The liver is known as “Yakrit” in Ayurveda. Liver is the largest organ of metabolism. Yakrit is considered to be seat of fire this is so because liver is linked to Pitta dosha, which is responsible for digestion. Apart from this pitta also channels all chemical and metabolic transformations in the body. It also aids in thermal regulation, digestion, visual perception, hunger, thirst and complexion. Ayurveda also links pitta to emotions such as understanding, comprehension, courage, and will power. Pitta dosha has five subtypes: Sadhaka Pitta, Alochaka Pitta, Bhrajaka Pitta, Pachaka Pitta, and Ranjaka Pitta. Out of these 5, Pachaka Pitta and Ranjaka Pitta are located in liver. Liver is also associated with emotions like jealousy, anger, irritability, will power and courage according to Ayurveda.
Liver Diseases
When there is vitiation of pachaka pitta due to dosha dushya samurchana Ranjaka Pitta situated in liver becomes deranged and does not get its nourishment this invariably results in liver diseases. .In other words all liver diseases occurs due to imbalance of Pachaka Pitta, which results in imbalance of Ranjaka Pitta.
Now apart from vitiation of pitta, there is vitiation of Vata as well particularly Vyan Vayu, This results in srothorodha of Raktavaha srotas as a result, pitta does not reach Grahini but in turn gets circulated all over the body via ras rakta dhatus.
Vitiation of Rajaka Pitta thus can cause hepatitis, cirrhosis, jaundice, anemia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and mononucleosis. Yakrit Vriddhi(enlargement) , yakrit vidradhi (abscess) are also mentioned in Ayurvedic texts. In case of Kaamala (Jaundice) there is vimargagamana of Ranjaka Pitta into raktha vaha srothas.
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