Atharvaveda and Charaka Samhita
by Laxmi Maji | 2021 | 143,541 words
This page relates ‘Urustambha (spasticity of thigh) according to Caraka’ found in the study on diseases and remedies found in the Atharvaveda and Charaka-samhita. These texts deal with Ayurveda—the ancient Indian Science of life—which lays down the principles for keeping a sound health involving the use of herbs, roots and leaves. The Atharvaveda refers to one of the four Vedas (ancient Sanskrit texts encompassing all kinds of knowledge and science) containing many details on Ayurveda, which is here taken up for study.
Ūrustambha (spasticity of thigh) according to Caraka
Maharṣi Caraka discusses disease of Ūrustambha and treatment of Spasticity of thigh and Ūrustambha-cikitsā. This is only disease where pañcakarma is contradicted. Kapha associated with medas afflicts vāyu and pitta to cause spasticity of the thighs characterized by their stiffness and coldness because of which the ailment is called Ūrustambha. The symptoms of Ūrustambha are as follows: stiffness and coldness of thighs, lassitude of thighs, and incapability to move. The treatment of Ūrustambha includes juices of Śārṅgeṣṭadi Cūrṇa, Aṣṭakaṭvara taila, application of master seeds pastes, exercise, jumping, swimming, intake of Saindhavādi oil, Harītakī, Pippalī and honey etc. Diet includes barley, Śyāmaka, saltless green vegetables etc.[1]
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
C. Cikitsāsthāna–XXVII.4-61; R. K. Sharma & Bhagwan Dash (eds.), Caraka Saṃhitā–Vol. V, Varanasi, Chowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office, 2017, pp. 1-16.