Applied Embryology and Ayurveda

By: Dr. M.S.Kamath MD(Ayu.) Additional Professor & Head, Dept. Of Ayurveda, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, MANIPAL 576104 Udupi dist. Karnataka INDIA Tel. No. 0820 29 22105 Mob. 09740541983 Email: msk9msk@yahoo.com / ayurveda.kmc@manipal.edu

Conception:
Embyology is study of formation of embryo and its growth and development at different stages. Life begins when the soul enters the ovum at the time of fertilisation directly or through the sperm (shukra-shonitam garbhashayastham atma prakruti vikaara sammurchitam garbha ityuchyate Su.Sha. Chap.5/3) This process is called conception (Garbhotpatti or Garbhaavakranti or Garbhadhaarana). For this to happen following requirements are considered necessary, viz: 1. Garbhotpatti saamagri factors responsible for fertilization of ovum. 2. Stree Purusha samyoga prakriya, i.e., Maithuna sexual intercourse. 3. Shukra Shonita samyoga prakriya fertilization of ovum 4. Chetana dhatu pravesha entry of atma (soul) to permanently charge the fertilized ovum with life. 5. Inherence of qualities of Poorva Janma (past or previous birth influence) 6. Influence of panchamahabhootas in the development of garbha (embryo) 7. Garbhaja bhavaas

Garbhotpatti saamagri:
Formation of garbha (embryo) is possible only when the four primary factors contribute each other in a most accurate and calculated fashion, viz. a) Ritukaala: period of conception (fertile period) (4-15th day of menstruation according to Ayurveda, 12-16th day according to modern medicine, where ovulation is calculated as on the 14th day.). This includes not only the days of ritukala, but the preparedness of woman physically and mentally to receive the spermatozoa. b) Kshetra: which literally means field, in the case of human conception, a properly prepared garbhaashaya (uterus). The uterus, the fallopian tubes, the ovaries and the entire female genital tract must be normal to allow the sperm

to pass through the vagina, cervix, uterine cavity and fallopian tube to result into fertilization. In fact Ayurveda has considered Kshetra bhoota matah naari i.e., a healthy woman herself is also to be considered as Kshetra. c) Ambu: literally means water, but in the case of conception it relates to the Ahararasa, which is the primary source of nutrition to developing embryo and foetus. The nourishment of both the partners prior to conception is also important to have health sperms and ovum. Man becomes what he eats the physical and mental features of the child to a major extent depend on the food and habits of the mother during her pregnancy. d) Beeja: literally means seed. In this context it refers to both male seed (spermpumbeeja) and female seed (ovum streebeeja), prior to conception, and after it refers to the fertilised ovum (zyghote Manushya beeja). However, the role of fathers beeja (sperm) is most significant for the fertilization of ovum and growth of ovum, hence there is a custom in Ayurveda to refer beeja bhutaa smrutah puman, meaning man is considered as beeja of human beings.

The panchamahaabhutas and embryo:

The shukra, though it is called as soumya, meaning dominating water element, and Artava as agneya, meaning fire element dominant, both these contain all five elements in it. Thus the embryo resulting out of these two factors also at once expresses the presence of five elements in it. Thus, the vayu helps to vibhajana division and multiplication process in embryo, similarly tejas brings in the paaka transformation, digestion, apa (water) kledayati nourishes, helps to bathe the embryo, prathwi (earth) helps in samhanti consolidates, differentiates, and akasha makes it vivardhayati makes it (the embryo) to grow. This indicates us that all the five elements are in operation in the embryo also. Though it is expressed here that all the five mahabhutas are in operation right at the time of fertilization and conception, invariably due to factors influencing then, one or other bhoota will be dominating in a particular embryo, and that influences the development of Prakrati of that individual, which is unchangeable throughout ones life. That prakruti invariably shapes ones growth and development, physical traits, psychological responses, behaviour, life span etc. Garbhaja bhaavaas (Constituents and qualities of body and mind): (Ref: Ch. Sha 3/12-17 & Su. Sha 3/33) The various constituents and qualities of body and mind are derived from 1) father, 2)mother, 3) atma-soul, 4) satva, 5) rasa-food and nutrition and 6)saatmyaenvironment which is habituated and homologous. They are called as Garbhajabhavaas in Ayurveda. The different parts, factors representing these six bhaavas are listed as follows: 1. Pitraja bhaava (Paternal factors): Hairs on the body and head, beard, nail, teeth, bones, blood vessels, nerves, semen, male generative organs and all stable elements in the body. 2. Matruja: of maternal origin.

3.

4.

5. 6.

Blood, muscular, adipose and nervous tissues and organs like skin, umbilicus, subcutaneous fat, lymphatics, heart, liver, spleen, kidney, bladder, the entire gastrointestinal tract and all the soft elements in the body. Atmaja: from the soul principle (linga deha) Birth in different species, life span, sense and motor organs, mind ego, intellect, memory, effect, happiness and sorrow, desires and aversions, impulses, consciousness, knowledge in general and knowledge about self, all the 5 types of vata, specific shape, voice and colour are derived from soul principle. Satvaja: from mind. Enthusiasm, courage, cleanliness, serious nature, sleepy nature, violent nature, kindness, steadfastness, talkativeness, pride, fear, anger, jealousy, delusion, ignorance, laziness, character, devotion, sacrifice, religious values, memory and other qualities of mind. Rasaja: from food or nutrition Nourishment, maintenance of life, growth, contentment, colour, energy, and strength. Satmyaja: (Immunologic) getting habituated or adopted to environmental factors, Love for work, health, happy state of sense and motor organs, colour, voice, semen, happy state and absence of greed. These qualities can be cultivated.

Embryological development of various organs (Ref. Su Sha. 3) All the organs, tissues, doshas and malas are present in the fertilised ovum in a minute form and manifest during growth and development. During growth and development, solid element supplies mass and firmness, fluid element maintains water balance, energy element is responsible for digestion, wind or air element helps division of cells and space element provides space for growth. The Interstitial tissue between two cells and body spaces composed of fluid and kapha element becomes differentiated in the embryo into special generative tissue or membranes called Kala. 1. Mamsadhara Kala: Leads to the formation of vessels, tendons, nerves and nutrient canals of muscular tissue. 2. Raktadhara Kala: gives rise to formation of blood particularly in the vesels of liver and spleen (fetal blood formation takes place in liver and spleen) 3. Medodhara Kala: is responsible for the formation of fat and nervous tissue and brain. 4. Shleshmadhara Kala: forms synovial membrane and the synovial fluid. 5. Pureeshadhara Kala: gives rise to lower part of gastrointestinal tract and helps differentiation of digested material into useful and waste products. Maladhara kala differentiates the waste products into its various constituents and supports waste products. 6. Pittadhara kala: gives rise to the upper part of the gastro intestinal tract and is responsible for digestion.

7. Shukradhara kala: is present in the whole body. It helps regeneration of tissues and organs.

The development of various organs from the various fetal tissues is given below:Organs Blood vessels Tendons Sense and motor organs Tongue Lungs Heart Liver, spleen and kloma i.e. pancreas Kidneys Caecum Intestine, anus, bladder Testis Origin Adipose tissue The essence of basic elements and Passages carrying blood and kapha. The essence of kapha, blood and muscular tissue Foam of blood Essence of blood and kapha Blood Essence of blood and adipose tissue Blood and kitta partially digested from food. Essence of blood, pitta and kapha divided further by vayu Essence of kapha, meda, blood and muscular tissue.

The tissues from which the various organs originate gives an important guide line for the treatment of various diseases affecting the particular organ e.g. in atrophy of the tongue one should give tonics, which would increase blood, muscles and kapha tissues in the body. Monthwise foetal development: (Ref. Su. Sha. 3) The zygote (shukra-shonita) embedded in the uterus combined together with atman(soul), prakrati and vikaara is called garbha (embryo). When the embryo growing and developing, when shows the organs like limbs, tongue, nose, ear, buttocks etc., it is called as sharira (foetus). This foetal period extends from the end of second month until birth (Hamilton et.al.,loc. Cit). The monthwise features of embryo/foetus is very well described in Ayurveda as follows: In the first month, the embryo becomes a kalala. In the second month, when it is processed by sheeta (kapha), usman (pitta) and vayu, it becomes a solid mass of pancha mahabhutas. If it is globular in form then a male, if it is elongated then a female and if it is tumour like then a hermaphrodiete (child) is born. In the third month, the five stumps of arms, legs and head are formed, and all parts of the body and their sub-divisions appear in minute forms. In the fourth month all the body parts and their sub-divisions become manifest. The cetana dhatu (life) also gets manifested because the foetal heart becomes obvious. Why so? Because the seat of cetana is the heart. Therefore, in the fourth month the foetus desires things to taste, to smell, etc.

(through the mother). The woman now possesses two hearts and is known as douhrdini (double hearted). In the fifth month (of intra-uterine life) the mind of the foetus becomes more developed. In the sixth month wisdom comes. In the seventh month all parts and their subdivisions become more obvious. In the eighth month, the ojas becomes unsteady. The foetus born in this month does not survive, firstly because of the absence of ojas and secondly because of demons; therefore, sacrificial offerings of flesh and cooked rice should be made to demons. The foetus is delivered either in the ninth, tenth, eleventh, or else in the twelfth month; otherwise, (pregnancy) should be regarded as abnormal. Nutrition of the Foetus: (Ref: Su. Sha.3/31) The nutrition of the foetus is derived from the mothers blood, through the placenta. It is described in Ayurveda like this: The umbilical cord is attached to the rasavahanadi (maternal part of the placenta of the mother and this carried ahararasa virya (nutrition) from the mother to the foetus. The foetus grows by this idndirect supply of nutrition. From the time of conception until the different parts of the body and their subdivisions have got manifested, this (embryo) gets nutrition from the obliquely running rasavaha dhamanis which course through all parts of the body and imparts life (to the embryo) Foetal Sex The sex of the foetus is determined by the parents sperm (shukra) and ovum (artava). According to Ayurveda if shukra dominates, foetal sex will be male and if arthava dominates the foetal sex will be female. So also following observations done on pregnant lady also gives some clue towards foetal sex, (according to Ayurveda) (Ref. Su. Sha 3/34) i.e. The pregnant woman who gets first flow of milk in the right breast, whose right flank is heavier, who lifts her right leg first (while walking), who is desirous of masculine articles, who dreams of masculine things like padma, utpala, kumuda, amrataka, etc., and who has a cheerful face, should be told that she would deliver a male child. The woman with opposite features would deliver a female child. The pregnant woman whose both sides (flanks) are elevated, front of the abdomen is flat and symptoms previously told are present would deliver a hermaphrodite baby. The pregnant woman whose abdomen is concave in the centre like a boat, delivers a twin. Conclusion: Human reproduction is basically a process by which a male and female partner unite in their sexual bliss and contribute through their sperm (shukra) and ovum (arthava), to come together in a fertile, healthy field (uterus) to fertilize and conceive a human embryo (garbha). This embryo charged with Atma (soul), past actions, and five mahabhootas, grows, develops into a foetus, further develops month by month and ultimately at the end of 9th 10th month is delivered as a newborn child. The pregnant lady who carries this foetus for full 9-10 months in her womb, influences the growth

the development of the foetus, through her nutrition, balanced mind, likes and dislikes. Also (the parents) who are devoted to Gods, and to pure and beneficial habits, beget good progeny and the opposite ones begets bad progeny. Formation of the parts of the body and their sub-division is a natural (phenomenon). Normal or abnormal development (formation) of the parts of the body is due to good and bad deeds (of the pervious life) of the foetus. References:

EMBRYOLOGY IN AYURVEDA (Ref: Cha. Sha. & Su. Sha.)

CHARACTERISTICS OF FERTILE SHUKRA & ARTAVA CHARACTERISTICS OF INFERTILE SHUKRA & ARTAVA CAUSES OF INFERTILITY & TREATMENT CARE DURING MENSTRUAL PERIOD AND EFFECTS ON OFFSPRING POST-MENSTRUAL CARE AND EFFECTS ON OFFSPRING FOUR REQUIREMENTS OF CONCEPTION THEORIES ABOUT ACQUIRING DIFFERENT COLOURS OF SKIN AND EYES THEORIES ABOUT PLANNING FOR MALE OR FEMALE CHILD THEORY OF TWIN BIRTHS FOETAL ABNORMALITIES AND THEIR CAUSES PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF THE FOETUS FORMATION OF ZYGOTE (FERTILIZATION / CONCEPTION) MONTHWISE FOETAL DEVELOPMENT PREGNANCY LONGING AND THEIR EFFECTS ON THE FOETUS (DOUHRIDA) NUTRITION OF THE FOETUS APPEARANCE OF DIFFERENT FOETAL PARTS ORGANOGENESIS SEX DETERMINATION AND SEX TRANSFORMATION DEVELOPMENT OF PRAKRUTI DOSHA, BHOOTA AND STAWA

AYURVEDIC EMBRYOLOGY * CONCEPTION * MONTHWISE DEVELOPMENT OF THE FOETUS * ORGANS / PARTS OF THE BODY DERIVED FROM THE MOTHER AND FATHER * THE EMBRYO AS THE AGREGATE OF THE PANCHAMAHA BHOOTAS

Conception
Embyology is study of formation of embryo and its growth and development at different stages. Life begins when the soul enters the ovum at the time of fertilisation directly or through the sperm shukra-shonitam garbhashayastham atma prakruti vikaara sammurchitam garbha ityuchyate Su.Sha. Chap.5/3 Garbhotpatti or Garbhaavakranti or Garbhadhaarana

FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR NORMAL AND NATURAL CONCEPTION - Garbhotpatti saamagri factors responsible for Fertilization. - Stree Purusha samyoga prakriya, i.e., Maithuna sexual intercourse. - Shukra Shonita samyoga prakriya fertilization of ovum. - Chetana dhatu pravesha entry of atma (soul) to permanently charge the fertilized ovum with life.

GARBHOTPATTI SAMAGRI RUTU KSHETRA AMBU BIJA

GARBHA & PANCHAMAHABHUTA SHUKRA = SOUMYA = WATER ELEMENT DOMINANT ALONG WITH OTHER 4 ELEMENTS ARTAVA = AGNEYA = FIRE ELEMENT DOMINANT ALONG WITH OTHER 4 ELEMENTS GARBHA = SHUKRA + ARTAVA = ALL 5 ELEMENTS (PANCHAMAHABHOOT VIKARA) VAYU = VIBHAJATI = DIVIDES TEJA = PACHATI = TRANSFORMS AP = KLEDAYATI = NOURISHES PRATHWI = SAMHANTI = DIFFERENTIATES AKASH = VIVARDHAYATI = HELPS TO GROW

MONTH-WISE DEVELOPMENT OF THE FOETUS (CH.SH.4 & SU.SH.3) MONTH

I

DEVELOPMENT (SUSHRUTA)
(CHARAKA) KHETA BHUTA AVYAKTA VIGRAHAHA GHANA SARVENDRIYA SARVANGAVAYAVA DOUHRIDA STHIRATWAM APADYATE GARBHAHA

KALALA

II

GHANA

III HASTAPAADA SHIRASAM PANCHAPINDIKA IV SARVANGA PRATYANGA PRAVIBHAGA GARBHA HRIDAYA & CHETANA DOUHRIDA V MANAHA

MAMSA SHONITA UPACHAYAM GARBHASYA

VI BUDHI

BALA VARNA UPACHAYA (GARBHASYA) SARVA BHAAVAIHI AAPADYATE (GARBHAHA) OJAS (ANAVASTHITAHA) PRASAVA KAALA (9-10TH MONTH)

VII SARVANGA PRATYANGA VIBHAGA PRAVYAKTA VII OJAS (ASTHIRA) IX,X XI OR XII PRASAVA KAALA

GARBHAJA BHAVAS - CONSTITUENTS & QUALITIES OF BODY & MIND - THEY ARE SIX
(CH.SHA.3/12-17 & SU.SH.3/33) PITRAJA (FATHER) MATRAJA (MOTHER) ATMAJA (SOUL) SATWAJA (MIND) RASAJA (FOOD) SATMYAJA (ENVIRONMENTAL /ADOPTED)

ORGANS / PARTS OF THE BODY DERIVED FROM THE FATHER & MOTHER FATHER HAIRS BEARD NAILS TEETH BONES VESSELS NERVES SEMEN REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS (MALE) MOTHER BLOOD MUSCLES FAT SKIN UMBELICUS LYMPHATICS HEART LIVER SPLEEN BLADDER KIDNEY G.I.TRACT ALL THE SOFT ELEMENTS

ALL STABLE & HARD ELEMENTS