Abstract

AN AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE OF KARSHYA & IT’S MANAGEMENT

Dr. Nilofar S. Sheikh*, Dr. Mrityunjay Sharma and Dr. Archana Dachewar

Abstract

:Karshya is Vata Pradhan Apatarpanajanya Vyadhi. In this disease the body gets emaciated gradually. It comes under the Rasa-pradoshaja Vyadhi. It is the most wide spreading health and nutritional disorder in developing countries. Aahar is considered as important factor for the disease, Alpashana and Vishamashana specially results in the development of Karshya. Acharya Charaka has well explained clinical symptoms of Karshya as well he has explained causative factors in detail, viz., Aharaja (dietary), Viharaja (behavioral), and Manasika Psychological).These all causes do aggravation of Vayu, alteration of Agni, insufficient production of Rasadhatu along with other Dhatus which leads to Karshya. On the basis of clinical features and etiopathogenesis Karshya can be correlated with Underweight. If the emaciated person is not treated properly then he/she gets suffered from spleen enlargement, cough, wasting, dyspnoea, Gulma, piles, abdominal disease, and the disease of gastrointestinal tract. In modern medicine underweight is treated with steroid supplements and protein powder with healthy diet plan. But over usage of steroids and protein powder leads to serious complications. And same diet plan is not beneficial for each and every patient without considering Agni. So it better to seek for a safe and effective alternative treatment for the cure. In the Ayurvedic literature Nidanparivarjana, perfect diet plan and different types of medicines forms the complete treatment of karshya.This article explains the Ayurvedic view of Karshya which will help in diagnosis as well as proper management of the disease.

Keywords: Karshya, Underweight, Ayurveda, Treatment.