Application of Panchakarma in Shalya Tantra A Review
Application of Panchakarma in Shalya Tantra A Review
Application of Panchakarma in Shalya Tantra A Review
Volume 5 Issue 1, November-December 2020 Available Online: www.ijtsrd.com e-ISSN: 2456 – 6470
INTRODUCTION
Panchakarma is an integral part of Ayurveda. It is chiefly conservatively. Advanced states of many pathologies usually
constituted of specially designed five procedures for require surgical intervention. In chronic diseases it results in
detoxification of body. These includes a)Vamana (emesis gross vitiation of channels i.e Strotodushti, weakness of
therapy), b)Virechana (purgation therapy), c)Basti digestive power i.e Agnimandya, improper nourishment of
(therapeutic enema), d)Nasya (errhine therapy) and tissues and decreased immunity i.e Ojokshaya. Later for
e)Raktamokshana karma (bloodletting therapy)[1]. wellbeing, body needs to get purified.
Raktamokshana procedure is directly related to the practice
of Shalya Tantra. It is carried out with the help of different Panchakarma therapy application has not only the
surgical instruments like Yantra, Shastra and Anushastra. purificative aim, but the facilitation of desired
Panchakarma is not only a bio-purificatory process, but pharmacokinetic effect of therapeutic remedies
involves a wide range of therapeutics such as replenishing, administered is also achieved. It eliminates toxins, stagnated
depleting and rejuvenating therapies. It has broad spectrum excreta and metabolites from the body, cleanses the macro
of applications in the practice of Shalya Tantrai.eAyurvedic and micro channels, maximizes the absorption and
discipline of surgery. Numerous textual references are metabolism of nutrients and drugs, and helps in minimizing
available where theprocedures of Panchakarma have been their dose and toxicity[3]
adopted as an important measure along with institution of
surgical intervention. Role of Panchakarma in the field of Shalya tantra
Acharya Dalhan has predominantly explained that Langhana
Effect of Panchakarma Therapy (desaturation) to Virechana karma (purgation) are the main
Panchakarma has an indispensable contribution in all eight pre-operative measures that include important
branches of ayurveda. Many pathologies related to Shalya Panchakarma procedures like Snehana (unction), Svedana
Tantra requires Panchakarma procedures to get rid from (fomentation), Vistravana (bloodletting), Vamana
them. In Shalya Tantra, Panchakarma has a very primerole to (therapeutic emesis) and Virechana (therapeutic
play. The principle objective of treatment as expounded by purgation)[4]The chief objective of Shalya Tantra is meant for
Acharya Sushruta is replenishing the deficiency, reducing the extraction of various foreign substances out of the body. Not
exaggerated levels, and preservation of equilibrium of only the foreign bodies, but all those which cause painful
doshas[2] It becomes difficult to manage chronic pathologies disorders have been termed as ‘Shalya’[5] such as excessive
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accumulation of mala (excreta/toxins) and dosha (Vata, suppuration. It is particularly indicated in the wounds with
Pitta, Kapha). Acharya Sushruta has elaborated the inflammation, hardness, dark-red discoloration, pain i.e. in
procedures of Panchkarma in ChikitsaSthana along with pre- DushtaVrana. In poisoned wounds as well, bloodletting has
procedure preparations, complications and management. been prescribed with leeches[15] While describing the
Major surgical conditions requiring Panchakarma management of wounds, Acharya Charaka has explained that
procedures are described as under: evacuation with Vamana, Virechana, Shastra karma and Basti
karma are the main treatment modalities that should be
Vrana (Wounds): Wound management is the most vital part adopted; because the wounds get pacified quickly[16]
of practice of Shalya Tantra. Etiological classification of
vrana (wounds) constitutes Nija/Shareeravrana (intrinsic Component of Infection: In Surgical practice, the infection
wounds-caused by vitiation ofdosha) or Agantujavrana is of vital importance. Prevention of wound from infection
(exogenous wounds or traumatic wounds)[6]Panchakarma and management of infected wounds is a potential challenge
procedures have a significant place in the management of to the surgeons of modern times as well. Ayurveda has
both these types of wounds. In case of many casualties due to special way of management of Dushtavrana (infected
severe haemorrhage in case of Chhinna (excised), Bhinna wound) that chiefly incorporates the procedures of
(ruptured), Vidhha (punctured) and Kshata (lacerated) Panchakarma.
wounds, vatadoshagets aggravated resulting in severe pain.
For this vitiatedvatadosha, Sneha-pana(unction therapy), ArshaChikitsa (Haemorrhoids): Arsha is one of the main
Snigdhaupanahana (local application of unctuous poultices), and common pathologies related to the field of Shalya
Snehabasti (medicated unctuous enemas) are specifically Tantra. The Nidanasamprapti (aetio-pathogenesis) of Arsha
indicated[7] All the Panchakarma procedures have been includes Manda-agnii.esuppression of digestive fire and
included under ‘Shashti Upkrama’ (sixty modalities) of Malavashtambhai.eexcessive accumulation of excrements [17]
wound management as described by Sushruta. More Panchakarma is absolute indication for its effective
specifically the indications for individual procedures management. In the context of VatajArsha, snehan, swedana,
includes as, virechana, anuvasana and asthapanabasti have been
indicated. Also in Pittaj Arsha, virechana karma has been
Snehana Karma (Unction Therapy): Consumption of Sneha mentioned as one of the main treatments[18].
processed with specified drugs has been indicated in
patients who have complications due to wound [8] In all such Parikartika (Anal Fissures): Pichhabasti and snehabasti i.e
conditions, there is gross aggravation of Vatadosha, that gets Anuvasnabasti have been indicated in Parikartikai.e anal
cured easily by Snehana karma. fissures[19]. Local soothing and wound healing is certainly
achieved by medicated enemas. And ultimately by its beauty
Svedana Karma (Sudation Therapy): Different types of of action, it is effective in relieving the condition as well.
fomentations has been indicated in inflammatory swellings
for local application which are painful, hard.[9] Bhagandara (Fistula in Ano): Various Svedana karma and
Virechana have been indicated in Bhagandara (fistula in
Vaman Karma (Therapeutic Emesis): It is an excellent ano). The glory of panchakarma reflects here by helping in
therapy for minimisation of vitiated Kaphadosha. In case of Sampraptibhanga (breaking the chain of pathogenesis at its
wounds having inflammation along with granulation tissue root) and helps to remove the vitiateddoshas. Specifically, in
and vitiated darkish blood, vamana karma is useful Kaphaj type (ParistraviBhagandra), mild virechana followed
particularly in that caused by vitiated Kaphadosha[10] by TikshnaVirechana have been advised to be
administered.[20]
VirechanaKarma (Therapeutic Purgation: Virechana
karma is choice of treatment in wounds vitiated with pitta Gud-Bhransha (Prolapse of Rectum): Administration of
associated with vata and which are chronic in duration [11] Pichhabasti (slimy enema) has the indication in rectal
prolapse and bleeding per anum.[21] In Charak and
Basti Karma (Medicated Enema): The wounds which are SushrutSamhita, the varieties of PichhaBasti have been
rough, severely vitiated by vata and is particularly situated mentioned.
in the lower part of the body, basti is indicated in such
cases[12] AshmariChikitsa (Urinary Calculus) : Post-operative
Svedana Karma (sudation), Uttar Basti (urethral douche),
Uttar Basti Karma (Douches): This is particularly applied Asthapana (medicated enema) and AnuvasnaBasti (unctuous
through urinary path mostly in retention of urine, disorders enemas) are the main Panchakarma procedures indicated in
of urine and semen, wounds caused by calculus and in management of this illness.[22] These procedures help in
menstrual disorders; administration of Uttarbasti is preventing and relieving the post-operative pain and
helpful[13] complications.
Shiro-virechana Karma (Errhine Therapy):The wounds Shopha (Oedema): By monitoring the level of vitiation of
and swellings which are located in supraclavicular region i.e Doshas, and mode of Samprapti (pathogenesis)Snehana,
urdhava-jatrugatavrana requires special management with Svedana, Upnahanaalong with frequent Sira-vedha definitely
Shiro-virechana karma.[14] give the good results.[23]
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aggravation of local vata. The Panchkarma procedures have Bradhna (inguinal hernia), Virechana and NiruhaBasti have
a good role to play here. Dhara (allowing oil to flow in to and been mentioned as the main treatment[35].
fro manner from certain distance with certain velocity),
Abhyang (gently application of oil) and Basti karma in the AtyayikaChikitsa (Emergency Management) :Emergency
management of bhagna (fractures). AnuvasnaBasti gives management is an integral part of Surgery. Acharya Sushruta
fascinating results inprashakhabhagna (fractures of has indicated the procedure of Siravyadha (venepuncture) to
extremities), Application of Nasya karma in fractures and relieve acute conditions by its fast action. Raktamokshanaby
dislocations involving the parts above neck helps fast Siravyadha has been said to contribute as half of the total
recovery, Svedana and Nasya karma in dislocation of Hanu surgical management.[36]In the management of excessive
(mandible) is also helpful.[24] blood loss, Rakta-basti (enema with blood) has been
indicated as an effective major.[37] In the management of
PramehaPidika (Diabetic Boils): Management of this by Dhoom-op-hata (suffocation by smoke), vaman and
the treatment with Vamana,Virechana and Siravedha has shirovirechana help to evacuate the accumulated toxins.[38]
been prescribed along with surgical intervention. In the For managing the condition of ‘Bahurajju-lata pasha
patients suffering from Madhumeha (Diabetes mellitus), for kanthapeedana’ (throatling), there has been a prime
easy excretion of vitiated doshas, the administration of indication for Shirovirechana.[39] Intake of incompatible food
drastic purgatives has been advised.[25] has been described to be treated by Panchkarma, mainly by
vamanand virechana. Similarly in poisoning cases, the unique
Apachi (Scrofula), Granthi, Arbuda (Tumours): management method is Panchakarma. In Dushivisha or
Ghritapana, Tailapanai.eoral administration of medicated poisons situated in blood, venepuncture along with all the
ghee and oil, svedana karma along with main Panchakarma five evacuative measures of Panchakarma have been advised
procedures constitute the general management of all these by Acharya Charaka.[40]
conditions.[26] In advanced scrofula, medicated ghee should
be administered to the patient to eliminate vitiated Doshas CONCLUSION:
from both ways (emesis and purgation). Shirovirechana Panchakarma has an international recognition as major and
karma has also been included.[27] unique therapy in the preservation, maintenance and
conservation of health, along with promotion of longevity. In
GranthiRoga (Cystic Lesions): In vatajgranthi, different the field of Shalya Tantra, the procedures of Panchakarma
types of poultices are useful to minimise the local symptoms. plays a very important role. Successful peri-operative
In Pittajgranthi, bloodletting with leeches plays a vital management of numerous surgical conditions requires
role.[28] adjuvant therapies of Panchakarma. By adopting these
procedures, the practice of Shalya Tantra is sure to be
ShlipadaRoga(Elephantiasis) Raktamokshana by benefitted with improved outcomes.
Siravyadha has been indicated to get rid of impurities in the
blood and in the management of all the three types of REFERENCES:
Shlipada[29] [1] Ravi DuttTripathi. Hindi Commentary on
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[2] Priyavrat Sharma. Editor and Translator of Sushruta
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(excrements) in all types of Udararogafrequent purgation is
Acharya and Nyaya Chandrika of Gaya Dasa on
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[13] Priyavrat Sharma. Editor and Translator of Sushruta
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[17] AmbikadattaShastri, translator, 458.
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[18] Priyavrat Sharma. Editor and Translator of Sushruta
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[19] P.V. Sharma. Editor-Translator of Charaka Samhita, [32] Priyavrat Sharma. Editor and Translator of Sushruta
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[38] Priyavrat Sharma. Editor and Translator of Sushruta
[34] AmbikadattaShastri, translator, Samhita, Volume I, SutraSthana, Chapter 12/33-37, 1
Ayurvedatatvasandeepika Hindi commentary on stedition (reprint).
Sushruta Samhita, Part I, ChikitsaSthana, Chapter ChaukhambhaVisvabharati,Varanasi, 2013 p 131-132.
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Ayurvedatatvasandeepika Hindi commentary on
[35] P. V. Sharma. Editor-Translator of Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Part I, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 27/18,
Volume II, ChikitsaSthana, Chapter 12/95, 1 stedition, 2nd edition (reprint) Chaukhambha Sanskrit
Reprint, ChaukhambhaOrientalia, Varanasi, 2010; p Sansthana, Varanasi, 2012; p146.
201.
[40] K. Shastri and G. NathaChaturvedi. Elaborated
[36] Priyavrat Sharma. Editorand Translator of Sushruta Vidyotini Hindi Commentary on Charaka Samhita,
Samhita, Volume II, ShareeraSthana, Chapter 8/22-23, Part II, ChikitsaSthana, Chapter 23/37,63, 1st ed.
15 1stedition (reprint). ChaukhambhaVisvabharati, ChaukhambhaBharati Academy, Varanasi; 2012; p
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