Avadhesh Banshraj Sharma and Sachin Waghmare

The concept of abhava (non-existence), though metaphysical in origin, plays a vital role in Ayurvedic epistemology, clinical practice, and research methodology. This review critically examines the applied dimensions of abhava by correlating its four classical types-pragabhava, pradhwansabhava, atyantabhava, and anyonyabhava-with modern research paradigms such as baseline assessment, symptom resolution, relapse-free outcomes, and comparative trials. Drawing from classical texts including Charaka Samhita, Tarkasangraha, and Saptapadarthi, as well as contemporary biomedical literature, the study highlights how the Ayurvedic framework of negation aligns with principles of hypothesis testing, falsifiability, and preventive medicine. Clinically, abhava guides diagnosis through absence of function, prognosis through absence of complications, and therapy through apunarbhava chikitsa (relapse-free treatment). Thus, abhava serves as a methodological bridge linking ancient philosophical insight with evidence-based research, reaffirming Ayurveda’s capacity to articulate the logic of absence as an active principle in health science.

Pages: 610-613  |  221 Views  98 Downloads