Perspectives of Neer-Nirakkuri (colour of the urine) and diagnosis according to Saint Therar

Abstract

The bioactive compounds and pH of the urine are the reason for dip and spike of its surface appearance. The colour variations relate on its primary and secondary metabolites due to the presence of bacterial reaction. The urine analysis may show a light on serious medical condition lurking unnoticed by us. The time to evolve the nature of the urine with its thousands of unique chemicals drained by the kidneys is the future scenario for cost effective diagnosis. According to Siddha philosophy urine is made up of appu bhutham (water element) like blood, semen, fat and bone marrow. The food stuffs are pancha bhutha (five elements) in nature which nourish all ezhu udarkattugal (the seven body constituents) for the functioning of subtle principles vali (vaadham), azhal (pittham) and iyam (kabham). The functional change of seven body constituents due to the derangement of intrinsic and extrinsic factors like diet, work, environmental change etc. cause vitiation mukkutram viz. vali, azhal and iyam making them deranged to develop various diseases.  Siddha literatures explain five different colours of urine. Every colour has further variants. Yellow colour urine has six variants, red colour urine has four variants, green colour urine has five variants, black colour urine has four variants and white colour urine has two variants. Colour of the urine and its interpretation is only the beginning to assess the severity of problem alerting an individual that something is wrong in metabolism or renal function. The colour of the urine is further correlated with food already had. The taste, sediments, smell, froth, mass are the various factors certainly considered for further evaluation. The colour of the urine and its relation with humour disorder and five elements would explore scope for future research cost effectively.

Keywords: Colour, Neerkuri, Nirakkuri, Therayar, Siddha marutthuva sudar, mukkutram, panchabhutham