TERATOGENESIS IN AYURVEDA: UNDERSTANDING THE CONCEPT AND ITS IMPLICATIONS- A REVIEW

Ayurveda is a life science which achieves health through a holistic approach. Concept of Ayurveda is to restore balance between body, mind and spirit with prevention and personalized treatments. Concepts about physiology, pathology and treatments were ascribed during the period of Vedas. Ayurveda explains Sharira (body) which is made up of Indriya (sense), Satva (mind), Atma (soul) and Panchamahabhutas (five elements). The process of growth, differentiation and development of cell leads to formation of organ, system and as a whole – body. The process of life starts from conception. This marks the beginning of a new human life. Conception is a complex biological process which depends upon variety of factors. A healthy birth refers to delivery of a newborn without any physical developmental and congenital abnormality. On the other hand when there is physical, cognitive, developmental abnormalities are called teratogenic defects and the process by which abnormal development of the embryo or fetus occurs, resulting in birth defects is teratogenesis. In this article we put some light on teratogenesis explained by Acharyas in Ayurveda and their principles. Ayurveda offers valuable guidance for maintaining a healthy pregnancy and promotes the healthy development of fetus.