Concept of Asatmendriyartha Samyoga W.S.R. Excessive Screen
Time.
Dr. Sonutai Madhavrao Shinde*1, Dr. Anil Chandrakant
Deshpande2
1.
PG scholar, Department of
Kriyasharir, Sumatibhai Shah Ayurved Mahavidyala, Hadpsar, Pune.
411028.
2.
Assistant professor,
Department of Kriyasharir, Sumatibhai Shah Ayurved Mahavidyala, Hadpsar,
Pune-411028.
Correspondence: sonushinde4595@gmail.com
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Article Information
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Abstract
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Review Article
Received: 21/10/2024
Accepted: 28/10/2024
Published: 08/11/2024
Keywords
Asatmya Indriyarth Samyoga, Prajnaparadha,
Excessive screentime, eye diseases, electronic raditions
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Cell
phones, often known as mobile phones, are one of the fastest-growing
industries in modern history and are now an essential part of every person's
life. Tissues near mobile phones may absorb the non-ionizing electromagnetic
radiation that these devices release.
This radiation is capable of hurting the different organs of the body through
thermal and non-thermal means and has also been shown through numerous
experiments. With billions of mobile phone users worldwide, even a slight
rise in the frequency of negative health impacts could have significant
repercussions for long-term public health. One of the oldest healthcare
systems in the world, Ayurveda, continues to alleviate humanity under such
complex circumstances. To comprehend this complicated addiction, ideas like Prajnaparadha,
Parinama and Asatmendriyartha Samyoga are useful. Asatmendriyartha
Samyoya, or incorrect contact between sensory organs and their objects,
is one of the three primary causes of illness according to Ayurveda. The
three categories of improper contact are Hina yoga, which involves
less contact, Atiyoga, which involves excessive contact, and Mithya
yoga, which involves erroneous contact with its object. Human senses are
how we interact with the world around us. Our eyes are the most vital sensory
organ. Inappropriate eye contact with digital devices, or Asatmendriyartha
Samyoga, leads to the various eye disorders. Although Ayurveda makes no
explicit mention of digital eye strain, the foundations of Ayurveda can be
used to explain the Ayurvedic approach. This article discusses the importance
of regarding the chakshurindriya asatmyendriyartha samyoga w.s.r.
increasing screen time in the digitalizing the world.
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INTRODUCTION
A major worry in
modern society is excessive screen time, since the widespread use of digital
gadgets leads to a rise in sedentary behaviour and possible risks to one's
physical, mental, and general well-being. This article examines the possible
harm that excessive screen time might do to one's health and mood and how the
concept of Asatmaindriyartha samyoga of ayurveda explains the present
scenario. Excessive screen time can have on one's physical, emotional, and
general well-being. Eye strain, shoulder and neck pain, and back pain are among
the health risks associated with excessive screen usage. Increased rates of
anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders are among the risks to mental
health. Excessive screen usage can also affect general well-being, especially
in terms of social interactions and cognitive development.1 Programs
known as "digital detox" are used to address the risks associated
with excessive screen usage. A period of voluntary abstinence from using
digital devices, including computers, smartphones, and social media platforms,
is known as a "digital detox."2
According to Acharya
Charaka, there are three primary causes of illness that affect both Sareera
and Manas. It is Asatmendriyartha Samyoga (unhealthy sensory
perception) and Prajnaparadha (intellectual blasphemy) and parinama.
The three recognized causes of thrividha imbalance or disorders (thrividha
hetus) are perverted union (mithyayoga), insufficient union (hinayoga),
and the over-union (atiyoga) of artha (senses) and kala (time),
i.e. asatmyendriyartha Samyoga and karma (act).3 of
these in the modern period, asatmyendriyartha samyoga is crucial.
Health and well-being can suffer from
excessive screen time in several ways, including
Development of the brain:
The development of the cortex, the
outer layer of the brain that processes information, can be impacted by screen
usage. According to one study, kids who spent more than seven hours a day in
front of a screen had a smaller brain.
Behaviour:
Anxiety, hyperactivity, concentration
problems, and behavioural disorders can all result from screen use.
Additionally, it may make it challenging to concentrate and comprehend
information.
Sleep:
Sleeping at night might be difficult if
you spend too much time on screens.
Social abilities:
Digital gadget use is a solitary
activity that can cause emotions of withdrawal and a decline in social skills.
Physical health:
Obesity, heart difficulties,
persistent neck and back discomfort, and other health issues might result from
screen usage.
Studying:
Since human interaction is how newborns learn best, the World Health
Organization advises against allowing children under two to spend any time on
screens.
Prajnaparada:
Wilfully ignoring one's inner wisdom and defying conventions, instincts, and
common sense constitutes prajnaparada (intellectual blasphemy), which is
the underlying cause of all illnesses. One's body and mind suffer when they
engage in verbal, mental, or physical behaviour that are detrimental to
themselves. Prajna literally translates as comprehension, wisdom, or mental
clarity. It is wisdom that can bring about enlightenment and put an end to
suffering. The term "Aparadha" indicates a transgression,
error, or abuse. Consequently, the terms Prajna and Prajnaparada, which
is made up of all the aparadha, implies incorrect idea. Dhi
(intellect), Dhriti (retention), and Smriti (memory) the three
elements that make up Prajna.
Prajnaparada aggravates Manasika, Sharirika, and three Dosha
that cause different disorders. Likewise, even if we People are aware of
the negative effects of excessive use of cell phones, we continue to
consciously choose to disregard it and continue using it excessively, which is Prajnaparada.
Asatmyendriyartha samyoga:
Asatmya
is the term used to describe the elements that hurt the body, upset dosha, and
cause discomfort. The correct synchronization of Indriya, Indriyaartha, Atma,
and Manas is crucial for the interpretation of knowledge in Ayurveda.
The further interpretation of knowledge is also hampered by any form of
inappropriate Samyoga between Indriya and its Artha. There
are three forms of Asatmendriyartha Samyoga: Atiyoga, Hina Yoga, and
Mithya Yoga.4
DISCUSSION
Of the five sense
organs, Chakshurindriya and Srotrendriya are the most frequently
employed when using a mobile phone. Acharya Charaka asserts that
prolonged exposure to bright lights material would be considered overuse of
visual objects. (Chakshurindriya Atiyoga).5 This now
clarifies the present situation in our everyday lives and the cause of most of
the visual impairments. Using mobile devices late at night additionally comes
into play here, which may lead to Nidralpata or even Nidranasha. A
study conducted among students even demonstrated that using a phone to play
games, browse the internet, or send texts before bed was negatively correlated
with morningness6 and positively correlated with insomnia and
chronotype. Similarly, Srotrendriya's Atiyoga includes hearing loud
voices, sounds from thunder, kettle drums, etc.7 This explanation
sheds light on the growing prevalence of ear problems and the impending human
dilemma.
Manas
(thought), also known as Ubhayendriya8, is one of the Indriyas
that functions as both Jnanendriya and Karmendriya, according to Sushruta.
Taking Asatmendriyartha Samyoga into consideration, the Atiyoga
of Manas is also available in case of excessive use of cell phones. Manas's
Karma (action) in the gross body transpires via the body's functional
faculty by Tridosha and additionally, our Acharyas have
reaffirmed the connection between Manas and vata dosha.
Therefore, in addition to Atiyoga of Manas, there Vata Dosha
vitiation, which can lead to Shoka, Chinta, and other issues.9
Therefore, mental illnesses like anxiety may also result from this. sadness,
insomnia, stress, etc., and explains the increase in the quantity of similar
occurrences that have occurred recently.
The Dharaneeya
Vegas concept has also been discussed by our Acharyas. The idea of Dharaneeya
vegas is linked to mental emotions. Lobha and Krodha are
examples of Dharaneeya Vegas. Iccha is a large category that
includes Irshya, Shoka, Bhaya, and Dvesha (hate) and Desire.10
The Iccha mentioned here is little more than Raga is another name
for connection. Vagbhata, the Acharya, has stated unequivocally
that Ragadi, which comprises the underlying cause of all ailments is Dharaneeya
vegas.11 Therefore, the inextricable bond that humans have
with mobile numerous psychosomatic symptoms might result from using a phone.
There are several
strategies that mitigate radiation's impact. Using speaker mode or a connected
headset, preventing too much physical contact with phones, alternating sides of
the head when speaking, and using a phone with a low battery and putting
it away from the body and head when you are asleep. Therefore, in addition to
the deliberate choice to reduce on screen time, if the answers from Ayurveda is
also used, we can undoubtedly produce a massive shift in right from avoiding
the excess screen time through yoga and meditation to treating different
physical-mental conditions with ayurveda Rasayana, panchakarma
and herbal Tailor-made treatment. In
general, treatments for eye conditions include Netra dhara (irrigation
with medicinal water), Aschotana (eye drops), Anjana (collyrium),
and Netra Tarpana, Putapaka, and Prakshalana can be used for
nourishing therapy.
CONCLUSION
One of the few gadgets that has
ingrained itself into our daily life is the mobile phone. Human exposure to
electromagnetic fields is rising because of the extensive use of technologies, as
cell phones and wireless dialogue. Therefore, it is strongly advised that we
understand the risks to one's health from excessive cell phone use and rigidly
minimize its usage in all forms and instead focus on natural medical system,
such as Ayurveda, for the benefit of society. Even while Ayurveda does not
specifically address the negative effects of excessive screen time, its
fundamental ideas and concepts are robust and sufficiently detailed to provide
a comprehensive explanation of the subject.
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