Abstract

A LITERARY REVIEW OF TVAK- SNIGDHATA AND RUKSHATA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO PRAKRITI

*Dr. Varsha Kalkote and Dr. Minakshi A. Randive

ABSTRACT

According to Ayurveda, each individual is different from other and hence should be considered as a different entity called as Prakriti. Prakriti means nature or Swabhav of an individual. To understand a Prakriti, Charaka Samhita describes elaborately Prakriti and its features specific to Dosha types. It defines various physical, physiological & behavioral features, whose presence may give clue the dominance of specific Dosha. Among these features, some striking feature of Tvak (skin) is mentioned in different Prakriti. Skin is the largest organ in the body. It needs regular attention to keep it healthy, young, wrinkles, and blemish free. health of the skin is a vital factor as an external indicator of one„s internal health as described in Ayurveda. The skin health is a reflection of what is going on inside or outside the body as affected by many factors both externally and internally. Tvak – Snigdhata and Rukshata is a basic characteristic mentioned by Aacharyas, in the examination of Prakriti. Therefore, There is a need to study Tvak – Snigdhata, and Rukshata in different Prakriti individuals. This paper presents review of Prakriti, skin type and correlation between them.

Keywords: Prakriti, Skin type, Tvak Snigdhata, Tvak Rukshata, Moisture content of skin.