Critical Analysis of Gati (Gait) in Ayurvedic and Jyotish Science in Modern Perspective and its Impact on Socio Economic Status and Health

Abstract

Gati’ refers to the distinct pattern of walking of an individual [lq[k lapfjr iknk L;kr~ xfr% A u`-lk-“kk- 3@14]. It is one of the body parameter which needs to be examined under ‘Ayu laxanas’ (body characteristics) for the assessment of strength of the body as well as for futuristic outcome of health and wellbeing. In modern medical science, Gati is referred as the ‘Gait’ of the patient. There are many such Gaits (distinct walking patterns) are described in ancient Jyotish and Ayurvedic sciences and in modern medical science also. But Ayurvedic and Jyotish science take into consideration the general well being, socio economic status from Gait observation whereas modern medical science thinks of only disease patterns from it. The Ayurvedokta and Jyotish shastrokta Gati (Gait) characteristics could also be studied in modern perspective and their role in disease identification needs to be explored on broader scale with the help of modern science. The Jyotish science is complimentary and contemporary to the Ayurvedic medical science. The principles of Jyotish science have been applied in Ayurvedic science at various places. The various body characteristics and Gati (Gait) are described in ‘Sharir Laxan Adhyay’ and ‘Ayurday Adhyay’ of Ayurvedic and Jyotish science respectively. Acharya Charaka had described the ‘Gati’ in the Vimansthana chapter eight of his treatise ‘Charak Samhita’ under ‘Dashvidha Pariksha’ whereas acharya Kashyapa had described it in Laxnadhyay of sutrasthana of his treatise ‘Kashyapa Samhita’. These Gati characteristics are used to predict the future outcome of health, education, and career and socio economic status. Literary review of literature related to Gati is done to study it critically and comparatively from Ayurvedic and Jyotish science. It is concluded that the Gati characteristics can be used as a parameter for predicting health and socio economic status. The persons having normal well organized walking pattern are immune to the diseases and have good health and fortune.