Pacakapitta, Pācakapitta, Pacaka-pitta: 3 definitions

Introduction:

Pacakapitta means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

Alternative spellings of this word include Pachakapitta.

In Hinduism

Ayurveda (science of life)

[«previous next»] — Pacakapitta in Ayurveda glossary
Source: Wisdom Library: Āyurveda and botany

Pācakapitta (पाचकपित्त):—A Sanskrit technical term referring to “digestion”, it is one of the five upadoṣa (sub functions) of Pitta (one of the three doṣas). A doṣa is a basic component of life. The compound Pācakapitta is composed of the words Pācaka (‘digestive’) and Pitta (‘fire’). These terms are used throughout Ayurvedic literature such as the Caraka-saṃhitā and the Suśruta-saṃhitā. Āyurveda is India’s classical science of medicine.

Source: Cogprints: Concepts of Human Physiology in Ayurveda

Pācaka Pitta is equivalent to ‘Jaṭharāgni’. As its functions suggest, all enzymes responsible for digestion along with all gastrointestinal hormones and all local hormones of gastro intestinal tract are to be included in it.

Digestion in Small Intestine: ‘Pitta’ that is present in between stomach and large intestine is called ‘Pācaka Pitta’. Though made up of five basic elements, it is dominant in fire principle.So, it is devoid of liquidity and is called ‘Anala’ (‘Agni’). This digests the food and splits itinto essential nutrient part called ‘Sāra’ and waste part called ‘Kiṭṭa’ (Aṣṭāṅgahṛdayasaṃhitā Sūtrasthāna 12/10-12).

The ‘Pācaka Pitta’ is directly responsible for digestion of the food and therefore stands for allamylolytic, proteolytic, lipolytic and nucleic acid splitting enzymes. Gastrointestinal hormones like gastrin, secretin, cholecystokinin etc. also must be regarded as the representatives of ‘Pācaka Pitta’. ‘Sāra’ (Nutrient) portion separated at this stage getsabsorbed and thereafter it is called ‘Rasa Dhātu’.

Source: gurumukhi.ru: Ayurveda glossary of terms

Pācakapitta (पाचकपित्त):—One of the five subtypes of Pitta that is situated in between the stomach and large intestine. Due to dominance of Agni mahābhūta, this Pitta is devoid of liquidity. This divides the food into Sāra (nutritive) and Kiṭṭa (waste) portions. This also supports other syubtypes of Pitta.

Ayurveda book cover
context information

Āyurveda (आयुर्वेद, ayurveda) is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Āyurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millenium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.

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