3. INTRODUCTION
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According to Ayurveda, fetal development involves the union of
sperm, ovum, and soul, with defects termed Garbha Vikruti.
Garbha Vikruti refers to fetal abnormalities resulting from factors
like vitiated sperm or ovum, influenced by the mother's diet,
lifestyle, and teratologic agents.
Dosha vitiation during pregnancy affects organogenesis, leading to
defects categorized as Hina Amga, Pratyamga Vikruta Anga,
Pratyanga, and Avayava.
Severity and timing of Dosha vitiation determine the extent of
Garbha Vikruti, impacting fetal health and longevity.
Severe Dosha Prakopa can lead to significant anomalies, fetal
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@ DR. HEMENDRA KUMAR VERMA, MD
4. METHODS & MATERIALS
The correlation between Ayurveda Avayava Utpatti and Modern
Organogenesis was investigated.
Sources analyzed included classical Ayurveda texts like Charaka
Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Kashyapa Samhita.
Ayurveda journal articles, research papers, and textbooks on
embryology and anatomy were examined. Research articles from
databases such as Pubmed, Medknow, Elsevier, and data searches
from the Cochrane Database were utilized.
Compilation and analysis of relevant information were conducted to
study factors causing fetal defects or Garbha Vikruti.
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यदा स्त्रिया दोषप्रकोपणोक्तान्यासेवमानाया दोषााः प्रक
ु पपतााः शरीर
मुपसपपन्ताःशोपणतगर्ापशयावुपपद्यन्ते, न च कार्त्स्न्न्येन शोपणतगर्ापश
यौ दू षयस्त्रन्त, तदेयं गर्ं लर्ते िी; तदा तस्य गर्पस्य मातृजानामवय
वानामन्यतमोऽवयवो पवक
ृ पतमापद्यत एकोऽथवाऽनेक
े , यस्य यस्य
ह्यवयवस्य बीजे बीजर्ागे वा दोषााः
प्रकोपमापद्यन्ते, तं तमवयवं पवक
ृ पतरापवशपत |
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PATHOLOGY OF CONGENITAL ANOMALIES
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GARBHAJ ANATOMICAL VIKRUTIYA
Ayurvedic philosophy emphasizes the significance of the quality of
the 'Beeja' (seed) in fetal development.
Anomalies in the 'Grabha Sharir' (fetal body structure) can result
from defective 'Beeja' during fertilization.
'Beeja Dosha' and 'Matruja Vikruti' are primary causes of fetal
anatomical abnormalities according to Ayurveda.
Anatomical deformities such as snake-like, scorpion-like, or
pumpkin-like shapes, dwarfism, crooked legs, and eye deformities
can arise due to these conditions.
Genetic consequences can lead to defects in fetal skin and
reproductive organs like the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes,
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@ DR. HEMENDRA KUMAR VERMA, MD
7. Modern science recognizes congenital abnormalities of limbs like
amelia and meromelia.
Congenital humpback can occur due to hereditary defects in bone
growth.
Spina bifida, a congenital anomaly, is primarily caused by
disturbances in anatomical development.
These conditions represent some of the causes of anatomical
abnormalities identified by modern science.
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8. C ON GEN ITAL ABN OR MALITIES R ELATED TO TH E AN ATOMIC AL
D ISTU R BAN C ES AS PER MOD ER N SC IEN C E.
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Major types of congenital
abnormalities
Disease Descriptions
Structural abnormalities
(absence of body part or
improper formation of
organs)
Spina bifida Improper closing of
membranes and backbone
around spinal cord
Hypospadias Abnormal position of bladder
tube in male child
Cleft lip Abnormal gap between the
upper lip
Ventricular septal defect Abnormal connection
between the both ventricles
@ DR. HEMENDRA KUMAR VERMA, MD
9. Teratogenic abnormalities, according to Master Charaka, stem from
various doshas affecting the fetus's appearance, complexion, and
sensory system.
Factors contributing to abnormalities include abnormalities in sperms
and ovum, deeds of previous life, abnormalities in the uterus, time
factors, menstrual cycle irregularities, and abnormalities during
conception.
Dietetics, the mother's lifestyle, and vitiated doshas also contribute to
fetal abnormalities, as per Charaka.
Sushruta adds that congenital anomalies can result from abnormalities
in semen, Vata, and vitiated Vata in semen, leading to humpbacked,
maimed, crooked-armed, lame, dumb, or nasal-voiced fetuses.
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TERATOGENIC ABNORMALITIES
@ DR. HEMENDRA KUMAR VERMA, MD
10. The main causes for teratologic abnormalities are atheism of
parents, bad deeds from previous lives, and aggravated Vata, with
other doshas possibly contributing, according to commentator Indu.
-The exploration of Garbha Vikruti across Vedic, Upanishadic, and
Ayurvedic texts emphasizes factors such as abnormalities in Beeja
(Shukra and Shonit), Atma Karma (deeds of previous lives),
Aashaya (uterus), Kala (season and time), Matru Ahara (mother's
diet), and Vihara (mother's lifestyle) as influences on fetal growth.
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11. T H E F O L L O W I N G F A C T O R S A R E R E S P O N S I B L E F O R C A U S I N G
T E R A T O L O G I C A L M A L F O R M A T I O N S A N D A R E D I S C U S S E D A S F O L L O W S :
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1. Beeja (Gametes and Genetic Information)
Matruja and Pitruja types represent female and male gametes
respectively.
Vitiation of Beeja leads to defects in the fetus and can result in
spontaneous abortion.
Genetic constitution carried by Beeja determines individual traits.
2. Beejabhaga (Chromosomes)
Chromosomes inherit hereditary information and carry genes from
parents.
Various chromosomal anomalies lead to genetic diseases.
3. Beejabhagavayava (Genes)
Genes are fundamental units of heredity, responsible for specific traits.
@ DR. HEMENDRA KUMAR VERMA, MD
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4. Defects in Organs
Genetic factors can cause defects like agenesis or dysgenesis
in organs such as lips, palate, and tongue.
Birth defects like cleft lip and palate may occur.
5. Aatmakarma (Spirituality and Rebirth)
Deeds from previous births influence the shape of the fetus.
Spiritual beliefs affect the concept of birth and rebirth.
6. Defects in Aashaya (Uterine Abnormalities)
Abnormalities in the uterus cause congenital defects in the
fetus.
Conditions like unicornuate and septate uterus hinder normal
growth.
7. Kaala Dosha (Timing Factors)
Advanced parental age increases the risk of congenital
anomalies like Down syndrome.
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8. Matuaaharvihara (Maternal Diet and Lifestyle)
Maternal diet and lifestyle significantly influence fetal health.
Consumption of certain foods and activities can lead to defects
or premature delivery.
9. Prenatal Advisories
Disapproval of harmful foods and beverages during pregnancy.
Avoidance of pasteurized animal products, caffeine, alcohol,
and processed foods.
Pesticide-laden vegetables should also be avoided to prevent
future diseases.
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14. SUMMARY
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This research article explores the concept of Garbha Vikruti in Ayurveda,
focusing on the factors contributing to fetal abnormalities. It highlights the
importance of elements like Beeja, Aashaya, Kaala Dosha, and
Matuaaharvihara in determining a fetus' health and development. The
study also highlights the spiritual aspect of Aatmakarma and the influence
of past deeds on fetus formation. It also highlights the impact of maternal
diet and lifestyle on fetal development, emphasizing the need for prenatal
advisors to discourage harmful substances. Fetal defects can be classified
into genetic and metabolic factors. Genetic defects are explained as
"Beeja Dosha," while metabolic defects are explained under other "Garbha
Vighatakara Bhava" such as maternal diet and lifestyle. The integration of
ancient wisdom with modern scientific knowledge can lead to optimal
maternal and fetal health.
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@ DR. HEMENDRA KUMAR VERMA, MD