What Is the Main Cause of Disease According to Ayurveda?
In today’s modern world, where we often prioritize productivity over well-being, understanding the root causes of disease becomes vital for true healing. Ayurveda, the ancient science of life, identifies the origin of illness not just in physical factors, but at a deeper, more subtle level of our consciousness.
One of the most profound causes of disease in Ayurvedic philosophy is Pragnya Apradha, which literally translates to "the mistake of the intellect."
Understanding Pragnya Apradha: The Mistake Against Inner Wisdom
Derived from the Sanskrit words Pragnya (wisdom or innate intelligence) and Apradha (offense or mistake), this concept refers to our failure to make decisions that honor the body, mind, and spirit. It’s not merely about making poor lifestyle choices—it’s about ignoring the inner voice, the intuitive wisdom that guides us toward balance.
Now here is a beautiful verse from one the profound Ayurvedic textbooks, Charaka Samhita for reference:
Charaka Samhita:
"Sarveṣāṃ rogaṇāṃ nidānaṃ doṣa prakopeṇa bhavati, doṣaḥ ca pragyāparādhādi."
(Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana, Chapter 1, Verse 102)
Translation:
“The root cause of all diseases is the aggravation of doshas, and doshas become aggravated due to Pragyāparādha (the mistake of the intellect), as well as misuse of senses and time.”
When we knowingly act against what we understand to be right for us—whether through diet, lifestyle, thought patterns, or emotional responses—we commit Pragnya Apradha. This is viewed in Ayurveda as the primary seed of disease.
A Scientific Lens: Mind-Body Misalignment and Chronic Inflammation
Modern science is catching up with this ancient concept. Research in psychoneuroimmunology shows how chronic stress, poor sleep, toxic thoughts, and emotional suppression can lead to inflammatory conditions, weakened immunity, and mental health issues. These are the physiological equivalents of Pragnya Apradha—decisions that disrupt the body’s intelligence and homeostasis.
A 2024 study published in Frontiers in Immunology emphasized how repeated stressors and lifestyle misalignments lead to sustained low-grade inflammation—contributing to heart disease, autoimmune conditions, and depression. Ayurveda foresaw this millennia ago through its holistic understanding of misaligned action and consciousness. link: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2024.1365871/full
Real-Life Example: The Pitta Imbalance
Imagine a person with a strong Pitta dosha—naturally intense, ambitious, and driven. If this person begins sleeping late, consuming spicy and processed foods, overworking, and constantly exposing themselves to screens and stress, their internal fire (Agni) becomes excessive.
Physically, this could manifest as inflammation, skin rashes, heartburn, or headaches. Emotionally, it might show up as anger, impatience, and burnout.
Even if the person knows these habits are damaging, they persist due to lack of self-awareness or discipline. This is a classic case of Pragnya Apradha—choosing action that goes against one’s inner wisdom and doshic constitution.
The Ayurvedic solution? Reconnect with Pragnya—inner wisdom—by adopting a lifestyle that cools and calms. That may include:
- Eating cooling foods like cilantro, cucumber, and rose water
- Prioritizing rest and a structured sleep routine
- Practicing restorative yoga, breathwork, and mindfulness
- Re-evaluating ambition with self-compassion and clarity
Well, one of the core principles of Ayurveda is that mental strength plays a vital role in restoring balance and harmony. In Ayurvedic philosophy, this mental clarity and strength is referred to as Sattva—a pure, stable, and luminous quality of the mind. Sattva empowers us to make wise decisions and stay aligned with our inner truth.
When a person is unable to commit to their own inner wisdom, it is often due to a disturbance in this Sattvic quality. As Ayurvedic practitioners, we support this process by introducing Medhya Rasayanas—a class of rejuvenative herbs that nourish the mind, enhance intellect (Buddhi), and gradually help one return to self-awareness and inner alignment. These herbs, such as Brahmi, Shankhpushpi, and Mandukaparni, support mental clarity and emotional resilience, gently guiding the mind back to its natural state of peace.
What I love most about Ayurveda is how every form of treatment—be it herbs, diet, or Panchakarma therapies—ultimately aims to bridge the gap between the individual and their true self. The goal is not just physical healing, but to restore the connection to the soul (Atma), awaken inner wisdom, and strengthen the ability to act from that wisdom—what we call Buddhi. In this way, Ayurveda becomes not just a science of health, but a path toward conscious, vibrant living.
In Ayurveda, pure ghee is considered a sacred and essential substance—not only for physical health, but also for mental clarity and emotional balance. Modern science supports this ancient wisdom: ghee is rich in butyric acid, a short-chain fatty acid that plays a crucial role in maintaining gut health. And since the gut is often referred to as the "second brain", supporting the gut with ghee can profoundly influence mental and neurological well-being.
Ghee serves as an anupan—a carrier substance that helps deliver herbs and nutrients deep into the tissues, especially the brain, which is predominantly made of fat. This is why ghee is a vital component in the Ayurvedic diet: it supports proper digestion, absorption, and assimilation, which in turn provides daily physical and mental strength.
At Food For The Soul, we handcraft pure cultured Brahmi Ghritam—a medicated ghee infused with Brahmi, a revered Medhya Rasayana (brain tonic). This formulation is especially supportive of the central nervous system, helping to calm the mind, enhance memory, and nourish the higher intellect (Buddhi). As the Ayurvedic texts say, “With Brahmi comes the knowledge of Brahman”—the ultimate truth.
By integrating cultured Brahmi Ghritam into your daily routine, you nourish your mind with Sattva Guna—the quality of clarity, harmony, and inner peace. This mental clarity protects one from committing Pragyāparādha—the mistake of the intellect—and instead empowers conscious choices aligned with truth, balance, and vitality.
Healing Begins With Awareness
As Ayurveda practitioners, we don't just look at symptoms—we begin at the level of consciousness. Our role is to help individuals reawaken their inner intelligence, reconnect with nature's rhythms, and make empowered choices that support well-being.
True healing happens when the mind, body, and spirit move in harmony. When we learn to live in tune with our constitution and the environment, we avoid the offenses (Apradha) that trigger disease and suffering.
Ayurveda: Self-Knowledge for Self-Healing
Ayurveda is not just a system of health; it is a path of self-inquiry and transformation. With the knowledge of the universe and of the self, we build deeper connection, clarity, and conscience. This awakening is the ultimate purpose of Ayurveda.
✨ May you listen closely to your inner wisdom and walk gently on the path of balance!
Explore More on Our Website
Visit our blog section to dive deeper into Ayurvedic wisdom and practical tools for everyday life:
Read More Blogs
Explore our full range of Organic Ayurvedic Products ✨
From handcrafted medicated ghee (Gritham) to AMA Detox Teas and culinary medicines like Dosha-Balancing Curry Powders, each product is made with intention to support your well-being from the inside out.
Shop Our Apothecary Collection
Explore Our Ayurvedic Spice Line
Book a Personalized Consultation
Ready to understand your dosha and begin your healing journey?
👉🏽 Schedule a 1-on-1 Ayurvedic Consultation
I was considering my lack of good digestion to be the cause of my many health ailments however after reading this blog and the article I believe that my mental health could be causing my digestive problems. When I’m stressed in different ways I overeat or don’t eat at all depending on the type of anxiety and frustration. It’s just I have so many bad habits with eating, timing, stress, overworking, and about 15 years ago a Chinese acupuncturist mentioned that I had no yin. I’ve realize that I need to stay consistent by making changes with small steps in a contented way. It’s so easy but so difficult.