Contribution of vangasena in the field of panchakarma
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Contribution of vangasena in the field of panchakarma
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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*Ravindrasingh Rajput
Assistant Professor, Dept of Panchakarma, LKR Ayurvedic College, Gadhinglaj, Kolhapur, Maharashtra
Yashaswini H
Final Year PG Scholar, Dept of Panchakarma, KLE’s Shri BMK Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Belgaum, Karnataka
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Contribution of vangasena in the field of panchakarma
Year: 2016
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The Vangasena Samhita, authored by Vangasena in the 12th century, is a significant Ayurvedic text that encompasses a broad spectrum of knowledge about the eight branches of Ayurveda, particularly focusing on Panchakarma. This treatise consists of 11,572 verses spread across 104 chapters, with eight chapters exclusively dedicated to detailing Panchakarma protocols. This article highlights the unique contributions of Vangasena, focusing on novel procedures and concepts that are often overlooked in modern practice, specifically targeting the realms of Shodhana (purification therapies) and individualized dosages based on the patient's condition.
The Importance of Vardhamana Matra
One of the cornerstone concepts introduced by Vangasena is the idea of Vardhamana Matra, which refers to the gradual increase of medicinal dosages used in treatments like Snehapana (medicated oil consumption) and Matra Basti (a therapeutic enema). Vangasena specifies particular dosages and durations based on individual characteristics like Agni (digestive fire) and Kostha (body constitution). This systematized approach allows practitioners to tailor treatments, ensuring maximum efficacy and safety. Such specificity is vital for enhancing the treatment's effectiveness and ensuring patient safety, paving the way for a more personalized approach in Ayurvedic practices.
Novel Basti Techniques
Another noteworthy contribution from Vangasena relates to the various forms of Basti (enema), particularly the Kshara Basti and Vaitarana Basti, which are designed to address specific disorders such as Amavata. Vangasena outlines distinct procedures and compositions for each type of Basti, offering specific ingredients and their methods of administration tailored to treat Vata, Pitta, and Kapha conditions. This significantly enriches the therapeutic arsenal available to practitioners, allowing them to address diverse health issues more effectively. The introduction of unique concepts for Nirooha Basti (decoction-based enema) and the specific indications for the different types showcase the depth of knowledge contained within the Vangasena Samhita.
Conclusion
The insights provided by Vangasena in the area of Panchakarma emphasize practical, individualized approaches that align well with modern healthcare trends towards personalized medicine. The concepts of Vardhamana Matra and the specialized Basti techniques showcase the rich tradition of Ayurveda and its adaptability to contemporary therapeutic contexts. There is a strong need for further research to explore these detailed methodologies, ensuring their integration into current Ayurvedic practices and expanding their benefits for patient care. Such efforts can enhance the efficacy of treatments and reinforce the foundational principles of Ayurveda as a holistic medical system.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the significance of Vangasena in Panchakarma treatments?
The Vangasena Samhita is a crucial text in Ayurveda, providing unique concepts and procedures for Panchakarma. It introduces new yogas, specific dosages for treatments, and specialized procedures like Kshara and Vaitarana basti, enhancing the efficacy of detox therapies.
How does Vangasena define Snehapana dosage for detoxification?
According to Vangasena, the Snehapana dosage varies based on the individual's Agni and Kostha. The text describes specific amounts for different stages of detoxification, emphasizing the correct dosage to ensure effective cleansing without adverse effects.
What unique Basti techniques does Vangasena recommend?
The Vangasena Samhita describes various Basti types such as Nirooha and Anuvasana, detailing their compositions and administration. It also emphasizes specific formulations like Guduchi taila and Vaitarana basti, suitable for treating conditions related to Vata, Pitta, and Kapha dosha.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Contribution of vangasena in the field of panchakarma”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Basti:
Basti is a therapy in Panchakarma, beneficial for Vata, Pitta, Kapha, and Sannipataja conditions. Vangasena discusses various types like Nirooha, Anuvasana, and Uttara bastis. It involves introducing substances into the body through the rectum for therapeutic purposes.
2) Pala:
Pala is a unit of measurement used to quantify the ingredients in Ayurvedic preparations like Basti and Sneha. Different therapies use specific Palas, with Sneha basti usually measured in Uttama, Madyama, and Heena levels.
3) Sneha:
Sneha refers to oily substances used in Ayurvedic treatments, particularly in Snehapana and Sneha bastis. They are critical for balancing Doshas and enhancing the effects of other therapies like Shodhana and Snehana.
4) Matra:
Matra denotes the specific dosage recommended for various Ayurvedic treatments. Vangasena prescribed specific Matras for Snehapana and Basti treatments, tailored to patient conditions based on Agni and Kostha.
5) Dravya:
Dravya refers to the substances or ingredients used in Ayurvedic formulations. Vangasena provided detailed mentions of specific Dravyas for different therapies, ensuring their administration is condition-specific.
6) Yoga:
Yoga means a formulation or combination of medicinal ingredients. Vangasena mentions many unique Yogas for Shodhana therapy, which are crucial but often overlooked in contemporary practice.
7) Vamana:
Vamana is one of the Panchakarma therapies, involving therapeutic vomiting to expel Doshas from the body. It is particularly indicated for conditions related to Kapha and is typically performed in Vasanta and Sharad kala.
8) Kapha:
Kapha is one of the three Doshas in Ayurveda, associated with earth and water elements. Vamana therapy is particularly effective in treating Kapha-related disorders.
9) Vata:
Vata is one of the three Doshas in Ayurveda, associated with air and ether elements. Treatments like Upanaha sweda and specific Basti formulations are particularly beneficial for balancing Vata dosha.
10) Kalka:
Kalka refers to the paste form of a drug used in Ayurvedic treatments, including in Basti preparations. Vangasena provides detailed specifications for using Kalka in various therapeutic contexts.
11) Dosha (Dosa):
Dosha refers to the three fundamental bio-elements in Ayurveda: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each Dosha governs different physiological functions, and various therapies aim to balance these Doshas for optimal health.
12) Anuvasana:
Anuvasana refers to an oil-based enema, a type of Basti in the Panchakarma therapy. It involves administering Sneha into the rectum and has specific indications and contraindications.
13) Kashaya (Kasaya):
Kashaya is a decoction used in various Ayurvedic formulations. It is often used in therapies like Vamana and certain types of Basti to treat imbalances in Doshas.
14) Pitta:
Pitta is one of the three Doshas in Ayurveda, associated with fire and water elements. Specific treatments, such as Pitta-specific Vasanta therapies and dosages, aim to balance this Dosha.
15) Anuvasanabasti (Anuvasana-basti):
Anuvasana-basti is the oil-based enema therapy in Panchakarma. Administering the appropriate Matra of Sneha is critical for its success, and it is commonly used to pacify Vata disorders.
16) Pippali (Pippalin):
[see source text or glossary: Pippali]
17) Gomutra (Go-mutra):
Gomutra, or cow urine, is used in various Ayurvedic formulations. It has properties beneficial for treating conditions like Vata and is often included in Basti formulations.
18) Nasya (Nashya):
Nasya is one of the Panchakarma therapies that involves administrating medicinal substances through the nasal cavity. It is beneficial for Vata disorders such as Shirokapmpa and Ardita.
19) Taila:
Taila means oil, and it is extensively used in Ayurvedic treatments, including Nasya and Anuvasana-basti. Different types of Taila are used depending on the Dosha predominance.
20) Hara:
[see source text or glossary: Hara]
21) Guda:
Guda refers to jaggery, often used in Ayurvedic formulations for its nutritious and therapeutic properties. It is included in several Basti recipes to balance particular Doshas.
22) Snehabasti (Sneha-basti):
Sneha-basti is an oil-based enema therapy mentioned in Panchakarma. Its administration, Matra, and kinds of oil used are elaborated on by Vangasena, tailored to treat various Vata imbalances.
23) Agni:
Agni represents digestive fire in Ayurveda and is crucial for determining the dosage of treatments like Snehapana. The strength of Agni is considered before administering any therapeutic measures.
24) Bala:
Bala refers to strength and is significant in determining the suitability of certain Ayurvedic treatments. For instance, Sadhya Snehana is indicated in Bala (strong) individuals.
25) Ushnodaka (Usnodaka, Ushna-udaka):
Ushnodaka means hot water, often used in Snehapana for drinking post-oil intake. It helps facilitate the digestion and assimilation of the Sneha in the body.
26) Shodhana (Sodhana):
Shodhana refers to the detoxification therapies in Ayurveda, such as Panchakarma. Various treatments like Snehapana and Basti are a part of Shodhana to cleanse the body of accumulated toxins.
27) Snehana:
Snehana involves the application and intake of oily substances, preparing the body for Shodhana therapies. It is a crucial Purvakarma or preparatory step before detoxification.
28) Kshara (Ksara):
Kshara refers to alkali, used in specific Ayurvedic Basti preparations for its potent cleansing properties. It is effective in conditions with excess Kapha and Meda obstructing the channels.
29) Uttama:
Uttama denotes the highest quality or standard, often used in the context of dosage levels like Uttama Matra in Anuvasana-basti, indicating the highest recommended amount of Sneha.
30) Madhu:
Madhu, meaning honey, is a commonly used substance in various Ayurvedic therapies, including Basti preparations. It balances Kapha and has properties beneficial for multiple conditions.
31) Karma (Karman):
[see source text or glossary: Karma]
32) Mutra:
Mutra refers to urine and is key in treatments like Mutra basti, where cow urine is used for its detoxifying properties to treat several disorders.
33) Aksha (Aksa):
Aksha is a unit of measurement in Ayurveda. Products like Saindava and addetives in basti are often measured in Aksha for proper formulation of medicinal preparations.
34) Pandu (Pamdu, Pamde):
Pandu refers to anemia, a condition addressed by specific Ayurvedic treatments including Virechana with formulations like Gudadya modaka, which Vangasena highlights for conditions such as Pandu roga.
35) Jala:
Jala means water and is used in various Ayurvedic preparations. For example, in Vamana, Tila, Tandula are often prepared in Jala and given to induce therapeutic vomiting.
36) Bhallataka:
[see source text or glossary: Bhallataka]
37) Vardhamana:
[see source text or glossary: Vardhamana]
38) Brimhana (Brmhana):
Brimhana refers to nourishing treatments in Ayurveda. Vangasena details Brimhana Bastis, which are formulated with ingredients like Madhura kalka and Mamsa rasa for strengthening and building bodily tissues.
39) Udavarta:
Udavarta refers to upward movement or reverse flow of Vata causing various ailments. Treatments like Kshara basti, with ingredients like Guda, are prescribed for alleviating Udavarta.
40) Priyangu (Priyamgu):
Priyangu is a medicinal plant used in various Ayurvedic formulations. It is particularly mentioned in the Vamana therapy due to its Kapha-pacifying properties.
41) Samhita:
Samhita refers to a classical Ayurvedic text. The Vangasena Samhita is a medieval period text from the 12th AD and covers a wide range of topics including unique Panchakarma procedures.
42) Ashtanga (Astanga, Ashtan-anga):
Astanga refers to the eight limbs or branches of Ayurveda. Vangasena Samhita covers all aspects of Astangas, providing comprehensive treatment methods and Ayurvedic knowledge.
43) Madhuka:
Madhuka refers to licorice or honey, used for preparing formulations in treatments like Vamana. It's effective in Kapha and Pittaja conditions and often combined with other medicinal herbs.
44) Modaka:
Modaka refers to medicinal pills or sweets in Ayurveda, used in treatments like Virechana. Vangasena mentions various types like Abhayadya modaka which are beneficial for multiple disorders.
45) Eranda (Eramda):
Eranda refers to castor, used in formulations like Eranda naala for tingling the throat in Vamana therapy and castor oil in several Basti preparations for its laxative effect.
46) Guruta:
[see source text or glossary: Guruta]
47) Rajput:
[see source text or glossary: Rajput]
48) Mamsa (Mamsha):
Mamsa refers to meat, which is often used in Ayurvedic treatments like Swedana. The heat generated from Mamsa helps in the detoxification process and balancing of the body doshas.
49) Ushna (Usna):
[see source text or glossary: Ushna]
50) India:
India is the country where Ayurveda originated and evolved. Authors like Ravindrasingh Rajput and Yashaswini H continue to contribute to the knowledge of Panchakarma practices in India.
51) Honey:
[see source text or glossary: Honey]
52) Shiras (Siras, Siro, Shirash):
Shiro refers to the head or related areas. In Nasya therapy, Shirovirechana focuses on expelling toxins out of the head, treating conditions like Shirokapmpa and Ardita.
53) Carva:
[see source text or glossary: Sarva]
54) Tila:
Tila refers to sesame, used in various Ayurvedic preparations like Sneha bharjita peya and Anuvasana basti for its nutritive and therapeutic qualities. It is particularly effective in Sadhya snehana.
55) Pana:
Pana stands for drinking, and in the context of Snehapana or oil drinking therapy, it helps cleanse the body internally. Katu ushna jala is often given post-Snehapana for better digestion.
56) Kasa (Kasha):
[see source text or glossary: Kasa]
57) Maharashtra (Maharastra, Maha-rashtra):
Maharashtra is an Indian state where LKR Ayurvedic College, associated with Ravindrasingh Rajput, is located. The state has a rich tradition of Ayurvedic practice and education.
58) Bhagandara (Bhagamdara):
[see source text or glossary: Bhagandara]
59) Mamsarasa (Mamsa-rasa):
Mamsa-rasa refers to meat soup, used in various Snehapana and Sadhya snehana therapies. It provides nourishment and aids in the detoxification process as part of Panchakarma.
60) Rasanjana (Rasa-anjana, Rasamjana):
[see source text or glossary: Rasanjana]
61) Vaitarana:
Vaitarana refers to a specific type of Basti which is a special enema preparation that contains Saindava, Amlika, Guda, etc. It is beneficial in conditions like Urusthamba and Gridrasi.
62) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine focused on balancing the body's Doshas for optimal health. It includes various therapies like Snehapana, Vamana, and Basti among many others.
63) Haritaki:
Haritaki is a medicinal plant used in various Ayurvedic formulations. It is a key ingredient in Trivruth churna-based Virechana and other detoxification recipes for its purgative properties.
64) Triphala (Tri-phala):
Triphala is an Ayurvedic preparation consisting of three fruits: Amalaki, Haritaki, and Bibhitaki. It is used in many formulations like Trikatu for balancing the Doshas and supporting digestion.
65) Shatahva (Satahva):
Shatahva is an Ayurvedic herb included in various treatments like Basti. It is used for its medicinal properties to help balance Doshas, particularly Vata and Kapha.
66) Kolhapur:
Kolhapur is a city in Maharashtra, India, known for its rich Ayurvedic traditions. LKR Ayurvedic College, where Dr. Ravindrasingh Rajput is an Assistant Professor, is located in this city.
67) Vatahara (Vata-ahara):
Vatahara means substances or treatments that alleviate or balance Vata dosha. Various formulations, including pastes like Dashamoola, are applied to pacify Vata during treatment.
68) Sharkara (Sarkara):
[see source text or glossary: Sharkara]
69) Purvahna (Purva-ahna):
[see source text or glossary: Purvahna]
70) Aushadhi (Ausadhi, Aushadhin, Ausadhin):
[see source text or glossary: Aushadhi]
71) Tandula (Tamdula):
[see source text or glossary: Tandula]
72) Grahani:
[see source text or glossary: Grahani]
73) Trikatu (Tri-katu):
Trikatu, a combination of Pippali, Black Pepper, and Ginger, is a frequently used Ayurvedic formulation. It's particularly useful in treating excess Kapha and enhancing digestion.
74) Avastha:
[see source text or glossary: Avastha]
75) Amavata (Ama-vata):
Amavata is an autoimmune condition resembling rheumatoid arthritis in Ayurveda. Special Basti preparations like Kshara basti and Vaitarana basti are effective treatments for this condition.
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 252]
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