A CRITICAL REVIEW ON KHALITYA AS A LAKSANA OF ASTHIKSHAYA IN AYURVEDA

Dr. Sanjivani Vijay Godbole*, Dr. Krishna N. Kadam, Dr. Ujwala Pawar

ABSTRACT

Ayurveda is a science which deals with maintaining health and preventing disease in the body. Equilibrium of Dhatus contributes to health and disequilibrium leads to disease. Distribution to this disequillibrium of Dhatus leads to formation of disease. Health and disease are defined in Ayurveda by the state of Dhatu balance. When the Dhatus (tissues) are in equilibrium, it is known as Samavastha (a state of health). When there is disturbance or irregularity in this balance, it is called Vishamavastha, which represents disease.[1] In Ayurveda, Dhatu theory forms the foundation for understanding the structural and functional integrity of the human body. Among the seven Dhatus, Asthi Dhatu provides the framework and support to the body. The primary role of Asthidhatu is Deha Dharana - to provide structure, support, and strength to the body . Asthikshya is a condition described by Acharya charak under 18 types of Kshyaya.[2] Asthidhatu Kshaya is one of the most common degenerative conditions seen in the elderly. In modern life, changes in lifestyle, diet (Aahar), and daily habits (Vihar) contribute to this condition. Improper nutrition and lifestyle can lead to Asthiposhakansha (deficiency of nutrients essential for bone health), disturbie balance (Samyavastha) of Dhatus and leading to Asthidhatukshaya. Asthiksaya Laksana (signs of depletion of Asthi Dhatu) mentioned in texts like Charaka Samhita. Dantanam patanam, kesha-lomanam patanam, nakhanam durbalata → Loss of teeth, hair, and nails due to Asthi Dhatu depletion. Since Kesha (hair) is considered an Upadhatu (secondary product) of Asthi Dhatu, keshapatana indicates khallitya in Ayurveda. It’s loss (Keshapatana) directly indicates Asthi Dhatu Kshaya. From modern prerspective Khallitya is comes under the Alopecia i.e Baldness or Hair loss Khallitya (baldness) is described as a condition where kesha (hair) fall from the scalp occurs gradually, leading to Alopecia (baldness). When alopecia affects the scalp and leads to visible thinning or bald patches, it is commonly called baldness. It’s one of the important Laksanas (clinical features) of Asthiksaya (depletion of bone tissue). The connection between hair health and Asthi Dhatu reflects the profound understanding of tissue interrelationships in Ayurveda. This review article highlights on Khallitya (baldness/hair loss) can be interpreted as a clinical manifestation (Laksana) of Asthiksaya in Ayurveda and to explore the classical references, pathophysiological correlation, and clinical relevance of Khallitya as a Laksana of Asthiksaya.

Keywords: Khallitya, Asthiksaya, Alopecia (baldness/ Hair loss).