COMPARATIVE STUDY OF FUNCTION OF SKIN

Abstract

In Ayurvedic compendia, the Twacha is explained as Updhatu of Mamsa Dhatu. We go through all aspect regarding Twacha in Ayurveda & try to correlate the concept of Twacha with modern concept of skin. In Ayurvedic compendia a skin is called as “Twacha”. Its reference comes as Updhatu of Mamsadhatu. The Ayurvedic point of view regarding Twacha, includes Nirukti, Synonyms, Formation, Layers, Updhatu, Moolastathna and Functional Aspect. Nirukti of Twack means the substance which act as cover. Synonyms for Twak are Charma, Valka etc. According to Sushrut Samhita Twak is formed during fetal life in growing embryo just like layers of cream forms on boiling milk. The skin is often classified as the largest organ of the body and it is one that all surgeons will operate on or through. It is therefore vital that the students un-derstand the layers of the skin and the structures that are found within these layers. The skin can be injured in a number of situations including burns and various diseases. It is important to understand how these in-juries can affect the physiological function of the skin. The present article deals with comparative study of functions of skin as per modern health science and Ayurvedic textual references.