Parasurgical procedures- Adaptability to Various Conditions

Dr. Anamika *
“Ayurveda” is a compound of the word ayus meaning “life” or “life principle” and the word veda, which refers to a system of “knowledge” (based on the root word “vid” i.e. to know), as well as the “steps to attain” a long and healthy life (based on the root word “vid” i.e. to attain). Thus, “Ayurveda” roughly translates as the “knowledge of life” or alternatively the practical steps to attain good health and longeivity.
Indian medicine has a long history, and is one of the oldest organized system of Medicine. Its earliest concepts are set out in sacred writings called Vedas, especially in the metrical passage of the Atharvaveda, which may possible date as far back as the 2nd millennium BC. Since then, Ayurveda has gone through a long long journey, also has faced set backs during the Mughal period, when some of the precious literatures of ayurveda were destroyed and also during British rule, when it had to struggle hard for its survival, as Western Medical Education became prominent.
Contrary to the perception, through the ages, the seers of Ayurveda has recognized the need to ensure that Ayurveda was relevant to contemporary needs and development. Vagbhatta, the latest of Acharyas says in his text that he is trying to make the system up-to-date and suitable for time (yuganuroopa).Now, since 1970s the ayurveda is coming again in the main stream of health sector and not only India but the whole world is looking towards the principles of Ayurveda, to have long and healthy life. It is the time of Globalisation of Ayurveda. Its survival for such a long period, through tough times and its existence in this century, itself proves that it has very strong roots and has adapted itself according to the requirement of the time, because if a system does not adapt itself according to needs of time or changes of the surroundings, it usually gets discarded by the people of that time. As adaptability can be seen as an ability of a system to adapt itself efficiently and fast to changed circumstaces. The changes or adaptations are to be only in applications and not in the principles.
Kshar karma, Agni karma and Jalauka karma are three main para surgical procedures described in Ayurveda. And their adaptability is evident from the extended spheres of their applicability and the way they are being explored regarding their mode of action, regarding sophistication of techniqueso of their application using the same principle e.g. Agni karma, and regarding the standardization of techniques e.g in kshar sutra prepration and application.
1. Kshar karma- Most extensively explored and recognized para surgical procedure. It is used in various forms, in various diseases.
(a) Kshar lepa
(b) Kshar varti
(c) Kshar injection
(d) Kshar sutra
Its applicability has extended to various conditions like fistula-in-ano, Perianal sinuses, Pilonidal sinuses, Haemorrhoids, Rectal prolapse , Sentinel pile etc.
(2) Agni karma- Therapeutic application of heat to treat painful conditions like Frozen shoulder, Sciatica, tennis elbow etc. is called Agni karma. It has extended its spheres in the management of skin infection like leismaniasis and also it has extended its spheres in regard of techniques and exploration regarding its mode of action.
(3) Jalauka karma- Usage of Hirudo- medicinalis for therapeutic purpose has extended to the sphere of
(a) Peripheral vascular diseases
(b) Recovery from reconstructive surgery
(c) Cardiovascular diseases
(d) ENT diseases
(e) Skin diseases (psoriasis, eczema, herpes) etc.
And also it has extended its spheres regarding the knowledge about the therapeutic properties of hirudotherapy, on the standards compatible with present scenario.


* Lecturer Department of Shalya Tantra, S.K.G.A.College, Kurukshetra.