Review of Surgical Instruments in Ayurveda vs. Modern Obstetrics

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Review of Surgical Instruments in Ayurveda vs. Modern Obstetrics”. 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) Yantra (Yamtra):
In Ayurveda, a 'Yantra' refers to blunt surgical instruments used for procedures in medical fields such as Stree Roga and Prasuti Tantra. Examples include forceps and dilators, modeled after the ancient tools described in Ayurveda texts. They perform various functions like removing foreign bodies.

2) Shastra (Sastra):
A 'Shastra' is a sharp surgical instrument used in Ayurveda. These instruments are designed for cutting and excision. They resemble tools like scalpels or blades and are used in intricate surgical procedures as documented in ancient Indian medical literature.

3) Angula (Amgula):
An 'Angula' is an ancient unit of measurement used in Ayurveda, often referring to the length of surgical instruments. For example, specific Yantras and Shastras are described as being a certain number of Angulas long.

4) Prasuti:
'Prasuti' pertains to childbirth and obstetrics in Ayurveda. Various Ayurvedic practices and instruments are dedicated to supporting expectant mothers throughout labor and delivery, ensuring safe and effective management of childbirth.

5) Tantra (Tamtra, Tantrism):
In Ayurveda, 'Tantra' refers to a systematic approach or technique in medical treatment. 'Prasuti Tantra' specifically deals with obstetrics, encompassing methods, practices, and instruments used in childbirth and related female reproductive health issues.

6) Roga:
'Roga' means disease or condition. In the context of Stree Roga and Prasuti Tantra, it encompasses diseases related to women’s reproductive health, from gynecological disorders to complications during pregnancy and childbirth.

7) Salaka (Shalaka):
'Shalaka' refers to a class of surgical instruments in Ayurveda that are not hollow. These tools are used for various purposes like cauterization, probing, and retracting organs. Examples include uterine sounds and bougies used in gynecological procedures.

8) Karma (Karman):
'Karman' refers to procedures or actions. In medical contexts like Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP), instruments like Karman’s Cannula fall under Naadiyantra category for suction.

9) Mudhagarbha (Mudha-garbha):
'Mudhagarbha' describes a condition of difficult or obstructed labor. Ayurveda outlines specific surgical procedures and instruments for safely extracting the fetus during such complications to avoid harm to both mother and child.

10) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
'Ayurveda' is an ancient system of medicine that originated in India. It covers a wide range of medical practices, including surgery with specialized instruments, treatments, and preventive measures for various diseases like those in Stree Roga and Prasuti Tantra.

11) Shalya (Salya):
'Shalya' is a foreign body or any painful obstruction that needs to be removed from the body. In surgical contexts, 'Shalya Karma' involves the use of Yantras and Shastras to extract these obstructions effectively.

12) Yoni (Yonin):
'Yoni' refers to the female reproductive organs, particularly the vagina and uterus. In the text, various Ayurvedic procedures and instruments are used for treating conditions related to the 'Yoni,' including displaced yoni and vaginal/cervical ulcers.

13) Samhita:
'Samhita' refers to classical Ayurvedic texts that compile extensive medical knowledge, including descriptions of surgical instruments and procedures used in different fields such as Stree Roga and Prasuti Tantra.

14) Shuci (Suci, Sucin, Shucin):
'Suchi' means needle in Ayurveda. Suchis are used for puncturing and suturing tissues. Different types of needles are specified for various surgical tasks, such as stitching wounds or performing delicate surgeries in obstetrics and gynecology.

15) Bird:
The term 'bird' is used metaphorically in Ayurveda to describe certain instruments' shapes and functions. For instance, the 'Shararimukha Shastra,' which resembles a bird's long beak, is employed in surgical procedures like drainage of pus.

16) Vagbhata:
'Vagbhata' is a prominent ancient Indian physician whose works contribute significantly to Ayurvedic literature. His texts detail various surgical instruments and methods used in Stree Roga and Prasuti Tantra, illustrating the depth of ancient medical knowledge.

17) Disease:
'Disease' in the context of Ayurveda refers to any ailment or condition treated using Yantras, Shastras, and various therapeutic Karmas. The term 'Roga' frequently denotes diseases affecting different body systems, including reproductive health issues specific to women.

18) Cotton:
'Cotton' is mentioned as part of certain surgical instruments in Ayurveda. For instance, the 'Karpasa kritoshniya Shalaka' uses cotton at its end for cleaning wounds, taking vaginal smears, or applying medicinal substances during treatment.

19) Vrana:
'Vrana' means wound or ulcer. Various Ayurvedic instruments and procedures are prescribed for treating Vranas, particularly vaginal and cervical ulcers, using specialized tools like Yonivrana ekshana Yantra (speculum) for visualization.

20) Cauterisation (Cauterization):
'Cauterization' (Dahana Karma) is a procedure described in Ayurveda for treating certain gynecological conditions. Instruments like 'Jambavavadana Shalaka' are heated and used to burn and close wounds or ulcers, preventing further complications.

21) Shararimukha (Sararimukha, Sharari-mukha):
'Shararimukha' refers to a type of instrument resembling a bird’s long beak. It is generally 10 Angulas long and is used as scissors for tasks like bloodletting or draining pus during surgical procedures.

22) Prakshalana (Praksalana):
'Prakshalana' means washing or cleaning in Ayurveda. Instruments like Naadi Vrana Prakshalana Yantra are used for washing wounds or cavities. Modern equivalents include wound syringes and douche bags.

23) Striroga (Stri-roga):
'Stri-roga' pertains to gynecological diseases or disorders in Ayurveda. Instruments and procedures are specifically designed for diagnosing and treating disorders affecting female reproductive health.

24) Abhyanga (Abhyamga):
'Abhyanga' refers to the Ayurvedic practice of oil massage. In surgery, specific Yantras facilitate uncting (Abhyanga) of wounds or cavities, ensuring proper healing and treatment.

25) Bhedana:
'Bhedana' means incision or cutting. Various Shastras (sharp instruments) are used for Bhedana Karma during surgical procedures, making precise cuts to treat ailments or facilitate other treatments.

26) Vedhana:
'Vedhana' refers to puncturing or piercing using needles (Suchi) or other sharp instruments in Ayurveda. This procedure is essential for therapeutic practices like bloodletting or inserting medicinal substances.

27) Sharabha (Sarabha):
['see source text or glossary: Sarabha']

28) Dahana:
'Dahana' means burning or cauterization. This procedure involves using heated instruments (Shalaka) to burn tissues and close wounds or ulcers, especially in gynecological treatments.

29) Shanku (Sanku, Samku, Shamku):
'Shanku' is a hooked instrument used in Ayurveda, mainly for extracting obstructed fetus (Mudhagarbha) during difficult labor. Its shape and use are detailed items in ancient Ayurvedic texts.

30) Arbuda:
'Arbuda' refers to tumors or growths. Ayurvedic treatment involves complete excision using Shastras like Mandalagrashastra after holding the tumor with a Badisha, following precise surgical methods.

31) Anguli (Amguli):
'Anguli' is a unit of measurement in Ayurveda. Many surgical instruments' sizes are specified in Angulas, ensuring precision in their application during medical and surgical procedures.

32) Punjab:
['see source text or glossary: Punjab']

33) Mamsa (Mamsha):
'Mamsa' refers to muscle or flesh in Ayurveda. Instruments like Tryastra needles are particularly used for suturing muscular tissues, adhering to detailed surgical protocols.

34) India:
['see source text or glossary: India']

35) Hetu:
'Hetu' means cause or purpose in Ayurveda. Instruments are designed with specific hetu, like Rog Darshanaarth (for visualizing disease) or Srotogatashalyauddharnarth (for removing foreign bodies).

36) Lion:
'Lion' is used in the name of an instrument, 'Sinhamukha Yantra,' due to its resemblance to a lion’s face. This categorization mirrors the detailed analogies used in ancient Ayurveda texts.

37) Ashtangasamgraha (Astangasamgraha, Astangasangraha, Ashtanga-samgraha, Ashtanga-sangraha, Ashtangasangraha):
'Ashtanga-samgraha' is a classical Ayurvedic text by Vagbhata, containing extensive details on surgical instruments and medical procedures, including those used in Stree Roga and Prasuti Tantra.

38) Inflammation:
'Inflammation' or 'Aamavastha' is a stage in the development of an abscess (Stanavidradhi) described in Ayurveda. Instruments and procedures are prescribed at various stages to prevent severe complications.

39) Utpalapatra (Utpala-patra):
'Utpalapatra' means instruments having a sharp edge resembling a Utpala leaf. Instruments like Utpalapatra Shastra are used for excision and incision procedures, similar to modern surgical scalpels.

40) Visodhana (Vishodhana):
'Vishodhana' means cleansing or purification. Instruments like Mutramarga Vishodhini Shalaka are designed for dilating and cleansing passages such as the urethra, ensuring proper medical treatment.

41) Discussion:
The 'Discussion' section typically evaluates historical and modern uses of Ayurvedic instruments (Yantras and Shastras). It provides insights into medical innovations' continuity from ancient to contemporary practice.

42) Adhimamsa:
'Adhimamsa' means overgrown or redundant muscle tissue. Instruments like Samdansha Yantra are described for tasks such as catching and holding this tissue during surgical procedures.

43) Knowledge:
In Ayurveda, practitioners (Vaidya) must possess comprehensive 'knowledge' of instruments and medical texts, ensuring competent surgical practice and effective treatment outcomes for diseases.

44) Vitiation (Vitiated):
'Vitiation' refers to the imbalance of elements like Vayu causing conditions such as Arbuda. Ayurvedic treatments aim to correct such imbalances using specific surgical and medical interventions.

45) Samvrita (Samvrta):
'Samvrita' means closed or obstructed. In gynecology, conditions like Samvrita yoni (obstructed vagina) require dilation procedures described in Ayurveda, facilitated by specific instruments.

46) Ashtanga (Astanga, Ashtan-anga):
'Ashtanga' refers to the eight branches of Ayurveda, one of which encompasses surgical practices. Texts like 'Ashtanga Samgraha' provide detailed knowledge on instruments and surgical techniques.

47) Samgraha (Sangraha):
'Samgraha' denotes a compilation of knowledge, as in 'Ashtanga Samgraha,' an Ayurveda text that describes various surgical instruments and procedures used since ancient times.

48) Lekhana:
'Lekhana' refers to scraping actions performed during surgical procedures. Instruments like Mandalagrashastra are used for Lekhana Karma, meticulously removing tissues in treatments.

49) Karpasa:
'Karpasa' means cotton. Instruments like Karpasa kritoshniya Shalaka have cotton applied at their ends for tasks such as cleaning wounds or taking medical smears during treatments.

50) Sharari (Sarari):
'Sharari' refers to a bird whose long beak shape is mimicked by the Shararimukha Shastra. This specific shape is used for instruments like surgical scissors in medical procedures.

51) Vaidya:
'Vaidya' is a practitioner or physician in Ayurveda. A competent Vaidya must have thorough knowledge of surgical instruments and procedures to effectively treat various medical conditions.

52) Harita:
'Harita' is an ancient Ayurvedic scholar who provides descriptions of surgical techniques and instruments. For instance, Harita mentions using Ardhachandra Shastra for procedures like fetal extraction.

53) Garbha:
'Garbha' refers to the fetus or womb. Ayurvedic instruments and methods are detailed for managing complicated pregnancies and deliveries, ensuring fetal (Garbha) and maternal safety.

54) Dirgha:
'Dirgha' means long. Some instruments, like the Jambavavadana Shalaka, are categorized based on their length (Sthula, Anu, Dirgha), suited for specific therapeutic actions in Ayurveda.

55) Utpala:
'Utpala' refers to the lotus leaf, and instruments like Utpalapatra Shastra mimic its shape. Such tools are used for procedures that require precise cutting or incisions in treatment.

56) Masura:
'Masura' refers to a cereal shape. Swastika Yantras are blunt instruments described as having edges joined by Masura-shaped nails, indicative of the detailed analogies used in Ayurveda.

57) Sthula:
'Sthula' means thick or large. Some surgical instruments in Ayurveda, like the Jambavavadana Shalaka, vary in size (Sthula, Anu, Dirgha) for specific uses in therapeutic treatment.

58) Thomas:
['see source text or glossary: Thomas']

59) Srotas (Shrotas):
'Srotas' are channels or cavities in the body. Naadiyantras are designed to remove foreign bodies (Shalya) from Srotas, aiding in cleansing and therapeutic procedures.

60) Silver:
'Silver' is mentioned in Ayurveda for making needles. Charaka's description of Sutikagaar includes silver-made Suchis, indicating the use of precious metals in surgical instruments.

61) Animal:
'Animal' shapes inspire many Ayurvedic instruments' designs, like Swastika Yantras resembling animals such as lions, wolves, and birds, aiding specific surgical functions.

62) Labour (Labor):
'Labour' or childbirth care is central to Prasuti Tantra in Ayurveda. Various instruments and procedures ensure safe labor and delivery, managing complications like Mudhagarbha effectively.

63) Indian:
['see source text or glossary: Indian']

64) Bhoja:
'Bhoja' is an authority whose descriptions of Ayurveda include surgical instruments like Vetasapatra Shastra. His contributions aid in understanding ancient medical practices.

65) Udara:
'Udara' refers to the stomach or abdominal area. Curved needles (Dhanuvakra) are specified for suturing in regions like Udara, indicating detailed surgical guidelines in Ayurveda.

66) Rakta:
'Rakta' means blood. Ayurvedic procedures like bloodletting (Raktavisravana) use specific instruments to release or drain blood, treating conditions associated with blood vitiation.

67) Patra:
'Patra' means leaf or blade. Utpalapatra Shastra, having a sharp edge like a lotus leaf, is used for cutting and excision, reflecting the precision of ancient surgical tools.

68) Yukti:
'Yukti' refers to the application of reasoning or skill. An Ayurvedic practitioner (Vaidya) applies Yukti to adapt instruments (Yantras) for specific medical needs, illustrating skillful medical practice.

69) Snayu:
'Snayu' refers to tendons or sinews. Instruments like Samdansha Yantra are used in Ayurveda for catching and holding tissues like Snayu during surgical procedures.

70) Jihma:
'Jihma' means bent or tortuous. In treating Jihma Yoni (bent vagina), Ayurveda describes manual correction using the hand or fingers, reflecting detailed therapeutic guidelines.

71) Roman (Roma):
['see source text or glossary: Roman']

72) Jambu:
'Jambu' refers to the jambul fruit. The Jambavavadana Shalaka's shape resembles the seed of Jambu, used in procedures like Dahana Karma for treating specific gynecological conditions.

73) Ayus (Ayush):
AYUSHDHARA is a journal focusing on research in AYUSH systems, including Ayurveda. It publishes articles like the comprehensive review of surgical instruments used in Stree Roga & Prasuti Tantra.

74) Aryan:
['see source text or glossary: Aryan']

75) Ulcer:
Ulcers, or Vrana, are treated in Ayurveda using specific instruments like Yonivrana ekshana Yantra for visualizing and addressing ulceration in the vagina and cervix.

[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 89]