CHRONOBIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF KALA IN AYURVEDA AND ITS THERAPEUTIC UTILITY

Abstract

According to Ayurveda, Kala is considered to be one of the four main principles that influence the various stages of birth, growth, decay and death of all living things, as well as the principle of Parinama. Ayurveda recognizes that all things in the universe will undergo changes due to the passage of time as dictated by specific laws of change. Ayurveda categorizes time as either Kshanadikala or Vyadhyavasthakala. Researchers suggested strong correlations between effects of circadian rhythms on Dosha preponderance. In general, Kapha predominance occurs during the construction or repair of body tissues whereas Pitta predominance occurs during metabolic and enzymatic activity and formation of Vata dominant processes. Thus Dosha vitiation or disease occurrence greatly affected by Kala. Considering this fact Ayurveda suggested concepts of Dinacharya and Ritucharya to establish preventive health care practices. Kala is essential to determining the prognosis of a sickness and implementing correct therapeutic measures accordingly. Similarly Oushadhasevana Kalas is very essential to acquire maximum therapeutic benefits of medicines. Kala is therefore inextricably linked to human life in both Ayurvedic preventive and therapeutic contexts.