Understanding Kriya Kala: Stages Of Disease Development In Ayurveda – A Review

Abstract

Background: Kriya Kala is a fundamental concept in Ayurveda that describes the progressive stages of disease development, from the initial imbalance of Dosha to the manifestation of full-blown illness. Classical Ayurvedic texts, especially Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, outline six distinct stages—Sanchaya, Prakopa, Prasara, Sthana Sanshraya, Vyakti, and Bheda. Understanding these stages offers a systematic framework for early diagnosis, timely intervention, and prevention. In modern clinical terms, this approach correlates with disease pathogenesis, early pathological changes, and prognosis, emphasizing preventive medicine and prognostic evaluation.  Aim To review the Ayurvedic concept of Kriya Kala and correlate its stages with modern disease pathogenesis. Objectives Describe the six stages of Kriya Kala. Identify clinical features of each stage. Explore preventive and therapeutic measures. Correlate stages with modern pathology. Assess relevance in preventive healthcare. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive review of classical Ayurvedic texts relevant commentaries, and contemporary Ayurvedic research papers was conducted. Modern medical literature on disease pathogenesis was also reviewed to identify correlations. Databases such as PubMed, AYUSH Research Portal, and Google Scholar were searched using terms “Kriya Kala,” “disease stages,” and “Ayurveda pathology.” Results: The review confirms that Kriya Kala provides a structured, predictive model of disease development. Each stage is characterized by specific Dosha changes, clinical signs, and potential intervention points. Correlations with modern medicine suggest that Sanchaya and Prakopa align with subclinical pathological changes, Prasara with systemic spread, Sthana Sanshraya with tissue-specific localization, Vyakti with clinical manifestation, and Bheda with complications or chronicity. This framework supports early intervention, particularly in preventive and prognostic medicine. Conclusion: Kriya Kala remains a clinically relevant concept that bridges preventive and therapeutic approaches in Ayurveda. Its parallels with modern pathology strengthen its applicability in integrative healthcare. Awareness and application of this concept can enhance early disease detection and improve prognosis.