhavas—Maasa, Shukra, Atma, Prakriti, Vikara, and Rasaja—are crucial to fetal growth, with imbalances leading to Garbhaj Vikriti (congenital deformities). From a modern scientific viewpoint, fertilization results in the formation of a zygote, followed by cell division, differentiation, and organ development. Genetic mutations and environmental factors like malnutrition, stress, and drug exposure contribute to fetal abnormalities. Interestingly, Ayurveda anticipated many modern concepts of fetal development, stressing the interconnectedness between mother and fetus and the influence of environmental and hereditary factors. Both Ayurveda and modern science agree that congenital deformities stem from genetic and environmental factors, suggesting that an integrated approach to maternal and fetal health is essential.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Dr. Urmila Meena, Dr. Bhupender Meena , Dr. Ritika, Dr. Ankita Pareek, Dr. Keerthi K. S., Dr. Neha Udainiya. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.