Āyurveda is a holistic system of medicine based on the fundamental theory of Tridoṣa, namely Vāta, Pitta and Kapha. The equilibrium of these Doṣas is essential for maintaining health, whereas their vitiation leads to disease manifestation. Among the various patterns of Doṣas involvement described in Āyurvedic classics, Saṃsarga and Sannipāta are important concepts that explain the simultaneous participation of multiple Doṣas in the pathogenesis of diseases. Although these terms are often interpreted as dual and triple Doṣas involvement respectively, classical texts indicate that their definitions are closely associated with the nature of Doṣas vitiation, particularly Swatantra (independent) and Paratantra (dependent) aggravation. The present review aims to critically analyze the concepts of Saṃsarga and Sannipāta and explore their significance in Āyurvedic diagnosis, prognosis and treatment planning. For this purpose, references were collected from classical Āyurvedic texts such as Caraka Saṃhitā, Suśruta Saṃhitā, Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdaya and their commentaries and were critically reviewed. The analysis reveals that Saṃsarga refers to the simultaneous independent vitiation of two Doṣas, where as Sannipāta denotes the simultaneous independent vitiation of all three Doṣas. These conditions differ from Dvidoṣaja and Tridoṣaja states, where one or more Doṣas may be involved secondarily through dependent mechanisms. A proper understanding of these concepts helps in identifying disease complexity, assessing prognosis and formulating individualized treatment strategies. Therefore, the concepts of Saṃsarga and Sannipāta continue to hold significant relevance in contemporary Āyurvedic clinical practice and research.
Dr. Hem Raj2 Dr. Sapna Dhingra*1 (Tue,) studied this question.