Introduction

Kriya Sharira is the study of the functional aspects of the human body and forms a core subject of the BAMS course in the I prof BAMS curriculum. The word Kriya means Chikitsa or treatment and hence Kriya Sharira is a subject that lays the foundations of clinical understanding in students of I prof BAMS. The topics taught as a part of Physiology and Biochemistry in modern science are dealt with by this department. The department is responsible for creating a comprehensive understanding of the Ayurvedic concepts of Dosha, Dhatu, Mala, Agni, Koshta, Prakruthi with clinical applications.
Academic Vision and Community Engagement

• Introduces the basic concepts of Ayurveda to I Prof BAMS students in integration with their understanding of the human body and its functions.
• Transacts the concepts of modern physiology and biochemistry to I Prof BAMS students to facilitate the understanding of the functions of the different systems in the human body.
• Creating awareness about the basic principles of Ayurveda to plus two students in order to augment their understanding of the scope and benefits of Ayurveda as a medical science
• Introducing the concept of Prakruti and performing Prakruti assessment using softwares developed by national institutions
• Organizing and participating in Prakruti assessment camps in institutions in and around the college
• Introducing the basic components of human physiology to the general public with a view to make them understand the body functions
• Introducing the basic concepts of Ayurveda like dosha, dhatu, agni, koshta to the general public.

Historical perspective
The department of Kriya Sharira was formed after the bifurcation of the department of Sharira  into Rachana Sharira and Kriya Sharira in 2010. The department of Sharira was established in the college as a part of departmentalisation in 1987. At present, the Department has 3 teaching faculties.
Academic profile
The department of Kriya Sharira has been working to lay a sound foundation in the basic principles of Ayurvedic and modern physiology in students. Since this department teaches in the I year and the syllabus contains topics from both modern physiology and Ayurveda, it functions as a bridging department for the students and thus conducts classes on goal setting and time management so that the students can very easily adjust to the settings of a professional college from the school setting.

• The department conducts lecture and non-lecture activities as per the NCISM curriculum. As a part of this, students are engaged in group activities for model making, chart preparations and survey projects. These are clearly documented with feedback collected from the students and assessments done.
• ‘Paadapraveshika’ – Clinical-Based Learning Induction Programme for I BAMS students is conducted to orient them about conduct in the hospital and medical ethics. The event aims to introduce students to the ethical foundations of medical practice and provide insights into the clinical learning process. The classes elaborate on the core ethical principles guiding Ayurveda practitioners, the role of integrity in patient care, and the necessity of maintaining a compassionate and responsible approach in clinical practice.  
• The teaching staff of the department regularly conduct Neurophysiology classes for postgraduate scholars of the Manovigyan evam Manasrog Department. Classes are also held for PG scholars of Swasthavritta Department. The department staff also engages classes in Research methodology, bioinformatics for PG students and teachers.
• The teaching staffs of the department are actively involved in conducting training programmes for faculty Development in the field of Education technology.
• Since Kriya Sharira is a core subject, classes on physiological aspects of various systems and their relation with Ayurveda concepts are dealt with by the department as a part of different certificate courses held in the college by Kottakkal Ayurveda School of Excellence.

The facilities offered by the Department include a Physiology lab, clinical physiology lab equipped with audio visual aids. The physiology lab has facility for most of the haematology experiments, basic biochemistry experiments and urinalysis. The clinical physiology lab set up in the department is used for human experiments including blood pressure assessment, ECG demonstration, reflex elicitation, vital capacity assessment, etc. The practical classes and examinations are conducted with the help of laboratory technician and laboratory attender. These labs are utilised by the UG students, PG scholars and PG Diploma students for their academic and examination purposes.

Clinical and hospital related activities

• The department has been conducting a weekly Special OP since 2023 for GI disorders on Fridays. The staffs of the department also serve as duty MOs in the College hospital.
• The department also conducts awareness classes on concepts like Prakruthi for patients and bystanders of the College hospital.
• The department also collaborates with other First year departments for conducting clinical postings for I BAMS students to introduce the concepts and examination of dosha, dhatu, mala, prakruthi, sara, agni, koshta. Students are grouped along with interns and PG scholars for interacting with patients and this makes the students more aware of the scope and benefits of Ayurveda as a treatment science.

Outreach activities
The department engages in 2 kinds of outreach activities -

1. Intended to create awareness in plus two students about ayurveda
2. Intended to create awareness about ayurveda in general public

Deeksha - Awareness classes for plus two students about Ayurveda
This has been a flagship programme of the department done in collaboration with department of Rachana Sharira since more than 10 years. More than 50 schools have been included in this programme.  The department conducts awareness and aptitude classes for plus two students about Ayurveda using the laboratory and audiovisual aids. Plus two Biology students are invited to the college and day long activities are done along with department of Rachana Sharira. Concepts like Prakruti are introduced and explained to the school students using methods like role plays, mimes. Prakruti parishan or determination of prakruti is also done in these classes using the prakruti parikshan app developed by CCRAS. 

Bodhini - Exhibitions and Awareness classes for public and students
This is a new venture of the Department done in collaboration with Department of RachanaSharira to explain the physiological processes in the body in simple language to the general public including patients, bystanders and non-teaching staff of the college. This is done by organizing exhibitions and awareness classes. Bodhini ’24, an exhibition on the structure and functions of the human body, was conducted for the non-teaching staff of the college, patients and bystanders of the college hospital. Subsequently, Bodhini II, an awareness programme on organ donation, was held for students, teaching faculty, and non-teaching staff. As a follow-up activity, a pamphlet on organ donation was released to enhance awareness on the social and medical aspects of organ donation. Further, Bodhini 25, an exhibition of the Physiology and Anatomy laboratories, was jointly organized as part of the 10th Ayurveda Day celebrations to create awareness and interest in the fundamental concepts of human anatomy and physiology among school students through interactive and practical demonstrations.

Prakruti Parikshan workshops
The unique concept of Prakruti or the natural constitution of a person is an important determinant of health and disease in Ayurveda. The central Ayush ministry had envisaged a Prakruti Parikshan campaign in 2024. The department of Kriya Sharira was an active participant in this campaign . Prakruti parikshan app is introduced to the students of the college and they are trained to assess the prakruti of individuals using the app.