Kaya Chikitsa in Sushruta Samhita by Maharshi Sushruta.
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: A brief mention of kaya chikitsa (general medicine) in susruta samhita by maharshi susruta
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 and HOD, Department of Samhita and Siddhanta, Government Ayurvedic College, Jalukbari, Assam
Chumi Bhatta*
P.G Scholar, Department of Samhita and Siddhanta, Government Ayurvedic College, Jalukbari, Assam
Victoria Boro
P.G Scholar, Department of Samhita and Siddhanta, Government Ayurvedic College, Jalukbari, Assam
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: A brief mention of kaya chikitsa (general medicine) in susruta samhita by maharshi susruta
Year: 2018
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Ayurveda, the holistic system of medicine, is traditionally believed to have been created by Lord Brahma and later evolved into eight branches known as Ashtanga Ayurveda. The Susruta Samhita, authored by Maharshi Susruta, encompasses all these branches, with a particular focus on Shalya Chikitsa, or surgery. While Kayachikitsa, or general medicine, is discussed in the Susruta Samhita, it is more comprehensively detailed in the Charak Samhita by Maharshi Charak. Due to the scattered nature of Kayachikitsa topics in the Susruta Samhita, this paper aims to compile and simplify these subjects, making them more accessible for readers and allowing easier reference for further research.
The Role of Susruta in Kayachikitsa
The Susruta Samhita outlines 46 chapters dedicated to Kayachikitsa, with various chapters covering definitions, types of diseases, and treatment protocols. Among these chapters, the Sutrasthana addresses the foundational principles of Ayurveda and the importance of disease management. Additionally, the author emphasizes the need for physicians to exhibit compassion and dedication towards their patients. The text discusses the nature of diseases such as Jwar (fever), Raktapitta (bleeding disorders), and Prameha (diabetes), along with their respective treatments, highlighting Susruta's contribution to the understanding and classification of general medical disorders.
Insights on Disease Diagnosis
A significant aspect of Susruta's teachings is the diagnosis and understanding of various diseases. For instance, the Nidana Sthana elaborates on the identification of conditions such as Vatavyadhi (neurological disorders) and Kustha (skin diseases), explaining their causes, types, and treatment options. The meticulous detailing of these subjects advocates for a systematic approach toward medical diagnosis in the Ayurvedic context. Susruta’s perspective on the necessity of understanding a patient's complete clinical picture before prescribing treatments reflects a hallmark of Ayurvedic medical philosophy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the compilation and analysis of Kayachikitsa as presented in the Susruta Samhita serve a dual purpose: it enhances understanding of Ayurveda's approach to general medicine and provides a structured reference for practitioners and scholars. By compiling the scattered topics within this ancient text, it allows contemporary readers to appreciate Susruta's insights into disease management and treatment. The work underscores Susruta's essential contributions to the field of Ayurveda, affirming his legacy as a pioneer in both surgical and general medical practices.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the significance of Kaya Chikitsa in Susruta Samhita?
Kaya Chikitsa, or general medicine, is a crucial aspect of Ayurveda. While Susruta Samhita primarily emphasizes surgical practices, it includes significant insights on Kaya Chikitsa that help address various diseases and treatments. It consists of numerous chapters dedicated to this area.
How is Kaya Chikitsa structured in Susruta Samhita?
Kaya Chikitsa in Susruta Samhita comprises a total of 46 chapters distributed across different sections, including Sutrasthan, Nidansthan, Chikitsa Sthan, and Uttar Tantra. Each section covers various aspects, diseases, and treatments related to general medicine.
Who primarily elaborates on Kaya Chikitsa compared to Susruta Samhita?
While Susruta Samhita addresses Kaya Chikitsa, it is more elaborately discussed by Maharshi Charak in the Charak Samhita. The latter provides a more detailed compilation, making it essential for understanding Ayurvedic general medicine.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Kaya Chikitsa in Sushruta Samhita by Maharshi Sushruta.”. 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:
In Ayurveda, a Samhita is a classical text or collection of teachings. Sushruta Samhita is one such important treatise attributed to Maharshi Susruta that covers various medical and surgical topics.
2) Sushruta-samhita (Susruta-samhita):
[see source text or glossary: Sushruta-samhita]
3) Varanasi (Varanashi):
Varanasi is a city in India known for its deep historical, cultural, and academic significance. Many classical Ayurvedic texts, including editions of the Sushruta-samhita, have been published and studied here.
4) Sanskrit:
Sanskrit is the classical language in which the ancient Ayurvedic texts, such as Sushruta Samhita, were originally written. It is crucial for understanding traditional medical literature.
5) Yoga:
In the context of Ayurveda and the Sushruta Samhita, Yoga refers to formulations, medicinal preparations, and treatments designed to address various health conditions.
6) Shri (Sri, Sr):
[see source text or glossary: Shri]
7) Samprapti:
Samprapti is the Ayurvedic term for the pathogenesis or the process through which a disease emerges and develops in the body. It is fundamental in diagnosing and treating diseases in Ayurveda.
8) Ambika:
[see source text or glossary: Ambika]
9) Purvarupa (Purva-rupa):
Purvarupa refers to the initial or prodromal symptoms that manifest before the full onset of a disease. In the Sushruta Samhita, understanding Purvarupa is key for early diagnosis and intervention.
10) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is a holistic system of medicine originating in ancient India, focusing on balance within the body, mind, and spirit. Fundamental texts like the Sushruta Samhita provide comprehensive knowledge on health, disease, and treatment.
11) Vata:
Vata is one of the three doshas (biological energies) in Ayurveda, representing movement and governed by air and space elements. It plays a critical role in various physiological functions and pathologies as described in the Sushruta Samhita.
12) Vaidya:
A Vaidya is an Ayurvedic physician or practitioner who diagnoses and treats patients based on the principles outlined in texts like the Sushruta Samhita.
13) Kushtha (Kustha):
Kustha refers to a category of dermatological disorders or skin diseases in Ayurveda. In the Sushruta Samhita, Kustha is thoroughly discussed in terms of its etiology, types, symptoms, and treatment protocols.
14) Medicine:
Medicine in the context of the Sushruta Samhita includes the preparation and administration of various herbal and mineral formulations to treat diseases. Charaka Samhita, another foundational text, elaborates more on medicinal treatments.
15) Upadamsha (Upadamsa):
Upadamsa is a condition similar to venereal disease, described in Ayurveda. The Sushruta Samhita includes discussions on its causes, symptoms, and treatments.
16) Prameha:
Prameha refers to a group of urinary disorders, including diabetes mellitus, in Ayurveda. The Sushruta Samhita outlines its different types, etiologies, symptoms, and management strategies.
17) Samanya:
[see source text or glossary: Samanya]
18) Ghrita (Ghrta):
Ghrita refers to clarified butter or ghee used in Ayurvedic preparations for its medicinal properties. Various formulations like Mahatiktaka Ghrita are mentioned in the Sushruta Samhita for different treatments.
19) Hetu:
Hetu refers to the causative factors or etiological agents responsible for the development of diseases. Understanding Hetu is vital for Ayurvedic diagnosis and treatment, as detailed in the Sushruta Samhita.
20) Kaya:
[see source text or glossary: Kaya]
21) Visarpa:
Visarpa is an Ayurvedic term for herpes or erysipelas, a spreading skin condition. The Sushruta Samhita provides detailed descriptions of its types, pathogenesis, and treatments.
22) Krishna (Krsna):
[see source text or glossary: Krishna]
23) Gayada:
[see source text or glossary: Gayada]
24) Hindi (Himdi):
[see source text or glossary: Hindi]
25) Raktapitta (Rakta-pitta):
Raktapitta is a condition involving bleeding disorders in Ayurveda. The Sushruta Samhita discusses its etiopathogenesis, symptoms, and therapeutic interventions.
26) Rakta:
Rakta refers to blood, a vital tissue in Ayurveda responsible for nourishment and vitality. The Sushruta Samhita describes its qualities, formation, disorders, and treatments.
27) Taila (Thaila):
Taila means oil, used in various Ayurvedic therapies and formulations. It is often utilized in Snehana (oleation) as part of treatment protocols explored in texts like the Sushruta Samhita.
28) Roga:
Roga means disease or ailment. The Sushruta Samhita categorizes and details various Rogas, including their causes, symptoms, and treatments.
29) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa, in Ayurveda, refers to both taste and the essential fluids or plasma that nourish the body. The Sushruta Samhita elaborates on its significance in health and disease.
30) Lakshana (Laksana):
Lakshana refers to the signs and symptoms used in Ayurveda to diagnose diseases. The Sushruta Samhita provides detailed descriptions of Lakshana for various conditions.
31) Atisara:
Atisara is the Ayurvedic term for diarrhea. The Sushruta Samhita discusses its causes, types, symptoms, and treatment options.
32) Kalpana:
[see source text or glossary: Kalpana]
33) Ashtanga (Astanga, Ashtan-anga):
[see source text or glossary: Astanga]
34) Kalpa:
[see source text or glossary: Kalpa]
35) Hikka:
Hikka refers to hiccups in Ayurveda. The Sushruta Samhita delves into its types, causes, symptoms, and their corresponding treatments.
36) Bheda:
Bheda refers to the classification or differentiation in Ayurveda, often used to categorize types of diseases, symptoms, or treatments, as discussed in the Sushruta Samhita.
37) Udavarta:
Udavarta is a condition characterized by the upward movement of Vata, leading to various gastrointestinal symptoms. The Sushruta Samhita provides insights into its causes, symptoms, and treatments.
38) Bharati:
[see source text or glossary: Bharati]
39) Asadhya:
Asadhya denotes incurable conditions in Ayurveda. The Sushruta Samhita identifies diseases that fall under this category along with their prognosis and management approaches.
40) Disease:
Disease in Ayurveda, as extensively covered in the Sushruta Samhita, includes the diagnosis, classification, and treatment of various health disorders based on ancient principles.
41) Tantra (Tamtra, Tantrism):
Tantra refers to a branch or technique in Ayurveda. The Sushruta Samhita is part of the Shalya Tantra, focusing predominantly on surgical procedures.
42) Pathya:
Pathya refers to a prescribed diet and lifestyle that is conducive to health and recovery. The Sushruta Samhita includes detailed Pathya guidelines for various diseases.
43) Shalya (Salya):
Shalya refers to surgery in Ayurveda, a major focus of the Sushruta Samhita. It encompasses surgical techniques, instruments, and postoperative care.
44) Sharman (Sarma, Sharma, Sarman):
[see source text or glossary: Sharma]
45) Karma (Karman):
Karma, in the context of Ayurveda and the Sushruta Samhita, refers to therapeutic actions or procedures undertaken to treat diseases, including surgical and non-surgical interventions.
46) Adhya:
[see source text or glossary: Adhya]
47) Vatashonita (Vatasonita, Vata-shonita):
Vata-sonita, also known as Vatarakta, is a condition resulting from the combined vitiation of Vata and Rakta (blood). The Sushruta Samhita explores its etiology, symptoms, and treatments.
48) Vatavyadhi (Vata-vyadhi):
Vatavyadhi encompasses disorders caused by the vitiation of Vata dosha. The Sushruta Samhita includes extensive chapters on the causes, symptoms, and management of Vatavyadhi.
49) Hridroga (Hrdroga, Hrid-roga):
Hridroga refers to heart diseases in Ayurveda. The Sushruta Samhita outlines various types of Hridroga, their pathogenesis, symptoms, and treatment protocols.
50) Kaphaja:
Kaphaja refers to conditions or symptoms predominated by the Kapha dosha. The Sushruta Samhita includes discussions on Kaphaja disorders and their treatments.
51) Aushadha (Ausadha):
Ausadha means medicine or therapeutic substance used in the treatment of diseases. The Sushruta Samhita details various Ausadha formulations and their applications.
52) Ashmari (Asmari):
Ashmari is the Ayurvedic term for urinary stones or calculi. The Sushruta Samhita discusses its etiology, types, symptoms, and treatment options extensively.
53) Shlipada (Slipada):
Slipada is a condition similar to elephantiasis, characterized by swelling of limbs. The Sushruta Samhita provides detailed descriptions and treatments for Slipada.
54) Pittaja (Pitta-ja):
Pittaja refers to conditions or symptoms predominated by the Pitta dosha. The Sushruta Samhita includes discussions on Pittaja disorders and their treatments.
55) Shonita (Sonita):
Shonita is another term for blood in Ayurveda. The Sushruta Samhita discusses its role in health and disease, including disorders of the blood.
56) Bhatta:
[see source text or glossary: Bhatta]
57) Murcha:
Murcha refers to fainting or unconsciousness. The Sushruta Samhita elucidates its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
58) Lavana:
Lavana means salt in Ayurveda, often used in formulations. Various types of Lavana are mentioned in the Sushruta Samhita for therapeutic purposes.
59) Vataja (Vata-ja):
Vataja refers to conditions or diseases caused by the vitiation of the Vata dosha. The Sushruta Samhita details the diagnosis and treatment of Vataja disorders.
60) Vidhi:
Vidhi refers to procedural or methodological guidelines. The Sushruta Samhita includes numerous Vidhis regarding treatments and surgeries.
61) Marma:
Marma is a vital point on the body where tissues such as muscles, veins, ligaments, bones, and joints meet. The Sushruta Samhita provides detailed descriptions of Marma points and their significance.
62) Ahara:
Ahara means food or diet. The Sushruta Samhita emphasizes the importance of Ahara in maintaining health and treating diseases.
63) Madya:
Madya refers to alcoholic beverages. The Sushruta Samhita discusses the properties, classifications, and effects of Madya as well as its judicious use in treatments.
64) Shopha (Sopha):
Sopha refers to swelling or edema. The Sushruta Samhita describes its types, causes, symptoms, and treatment approaches.
65) Visha (Visa):
[see source text or glossary: Visha]
66) Hara:
[see source text or glossary: Hara]
67) Rupa:
[see source text or glossary: Rupa]
68) Guna:
Guna refers to the qualities or attributes in Ayurveda. The Sushruta Samhita discusses various Gunas to describe the properties of substances and their effects on the body.
69) Kala:
[see source text or glossary: Kala]
70) Shalyatantra (Salyatantra, Shalya-tantra, Shalyatamtra):
Shalya-tantra is the branch of Ayurveda dealing with surgery. The Sushruta Samhita is a comprehensive text in Shalya-tantra, covering surgical techniques and principles.
71) Manyastambha (Manya-stambha):
Manyastambha refers to a condition involving stiffness of the neck, often due to Vata vitiation. The Sushruta Samhita discusses its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
72) Dhanvantari (Dhanvamtari):
Dhanvantari is considered the god of Ayurveda and physician of the gods. The Sushruta Samhita honors Dhanvantari in its teachings and practices.
73) Agadatantra (Agada-tantra, Agadatamtra):
Agadatantra is the branch of Ayurveda that deals with toxicology, including poisons and their antidotes. The Sushruta Samhita provides elaborate details on Agadatantra.
74) Panduroga (Pandu-roga, Pamduroga):
Pandu-roga refers to a condition similar to anemia in Ayurveda. The Sushruta Samhita outlines its etiology, symptoms, and treatment protocols.
75) Siddhanta (Siddha-anta, Siddhamta):
Siddhanta means established or proven principles. The Sushruta Samhita is based on such Siddhantas, including principles for diagnosis, treatment, and surgery.
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 262]