In this episode of “5 Minutes,” Dr. Robert Svoboda explores the Ayurvedic understanding of microbes, pathogens, and the importance of maintaining balance within the organism.
The concept of microscopic life has existed since the time of the Vedas. The word used then, and still used in Ayurveda, is Krimi. Krimi appears to come from the root krum, which means to change, move, transform, or shift.
One reason this word was appropriate is that, in ancient times, many people were affected by visible parasites, especially different kinds of worms. Since these organisms could be seen moving, Krimi was a fitting description.
However, even in the Vedas there is mention of sukshma krimi, meaning very subtle moving organisms, subtle parasites, or subtle worms that cannot be seen with the naked eye but are still present on and within the organism.
In Ayurveda, we speak of Krimi Roga, meaning diseases caused by these organisms. This reflects an understanding not only of visible parasites but also of the various moving entities that can contribute to disease.
There are clearly parasites that are visible to the naked eye, but Ayurveda also recognized that krimis could exist in many different places within the body, including the feces, blood, teeth, and other areas of the organism.
There are certain substances traditionally used for controlling krimi. One of the most well-known is Vidanga, which is still commonly used in Ayurvedic treatments for worms and for tendencies toward parasitic accumulation.
However, the more important focus of treatment is not simply destroying the organisms. It is making sure that the material they feed upon does not accumulate in the body.
That material is ama, undigested or improperly processed substances. Just as bacteria, molds, yeasts, worms, and other organisms grow in food that has broken down and deteriorated outside the body, similar processes can occur inside the body when substances are not properly digested.
When we consume food and absorb nutrients but fail to properly transform them, these materials can create conditions that encourage subtle krimis or pathogens to grow and multiply. They can create their own environments and communities within the organism.
Therefore, although Ayurveda recognizes the importance of controlling harmful organisms, the greater focus is on changing the conditions that allow them to thrive.
The goal is not to destroy everything. Many microorganisms are part of our microbiome, and we need many of them in order to exist as healthy individuals. The approach is to support beneficial microbes, control harmful ones, and maintain balance within the body.
As with many things in Ayurveda, the foundation is balance and the removal of toxins. By creating healthy conditions within the organism, we encourage beneficial life forms and reduce the ability of harmful ones to take hold.