AYUSHDHARA ISSN: 2393-9583 (P)/ 2393-9591 (O)

An International Journal of Research in AYUSH and Allied Systems

Review Article

CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE CONCEPT OF ROGAMARGA

Athira CN1*, Gopikrishna.S2
*1PG Scholar, 2Professor, Department of RNVV, Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Ayurveda and
Hospital, Hassan, Karnataka, India.
Article info ABSTRACT
Article History:
Rogamarga is an important concept in Ayurveda that describes the mode of progression of a
Received: 12-01-2023
disease. Occurrence, progression and recurrence depend on the different Rogamarga that it
Revised: 29-01-2023
Accepted: 16-02-2023
follows. Through the description of three different Margas namely Bahya abhyantara and
Madhyama, Acharyas have explained the entire pathway through which a Vyadhi occurs.
KEYWORDS:
Concept of compartmentalization deals with division of the body into different fragments as
Rogamarga, alimentary compartment, intravascular compartment, interstitial compartment and
Compartment-
intracellular compartment. It is through the knowledge of these compartments that we
alization,
Alimentary
understand the process of digestion and transportation of nutrients all over the body. The
compartment, same concept can be utilized to understand the pathology behind a disease manifestation.
Intravascular Rogamarga as well as compartmentalization, both talk about pathway through which a
compartment, disease gets manifested. It is important to know the pathway in order to understand the
Interstitial pathogenesis of a particular Vyadhi. Basic fundamentals of Rogamarga and
compartment, compartmentalization find similarities. Each of the compartments can be categorized into the
Intracellular three Rogamargas Bahya Madhyama and Abhyantara at different levels. In our science though
compartment, there have been studies and articles on the basics of Rogamarga much has been not explored
Pathogenesis. regarding compartments and their role in disease manifestation. This article is a humble
attempt to decode the concept of Rogamarga in terms of compartmentalization thereby
trying to analyse the progression of disease pathogenesis.

INTRODUCTION
Rogamarga is made up of two words The basis of Roga marga is Gati of Doshas. The
Roga+Marga derived from the root ‘Ruj’ and ‘Mruj’ healthy relationship of Doshas with the Dhatus and
dhatu respectively. Roga is breaking up of strength, organs in a specific way is termed as Doshagati. The
distemper or disease[1]. It is the resultant of specific relation in pathological progress is termed as
disintegration of Dhatu samyata and Marga describes Rogamarga. Therefore in disease stage Doshagati is the
the channel, way or passage[2]. Thus the occurrence, cause and Rogamarga is the effect. Rogamarga has got
progression and recurrence of Vyadhi can be described its importance not only in the field of prognosis but
through Rogamarga. It has been explained in Nirdesha also in the field of therapeutics.
chatushka in Tisraishaneeya adhyaya of Charaka The topic Rogamarga indicates relationship
Samhita. After explaining Triniayatanani and between different Dhatus and Ashayas in a unique way.
Trayoroga, Trayorogamarga is explained, this indicates The Nidanas or factors that vitiate these Doshas make
the importance of the topic. these factors to follow certain specific pathways. The
Access this article online Vikruta doshas tend to move through selected tissue
Quick Response Code and organs i.e., in Koshta, Shakha and Marma asthi
https://doi.org/10.47070/ayushdhara.v10iSuppl1.1132 sandhi gati. The movement of vitiated Dosha towards
tissue and organs manifesting a disease or pathological
Published by Mahadev Publications (Regd.) publication
licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution- progress is Rogamarga.
NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-
NC-SA 4.0) MATERIALS AND METHODS
Website: https://ayushdhara.in Classical Samhitas were reviewed to collect the
knowledge about Rogamarga. Physiology textbooks
like Guytons physiology was reviewed for knowledge
AYUSHDHARA | January-February 2023 | Vol 10 | Suppl 1 72
 Athira CN, Gopikrishna.S. Critical Analysis of the Concept of Rogamarga
about compartmentalization. Through available texts,  Marmasthi sandhi roga marga (Madhyama
published article and authentic websites materials rogamarga)- According to Acharya Hemadri,
were explored. The collected materials were critically Marmanimarmanibdhahashiradyayaschya,
analysed and conclusion was drawn. Asthisandhayahate cha madhyama rogamarga.[8]
Classification  The Gati of vitiated Doshas through Marmasthi
Classification of Rogamarga according to our sandhi will produce Madhyama rogamarga. This
Acharyas:[3] includes the Mahamarma[9] Basti, Hrudaya, Shira,
 Bahya rogamarga/Shakhasrita marga- Doshas make Asthi, Sandhi which includes associated Sira, Snayu,
Gamana in Raktadi dhatus. Kandara, Dhamani, Kurcha.
 Madhyama Rogamarga/Marmasthi sandhi marga-  Koshtagata rogamarga- Acharya Hemadri quotes
Doshas make Gamana in Marma asthi and Sandhi. Anthahaanthamargo roganam.[10] By this definition,
it is interpreted as internal pathway of diseases.
 Abhyantara Rogamarga/kosthasrita marga- Doshas
Vagbhata considered it as Anthakoshta, i.e.,
make Gamana in Koshtangas.
Amashaya, Pakwashaya, and Mahasrotas. It is
 Shakha or Bahya roga marga- Acharya Hemadri defined as Shariramadhya or Mahanimna, the
quotes Bahya rogamarga as Bahirmargaroganam[4] hollow portion of the body extending from the
and Arunadatta quotes Bahyanaamroganamayanam buccal cavity to the anus. Its synonyms are
sthanam.[5] This gives the meaning of Bahya Mahasrotas, Shareeramadhyam, Mahanimnam,
rogamarga as the pathways of external disease. Amapakvashaya ashrayam, Anthakoshta and
 The term Shakha illustrates Raktadidhatu and Antharadhi.[11]
Tvak.[6] Chakrapani defines that by the term Tvak,  Acharya Sushruta uses the term Koshta in a way in
the factor residing in it, Rasadhatu is also implied. which it includes Amashaya, Pakvashaya,
Shakha includes Tvak and other six Dhatus, like this Agnyashaya, Mutrashaya, Rudhirashaya, Hridaya,
all the seven Dhatus are included in one path Bahya Unduke and Phuphusa.
roga marga.[7]
Table 1: Showing structures and diseases of each Rogamarga[12]
Rogamarga Structures Diseases
Bahya Rakta, Mamsa, Meda, Majja, Shukra, Ganda, Pidaka, Alaji, Apachi, Visarpa, Arsha,
Twak Gulma, Charmakeela, Shvayathu, Vidradhi
Madhyama Marma, Asthi, Sandhi, Snayu, Kandara Pakshavadha, Paksha Graha, Shosha, Ardita
Pakshavadha, Paksha Graha, Shosha Apatanaka, Rajayakshma
Abhyantara All Kostangas Jvara, Murcha, Alasaka, Kasa,Gulma, Hikka,
Arsha, Visuchika, Anaha, Pleeha, Visarpa,
Shvayathu, Vidradhi, Atisara
Significance of Rogamarga
 The knowledge of Rogamarga helps to understand Kapha is accumulated in Pakwashaya the
the Doshagati, thereby in understanding the disease Snigdhasweda is done initially followed by
process and its diagnosis. Rookshasweda. This is an example for the use of
 The knowledge about prognosis of disease in the Vyadhimarga in Chikitsa.
respective Rogamargas can be gained.  Some diseases like Arshas occurs on both Margas
 Disease caused by single Dosha afflicting one of the like Bahya and Abhyantara depending on Doshagati
Rogmargas with Chatushpaad is a sign of good and Vyadhi Marga further Chikitsa is planned. For
prognosis (Sukhasadhya). instance, Arshas in Bahya Marga is Shashtrakrata,
 Diseases occurring in Marmaasthisandhi are a sign Arshas in Abhyantaramarga is Ashashtrakrta
of bad prognosis (Kruchrasadhya). Chikitsa.
 When Doshas are deep seated in Dhatus like Meda  When treating the Sthanika Doshas care is taken not
involving the Dhatus and Marmaasthisandhi it is an to disturb the Agantu Dosha.
indication and (Yaapya) Vyadhis.  It is useful on the diagnosis and treatment of
 If disease is manifested by involving all the Margas disease conditions like Vishamamargas since it is
it clearly indicates the incurability (Prathyakhyeya). consider as a Dhatujanya Vikara.
Example: If Vata is accumulated Aamashya the  The concept of Rogamarga and Doshagati helps not
Swedana is done initially with Rookshadravyas, if only in diagnosing a disease but also guides in

AYUSHDHARA | January-February 2023 | Vol 10 | Suppl 1 73

 AYUSHDHARA, 2023;10(Suppl 1):72-76
planning treatment of diseases. For example, Interstitial compartment comprises of the fluid in
Koshtagatha Doshas are better taken out through between the group of the cells. This compartment
Vamana and Virechana. For Shakhagata Doshas receives the nutrients from the intravascular
Raktamokshana will be the better modality of compartment and sends the nutrients and other
treatment. essential materials to interior of the cells which is
Concept of Compartmentalisation termed as intracellular compartment and sends back
Figure-1 Compartmentalisation the metabolites from the cells to the interstitial fluid.
Intracellular compartment is where the fluid
portion present inside every cell is considered. It
MOUTH contains various micronutrients, electrolytes and cell
organelles.
GIT IVC ISC ICC DISCUSSION
The specific path where the diseases occur is
Rogamarga. According to Acharya Charaka, the term
Shakha illustrates Raktadi Dhatus and Twak. In this
Shakha Marga, the word Rasa is not mentioned
ANUS because Rasadhatu is Moola[14] and from Rasadhatu the
other Dhatus are formed.[15]
Human body can be divided into four different Twacha gets formed after the Paka of Shukra
compartments as follows and Shonita Ahara Rasa taken by the mother
determines the Paka of Shukra and Shonitha. Hence the
1. Alimentary tract or gastro intestinal tract
Shukra Shonita Paka Kriya is based on Rasa.
2. Intra vascular compartment
3. Interstitial compartment The Ankura (Beeja) is considered as Moola for
4. Intra cellular compartment[13] the formation of the Shakha (branches) of tree.
Similarly, the Rasa is considered as Moola which helps
Process of digestion in the alimentary canal and the
in development of succeeding Dhatus.
assimilation of nutrients across mucosa of alimentary
canal can be understood in the following manner. So, Shakha includes 6 Dhatus and Twak. So, all
the seven Dhatus are included in one path way as
Initially the food enters the alimentary tract
Bahyarogamarga.
starting from mouth to anus. This tract is further
fragmented into several compartments by sphincters As Rasa resides in Tvak, it is not used in the
at various places for easy facilitation of the digestion of Shakha. The Twak has been named so because any
the ingested food. The ingested food moves from changes in the Rasa is expressed in the skin.[16] Though
pharynx to stomach within seconds and will be stored Rasa is not directly mentioned in Shakhagata Roga
in stomach for 2 hours. The chyme takes site, as the Rasa residing in the Twak it is understood
approximately 6 hours to enter the caecum. Thus the involvement of Rasa Dhatu in Shakhagata
through these mechanisms non absorbable rogamarga.
macromolecules are converted to absorbable Rakta (Rudhira) is considered under Bahya
micromolecules From the intestine these enter the rogamarga, Shakha Raktadaya Twak by Acharya
intravascular compartment either by capillaries or by Charaka and Vagbhata.
the lymphatics which are attached to the alimentary But according to Sushruta while narrating term
canal. Koshta, he includes Rudhira[17] (Rakta) which is present
Intravascular compartment is where the in Yakrut and Pleehadi Ashayas, hence Rudhira (Rakta)
transport of nutrients takes place from the alimentary and Rudhiraashaya are considered under Koshta.
canal into the interstitial spaces. Through capillaries Pathophysiology of Compartmentalisation
these micromolecules enter into liver then inferior Pathophysiological events occurring in the
vena cava and from there heart and then through aorta different compartments can be deciphered as follows:
the nutrients enter arteries and later into the First there is affliction at the level of alimentary canal
capillaries. When the micromolecules are large enough compartment. When a person consumes the
like proteins and chylomicrons it will enter the substances which are heavier to digest or due to any
lymphatics and then through thoracic duct it will enter other reasons impairing the digestive fire, this is
the blood stream at the junction of left internal jugular responsible either for the proliferation of micro
vein and left subclavian vein, then through superior organisms in the alimentary canal or for the initiation
vena cava into heart and then capillaries. of inflammatory reaction leading to the formation of

AYUSHDHARA | January-February 2023 | Vol 10 | Suppl 1 74

 Athira CN, Gopikrishna.S. Critical Analysis of the Concept of Rogamarga
antigens. When a person is having loss of appetite, in the intracellular compartment and facilitating their
digestive enzymes are not in the active form and movement into interstitial compartment and then into
denaturing of the antigens will be restricted. This will intravascular compartment from where it enters into
lead to the damage to the alimentary mucosa and thus the alimentary tract and then gets eliminated out of the
there is transfer of partially digested antigens into the body.
interstitial space of the gastrointestinal lumen. Knowledge of prognosis is highly essential for
From the interstitial compartment these treatment. The Sadhyasadhyata of Rogamarga is well
antigens travel through lymphatic system further these understood and supported by Acharyas[19]. The
enter the blood stream at the junction of both right or diseases of Bahya rogamarga are said to be Sadhya.
left internal jugular vein and subclavian vein. From Easy penetration of prophylatic drugs through
here it enters the blood stream and circulates all over intravascular interstitial and intracellular
the body till the capillaries at various parts of the body compartments explains the easy curability of diseases
from where it moves to interstitial compartment and affecting these compartments. Diseases of Madhyama
then intracellular compartment. This is the mechanism rogamarga are Kruchra sadhya, penetration of drugs
of manifestation of disease. through these compartments of bone and other hard
The alimentary tract compartment can be tissues are comparatively difficult thus leading to a bad
considered as Mahasrotas i.e., the Koshta or prognosis. Diseases of Abhyantara rogamarga are said
Abhyantara rogamarga extending from mouth to anus. to be Sukha sadhya, Kruchra sadhya, Yapya or Asadhya
The capillaries of GIT extending till the capillaries of according to Roga lakshanas, explaining the prognosis
cardiovascular system i.e., intravascular interstitial and of diseases affecting alimentary tract depends on the
intracellular compartments outside the bones and severity of the disease.
joints can be considered as the Marga containing We can understand this based on the example
Raktadi dhatus and Twak i.e., the Bahya rogamarga and of two cases. Case 1- A 45 year old man who is a known
finally the intravascular interstitial and intracellular case of Amavata suffering from Atisara since 3 days
compartments inside the bones and joints can be taken and case 2- A 45 year old man otherwise healthy,
as Marma asthi sandhi gata or the Madhyama roga suffering from similar complaint of Atisara since 3
marga. days, in both the cases there is acute involvement of
Understanding Rogamarga in terms of alimentary compartment (Abhyantara rogamarga) but
compartmentalization opens newer horizons in it can also be seen that in first case there is chronic
understanding how the different processes involved in involvement of intravascular interstitial as well as
Shodhana chikitsa might be affecting the different intracellular compartments of the joints (Madhyama
compartments in order for the elimination of vitiated rogamarga). Involvement of multiple Rogamargas in
Doshas from the body. this case makes it Kruchra sadhya compared to that of
According to Acharya Charaka, in order to case 2. Hence appropriate treatment has to be planned
eliminate Doshas from the body first there ought to be to bring Doshas from Shakha to Koshta considering the
temporary increase of Doshas in tissues followed by involvement of different Rogamargas.
their dissolution, digestion and then opening up of the CONCLUSION
blocked channels of the body along with control of While the concept of Rogamarga showcases the
Vayu. Then these vitiated Doshas need to be brought wide array of disease pathologies, different
from Shakha to the Koshta[18]. This action is carried out compartments makes the picture even clearer.
by the Poorvakarma of Shodhana chikitsa like the Understanding the mechanism of manifestation of
Deepana pachana snehana and Swedana. diseases as mentioned in our classics and in
Deepana pachana has an effect of Amapachana contemporary science, analysis of both makes
in the Koshta which can be understood as the digestion decoding the pathophysiology much easier allowing
of undigested particles in the mucous coated layer in for ideal planning of treatment.
the alimentary compartment. Snehana and Swedana REFERENCES
for 3 to 5 days have its own specific effects on the 1. VS Apte. The student’s Sanskrit-English dictionary.
compartments. While Snehapana softens the mucous New Delhi: Bharatiya granth niketan; 2014. p.491
layer of GIT for easy movement of the particles, Bahya 4. 2. VS Apte. The student’s Sanskrit-English
snehana with procedure like Abhyanga softens the dictionary. New Delhi: Bharatiya granth niketan;
intracellular layer and creates an easy media for 2014. page 43
transportation of substances across interstitial, 2. VS Apte. The student’s Sanskrit-English dictionary.
intravascular and into GIT. Action of Swedana can be New Delhi: Bharatiya granth niketan; 2014. page
understood as liquefaction of the adhered substances 491.

AYUSHDHARA | January-February 2023 | Vol 10 | Suppl 1 75

 AYUSHDHARA, 2023;10(Suppl 1):72-76
3. Acharya Yadavji Trikamji. Charaka Samhita by 11. Pandita Hari Sadashiva Shastri. Ashtanga Hridaya
Agnivesha with Ayurveda Deepika commentary. of Vagbhata. Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan,
Varanasi. Chowkhamba krishnadas academy; Varanasi. Sutrasthana Chapter 12, sloka 45, page
2010. page 77 201
4. Yadavji Trikamji Acharya. Charaka samhita, by 12. Acharya Yadavji Trikamji. Charaka Samhita by
Agnivesha, Revised by Charaka and Dridabala. Agnivesha with Ayurveda Deepika commentary.
Chaukaumbha Prakshana, Varanasi, Reprint 2011, Varanasi. Chowkhamba Krishnadas academy;
Sutrasthana, chapter 11, sloka 48, page77. 2010. page 77
5. Pandita Hari Sadashiva Shastri. Ashtanga Hrdaya 13. Guyton and Hall. Textbook of Medical Physiology.
of Vagbhata. Chaukaumbha Sanskrit Sansthan, 12th ed. Saunders ELSIVIER. page 286
Varanasi, Sutrasthana, chapter 12, sloka 45, page 14. Jadavaji Trikamaji Acharya and Narayana Ram
200. Acharya. Susruta Samhita of Susruta. Chaukhamba
6. Pandita Hari Sadashiva Shastri. Ashtanga Hrdaya Sanskrit Sansthan, Varanasi. Sutrasthana, chapter
of Vagbhata. Chaukaumbha Sanskrit Sansthan, 14, sloka 3, page 59.
Varanasi, Sutrasthana, chapter 12, sloka 43, page 15. Jadavaji Trikamaji Acharya and Narayana Ram
200. Acharya. Susruta Samhita of Susruta. Chaukhamba
7. Yadavji Trikamji Acharya. Charaka samhita, by Sanskrit Sansthan, Varanasi. Sutrasthana, chapter
Agnivesha, Revised by Charaka and Dridabala. 14, sloka 10, page 60.
Chaukaumbha Prakshana, Varanasi, Reprint 2011, 16. Yadavaji Trikamji Acharya. Charaka Samhita, by
Sutrasthana, chapter 11, sloka 48, page 77. Agnivesha, Revised by Charaka and Dridabala.
8. Charaka samhita, Revised by Charaka and Chaukumbha Prakshana, Varanasi. Reprint 2011,
Dridabala, by Shri Gangadhara tika Kavi Ratna Sutrasthana, chapter 11, sloka 48, page 236.
Kaviraja Viracitaya. Chaukhambha Publishers, 17. Jadavaji Trikamaji Acharya and Narayana Ram
Varanasi. Sutrasthana, Prathama Khanda, chapter Acharya. Susruta Samhita of Susruta. Chaukhamba
11, sloka 27 Sanskrit Sansthan, Varanasi. Chikitsa sthana,
9. Pandita Hari Sadashiva Shastri. Ashtanga Hridaya chapter 2, Sloka 12, page 409.
of Vagbhata. Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan, 18. Acharya Yadavji Trikamji. Charaka Samhita by
Varanasi. Sutrasthana Chapter 12, sloka 43, page Agnivesha with Ayurveda Deepika commentary.
201 Varanasi. Chowkhamba Krishnadas academy;
10. Yadavji Trikamji Acharya. Charaka samhita, by 2010. page 180
Agnivesha, Revised by Charaka and Dridabala. 19. Pt HSS Paradakara, editor. Ashtanga Hridaya of
Chaukaumbha Prakshana, Varanasi, Reprint 2011, Vagbhata with Sarvangasundara Ayurveda
Sutrasthana, Chapter 11, sloka 48, page77. Rasayana commentaries. Varanasi: Chaukhamba
Sanskrit Sanstan; 2010 page18

Cite this article as: *Address for correspondence

Athira CN, Gopikrishna.S. Critical Analysis of the Concept of Rogamarga. Dr. Athira CN
AYUSHDHARA, 2023;10(Suppl 1):72-76. PG Scholar,
https://doi.org/10.47070/ayushdhara.v10iSuppl1.1132 Department of RNVV,
Source of support: Nil, Conflict of interest: None Declared Sri Dharmasthala
Manjunatheshwara College of
Ayurveda and Hospital,
Hassan, Karnataka.
Email: athi3295@gmail.com

Disclaimer: AYUSHDHARA is solely owned by Mahadev Publications - A non-profit publications, dedicated to publish quality research, while every effort has
been taken to verify the accuracy of the content published in our Journal. AYUSHDHARA cannot accept any responsibility or liability for the articles content
which are published. The views expressed in articles by our contributing authors are not necessarily those of AYUSHDHARA editor or editorial board
members.

AYUSHDHARA | January-February 2023 | Vol 10 | Suppl 1 76