CONCEPT AND SIGNIFICANCE OF SHATKRIYAKALA IN AYURVEDA

Abstract

The tem Shatkriykala refers to the recognition of the stage of a disease which helps us to determine the appropriate measures to correct the imbalance in Doshas. Shatkriyakala is one of the various important concepts described in Ayurveda. Acharya Sushruta has described different phases of a disease in his own unique way. It shows the stepwise progress of Dosha and disease. The term ‘Shatkriyakala’ is constituted of three words, ‘Shat’ means number 6, ‘Kriya’ means action or treatment and ‘Kala’ means time. It means the consecutive stages of manifestation of disease and the preventive measures which should be taken to find out complications and overcome them. The Prayojana of Ayurveda is of two types, maintenance of the existing good health of a healthy person, and curing the disease of a diseased person. So a good understanding of Kriyakalas is very essential for early diagnosis, prognosis and for adopting preventive as well as curative measures. It also gives us an idea regarding the present condition of Doshadushti and the progress of the diseases in a body.