Study of Shalya Tantra's contribution in Charak Samhita.
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: A study of the contribution on shalya tantra with special reference to charak samhita
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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Khagen Basumatary
Professor & Head, Dept. of Samhita & Siddhanta, Govt. Ayurvedic College, Guwahati, Assam
*Victoria devi Loukrakpam
P.G.scholar, Dept. of Samhita & Siddhanta, Govt. Ayurvedic College, Guwahati, Assam
Sikha Lekharu
P.G.scholar, Dept. of Samhita & Siddhanta, Govt. Ayurvedic College, Guwahati, Assam
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: A study of the contribution on shalya tantra with special reference to charak samhita
Year: 2016
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Ayurveda, the ancient science of medicine, is believed to have been created by Lord Brahma and later evolved into the eight branches of Astanga Ayurveda. Among these branches, Shalya Tantra pertains to surgical practices and methods for removing foreign objects from the body, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of ulcers and wounds. Although the Charak Samhita encompasses all eight branches, it primarily focuses on Kayachikitsa, which addresses internal medicine. The Shalya-oriented topics in the Charak Samhita are often scattered, making it challenging for readers to locate specific subjects easily. This study aims to compile these disparate Shalya topics to enhance accessibility and understanding.
Surgical Procedures in Shalya Tantra
One crucial aspect of Shalya Tantra involves the various surgical procedures outlined in the Charak Samhita. Specifically, techniques such as Raktamokshan (bloodletting) are emphasized for addressing a variety of conditions, including fevers (Jwara) and skin disorders (Kushtha). The text describes how Raktamokshan can be effectively administered using methods like Jalouka (leech therapy) or Alabu (bottle gourd) depending on the symptoms presented by the patient. In conditions like Arsha (hemorrhoids), Charak specifies that treatment should only be performed by trained Shalya practitioners to prevent complications. These procedures highlight the ancient understanding of surgical intervention in Ayurveda and its critical role in patient care.
Diagnosis and Disease Management
Another vital area covered in the Charak Samhita is the diagnosis and management of diseases associated with Shalya Tantra. The text outlines various conditions linked to surgical intervention, such as Gulma (tumors) and Vidradhi (abscesses). For instance, categorical approaches toward treatment are provided, indicating that different types of Gulma are addressed using targeted therapies and interventions. Charak also emphasizes the importance of determining whether conditions are treatable through surgical means or if they should be managed through herbal and dietary remedies. This showcases the comprehensive nature of Ayurvedic practice, blending surgical techniques with holistic approaches for effective disease management.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the study of Shalya Tantra within the Charak Samhita reveals its significant contributions to the field of ancient surgery and medical treatment. By compiling the scattered references to Shalya-related topics, this work provides a more straightforward understanding of surgical principles and practices as outlined by Charak. The integration of surgical techniques, diagnostic methods, and holistic care emphasizes Ayurveda's holistic approach to health and well-being, reflecting its potential relevance even in contemporary medical practices. Such endeavors aim to make the wisdom of Ayurvedic texts more accessible and applicable in modern contexts.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the significance of Shalya Tantra in Ayurveda?
Shalya Tantra is an important branch of Ayurveda that focuses on surgical techniques and the management of wounds and foreign objects in the body. It encompasses methods for removing various foreign substances and diagnosing and treating injuries and ulcers.
How does Charak Samhita relate to Shalya Tantra?
Charak Samhita covers all eight branches of Ashtanga Ayurveda but emphasizes Kayachikitsa. It incorporates numerous scattered topics related to Shalya Tantra across 27 chapters, making it challenging for readers to find surgical references without proper compilation.
What are the main aims of the presented study?
The study aims to highlight the contributions of Charak to Shalya Tantra and systematically compile the scattered topics of Shalya Tantra within the Charak Samhita for easier reference and understanding for practitioners and scholars.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Study of Shalya Tantra's contribution in Charak Samhita.”. 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) Samhita:
The 'Samhita' is a fundamental classical text in Ayurveda, detailing all aspects of the ancient medical system. Charak Samhita and Sushruta Samhita are key works within this tradition, where Charak Samhita specifically encompasses multiple branches of Ayurveda including Shalya tantra.
2) Dipika:
Dipika refers to the comprehensive commentaries that are often appended to ancient texts. In the context of Charak Samhita, 'Ayurved Dipika' is one such commentary by Chakrapanidatta which provides in-depth explanations and annotations.
3) Hindi (Himdi):
Hindi is one of the languages utilized in the commentaries of Charak Samhita. The text includes 'Tattvaprakasini' Hindi commentary, making the ancient Sanskrit content more accessible to contemporary readers.
4) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient medical system originating in India, grounded in the Vedic traditions and divided into several branches. It incorporates various techniques and practices for treating a wide range of ailments, including those under Shalya tantra.
5) Shalya (Salya):
Shalya refers to the surgical procedures and treatments in Ayurveda. The term 'Shalya tantra' encompasses practices related to removing foreign objects and treating wounds, ulcers, and other surgical conditions.
6) Varanasi (Varanashi):
Varanasi is a city in India that is significant for its historical and cultural associations with Ayurveda. Many classical Ayurvedic texts, including those published by Choukhamba, originate from Varanasi.
7) Agnivesha (Agnivesa, Agni-vesha):
'Agnivesa' is credited with the original composition of Charak Samhita. Agnivesa's work was later redacted by Charaka and subsequently further refined by Dhrirabala.
8) Sanskrit:
Sanskrit is the ancient language in which Ayurvedic texts, including Charak Samhita and its commentaries such as 'Ayurved Dipika,' are written. This classical language remains the medium for the original verses.
9) Tantra (Tamtra, Tantrism):
In Ayurveda, 'Tantra' refers to a system or framework. 'Shalya tantra' specifically deals with surgical and procedural aspects within the broader Ayurvedic system.
10) Shalyatantra (Salyatantra, Shalya-tantra, Shalyatamtra):
Shalya-tantra is a branch of Ayurveda focusing on surgical techniques for removing foreign objects, treating wounds, and managing ulcers. It includes the use of instruments and methods detailed in classical texts like Sushruta Samhita.
11) Disease:
Disease ('Roga' in Sanskrit) in Ayurveda signifies an imbalance in the body's doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) leading to various health issues. Shalya tantra addresses diseases that may require surgical intervention or specialized treatments.
12) Ashtanga (Astanga, Ashtan-anga):
Ashtanga Ayurveda represents the eight branches of Ayurveda, encompassing various aspects including Shalya tantra which deals with surgical interventions.
13) Gulma:
'Gulma' refers to a category of abdominal diseases characterized by tumor-like formations. Treatment for Gulma may include surgical interventions detailed under Shalya tantra.
14) Shastra (Sastra):
Shastra in Ayurveda denotes surgical instruments and techniques used in various procedures, including those described in Shalya tantra.
15) Roga:
'Roga' is the Sanskrit term for disease or illness. Shalya tantra addresses the surgical treatment of various Rogas.
16) Arshas (Arsa, Arsas, Arsha):
Arsha ('piles' or 'hemorrhoids') is a condition treated under Shalya tantra, involving procedures like Raktamokshan, Kshara karma, and other surgical techniques.
17) Karma (Karman):
In Ayurveda, 'Karma' refers to therapeutic actions or procedures. Shalya karma involves surgical actions such as excision, incision, and cauterization.
18) Sthana:
'Sthana' refers to sections or portions within Ayurvedic texts such as Charak Samhita. Each Sthana covers specific areas of medical knowledge, including topics related to Shalya tantra.
19) Prameha:
Prameha refers to a group of metabolic disorders, including diabetes. Shalya tantra may address certain complications of Prameha, especially Pramehajanak pidika.
20) Kushtha (Kustha):
Kustha refers to a group of chronic skin diseases. Shalya tantra provides treatment options involving procedures like Raktamokshan and Kshar prayog.
21) Blood:
Blood, or 'Rakta,' plays a crucial role in treatments under Shalya tantra. Procedures like Raktamokshan (bloodletting) are employed to manage certain conditions.
22) Agnikarma (Agni-karma):
Agni-karma is a significant procedure in Shalya tantra involving the use of heat to cauterize tissues, used for treating various diseases.
23) Visarpa:
Visarpa ('erysipelas') is a spreading skin disease which can be treated by Shalya tantra techniques such as Raktamokshan and Agnikarma.
24) Ulcer:
Ulcers, referred to as 'Vrana' in Ayurveda, are treated extensively under Shalya tantra using various surgical and non-surgical methods.
25) Raktapitta (Rakta-pitta):
Raktapitta is a bleeding disorder mentioned in Ayurveda. Shalya tantra offers treatments like Raktamokshan to manage this condition by eliminating impure blood.
26) Vidradhi:
Vidradhi refers to abscesses. Treatments for Vidradhi are detailed in Shalya tantra and involve procedures like incision and drainage.
27) Shringa (Srnga, Shrimga):
'Shringa' is a horn used in Raktamokshan (bloodletting) procedures within Shalya tantra to treat various conditions like Gulma and Vatarakta.
28) Kaphaja:
Kaphaja refers to ailments caused by an imbalance of the kapha dosha. Shalya tantra includes treatments such as Kshar prayog and Agnikarma for persistent Kaphaja conditions.
29) Raktaja:
Raktaja diseases are those caused by blood impurities. Shalya tantra procedures like Raktamokshan are used for their treatment.
30) Yantra (Yamtra):
Yantra refers to surgical instruments utilized in Shalya tantra for various procedures such as incision, excision, and drainage.
31) Pidika:
Pidika refers to boils or pustules, often associated with Prameha. These are treated under Shalya tantra using surgical techniques.
32) Rakta:
Rakta ('blood') is a critical element in Shalya tantra, with treatments like Raktamokshan used to address blood impurities and related diseases.
33) Dosha (Dosa):
'Dosa' are the fundamental bodily bio-elements in Ayurveda: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Their imbalance can lead to diseases addressed by Shalya tantra.
34) Devi:
Loukrakpam Victoria Devi is one of the authors addressing the contributions of Charak Samhita in the context of Shalya tantra.
35) Vata:
Vata dosha governs bodily movements and is involved in many conditions treated by Shalya tantra, especially those requiring surgical intervention.
36) Pain:
Pain is a primary symptom managed by the various treatments within Shalya tantra, including procedures like Raktamokshan and Agnikarma.
37) Burning sensation:
[see source text or glossary: Burning sensation]
38) Sushruta-samhita (Susruta-samhita):
Susruta-samhita is an authoritative Ayurvedic text that is highly focused on Shalya tantra, providing detailed methodologies for surgical interventions.
39) Shalakyatantra (Salakyatantra, Shalakya-tantra, Shalakyatamtra):
[see source text or glossary: Shalakya-tantra]
40) Mahakashaya (Mahakasaya, Maha-kashaya):
Mahakasaya are the major groups of medicinal compounds. Shalya tantra lists specific Mahakasaya for wound healing and other treatments.
41) Siddhanta (Siddha-anta, Siddhamta):
The department of Samhita & Siddhanta at the Govt. Ayurvedic College is involved in the study of Ayurvedic principles, including those in Shalya tantra.
42) Manjishtha (Manjistha, Mamjishtha):
Manjistha is a medicinal herb mentioned in Ayurveda, included in formulations for treating wounds and infections in Shalya tantra.
43) Rasayana (Rasa-ayana):
[see source text or glossary: Rasayana]
44) Medicine:
'Medicine' in the context of Ayurveda involves both pharmaceutical treatments and procedural interventions, especially those outlined in Shalya tantra.
45) Granthi (Gramthi):
Granthi refers to glandular swellings or cysts which are addressed in Shalya tantra through procedures like Agnikarma and surgical excision.
46) Vriddhi (Vrddhi):
[see source text or glossary: Vriddhi]
47) Shakha (Sakha):
Shakha refers to the body parts or branches in Ayurveda. In some conditions, when Dosas reach the Shakhas, specific Shalya tantra procedures are indicated.
48) Brahma:
Brahma is regarded as the divine creator of Ayurveda, believed to have originally taught this science, including Shalya tantra.
49) Arbuda:
Arbuda denotes neoplastic swellings or tumors. Shalya tantra includes various surgical methods to treat these growths.
50) Dushta (Dusta):
'Dushta' indicates something that is impure or vitiated, often referring to ulcers or wounds that require surgical cleaning in Shalya tantra.
51) Pidaka:
[see source text or glossary: Pidaka]
52) Vataja (Vata-ja):
'Vataja' conditions arise from Vata dosha imbalance. Shalya tantra includes specific treatments for Vataja disorders, often involving surgical interventions.
53) Alabu:
Alabu is a gourd used in Raktamokshan for bloodletting procedures under Shalya tantra. It is particularly used in conditions related to blood vitiation.
54) Sidhu (Shidhu):
[see source text or glossary: Sidhu]
55) Ushna (Usna):
[see source text or glossary: Ushna]
56) Linga (Limga):
Linga refers to the clinical features or symptoms of diseases in Ayurveda. Shalya tantra uses these features to devise appropriate surgical treatments.
57) Vidya:
[see source text or glossary: Vidya]
58) India:
India is the country of origin for the ancient medical system of Ayurveda, including its surgical branch, Shalya tantra.
59) Shikha (Sikha):
Sikha Lekharu is one of the authors contributing to the study of Shalya tantra with special reference to Charak Samhita.
60) Patan:
Patan is one of the six types of Shastrakarma (surgical procedures) mentioned in Charak Samhita under Shalya tantra for treating various diseases.
61) Fever:
'Fever' is treated with various methods in Ayurveda. Under certain conditions, Shalya tantra recommends Raktamokshan to relieve fever.
62) Earth:
[see source text or glossary: Earth]
63) Visha (Visa):
Visha involves poisoning. Shalya tantra includes surgical procedures and other therapies to treat conditions arising from various toxins.
64) Agni:
In Shalya tantra, Agni refers to fire used in Agnikarma, a method of cauterization to arrest bleeding and remove impurities.
65) Hetu:
Hetu refers to the causative factors of diseases. Shalya tantra includes specific treatments based on these etiological factors.
66) Kila:
[see source text or glossary: Kila]
67) Pala:
Pala refers to the quantity in weight, especially in the context of herbal and mineral drugs used in Ayurvedic formulations.
68) Hair:
Hair is among the foreign objects mentioned in Shalya tantra that need to be surgically removed when embedded in the body.
69) Fire:
Fire, or Agni, is used in Shalya tantra procedures like Agnikarma for cauterization and other thermal therapies to treat various conditions.
70) Drug:
Drugs, both herbal and mineral, are intrinsic to Shalya tantra treatments to assist in surgical recovery and wound healing.
71) Cow dung:
Cow dung is used in traditional Ayurvedic practices, including in the preparation of certain treatments for skin conditions within Shalya tantra.
72) Cauterisation (Cauterization):
Cauterization, or Agnikarma, is a method in Shalya tantra where fire or caustic substances are used to treat various surgical conditions.
73) Galashundika (Galasundika, Gala-shundika):
[see source text or glossary: Galashundika]
74) Daruharidra (Daru-haridra):
Daruharidra is an Ayurvedic herb included in several formulations for treating infections and wounds as mentioned in Shalya tantra.
75) Yashtimadhu (Yastimadhu, Yashti-madhu):
Yashtimadhu, also known as licorice, is a herb used in Shalya tantra for its wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 149]