CONCEPTUAL UNDERSTANDING OF TORCH INFECTIONS IN AYURVEDA
Dr. Harshitha M. N.*, Dr. Papiya Jana
ABSTRACT
Introduction: TORCH infections are a major cause of adverse reproductive and perinatal outcomes, including infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, intrauterine growth restriction, congenital anomalies, and neonatal morbidity. Although these infections are well defined in modern medicine, classical Ayurvedic texts describe several gynecological and obstetric conditions such as Yonivyapad, Garbhasrava, Dushta Artava, Krimijanya Vyadhi, Jataharani, and Aupasargika Vyadhi, which can be conceptually correlated with infectious etiologies. This study aims to understand TORCH infections through the Ayurvedic principles. Materials and Methods: Literatures were reviewed from classical textbooks, contemporary books, e-books, and published articles. Ayurvedic concepts related to nidana, samprapti, lakshana, and chikitsa were critically analyzed and correlated with TORCH infections. Results and Discussion: Ayurvedic concepts including Mithyachara, Krimijanya Vyadhi, Aupasargika Vyadhi, Jataharani, Dushta Artava, and Jarayu dosha demonstrate close conceptual similarity to the transmission, placental involvement, and fetal effects of TORCH infections. Classical descriptions of Yonivyapad, Garbhasrava and Garbha Vikriti parallel modern clinical manifestations such as infertility, recurrent abortions, IUGR and congenital anomalies. Ayurvedic management strategies including Garbhadhana Vidhi, dosha-based chikitsa, Shodhana and Shamanoushadi’s demonstrated favorable reproductive outcomes. Conclusion: TORCH infections can be comprehensively understood through Ayurvedic principles, offering a holistic approach for prevention and management to improve maternal and fetal outcomes.
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