Concept Of Genetics In Ayurveda

Abstract

Medical genetics refers to the application of genetics in medical care. Though this branch has been flourished from last 70 - 80 years only, seeds of genetics were deeply rooted in ayurvedic classical texts dating the several centuries before, which have not been adequately examined or considered as contributions to the genetics. There are vivid accounts in ayurvedic samhitas about the pattern of inheritance, concept of prakruti and shad garbhakar bhavas, concept of basic unit of genetics like beeja, beejabhag and  beejbhagavayav; description of hereditary and congenital diseases, concept of fertilization and gender formation which can be related with basic concepts of genetics. Ayurvedic classical scholars have also advised measures like preconceptional cleansing (shodhana) of both the parteners and rejuvenation therapy for healthy progeny. The present study focuses on the various concepts and clinical applications of genetics in ayurveda.