Ayurvedic interpretation to oedema caused by inflammation (śvayathu) with special reference to Charakasamhita: review

Abstract

This survey was based on the main authentic text Caraka samhita and the aim was to obtain a clear picture about the inflammatory process in the Ayurvedic perspective. Objectives Were to differentiate the terms Sotha, Svayathu and Sopha and to finalize a graphical interpretation on inflammatory process in the Ayurvedic point of view. Data were collected regarding previously mentioned terms and categorized them under different topics. After comparing them each other it was able to differentiate above terms and finalize the interpretation. Inflammation is a part of the complex biological response Of vascular tissues to harmful stimuli. The cardinal signs of the inflammation are pain, heat, redness, swelling and loss Of function in the affected part. Oedema is an abnormal accumulation of interstitial fluid beneath the skin or cavities of the body and it is clinically shown as swelling. Explaining the pathogenesis Of Svayathu, Carakasamhita describes when kapha (fluid), asnk (blood) and pitta (chemical mediators) enter the external vessels (external channels of circulation) and manifested, they afflict väyu (electrical activity) located there. As a result then that väyu leads the spreading of above factors outside to the nearby areas causing oedema characterized by swelling. Carakasamhita elaborates that usma (heat) davathu (burning sensation) sirär_läm äyäma (dilatation Of the vessels) as premonitory signs and symptoms Of Svayathu. Further it describes heaviness, variability, swelling, rise in temperature, thinning of vessels, horripilation and discoloration of the skin over the limbs as the signs and symptoms in general. In the categories according to the place, the characteristics of different kinds of Syathu and the prognosis also. It has elaborated that sometimes oedema is localised in a particular part or organ of the body and these are of innumerable types depending upon their locations, tissue elements involed, shape and nomenclatures. This might be the first lesson in pathology which we could ever firid precisely in the human history.