Concept of Atisthoulaya and Atikrusha Purusha in Ayurveda

Ayurveda conceives disease as a state of imbalance and loss of equilibrium of doshas and dhatus. The main aim of treatment of disease afflicting an individual is to bring about therapeutic equilibrium of doshas and dhatus by administering appropriate drug, diet, exercise and life style. Thus there is an interrelationship between disease and drugs. This relationship varies depending on the physical constitution of the individual. In Sukala-Yajur-Veda, Purusa medha adhyaya, chapter 30, verse 22, Atisthula and AtiKrusha are mentioned in the eight types of variform persons. There are eight undesirable types of physical constitutions described in Charaka Samhita Sutra Sthana 21st Chapter. The eight types of undesirable personalities are: 1 1) Ati Deergha or Too tall 2) Ati Hraswa or Too small 3) Ati Loma or Too hairy 4) Aloma or Hairless 5) Ati Krushna or Too black 6) Ati Goura or Too white 7) Ati Sthoulya or Too obese 8) Ati Krusha or Too emaciated The above description of eight types of undesirable persons is based on physical constitution only. Out of these eight types, first six are not significant for medical purpose. They are undesirable in the society and cannot be treated. Charaka has considered Atisthoulya as 'Nanatamaja' or specific disease of Kapha2 also included Atisthoulya in Dusitamedoja roga3.