Abstract

CRITICAL APPRAISAL OF PANCHAKARMA THERAPEUTIC PROCEDURES BASED ON CHARAKA SAMHITA W.S.R TO ASHTANGA AYURVEDA

Abstract

Panchakarma is considered as one of the principal and rational therapeutic modalities mentioned in Ayurveda for taking care of both preventive as well as curative aspects. Many a number of references related to Panchakarma are available not only in ancient Indian classics but also in other contemporary works. Among all, Charaka Samhita is reputed to be one of the most ancient, comprehensive and authoritative works of Ayurveda and it occupies a very important place in the history of world’s medical science. The diseases related to all the eight branches of Ayurveda and their management with Panchakarma have been scattered in various chapters of different sections of Charaka Samhita.Allocation of at least ¼ of the compendium exclusively for the description of Panchakarma also highlights the importance these therapies. Keeping this in view, an attempt has been made to emphasize the practical orientation of Panchakarma in Ashtangas of Ayurveda revealed in CharakaSamhita.

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