Harmonizing health through Biorhythms: Ayurvedic insight

Abstract

Biological rhythms that sustain life exhibit periodic fluctuations in response to environmental changes. In the absence of external inputs, rhythms are maintained by this internal mechanism. Three primary types of rhythms can be distinguished: Circadian, Ultradian, and Infradian. The Tridosha theory, which forms the basis of Ayurveda, has a deep and innate relationship with the concept of biological rhythms. These rhythms are closely associated with an Ayurvedic theory called "Loka Purusha Samya Siddhanta," which postulates that humans are miniature of the cosmos. Understanding the cyclical variations associated with Tridoshas, Agni, and Sharira Bala concerning variables such as age, time of day, seasonal variations, and nutrition is the foundation of Ayurveda. To maintain maximum health, aligning with this natural cycle is imperative. Breaking from it can lead to a variety of mental and physical ailments. Ayurveda recommends activities like dinacharya, ritucharya, sadvritta, and ahara vidhis, as well as seasonal sodhana procedures and acharya rasayana to maintain the rhythmic balance of doshas in a healthy state. This review paper examines biological rhythm from contemporary and Ayurvedic perspectives. It addresses the physiological and pathological characteristics of these rhythms and their significance in the treatment and prevention of disorders associated with them.