Ayurveda in the Battle Against Malnutrition: Understanding Karshya and Dhatukshaya
Abstract
Malnutrition continues to pose a significant global health challenge, particularly among
children, pregnant women, and the elderly. Ayurveda, with its holistic understanding of
the human body and nutrition, provides an insightful framework to combat malnutrition
through concepts such as Karshya (emaciation) and Dhatukshaya (tissue depletion). The
Ayurvedic approach emphasizes balanced nutrition, optimal digestive function (Agni), and
proper tissue formation (Dhatu poshana). This review explores the Ayurvedic
understanding of malnutrition in light of Karshya and Dhatukshaya, comparing it with
modern nutritional science. The study highlights the preventive, curative, and
rejuvenative measures including Ahara, Vihara, Rasayana, and Panchakarma
interventions that can contribute effectively to combating malnutrition.
Keywords
Malnutrition, Karshya, Dhatukshaya, Agnimandya, Rasayana, Ahara Vidhi, Ayurveda