Abstract

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF CHOLELITHIASIS (PITTASHMARI)

*Dr. Anshika Rao

ABSTRACT

Gallstones are solid particles that develop in the gallbladder, a tiny organ underneath the liver. Gallstones can develop as a result of several factors. Gallstone disease caused by cholesterol is a frequent clinical illness impacted by hereditary factors, advancing age, female gender, and metabolic variables. Gallstones are called "Pittashmari" in Ayurveda, where "Ashmari" means "stones" and "Pitta" refers to the unbalanced Pitta dosha of bile in the gall bladder. This happens when excess Kapha dosha combines with the Pitta characteristics of the viscous fluid bile, causing it to become dry and hardened. Acharyas had some idea about the calculi in the gallbladder of cow which may have some relation to gallbladder and its symptomatology in human. The word Ashmari in Ayurveda stands for stone which is described only in the context of Bastigat Ashmari (urinary calculi). After analysing the Ayurvedic texts, it was found that due to the similarity in location and function, the bile secreted from the gall bladder can be correlated with the Accha Pitta described in Ayurveda. Owing to the irregular shape of Kapha during the course of digestion and its vitiation owing to Vata and Pitta, the pathogenesis of gall stone disease takes place. The article deals with the explanation from the Ayurvedic perspective of the creation of gall stone.

Keywords: Ashmari, Cholelithiasis, Gallstones, Pittashmari.