Book Description

In the present era, plant derived products are gaining importance as medicinal products, nutraceuticals and cosmetics. Herbal medicines are widely used in healthcare in both developed and developing countries. Ayurveda, ‘the science of life’ utilizes different forms of herbs in therapeutics and is largely depends upon the medicinal plants for the therapy. The use of herbal medicines has increased remarkably in line with the global trend of people returning to natural therapies. Kshar is one among such forms. Acharya Sushruta known as ‘father of Surgery’ has described various surgical process along with parasurgical measures in Sushruta Samhita, which is the oldest available text in surgical practice, enriched with detailed basic surgical techniques and parasurgical measures. Raktamokshan, Kshar karma, Agni karma is amongest of these parasurgical procedures.These procedures have been given special place in surgery by Acharya Sushruta and it is belived that the disease that cannot be cured by any medicine or in subjects where surgery is not possible these processes are very much effective. Kshar karma is a topic of shalya pradhan text but due to its medicinal and therapeutic use, it is mentioned in all eight branches of Ayurveda in the treatment of various diseases. Among different branches of Ayurveda, Shalya Tantra along with Shalakya Tantra are shalya pradhan texts which come under Dhanwantari sampradaya. Shalya Tantra is one of the most important branches of Ayurveda which has its own originality with authenticity, contributing to modern medical technology of today, whereas Shalakya Tantra deals with the diseases manifesting above the clavicular region and explains the ophthalmology, ENT and dentistry in a very systemic manner. It mainly deals with diseases of the sense organs (gyanendriyas). Ayurveda encompasses use of various parasurgical/surgical procedures in shalya as well in shalakya tantra for the management of various rogas. Use of different para-surgical procedures has been mentioned in context of so many diseases in Shalyatantra like Arsha, Arbuda, Bhangandra, Vatarakta, Gridhasi etc. Similarly Sushruta has also mentioned these surgical procedures in Shalakya Tantra Netra roga chikitsa like Pakshmakopa, Puyalasa, Abhisyanda and Adhimannta etc. in karn-nasa-mukh rogas like nasa arsha, karn arsha, three types of rohini, etc. Ayurveda has been a science of healing since ages. It follows a non-invasive approach as a treatment protocol until and unless otherwise is the only option. Kshar Karma is considered one of the best among all surgical or parasurgical modalities due to properties favouring early healing. It has proved its efficacy in order to reduce the agony and pain of the sufferer and avoid invasive surgeries without compromising with the effects. Many researches and books have depicted the efficacy of Kshar karma in both literary and scientific way in the field of Shalya Tantra. But still there is lot more to dig up from the treasures of Ayurveda. On contrary, it is not widely practised and popularised in Shalakya diseases. So there is need to compile all the material relevant to topic to utilize Kshar karma and give optimum result. With the aim to provide complete knowledge of Kshar karma in various Ayurvedic texts as well as its clinical aspect in various diseases related to Shalya and Shalakya tantra, we have gathered all the materials regarding Kshar karma from various samhitas, tikas, modern books, journals, research papers and books published by authors on the relevant topic. An effort has been made to compile and present the utilization of Kshar in the pharmceutico-therapeutics of Ayurveda from the historical perspective, by referring important texts of Ayurveda in all aspects of its preparation, types, qualities, indications and uses. We have laid emphasis to put all material relevant to topic in concise form. Hope, this book will be helpful to all UG and PG students in the clinical practice of Shalya and Shalakya Department. Dr. Arjun Gupta Dr. Sheweta Kotwal