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=== Introduction ===

=== Introduction ===

Grahani and atisara - both manifest due to the vitiation of agni and share common features of impairment of digestion resulting in indigestion and loose motions. Therefore, this chapter should logically precede or succeed the chapter on grahani. But it is described three chapters after that on grahani. The reason for this unusual sequencing of these topics is that since pandu is a common symptom and sequelae of the malabsorption syndrome (grahani), the chapter on pandu follows grahani. Now, dyspnea (shvāsa) is a major symptom of pāndu, and thus, follows the chapter on pandu. Similarly, chapter on kāsa (cough) follows  shvāsa because of their relationship. That explains the sequencing of grahani and atisara in Charaka Samhita.

''Grahani'' and ''atisara'' - both manifest due to the vitiation of ''agni'' and share common features of impairment of digestion resulting in indigestion and loose motions. Therefore, this chapter should logically precede or succeed the chapter on ''grahani''. But it is described three chapters after that on ''grahani''. The reason for this unusual sequencing of these topics is that since ''pandu'' is a common symptom and sequelae of the malabsorption syndrome (''grahani''), the chapter on ''pandu'' follows ''grahani''. Now, dyspnea (''shwasa'') is a major symptom of ''pandu,'' and thus, follows the chapter on ''pandu''. Similarly, chapter on ''kasa'' (cough) follows  ''shwasa'' because of their relationship. That explains the sequencing of ''grahani'' and ''atisara'' in [[Charaka Samhita]].

Ayurveda considers atisara as a defence mechanism of the body to eject out any toxic material from it. Therefore, it is recommended that in amaja (or initial) state loose motions should not be checked. After evacuation of toxins from the body, fasting and digestive drugs are prescribed as a cure for milder forms of diarrhoea. However, for other types of diarrhoea, various preparations, diet and basti are advised. Picchabasti (mucilegue type of medicated enema) is prescribed particularly if blood accompanies the stool. Appropriate treatments for ulcer, suppuration of anus and prolapse of anus are dealt with, since these accompany the more complex forms of diarrhoea.  

 

Atisara leads to the depletion of water and beneficial salts, causing dehydration in the body. This provokes vata, and therefore requires taking special care of vata, particularly if, the atisara is caused by all the three doshas. Hydration of the body by means of oral administration of milk, buttermilk and various liquid preparations is advised. Goat’s milk is very useful in bloody diahrroea.

Ayurveda considers ''atisara'' as a defense mechanism of the body to eject out any toxic material from it. Therefore, it is recommended that in ''amaja'' (or initial) state loose motions should not be checked. After evacuation of toxins from the body, fasting and digestive drugs are prescribed as a cure for milder forms of diarrhea. However, for other types of diarrhea, various preparations, diet and ''basti'' are advised. ''Picchabasti'' (mucilegue type of medicated enema) is prescribed particularly if blood accompanies the stool. Appropriate treatments for ulcer, suppuration of anus and prolapse of anus are dealt with, since these accompany the more complex forms of diarrhea.  

 

''Atisara'' leads to the depletion of water and beneficial salts, causing dehydration in the body. This provokes ''vata'', and therefore requires taking special care of ''vata'', particularly if, the ''atisara'' is caused by all the three ''doshas''. Hydration of the body by means of oral administration of milk, buttermilk and various liquid preparations is advised. Goat’s milk is very useful in bloody diarrhea.

 

=== Sanskrit Text, Transliteration and English Translation ===

=== Sanskrit Text, Transliteration and English Translation ===