Swapna-Vigyan: Unveiling Arishta Lakshans Through Dreams in Ayurveda

Abstract

Dreams, known as Swapna, have been integral to Ayurveda, a traditional Indian system of medicine, since its inception. The ancient text, Charaka Samhita which is one of the Brihattrayee, spaciously examines the significance of dreams in the Indriya Sthana. This Indriya Sthana discusses the diagnostic and prognostic value of many aspects including dreams, suggesting that they can offer insights into a person's health and future well-being. The article focuses on a specific aspect of this ancient wisdom: Swapna-related Arishta Lakshana. These are considered inauspicious dream signs that indicate potential dangers to an individual's health and longevity. According to Ayurveda, such dreams are not simply figments of the imagination but are believed to reflect underlying physical or mental conditions that could manifest as serious health issues. By interpreting these Inauspicious dream signs, Ayurvedic practitioners can predict and potentially avoid health crises. This article sheds light on how these ancient interpretations of dreams could play a role in contemporary Ayurvedic practice, emphasizing the timeless relevance of traditional knowledge in understanding and managing health risks.