Abstract

GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF TREATMENT OF POISONING IN AYURVEDA AND MODERN MEDICINE: A CONCEPTUAL STUDY- A REVIEW

Ravindra Anirudha Mirgane*

ABSTRACT

Ayurveda is an ancient science in Indian system of medicine. The foundation of Ayurveda is based on eight clinical branches (Ashtang Ayurveda). Among these branches Agadatantra is one of the clinical branches in which treatment of various poison is described. A general principle of treatment of poisoning is explained in Ayurvedic Samhitas like Charaka, Sushruata and Vagbhata. In Charaka samhita twenty-four Visha Upakrama is mentioned which can be used as general principles of treatment of poisoning. In Modern Medicine general principles of treatment of poisoning is mentioned in the Toxicology. These basic principles are Resuscitation, removal of unabsorbed poison, use of antidotes, elimination of absorbed poison, symptomatic treatment and general health of patient. When we compare both Ayurveda and Modern Medicine with respect to this aspect, we find that all these principles which are suggested by modern medicine are already described in Ayurvedic Samhitas before thousands of years. Chaturvimshati Upakrama (24 modalities) are like the treatment principle which directs the actual treatment regime in individual cases. General treatment protocol of poisoning is the modern replica of Acharya Charak’s Chaturvimshati Upakarama. A comparison of twenty-four modalities with the general treatment protocol of poisoning is attempted in this review article.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Poisoning, Treatment, Modern medicine, General Principles.