Introduction

It is called Grahani because it is the main origin of  agni and is responsible for digesting and assimilation of food. The agni supports and feeds Grahani. According to Acharya Chakrapani,1 defect in Grahani organ create Grahani dosha.            Weak Agni (Durbala) i.e. Mandagni brings about Vidaha (a part which is digested and the other part remaining without digestion) of the food, which moves upwards and downwards in the gastrointestinal tract. When this Pakwa-ama moves down wards, then it leads to the disease Grahani Gada (Sprue Syndrome). The symptomatology like, Arochaka (Anorexia), Asya Vairashya (Distaste in mouth), Trishna (excessive thirst), Chhardana (vomiting), Praseka (excessive salivation) of Grahani Dosha is strikingly similar with sympomatology of Annavaha Srotodusti.2 It indicates structural abnormality (Durbalta) and functional impairment of Grahani, which is one of the organ or part of Annavaha Srotasa.3 Acharya Sushruta in Uttar Sthana and commentator Dalhana stated that patients either suffering from Atisara or in the stage of remission of Atisara indulge in Ahitahara and neglect dietic regimen as suggested after the Shodhana Virechana, results in further vitiation of Agni. This vitiated Agni leads to vitiation of Grahani (Grahani Adhisthana).4 Thus, the metabolism that is going on at Paramanu level, often termed as Sukshma Pachana is totally dependent upon Sthula Pachana carried out in Grahani. After such discussion of subject we can say that, due to various etiological factors of Grahani Dosha, Grahani is vitiated by the vitiation of Pachakagni, Samana Vayu, and Kledaka Kapha. As a result, a number of events occur, including Agni Dushti, Mal digestion of ingested food, and probable Mal absorption of digestion products.

Concept of Grahani Dosha and Grahani Roga:

In the extant Brihatraies, Acharya Chakrapani, used word ‘Grahani’ Dosha on commentating on term Grahani Roga, Grahani Gada etc. Acharya Indu in this Shashilekha commentary also used the term Grahani Dosha uniformly commentating on Grahani Roga. 5 Acharya Indu while commenting on said that, the Vishama, Tikshana, Manda Agnis mentioned in Shara Vibhagadhyaya6 due to their Grahani Ashritatva can be considered as Grahani Dosha. Nearly similar statement is made by Acharya Chakrapanni. Thus, after considering all above fact it is necessary to draw a conspicuous picture and remove all available controversies.

According to Acharya Charaka two adjectives have been used for Grahani Roga:7 Lack of Agni  or weak digestive power) is  and Durbala Bala  and Dushta is abnormal condition, which has undergone pathological changes, when it gets vitiated because of weakness of Agni.

Types of Grahani Dosha:

Various references are available in the classics regarding the types of Grahani Dosha. Acharya Charaka in Grahani Dosha Chikitsa Adhyaya has described that in Roganeeka Chapter four types of Agnis viz. Teekshna, Manda, Vishama and Sama. Out of these four types of Agnis, first three types constitute Grahani Dosha. Similarly, Agnimandya and Ajeerna are also called Grahani Dosha, because these are resultant of Agnidushti. As the Adhisthana of Agni is Grahani.8 In Astanga Vagbhata classified Grahani Dosha into four types: Vataja, Pittaja, Kaphaja, etc. Acharya Sushruta9 and Acharya Charaka10 also classified Grahani Roga in similar above mentioned four types.

Samprapti of Grahani Dosha:

When a person consumes Agnidusthikar Nidanas, it disturbs the equilibrium of Manas and Sharirika Dosha. A good understanding of Samprapti of disease is necessary  in diagnosis, prognosis and prevention. Grahani Dosha is a disease entity which is with Agni Mandhya consumes injudicious Ahara and Vihara, and because of the Agni Dushti, ingested food is resulting in apachana (indigestion) which leads to  ama formation.11  The Annavisha may also spread in the whole body through Rasa, and mixes with Doshas, Dushyas or Dhatus. It is due to deranged function of Grahani like Annam Grahati, Munchati, Pachati, Vivechayati etc.

Discussion

Grahani Dosha and Grahani Roga:

Grahani Dosha and Atisara:

Grahani Dosha and Krimi Roga:

Grahani Dosha and Vishuchika:

Grahani Dosha and Pravahika:

Conclusion

Grahani Dosha is a precursor or forerunner of Grahani Roga and Grahani Dosha is vitiation of Agni i.e. functional derangement of Grahani regarding production of Pachaka Pitta (enzymes responsible for digestion) and also holding (Grahana) of Ama (food) for digestion. Grahani Roga is an advanced stage, leading to pathological changes (i.e. organic changes) in the organ (Dushta).