Abstract

DIAGNOSIS OF DIARRHEA ACCORDING TO AYURVEDA TEXTS W.S.R. ATISARA

Dr. Upasana Mishra*, Dr. Anita Sharma, Dr. Vandana Chandel and Dr. Pradeep Saroj

ABSTRACT

Atisara (diarrhea) is a common problem of the present era. An average adult is usually affected by this problem at least once a year and children may have diarrhea twice a year. This disorder is mainly caused due to irregular and unhealthy habits relating to ahara and vihara. Ayurveda described diarrhea as atisara which means ati (excess) & saranam (flow); condition where watery stools passed in excess with high frequency. The general symptoms involve; dryness of mouth, discoloration of body, uneasiness, disturbed functioning of Vayu and dehydration, etc. Although atisara (diarrhea) is rarely dangerous, it can be recurrent and cause agony in life. The incidence of atisara (diarrhea) is increasing day by day due to the influence of western food habits, inappropriate diet regimen and mental stress. Aama and Vata are the major pathological factors of diarrhea. As per ayurveda after the nidana sewan vata gets vitiated and due to the malfunctioning of Saman- Apan vata which resulted Jatharagni mandhya and Koshtha Shunyata overall increases Dravata of stool in Pakvashaya & causes atisara. Ayurveda texts like Charak samhita, Sushruta samhita, Ashtang hridayam and Ashtang samgrah had widely mentioned about Atisara. Ayurveda focus on nidaan i.e cause of disease and symptoms of disease This study has focus on nidana (causative factors), Samprapti (Pathogenesis) Purvaroop, Roop (sign and symptoms) and sadhyata/ Asadhyata (Prognosis) of disease Atisara according to ayurveda classic texts. By understanding the nidanapanchaka with in-depth understanding of samprapti helps in planning specific preventive measures and management.

Keywords: Atisara, Nidanapanchaka, Samprapti.