Environmental Determinants In Ayurvedic Etiology: A Review Of Dosha Imbalance And Pollution Exposure

Abstract

Ayurveda classifies disease as an expression of doshic imbalance caused by internal or external causes. Among external causes (agantuja nidana), environmental pollutants have been the dominant cause of contemporary disease patterns. This research synthesizes the etiological contribution of pollution in disturbing doshic equilibrium through a narrative synthesis method. Data were obtained from ancient Ayurvedic literatures—Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya and contemporary scientific databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Major pollutants studied are particulate matter, heavy metals, pesticides, nitrates, and electromagnetic radiation. Findings indicate that air and noise pollution exacerbate Vata dosha, waterborne toxins raise Pitta, and soil contaminants enhance Kapha and Ama formation. Sources of noise and electromagnetic field (EMF) show significant disruption of Majja dhatu and Manovaha srotas, to present with anxiety and insomnia. The results strengthen Ayurvedic concepts of Nidana Panchaka, prakriti-based predisposition, and Agni dysfunction. Convergence of Ayurvedic diagnostics with environmental health concepts provides a personal and preventive approach to tackle disorders caused by pollution. The investigation validates the applicability of Ayurvedic preventive measures—dinacharya, ritucharya, panchakarma, and rasayana—in modern toxicological practice.