Difference between revisions of "Gulma Nidana"

 
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|title=Gulma Nidana
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|keywords=Gulma, mahasrotas, koshtha, dhatukshaya, avarana, abdominal lumps, intra-abdominal swellings, tumors", Ayurveda, Indian system of medicine, charak samhita.
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|description=Nidana Sthana Chapter 3. Diagnosis and etio-pathogenesis of Abdominal lumps
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|image=http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/resources/assets/ogimgs.jpg
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|image_alt=carak samhita
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<big>'''Nidana Sthana Chapter 3. Diagnosis and etio-pathogenesis of Abdominal lumps '''</big>
 
{{Infobox
 
{{Infobox
 
|title = Gulma Nidana
 
|title = Gulma Nidana
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|label4 = Other Sections
 
|label4 = Other Sections
 
|data4 = [[Sutra Sthana]], [[Vimana Sthana]],  [[Sharira Sthana]],  [[Indriya Sthana]], [[Chikitsa Sthana]], [[Kalpa Sthana]], [[Siddhi Sthana]]
 
|data4 = [[Sutra Sthana]], [[Vimana Sthana]],  [[Sharira Sthana]],  [[Indriya Sthana]], [[Chikitsa Sthana]], [[Kalpa Sthana]], [[Siddhi Sthana]]
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|label6 = Translator and commentator
 +
|data6 = Sahu M., Fatmi U., [[Yogesh Deole|Deole Y. S.]]
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|label7 = Reviewer
 +
|data7  = Kar A.C., Gadgil D.
 +
|label8 = Editors
 +
|data8  = Khandel S.K., Godatwar P., [[Yogesh Deole|Deole Y.S.]], [[Gopal Basisht|Basisht G.]]
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|label9 = Year of publication
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|data9 =  2020
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|label10 = Publisher
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|data10 =  [[Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre]]
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|label11 = DOI
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|data11  = [https://doi.org/10.47468/CSNE.2020.e01.s02.004 10.47468/CSNE.2020.e01.s02.004]
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}}
  
|header3 =  
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<big>'''Abstract'''</big>
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<p style="text-align:justify;">The third chapter describes the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical features and therapeutics of lumps in abdomen. Gulma, a (stable or transitory) growth that could occur anywhere in the body is primarily caused by a vitiated [[vata]]. The description given in the text cannot be correlated with any single entity of conventional medicine, but denotes localized intra-abdominal swellings of multiple origin in terms of their cause, site, features etc. In patients weakened by or recuperating from diseases or cleansing therapies ([[vamana]], etc.), or suffering from very stressful conditions, [[vata]] gets vitiated and enters the mahasrotas (gastrointestinal tract) causing the formation of gulma. Amongst the five types of gulma, sannipatika gulma is incurable whereas remaining can be managed according to [[dosha]] involvement. </p>
  
}}
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'''Keywords''': ''Gulma, mahasrotas, koshtha, dhatukshaya, avarana'', abdominal lumps, intra-abdominal swellings, tumors.
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</div>
  
==[[Nidana Sthana]] Chapter 3, Gulma Nidana (Chapter on Abdominal lumps)==
 
  
=== Abstract ===
+
== Introduction ==
<div style="text-align:justify;">
 
The third chapter of [[Nidana Sthana]] titled [[Gulma Nidana]] describes  the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical features and therapeutics effective in treating ''gulma''. ''Gulma'', a (stable or transitory) growth that could occur anywhere in the body is primarily caused by a vitiated ''vata''. The description given in the text cannot be correlated with any single entity of modern medicine but denotes localized intra-abdominal swellings of multiple origin in terms of their cause, site, features etc. In patients weakened by or recuperating from diseases or cleansing therapies (''vamana'', etc.), or suffering from very stressful conditions, ''vata'' gets vitiated and enters the ''mahasrotas'' (gastrointestinal tract) causing the formation of ''gulma''. Amongst the five types of ''gulma, sannipatika gulma'' is incurable whereas remaining can be managed according to ''dosha'' involvement.
 
 
 
'''Keywords''': ''Gulma, mahasrotas, koshtha, dhatukshaya, avarana'', abdominal lumps.
 
</div>
 
=== Introduction ===
 
  
 
<div style="text-align:justify;">
 
<div style="text-align:justify;">
The word ''gulma'' is derived from the Sanskrit root ''gud'', literal meaning encircling or surrounding. Therefore the word ''gulma'' stands for an entity that encircles, envelops or covers something. According to mythological concepts described in this text, people fleeing from the wrath of Lord Shiva, when he was dismantling Daksha’s holy sacrifice, were afflicted with this disease. This legend is symbolic, since situations such as panic, stress, or grief, usually accompanying such a chaotic, cataclysmic event would lead to vitiation of ''vata'' causing the appearance of ''vata''-dominant diseases like ''gulma'', etc. In Ayurveda, ''gulma'' has been defined as large palpable, rounded, intra- abdominal swellings between ''hridaya'' (upper abdomen) and the ''basti'' (bladder) regions, which develop due to accumulation of ''doshas'' with predominance of ''vata''. Such swellings are either transitory or static, and display the properties of spontaneous regression and reappearance. ''Gulmas'' are usually non-suppurative and are separate entities from other intra-abdominal swellings such as ''antar vidradhi'' (internal abscesses) where suppuration is often found.  
+
The word ''gulma'' is derived from the Sanskrit root ''gud'', literal meaning encircling or surrounding. Therefore the word ''gulma'' stands for an entity that encircles, envelops or covers something. According to mythological concepts described in this text, people fleeing from the wrath of Lord Shiva, when he was dismantling Daksha’s holy sacrifice, were afflicted with this disease. This legend is symbolic, since situations such as panic, stress, or grief, usually accompanying such a chaotic, cataclysmic event would lead to vitiation of ''[[vata]]'' causing the appearance of ''[[vata]]''-dominant diseases like ''gulma'', etc. In [[Ayurveda]], ''gulma'' has been defined as large palpable, rounded, intra- abdominal swellings between ''hridaya'' (upper abdomen) and the ''basti'' (bladder) regions, which develop due to accumulation of ''[[dosha]]s'' with predominance of ''[[vata]]''. Such swellings are either transitory or static, and display the properties of spontaneous regression and reappearance. ''Gulmas'' are usually non-suppurative and are separate entities from other intra-abdominal swellings such as ''antar vidradhi'' (internal abscesses) where suppuration is often found.  
  
The vitiated ''vata'', in conjunction with other ''doshas'', gets into the ''mahasrotas'' and get lodged either in the ''amashaya'' (stomach), ''pittashaya'' (gallbladder), ''pakwashaya'' (cecum) or in other regions like ''hridaya'' (epigastric), ''basti'' (bladder) and ''nabhi'' (umblicus) leading to formation of deep-rooted shrub-like mass. Here a new term has been introduced i,e, ''mahasrotas'', that could be explained as viscera including organs of the gastrointestinal tract. However, commentators have suggested that it stands for all of abdominal viscera, including the kidneys. Thus it is evident that under the definition of ''mahasrotas'' all the organs in abdomen are included. As mentioned earlier, ''gulma'' afflicts the gastrointestinal region between the heart and the bladder. Depending upon the region it afflicts, it can be classified into four general types common to males and females:
+
The vitiated ''[[vata]]'', in conjunction with other ''[[dosha]]s'', gets into the ''mahasrotas'' and get lodged either in the ''amashaya'' (stomach), ''pittashaya'' (gallbladder), ''pakwashaya'' (cecum) or in other regions like ''hridaya'' (epigastric), ''basti'' (bladder) and ''nabhi'' (umblicus) leading to formation of deep-rooted shrub-like mass. Here a new term has been introduced i,e, ''mahasrotas'', that could be explained as viscera including organs of the gastrointestinal tract. However, commentators have suggested that it stands for all of abdominal viscera, including the kidneys. Thus it is evident that under the definition of ''mahasrotas'' all the organs in abdomen are included. As mentioned earlier, ''gulma'' afflicts the gastrointestinal region between the heart and the bladder. Depending upon the region it afflicts, it can be classified into four general types common to males and females:
  
 
*''Hridaya'' (epigastric region),   
 
*''Hridaya'' (epigastric region),   
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Besides these, there is a fifth type afflicting only women -  ''shonitaja gulma'' of the ''yoni'' region i.e. in the ''garbhashaya'' or uterus region. Such ''gulma'' shows a progressive increase in size and thus requires a special attention to differentiate it from pregnancy.
 
Besides these, there is a fifth type afflicting only women -  ''shonitaja gulma'' of the ''yoni'' region i.e. in the ''garbhashaya'' or uterus region. Such ''gulma'' shows a progressive increase in size and thus requires a special attention to differentiate it from pregnancy.
While there are ''gulma'' variants like ''paittika'' and ''kaphaja gulma'' caused by an excess of ''pitta'' and ''kapha'' respectively, it is essentially a ''vata'' disorder. ''Sannipatika gulma'' is caused due to the vitiation of all the three ''doshas''. Since abdominal organs have ''mamsadhatu'' as the main component, all the ''siragranthi'' (glandular/tumorous) types of ''srotodushti'' (vitiation of channels carrying body components) of abdominal viscera have also been covered under ''gulma''. This chapter also covers obstruction and inflammation of viscera having no swelling.
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While there are ''gulma'' variants like ''paittika'' and ''kaphaja gulma'' caused by an excess of ''[[pitta]]'' and ''[[kapha]]'' respectively, it is essentially a ''[[vata]]'' disorder. ''Sannipatika gulma'' is caused due to the vitiation of all the three ''[[dosha]]s''. Since abdominal organs have ''[[mamsa dhatu]]'' as the main component, all the ''siragranthi'' (glandular/tumorous) types of ''srotodushti'' (vitiation of channels carrying body components) of abdominal viscera have also been covered under ''gulma''. This chapter also covers obstruction and inflammation of viscera having no swelling.
 
</div>
 
</div>
===Sanskrit Text, Transliteration and English Translation===
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==Sanskrit Text, Transliteration and English Translation==
 
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अथातो गुल्मनिदानं व्याख्यास्यामः||१||  
 
अथातो गुल्मनिदानं व्याख्यास्यामः||१||  
  
 
इति  ह स्माह भगवानात्रेयः||२||  
 
इति  ह स्माह भगवानात्रेयः||२||  
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<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
  
 
athātō gulmanidānaṁ vyākhyāsyāmaḥ||1||  
 
athātō gulmanidānaṁ vyākhyāsyāmaḥ||1||  
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Iti ha smAha bhagavAnAtreyaH||2||
 
Iti ha smAha bhagavAnAtreyaH||2||
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</div></div>
  
Now I shall explain the chapter on etiopathogenesis of ''gulma''. Thus said Lord Atreya.[1-2]
+
Now we shall expound the chapter "Gulma Nidana"(Diagnosis and etio-pathogenesis of Abdominal lumps). Thus said Lord Atreya.[1-2]
  
==== Classification of ''gulma'' ====
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=== Classification of ''gulma'' ===
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<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
  
 
इह खलु पञ्च गुल्मा भवन्ति; तद्यथा- वातगुल्मः, पित्तगुल्मः,  
 
इह खलु पञ्च गुल्मा भवन्ति; तद्यथा- वातगुल्मः, पित्तगुल्मः,  
 
श्लेष्मगुल्मो, निचयगुल्मः, शोणितगुल्म इति||३||
 
श्लेष्मगुल्मो, निचयगुल्मः, शोणितगुल्म इति||३||
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
  
 
iha khalu pañca gulmā bhavanti; tadyathā- vātagulmaḥ, pittagulmaḥ, ślēṣmagulmō, nicayagulmaḥ, śōṇitagulma iti||3||  
 
iha khalu pañca gulmā bhavanti; tadyathā- vātagulmaḥ, pittagulmaḥ, ślēṣmagulmō, nicayagulmaḥ, śōṇitagulma iti||3||  
  
 
Iha khalu pa~jca gulma bhavanti; tadyathA- VatagulmaH, pittagulmaH, shleShmagulmo, nicaya gulmaH, shoNitagulma iti||3||
 
Iha khalu pa~jca gulma bhavanti; tadyathA- VatagulmaH, pittagulmaH, shleShmagulmo, nicaya gulmaH, shoNitagulma iti||3||
 +
</div></div>
  
There are five types of ''gulma''- ''vata'' dominant ''gulma'', ''pitta'' dominant ''gulma'', ''shleshma''/''kapha'' dominant ''gulma'', ''nichaya'' (''tridosha'' dominant) ''gulma'', and ''shonita gulma''.[3]
+
There are five types of ''gulma''- ''[[vata]]'' dominant ''gulma'', ''[[pitta]]'' dominant ''gulma'', ''shleshma''/''[[kapha]]'' dominant ''gulma'', ''nichaya'' (''tridosha'' dominant) ''gulma'', and ''shonita gulma''.[3]
  
==== Agnivesha’s question ====
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=== Agnivesha’s question ===
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
  
 
एवंवादिनं भगवन्तमात्रेयमग्निवेश उवाच- कथमिह भगवन् पञ्चानां गुल्मानां विशेषमभिजानीमहे; नह्यविशेषविद्रोगाणामौषधविदपि भिषक् प्रशमनसमर्थो भवतीति||४||  
 
एवंवादिनं भगवन्तमात्रेयमग्निवेश उवाच- कथमिह भगवन् पञ्चानां गुल्मानां विशेषमभिजानीमहे; नह्यविशेषविद्रोगाणामौषधविदपि भिषक् प्रशमनसमर्थो भवतीति||४||  
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
  
 
ēvaṁvādinaṁ bhagavantamātrēyamagnivēśa uvāca- kathamiha bhagavan pañcānāṁ gulmānāṁ viśēṣamabhijānīmahē; nahyaviśēṣavidrōgāṇāmauṣadhavidapibhiṣak praśamanasamarthō bhavatīti||4||  
 
ēvaṁvādinaṁ bhagavantamātrēyamagnivēśa uvāca- kathamiha bhagavan pañcānāṁ gulmānāṁ viśēṣamabhijānīmahē; nahyaviśēṣavidrōgāṇāmauṣadhavidapibhiṣak praśamanasamarthō bhavatīti||4||  
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gulmanAM visheShamabhijAnImahe; nahyavisheShavidrogANAmauShadhavidapi bhiShak
 
gulmanAM visheShamabhijAnImahe; nahyavisheShavidrogANAmauShadhavidapi bhiShak
 
prashamanasamartho bhavatIti||4||
 
prashamanasamartho bhavatIti||4||
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</div></div>
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<div style="text-align:justify;">
 
<div style="text-align:justify;">
 
After Lord Atreya said this, Agnivesha asked, “Sir, How can we know the specific characteristics of these five ''gulmas''? Because without this knowledge, such patients cannot be successfully treated by a physician even though he is well versed in the selection and usage of drugs.”[4]
 
After Lord Atreya said this, Agnivesha asked, “Sir, How can we know the specific characteristics of these five ''gulmas''? Because without this knowledge, such patients cannot be successfully treated by a physician even though he is well versed in the selection and usage of drugs.”[4]
 
</div>
 
</div>
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
 +
 
तमुवाच भगवानात्रेयः-  
 
तमुवाच भगवानात्रेयः-  
 
समुत्थानपूर्वरूपलिङ्गवेदनोपशयविशेषेभ्यो विशेषविज्ञानं गुल्मानां भवत्यन्येषां च रोगाणामग्निवेश! तत्तु खलु गुल्मेषूच्यमानं निबोध||५||
 
समुत्थानपूर्वरूपलिङ्गवेदनोपशयविशेषेभ्यो विशेषविज्ञानं गुल्मानां भवत्यन्येषां च रोगाणामग्निवेश! तत्तु खलु गुल्मेषूच्यमानं निबोध||५||
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<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
  
 
tamuvāca bhagavānātrēyaḥ- samutthānapūrvarūpaliṅgavēdanōpaśayaviśēṣēbhyō viśēṣavijñānaṁ gulmānāṁ bhavatyanyēṣāṁ ca rōgāṇāmagnivēśa! tattu khalu [1]gulmēṣūcyamānaṁ nibōdha||5||
 
tamuvāca bhagavānātrēyaḥ- samutthānapūrvarūpaliṅgavēdanōpaśayaviśēṣēbhyō viśēṣavijñānaṁ gulmānāṁ bhavatyanyēṣāṁ ca rōgāṇāmagnivēśa! tattu khalu [1]gulmēṣūcyamānaṁ nibōdha||5||
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samutthAnapUrvarUpali~ggavedanopashayavisheShebhyo visheShavij~jAnaM gulmanAM
 
samutthAnapUrvarUpali~ggavedanopashayavisheShebhyo visheShavij~jAnaM gulmanAM
 
bhavatyanyeShAM ca rogANAmagnivesha! Tattu khalu gulmeShUcyamAnaM nibodha||5||
 
bhavatyanyeShAM ca rogANAmagnivesha! Tattu khalu gulmeShUcyamAnaM nibodha||5||
 +
</div></div>
  
 
Lord Atreya replied, “Agnivesha! Specific characteristics of the five ''gulma'' as well as other diseases are defined on the basis of their etiology, prodromal symptoms, clinical features with various types of pains, and therapeutic applicability.”[5]
 
Lord Atreya replied, “Agnivesha! Specific characteristics of the five ''gulma'' as well as other diseases are defined on the basis of their etiology, prodromal symptoms, clinical features with various types of pains, and therapeutic applicability.”[5]
  
==== Etio-pathogenesis of ''vata''-dominant ''gulma'' ====
+
=== Etio-pathogenesis of ''[[vata]]''-dominant ''gulma'' ===
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
  
 
यदा पुरुषो वातलो विशेषेण ज्वरवमनविरेचनातीसाराणामन्यतमेन  
 
यदा पुरुषो वातलो विशेषेण ज्वरवमनविरेचनातीसाराणामन्यतमेन  
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अभिघातमृच्छति वा, विषमासनशयनस्थानचङ्क्रमणसेवी  
 
अभिघातमृच्छति वा, विषमासनशयनस्थानचङ्क्रमणसेवी  
 
वा भवति, अन्यद्वा किञ्चिदेवंविधं विषममतिमात्रं व्यायामजातमारभते, तस्यापचाराद्वातः प्रकोपमापद्यते||६||
 
वा भवति, अन्यद्वा किञ्चिदेवंविधं विषममतिमात्रं व्यायामजातमारभते, तस्यापचाराद्वातः प्रकोपमापद्यते||६||
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yadā puruṣō vātalō viśēṣēṇa jvaravamanavirēcanātīsārāṇāmanyatamēna karśanēna karśitō vātalamāhāramāharati, śītaṁ vā viśēṣēṇātimātram [3] , asnēhapūrvē vāvamanavirēcanē pibati, anudīrṇāṁ vā chardimudīrayati, udīrṇān vātamūtrapurīṣavēgānniruṇaddhi, atyaśitō vā pibati navōdakamatimātram, atisaṅkṣōbhiṇā vā yānēnayāti, ativyavāyavyāyāmamadyaśōkarucirvā, abhighātamr̥cchati vā, viṣamāsanaśayanasthānacaṅkramaṇasēvī [4] vā bhavati, anyadvā kiñcidēvaṁvidhaṁviṣamamatimātraṁ vyāyāmajātamārabhatē, tasyāpacārādvātaḥ [5] prakōpamāpadyatē||6||
 
yadā puruṣō vātalō viśēṣēṇa jvaravamanavirēcanātīsārāṇāmanyatamēna karśanēna karśitō vātalamāhāramāharati, śītaṁ vā viśēṣēṇātimātram [3] , asnēhapūrvē vāvamanavirēcanē pibati, anudīrṇāṁ vā chardimudīrayati, udīrṇān vātamūtrapurīṣavēgānniruṇaddhi, atyaśitō vā pibati navōdakamatimātram, atisaṅkṣōbhiṇā vā yānēnayāti, ativyavāyavyāyāmamadyaśōkarucirvā, abhighātamr̥cchati vā, viṣamāsanaśayanasthānacaṅkramaṇasēvī [4] vā bhavati, anyadvā kiñcidēvaṁvidhaṁviṣamamatimātraṁ vyāyāmajātamārabhatē, tasyāpacārādvātaḥ [5] prakōpamāpadyatē||6||
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anyadvA ki~jcidevaMvidhaM viShamamatimAtraM vyAyAmajAtamArabhate,
 
anyadvA ki~jcidevaMvidhaM viShamamatimAtraM vyAyAmajAtamArabhate,
 
tasyApacArAdVataH prakopamApadyate||6||
 
tasyApacArAdVataH prakopamApadyate||6||
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</div></div>
 +
 
<div style="text-align:justify;">
 
<div style="text-align:justify;">
When a person of ''vatika'' constitution, particularly emaciated due to one of the debilitating factors like fever, emesis, purgation and diarrhoea, consumes ''vata''- aggravating food or excessively cold food, in excessive quantities, or is administered emesis or purgation without prior unction, he vomits profusely and holds up impelling urges of flatus, urine, bowel movement. Or if such a person, after consuming a heavy meal, drinks a lot of fresh water or travels by an excessively jerking vehicle, indulges in excessive sexual intercourse, intensive physical exercise, or drinks alcoholic drinks, or suffers from excessive anxiety, or is subjected to injury or uses uneven postures in sitting, sleeping, standing and walking, or starts some other similar sort of irregular and excessive physical exercises -''vata'' gets vitiated or aggravated. [6]
+
When a person of ''vatika'' constitution, particularly emaciated due to one of the debilitating factors like fever, emesis, purgation and diarrhoea, consumes ''[[vata]]''- aggravating food or excessively cold food, in excessive quantities, or is administered emesis or purgation without prior unction, he vomits profusely and holds up impelling urges of flatus, urine, bowel movement. Or if such a person, after consuming a heavy meal, drinks a lot of fresh water or travels by an excessively jerking vehicle, indulges in excessive sexual intercourse, intensive physical exercise, or drinks alcoholic drinks, or suffers from excessive anxiety, or is subjected to injury or uses uneven postures in sitting, sleeping, standing and walking, or starts some other similar sort of irregular and excessive physical exercises -''[[vata]]'' gets vitiated or aggravated. [6]
 
</div>
 
</div>
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 +
 
स प्रकुपितो वायुर्महास्रोतोऽनुप्रविश्य रौक्ष्यात्  
 
स प्रकुपितो वायुर्महास्रोतोऽनुप्रविश्य रौक्ष्यात्  
 
कठिनीभूतमाप्लुत्य पिण्डितोऽवस्थानं करोति हृदि बस्तौ पार्श्वयोर्नाभ्यां वा; स शूलमुपजनयति  ग्रन्थींश्चानेकविधान्,  
 
कठिनीभूतमाप्लुत्य पिण्डितोऽवस्थानं करोति हृदि बस्तौ पार्श्वयोर्नाभ्यां वा; स शूलमुपजनयति  ग्रन्थींश्चानेकविधान्,  
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भवति, निदानोक्तानि चास्य नोपशेरते, विपरीतानि चोपशेरत  
 
भवति, निदानोक्तानि चास्य नोपशेरते, विपरीतानि चोपशेरत  
 
इति वातगुल्मः||७||
 
इति वातगुल्मः||७||
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
  
 
sa prakupitō vāyurmahāsrōtō'nupraviśya raukṣyāt kaṭhinībhūtamāplutya [6] piṇḍitō'vasthānaṁ karōti hr̥di bastau pārśvayōrnābhyāṁ vā; sa śūlamupajanayatigranthīṁścānēkavidhān, piṇḍitaścāvatiṣṭhatē, sa piṇḍitatvād ‘gulma’ ityabhidhīyatē; sa muhurādhamati [7] , muhuralpatvamāpadyatē; aniyatavipulāṇuvēdanaścabhavati calatvādvāyōḥ, muhuḥ pipīlikāsampracāra ivāṅgēṣu, tōdabhēdasphuraṇāyāmasaṅkōcasuptiharṣapralayōdayabahulaḥ; tadāturaḥ sūcyēva śaṅkunēvacābhisaṁviddhamātmānaṁ manyatē, api ca divasāntē jvaryatē [8] , śuṣyati cāsyāsyam, ucchvāsaścōparudhyatē, hr̥ṣyanti cāsya rōmāṇi vēdanāyāḥ prādurbhāvē;plīhāṭōpāntrakūjanāvipākōdāvartāṅgamardamanyāśiraḥśaṅkhaśūlabradhnarōgāścainamupadravanti; kr̥ṣṇāruṇaparuṣatvaṅnakhanayanavadanamūtrapurīṣaścabhavati, nidānōktāni cāsya nōpaśēratē, viparītāni cōpaśērata iti vātagulmaḥ||7||  
 
sa prakupitō vāyurmahāsrōtō'nupraviśya raukṣyāt kaṭhinībhūtamāplutya [6] piṇḍitō'vasthānaṁ karōti hr̥di bastau pārśvayōrnābhyāṁ vā; sa śūlamupajanayatigranthīṁścānēkavidhān, piṇḍitaścāvatiṣṭhatē, sa piṇḍitatvād ‘gulma’ ityabhidhīyatē; sa muhurādhamati [7] , muhuralpatvamāpadyatē; aniyatavipulāṇuvēdanaścabhavati calatvādvāyōḥ, muhuḥ pipīlikāsampracāra ivāṅgēṣu, tōdabhēdasphuraṇāyāmasaṅkōcasuptiharṣapralayōdayabahulaḥ; tadāturaḥ sūcyēva śaṅkunēvacābhisaṁviddhamātmānaṁ manyatē, api ca divasāntē jvaryatē [8] , śuṣyati cāsyāsyam, ucchvāsaścōparudhyatē, hr̥ṣyanti cāsya rōmāṇi vēdanāyāḥ prādurbhāvē;plīhāṭōpāntrakūjanāvipākōdāvartāṅgamardamanyāśiraḥśaṅkhaśūlabradhnarōgāścainamupadravanti; kr̥ṣṇāruṇaparuṣatvaṅnakhanayanavadanamūtrapurīṣaścabhavati, nidānōktāni cāsya nōpaśēratē, viparītāni cōpaśērata iti vātagulmaḥ||7||  
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plIhATopAntrakUjanAvipAkodAvartA~ggamardamanyAshiraHsha~gkhashUlabradhnarogAshcainamupadravanti; kRuShNAruNaparuShatva~gnakhanayanavadanamUtrapurIShashca
 
plIhATopAntrakUjanAvipAkodAvartA~ggamardamanyAshiraHsha~gkhashUlabradhnarogAshcainamupadravanti; kRuShNAruNaparuShatva~gnakhanayanavadanamUtrapurIShashca
 
bhavati, nidAnoktAni cAsya nopasherate, viparItAni copasherata iti VatagulmaH||7||
 
bhavati, nidAnoktAni cAsya nopasherate, viparItAni copasherata iti VatagulmaH||7||
 +
</div></div>
 +
 
<div style="text-align:justify;">
 
<div style="text-align:justify;">
Such vitiated ''vata'', on entering the ''mahasrotas'', hardens due to dryness forming a mass or swelling localised in the regions of heart, urinary bladder, sides and the navel. The condition, ''gulma'' (or ''vata gulma''), is painful and can take the shape of a single swelling or multiple nodules of various types. It sometimes gets aggravated and enlarged, sometimes diminished, and causes mild or severe pain due to instability of ''vayu''. Sometimes there are tingling sensations like ants crawling on body and frequent onset and diminution of various types of painful sensations such as piercing, breaking, twitching, extension, contraction, numbness, hyperaesthesia, etc. These sensations could be accompanied by a rise in temperature usually in the evenings, dryness of mouth, difficulty in expiration, horripilation at the onset of pain and complications such as spleen (enlargement), distension and gurgling sound in the abdomen, indigestion, ''udavarta'' (upward movement of ''vata''), bodyache, pain in the lateral side of the neck, head and temple regions and ''bradhana'' (swellings of the inguinal region) with appearance of blackness, reddishness and roughness in skin, nails, eyes, face, urine and feces. The disease aggravates due to these etiological factors and pacifies due to opposite factors. These are characteristic features of ''vata gulma''. [7]
+
Such vitiated ''[[vata]]'', on entering the ''mahasrotas'', hardens due to dryness forming a mass or swelling localised in the regions of heart, urinary bladder, sides and the navel. The condition, ''gulma'' (or ''[[vata]] gulma''), is painful and can take the shape of a single swelling or multiple nodules of various types. It sometimes gets aggravated and enlarged, sometimes diminished, and causes mild or severe pain due to instability of ''[[vayu]]''. Sometimes there are tingling sensations like ants crawling on body and frequent onset and diminution of various types of painful sensations such as piercing, breaking, twitching, extension, contraction, numbness, hyperaesthesia, etc. These sensations could be accompanied by a rise in temperature usually in the evenings, dryness of mouth, difficulty in expiration, horripilation at the onset of pain and complications such as spleen (enlargement), distension and gurgling sound in the abdomen, indigestion, ''udavarta'' (upward movement of ''[[vata]]''), bodyache, pain in the lateral side of the neck, head and temple regions and ''bradhana'' (swellings of the inguinal region) with appearance of blackness, reddishness and roughness in skin, nails, eyes, face, urine and feces. The disease aggravates due to these etiological factors and pacifies due to opposite factors. These are characteristic features of ''[[vata]] gulma''. [7]
 
</div>
 
</div>
==== ''Pitta''-dominant ''gulma'' ====
+
=== ''[[Pitta]]''-dominant ''gulma'' ===
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
  
 
तैरेव तु कर्शनैः कर्शितस्याम्ललवणकटुकक्षारोष्ण तीक्ष्ण शुक्तव्यापन्न मद्यहरितकफलाम्लानां विदाहिनां च शाकधान्य मांसादीनामुपयोगादजीर्णाध्यशनाद्रौक्ष्यानुगते चामाशये वमनमतिवेलं सन्धारणं वातातपौ चातिसेवमानस्य पित्तं सह मारुतेन प्रकोपमापद्यते||८||  
 
तैरेव तु कर्शनैः कर्शितस्याम्ललवणकटुकक्षारोष्ण तीक्ष्ण शुक्तव्यापन्न मद्यहरितकफलाम्लानां विदाहिनां च शाकधान्य मांसादीनामुपयोगादजीर्णाध्यशनाद्रौक्ष्यानुगते चामाशये वमनमतिवेलं सन्धारणं वातातपौ चातिसेवमानस्य पित्तं सह मारुतेन प्रकोपमापद्यते||८||  
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
  
 
tairēva tu karśanaiḥ karśitasyāmlalavaṇakaṭukakṣārōṣṇatīkṣṇaśuktavyāpannamadyaharitakaphalāmlānāṁ vidāhināṁ caśākadhānyamāṁsādīnāmupayōgādajīrṇādhyaśanādraukṣyānugatē cāmāśayē vamanamativēlaṁ [10] sandhāraṇaṁ vātātapau cātisēvamānasya pittaṁ sahamārutēna prakōpamāpadyatē||8||  
 
tairēva tu karśanaiḥ karśitasyāmlalavaṇakaṭukakṣārōṣṇatīkṣṇaśuktavyāpannamadyaharitakaphalāmlānāṁ vidāhināṁ caśākadhānyamāṁsādīnāmupayōgādajīrṇādhyaśanādraukṣyānugatē cāmāśayē vamanamativēlaṁ [10] sandhāraṇaṁ vātātapau cātisēvamānasya pittaṁ sahamārutēna prakōpamāpadyatē||8||  
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Taireva tu karshanaiH karshitasyAmlalavaNa kaTukakShAroShNatIkShNashuktavy ApannamadyaharitakaphalAmlAnAM vidAhinAM ca shAkadhAnyamAMsAdIn AmupayogAdajIrNAdhyashanAdraukShyAnugate cAmAshaye vamanamativelaM
 
Taireva tu karshanaiH karshitasyAmlalavaNa kaTukakShAroShNatIkShNashuktavy ApannamadyaharitakaphalAmlAnAM vidAhinAM ca shAkadhAnyamAMsAdIn AmupayogAdajIrNAdhyashanAdraukShyAnugate cAmAshaye vamanamativelaM
 
sandhAraNaM Vatatapau cAtisevamAnasya pittaM saha mArutena prakopamApadyate||8||
 
sandhAraNaM Vatatapau cAtisevamAnasya pittaM saha mArutena prakopamApadyate||8||
 +
</div></div>
 +
 
<div style="text-align:justify;">
 
<div style="text-align:justify;">
If a person, weakened by ailments or various etiological factors (as mentioned above in verse 6), uses sour, salty, pungent, and alkaline substances with hot and sharp potency, vinegar, improperly prepared or denatured alcoholic drinks, salads, sour fruits and acidic vegetables, grains, meat etc., takes food during indigestion, is administered emesis when ''amashaya'' is dry (or not properly oleated), suppresses natural urges for long, or is exposed excessively to the sun and wind, his ''pitta'' along with ''vata'' gets vitiated or aggravated. [8]
+
If a person, weakened by ailments or various etiological factors (as mentioned above in verse 6), uses sour, salty, pungent, and alkaline substances with hot and sharp potency, vinegar, improperly prepared or denatured alcoholic drinks, salads, sour fruits and acidic vegetables, grains, meat etc., takes food during indigestion, is administered emesis when ''amashaya'' is dry (or not properly oleated), suppresses natural urges for long, or is exposed excessively to the sun and wind, his ''[[pitta]]'' along with ''[[vata]]'' gets vitiated or aggravated. [8]
 
</div>
 
</div>
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
 +
 
तत् प्रकुपितं मारुत आमाशयैकदेशे संवर्त्य तानेव वेदनाप्रकारानुपजनयति,                 
 
तत् प्रकुपितं मारुत आमाशयैकदेशे संवर्त्य तानेव वेदनाप्रकारानुपजनयति,                 
 
य उक्ता वातगुल्मे; पित्तं त्वेनं विदहति  कुक्षौ  
 
य उक्ता वातगुल्मे; पित्तं त्वेनं विदहति  कुक्षौ  
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गुल्मावकाशश्चास्य दह्यते दूयते धूप्यते ऊष्मायते स्विद्यति क्लिद्यति शिथिल  इव स्पर्शासहोऽल्परोमाञ्चश्च भवति; ज्वरभ्रमदवथुपिपासागलतालुमुखशोषप्रमोहविड्भेदाश्चैनमुपद्रवन्ति;
 
गुल्मावकाशश्चास्य दह्यते दूयते धूप्यते ऊष्मायते स्विद्यति क्लिद्यति शिथिल  इव स्पर्शासहोऽल्परोमाञ्चश्च भवति; ज्वरभ्रमदवथुपिपासागलतालुमुखशोषप्रमोहविड्भेदाश्चैनमुपद्रवन्ति;
 
हरितहारिद्रत्वङ्नखनयनवदनमूत्रपुरीषश्च भवति; निदानोक्तानि चास्य नोपशेरते, विपरीतान्युपशेरत इति पित्तगुल्मः||९||
 
हरितहारिद्रत्वङ्नखनयनवदनमूत्रपुरीषश्च भवति; निदानोक्तानि चास्य नोपशेरते, विपरीतान्युपशेरत इति पित्तगुल्मः||९||
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
  
 
tat prakupitaṁ māruta āmāśayaikadēśē saṁvartya [11] tānēva vēdanāprakārānupajanayati, ya uktā vātagulmē; pittaṁ tvēnaṁ vidahati kukṣau hr̥dyurasi kaṇṭhē ca; savidahyamānaḥ sadhūmamivōdgāramudgiratyamlānvitaṁ, gulmāvakāśaścāsya dahyatē dūyatē dhūpyatē [12] ūṣmāyatē svidyati klidyati śithila [13] ivasparśāsahō'lparōmāñcaśca [14] bhavati; jvarabhramadavathupipāsāgalatālumukhaśōṣapramōhaviḍbhēdāścainamupadravanti;haritahāridratvaṅnakhanayanavadanamūtrapurīṣaśca bhavati; nidānōktāni cāsya nōpaśēratē, viparītānyupaśērata iti pittagulmaḥ||9||
 
tat prakupitaṁ māruta āmāśayaikadēśē saṁvartya [11] tānēva vēdanāprakārānupajanayati, ya uktā vātagulmē; pittaṁ tvēnaṁ vidahati kukṣau hr̥dyurasi kaṇṭhē ca; savidahyamānaḥ sadhūmamivōdgāramudgiratyamlānvitaṁ, gulmāvakāśaścāsya dahyatē dūyatē dhūpyatē [12] ūṣmāyatē svidyati klidyati śithila [13] ivasparśāsahō'lparōmāñcaśca [14] bhavati; jvarabhramadavathupipāsāgalatālumukhaśōṣapramōhaviḍbhēdāścainamupadravanti;haritahāridratvaṅnakhanayanavadanamūtrapurīṣaśca bhavati; nidānōktāni cāsya nōpaśēratē, viparītānyupaśērata iti pittagulmaḥ||9||
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haritahAridratva~gnakhanayanavadanamUtrapurIShashca bhavati; nidAnoktAni
 
haritahAridratva~gnakhanayanavadanamUtrapurIShashca bhavati; nidAnoktAni
 
cAsya nopasherate, viparItAnyupasherata iti pittagulmaH||9||
 
cAsya nopasherate, viparItAnyupasherata iti pittagulmaH||9||
 +
</div></div>
 +
 
<div style="text-align:justify;">
 
<div style="text-align:justify;">
Aggravated ''vata'', along with vitiated ''pitta'', gets (completely or partially) collected in the ''amashaya'' and produces the same types of pain as mentioned for ''vata gulma''. Due to aggravation of ''pitta'' in certain cases, the patient feels a burning sensation (with hyperacidity) in the belly, cardiac region, chest and throat while letting out smoky and sour eructations at the same time. In the location of ''gulma'', there is burning sensation, pain, sensations of fuming, sweating and moistening, laxity, tenderness and slight horripilation. The patient could exhibit symptoms such as fever, giddiness, burning pain, thirst, dryness of throat, palate and mouth, fainting and diarrhea, and develops greenish or yellowish discoloration of skin, nails, eyes, face, urine and feces. The disease aggravates due to these etiological factors and pacifies due to opposite factors. This variant of ''gulma'' is called ''pitta gulma''. [9]
+
Aggravated ''[[vata]]'', along with vitiated ''[[pitta]]'', gets (completely or partially) collected in the ''amashaya'' and produces the same types of pain as mentioned for ''[[vata]] gulma''. Due to aggravation of ''[[pitta]]'' in certain cases, the patient feels a burning sensation (with hyperacidity) in the belly, cardiac region, chest and throat while letting out smoky and sour eructations at the same time. In the location of ''gulma'', there is burning sensation, pain, sensations of fuming, sweating and moistening, laxity, tenderness and slight horripilation. The patient could exhibit symptoms such as fever, giddiness, burning pain, thirst, dryness of throat, palate and mouth, fainting and diarrhea, and develops greenish or yellowish discoloration of skin, nails, eyes, face, urine and feces. The disease aggravates due to these etiological factors and pacifies due to opposite factors. This variant of ''gulma'' is called ''[[pitta]] gulma''. [9]
 
</div>
 
</div>
==== ''Kapha''-dominant ''gulma'' ====
+
=== ''[[Kapha]]''-dominant ''gulma'' ===
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
  
 
तैरेव तु कर्शनैः कर्शितस्यात्यशनादतिस्निग्धगुरुमधुरशीताशनात्  
 
तैरेव तु कर्शनैः कर्शितस्यात्यशनादतिस्निग्धगुरुमधुरशीताशनात्  
 
पिष्टेक्षुक्षीरतिलमाषगुडविकृतिसेवनान्मन्दकमद्यातिपानाद्धरितकातिप्रणनयादानूपौदकग्राम्यमांसातिभक्षणात् सन्धारणादबुभुक्षस्य  चातिप्रगाढमुदपानात्  
 
पिष्टेक्षुक्षीरतिलमाषगुडविकृतिसेवनान्मन्दकमद्यातिपानाद्धरितकातिप्रणनयादानूपौदकग्राम्यमांसातिभक्षणात् सन्धारणादबुभुक्षस्य  चातिप्रगाढमुदपानात्  
 
सङ्क्षोभणाद्वा शरीरस्य श्लेष्मा  सह मारुतेन प्रकोपमापद्यते||१०||  
 
सङ्क्षोभणाद्वा शरीरस्य श्लेष्मा  सह मारुतेन प्रकोपमापद्यते||१०||  
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
  
 
tairēva tu karśanaiḥ karśitasyātyaśanādatisnigdhagurumadhuraśītāśanātpiṣṭēkṣukṣīratilamāṣaguḍavikr̥tisēvanānmandakamadyātipānāddharitakātipraṇanayādānūpaudakagrāmyamāṁsātibhak<br>ṣaṇāt [16] sandhāraṇādabubhukṣasya [17]cātipragāḍhamudapānāt saṅkṣōbhaṇādvā śarīrasya ślēṣmā saha mārutēna prakōpamāpadyatē||10||  
 
tairēva tu karśanaiḥ karśitasyātyaśanādatisnigdhagurumadhuraśītāśanātpiṣṭēkṣukṣīratilamāṣaguḍavikr̥tisēvanānmandakamadyātipānāddharitakātipraṇanayādānūpaudakagrāmyamāṁsātibhak<br>ṣaṇāt [16] sandhāraṇādabubhukṣasya [17]cātipragāḍhamudapānāt saṅkṣōbhaṇādvā śarīrasya ślēṣmā saha mārutēna prakōpamāpadyatē||10||  
Line 173: Line 225:
 
piShTekShukShIratilamAShaguDavikRutisevanAnmandakamadyAtipAnAddharitakAtipraNanayAdAnUpaudakagrAmyamAMsAtibhakShaNAt sandhAraNAdabubhukShasya cAtipragADhamudapAnAt sa~gkShobhaNAdvA sharIrasya shleShmA saha mArutena
 
piShTekShukShIratilamAShaguDavikRutisevanAnmandakamadyAtipAnAddharitakAtipraNanayAdAnUpaudakagrAmyamAMsAtibhakShaNAt sandhAraNAdabubhukShasya cAtipragADhamudapAnAt sa~gkShobhaNAdvA sharIrasya shleShmA saha mArutena
 
prakopamApadyate||10||
 
prakopamApadyate||10||
 +
</div></div>
 +
 
<div style="text-align:justify;">
 
<div style="text-align:justify;">
If a person weakened by diseases or aforesaid factors (in verse 6) takes too much unctuous, heavy, sweet and cold things, habitually takes preparations of (rice) flour, sugarcane, milk, sesame, black gram and coarse, unrefined sugar (jaggery), uses excessively immature curd, alcoholic drinks, salads, eats meat of marshy, aquatic and domesticated animals in excessive quantities, suppresses natural urges, drinks too much water when hungry, or is subjected to excessive shaking of the body (caused by travelling on rough roads, etc.), his ''kapha'' along with ''vata'' gets vitiated or aggravated. [10]
+
If a person weakened by diseases or aforesaid factors (in verse 6) takes too much unctuous, heavy, sweet and cold things, habitually takes preparations of (rice) flour, sugarcane, milk, sesame, black gram and coarse, unrefined sugar (jaggery), uses excessively immature curd, alcoholic drinks, salads, eats meat of marshy, aquatic and domesticated animals in excessive quantities, suppresses natural urges, drinks too much water when hungry, or is subjected to excessive shaking of the body (caused by travelling on rough roads, etc.), his ''[[kapha]]'' along with ''[[vata]]'' gets vitiated or aggravated. [10]
 
</div>
 
</div>
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
 +
 
तं प्रकुपितं  मारुत आमाशयैकदेशे संवर्त्य तानेव वेदनाप्रकारानुपजनयति  
 
तं प्रकुपितं  मारुत आमाशयैकदेशे संवर्त्य तानेव वेदनाप्रकारानुपजनयति  
 
य उक्ता वातगुल्मे; श्लेष्मा  त्वस्य  शीतज्वरारोचकाविपाकाङ्गमर्द हर्षहृद्रोगच्छर्दिनिद्रालस्यस्तैमित्यगौरवशिरोभितापानुपजनयति, अपि च गुल्मस्यस्थैर्यगौरवकाठिन्यावगाढसुप्तताः, तथाकासश्वासप्रतिश्यायान्  राजयक्ष्माणं चातिप्रवृद्धः, श्वैत्यं त्वङ्नखनयनवदनमूत्रपुरीषेषूपजनयति, निदानोक्तानि चास्य नोपशेरते, विपरीतानि चोपशेरत इति श्लेष्मगुल्मः||११||
 
य उक्ता वातगुल्मे; श्लेष्मा  त्वस्य  शीतज्वरारोचकाविपाकाङ्गमर्द हर्षहृद्रोगच्छर्दिनिद्रालस्यस्तैमित्यगौरवशिरोभितापानुपजनयति, अपि च गुल्मस्यस्थैर्यगौरवकाठिन्यावगाढसुप्तताः, तथाकासश्वासप्रतिश्यायान्  राजयक्ष्माणं चातिप्रवृद्धः, श्वैत्यं त्वङ्नखनयनवदनमूत्रपुरीषेषूपजनयति, निदानोक्तानि चास्य नोपशेरते, विपरीतानि चोपशेरत इति श्लेष्मगुल्मः||११||
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
  
 
taṁ prakupitaṁ māruta āmāśayaikadēśē saṁvartya [18] tānēva vēdanāprakārānupajanayati ya uktā vātagulmē; ślēṣmā tvasyaśītajvarārōcakāvipākāṅgamardaharṣahr̥drōgacchardinidrālasyastaimityagauravaśirōbhitāpānupajanayati, api ca gulmasyasthairyagauravakāṭhinyāvagāḍhasuptatāḥ, tathā kāsaśvāsapratiśyāyān rājayakṣmāṇaṁ cātipravr̥ddhaḥ, śvaityaṁtvaṅnakhanayanavadanamūtrapurīṣēṣūpajanayati, nidānōktāni cāsya nōpaśēratē, viparītāni cōpaśērata iti ślēṣmagulmaḥ||11||
 
taṁ prakupitaṁ māruta āmāśayaikadēśē saṁvartya [18] tānēva vēdanāprakārānupajanayati ya uktā vātagulmē; ślēṣmā tvasyaśītajvarārōcakāvipākāṅgamardaharṣahr̥drōgacchardinidrālasyastaimityagauravaśirōbhitāpānupajanayati, api ca gulmasyasthairyagauravakāṭhinyāvagāḍhasuptatāḥ, tathā kāsaśvāsapratiśyāyān rājayakṣmāṇaṁ cātipravr̥ddhaḥ, śvaityaṁtvaṅnakhanayanavadanamūtrapurīṣēṣūpajanayati, nidānōktāni cāsya nōpaśēratē, viparītāni cōpaśērata iti ślēṣmagulmaḥ||11||
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tva~gnakhanayanavadanamUtrapurISheShUpajanayati, nidAnoktAni  cAsya nopasherate,
 
tva~gnakhanayanavadanamUtrapurISheShUpajanayati, nidAnoktAni  cAsya nopasherate,
 
viparItAni copasherata iti shleShmagulmaH||11||
 
viparItAni copasherata iti shleShmagulmaH||11||
 +
</div></div>
 +
 
<div style="text-align:justify;">
 
<div style="text-align:justify;">
Such aggravated ''vata'' along with vitiated ''kapha'', when accumulated in the ''amashaya'' (upper part of abdomen) region or a part of it, causes the same types of painful symptoms as mentioned for ''vata gulma''. ''Kapha'' causes fever accompanied with cold sensation, anorexia, indigestion, bodyache, horripilation, heart disease, vomiting, excess sleep, lassitude, sweating, and a feeling of heaviness and distress in the head. In the region where the ''gulma'' is located, there is fixity, heaviness, hardness, and numbness. Complications could occur such as cough, dyspnoea, coryza and even tuberculosis in much advanced stages. In terms of physical appearance, the patient develops whiteness in skin, nails, face, urine and feces. The disease aggravates due to these etiological factors and pacifies due to opposite factors. This variant of ''gulma'' is called ''kapha gulma''. [11]
+
Such aggravated ''[[vata]]'' along with vitiated ''[[kapha]]'', when accumulated in the ''amashaya'' (upper part of abdomen) region or a part of it, causes the same types of painful symptoms as mentioned for ''[[vata]] gulma''. ''[[Kapha]]'' causes fever accompanied with cold sensation, anorexia, indigestion, bodyache, horripilation, heart disease, vomiting, excess sleep, lassitude, sweating, and a feeling of heaviness and distress in the head. In the region where the ''gulma'' is located, there is fixity, heaviness, hardness, and numbness. Complications could occur such as cough, dyspnoea, coryza and even tuberculosis in much advanced stages. In terms of physical appearance, the patient develops whiteness in skin, nails, face, urine and feces. The disease aggravates due to these etiological factors and pacifies due to opposite factors. This variant of ''gulma'' is called ''[[kapha]] gulma''. [11]
 
</div>
 
</div>
  
==== ''Tridosha'' dominant ''gulma'' ====
+
=== ''Tridosha'' dominant ''gulma'' ===
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
  
 
त्रिदोषहेतुलिङ्गसन्निपाते तु सान्निपातिकं गुल्ममुपदिशन्ति  कुशलाः|  
 
त्रिदोषहेतुलिङ्गसन्निपाते तु सान्निपातिकं गुल्ममुपदिशन्ति  कुशलाः|  
 
स विप्रतिषिद्धोपक्रमत्वादसाध्यो निचयगुल्मः||१२||
 
स विप्रतिषिद्धोपक्रमत्वादसाध्यो निचयगुल्मः||१२||
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
  
 
tridōṣahētuliṅgasannipātē tu sānnipātikaṁ gulmamupadiśanti kuśalāḥ|  
 
tridōṣahētuliṅgasannipātē tu sānnipātikaṁ gulmamupadiśanti kuśalāḥ|  
Line 200: Line 261:
 
Tu sAnnipAtikaM gulmamupadishanti kushalAH| sa vipratiShiddhopakramatvAdasAdhyo
 
Tu sAnnipAtikaM gulmamupadishanti kushalAH| sa vipratiShiddhopakramatvAdasAdhyo
 
nicayagulmaH||12||
 
nicayagulmaH||12||
 +
</div></div>
  
When the symptoms of three ''doshas'' are exhibited, a ''gulma'' patient is said to be ailing from ''sannipatika gulma''. This condition is incurable. [12]
+
When the symptoms of three ''[[dosha]]s'' are exhibited, a ''gulma'' patient is said to be ailing from ''sannipatika gulma''. This condition is incurable. [12]
  
==== ''Shonita gulma'' ====
+
=== ''Shonita gulma'' ===
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
  
 
शोणितगुल्मस्तु खलु स्त्रिया एव भवति न पुरुषस्य, गर्भकोष्ठार्तवागमन वैशेष्यात्|  पारतन्त्र्यादवैशारद्यात् सततमुपचारानुरोधाद्वा  
 
शोणितगुल्मस्तु खलु स्त्रिया एव भवति न पुरुषस्य, गर्भकोष्ठार्तवागमन वैशेष्यात्|  पारतन्त्र्यादवैशारद्यात् सततमुपचारानुरोधाद्वा  
 
वेगानुदीर्णानुपरुन्धत्या आमगर्भे वाऽप्यचिरपतितेऽथवाऽप्यचिरप्रजाताया ऋतौ वा वातप्रकोपणान्यासेवमानायाः क्षिप्रंवातः प्रकोपमापद्यते||१३||
 
वेगानुदीर्णानुपरुन्धत्या आमगर्भे वाऽप्यचिरपतितेऽथवाऽप्यचिरप्रजाताया ऋतौ वा वातप्रकोपणान्यासेवमानायाः क्षिप्रंवातः प्रकोपमापद्यते||१३||
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
  
 
śōṇitagulmastu khalu striyā ēva bhavati na puruṣasya, garbhakōṣṭhārtavāgamanavaiśēṣyāt|  
 
śōṇitagulmastu khalu striyā ēva bhavati na puruṣasya, garbhakōṣṭhārtavāgamanavaiśēṣyāt|  
Line 215: Line 279:
 
Amagarbhe vA~apyacirapatite~athavA~apyaciraprajAtAyA Rutau vA
 
Amagarbhe vA~apyacirapatite~athavA~apyaciraprajAtAyA Rutau vA
 
VataprakopaNAnyAsevamAnAyAH kShipraM VataH prakopamApadyate||13||
 
VataprakopaNAnyAsevamAnAyAH kShipraM VataH prakopamApadyate||13||
 +
</div></div>
 +
 
<div style="text-align:justify;">
 
<div style="text-align:justify;">
''Shonita'' or ''raktagulma'' occurs specifically only in women and not in men because of presence of uterus and menstrual flow in the former. In woman, who suppress their natural urges because of dependence, ignorance or a constant attendance to service of others or uses ''vata'' aggravating substances soon after abortion, delivery or during menstruation, ''vata'' gets vitiated or aggravated quickly. [13]
+
''Shonita'' or ''raktagulma'' occurs specifically only in women and not in men because of presence of uterus and menstrual flow in the former. In woman, who suppress their natural urges because of dependence, ignorance or a constant attendance to service of others or uses ''[[vata]]'' aggravating substances soon after abortion, delivery or during menstruation, ''[[vata]]'' gets vitiated or aggravated quickly. [13]
 
</div>
 
</div>
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
 +
 
स प्रकुपितो योनिमुखमनुप्रविश्यार्तवमुपरुणद्धि, मासि मासि तदार्तवमुपरुध्यमानं |कुक्षिमभिवर्धयति|  
 
स प्रकुपितो योनिमुखमनुप्रविश्यार्तवमुपरुणद्धि, मासि मासि तदार्तवमुपरुध्यमानं |कुक्षिमभिवर्धयति|  
 
तस्याः शूलकासातीसारच्छर्द्यरोचकाविपाकाङ्गमर्दनिद्रालस्यस्तैमित्य कफप्रसेकाः समुपजायन्ते, स्तनयोश्च स्तन्यम्, ओष्ठयोः  
 
तस्याः शूलकासातीसारच्छर्द्यरोचकाविपाकाङ्गमर्दनिद्रालस्यस्तैमित्य कफप्रसेकाः समुपजायन्ते, स्तनयोश्च स्तन्यम्, ओष्ठयोः  
Line 224: Line 292:
 
योन्याश्चाटालत्वम्, अपि  च योन्या दौर्गन्ध्यमास्रावश्चोपजायते,  
 
योन्याश्चाटालत्वम्, अपि  च योन्या दौर्गन्ध्यमास्रावश्चोपजायते,  
 
केवलश्चास्या गुल्मः पिण्डित एव स्पन्दते, तामगर्भां गर्भिणीमित्याहुर्मूढाः||१४||
 
केवलश्चास्या गुल्मः पिण्डित एव स्पन्दते, तामगर्भां गर्भिणीमित्याहुर्मूढाः||१४||
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
  
 
sa prakupitō yōnimukhamanupraviśyārtavamuparuṇaddhi, māsi māsi tadārtavamuparudhyamānaṁ kukṣimabhivardhayati|  
 
sa prakupitō yōnimukhamanupraviśyārtavamuparuṇaddhi, māsi māsi tadārtavamuparudhyamānaṁ kukṣimabhivardhayati|  
Line 236: Line 305:
 
api ca yonyA daurgandhyamAsrAvashcopajAyate, kevalashcAsyA
 
api ca yonyA daurgandhyamAsrAvashcopajAyate, kevalashcAsyA
 
gulmaH piNDita eva spandate, tAmagarbhAM garbhiNImityAhurmo UDhAH||14||
 
gulmaH piNDita eva spandate, tAmagarbhAM garbhiNImityAhurmo UDhAH||14||
 +
</div></div>
 +
 
<div style="text-align:justify;">
 
<div style="text-align:justify;">
This vitiated ''vata'' gets into the cervico-vaginal canal and checks the menstrual flow. If this continues for a prolonged period, the menstrual blood being obstructed accumulates and enlarges the abdomen. The patient consequently  suffers from pain, cough, diarrhea, vomiting, anorexia, indigestion, bodyache, excess sleep, lassitude, dampness, and excessive salivation. There occurs appearance of milk in breasts, dark coloration of lips and areolar region, excessive heaviness in eyes, fainting, nausea, longing for certain food articles as seen during pregnancy, swelling in feet, dilatation of the vaginal orifice and foul smelling discharge from the vagina. There is pulsation in the entire mass of ''gulma'', confusing the patient (or her attendants) into thinking that she is pregnant. [14]
+
This vitiated ''[[vata]]'' gets into the cervico-vaginal canal and checks the menstrual flow. If this continues for a prolonged period, the menstrual blood being obstructed accumulates and enlarges the abdomen. The patient consequently  suffers from pain, cough, diarrhea, vomiting, anorexia, indigestion, bodyache, excess sleep, lassitude, dampness, and excessive salivation. There occurs appearance of milk in breasts, dark coloration of lips and areolar region, excessive heaviness in eyes, fainting, nausea, longing for certain food articles as seen during pregnancy, swelling in feet, dilatation of the vaginal orifice and foul smelling discharge from the vagina. There is pulsation in the entire mass of ''gulma'', confusing the patient (or her attendants) into thinking that she is pregnant. [14]
 
</div>
 
</div>
==== Prodormal symptoms ====
+
=== Prodormal symptoms ===
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
  
 
एषां तु खलु पञ्चानां गुल्मानां प्रागभिनिर्वृत्तेरिमानि  
 
एषां तु खलु पञ्चानां गुल्मानां प्रागभिनिर्वृत्तेरिमानि  
Line 245: Line 317:
 
अग्निवैषम्यं, विदाहो भुक्तस्य, पाककाले चायुक्त्या छर्द्युद्गारौ, वातमूत्रपुरीषवेगानां चाप्रादुर्भावः, प्रादुर्भूतानां चाप्रवृत्तिरीषदागमनं वा, वातशूलाटोपान्त्रकूजनापरिहर्षणातिवृत्तपुरीषताः,  
 
अग्निवैषम्यं, विदाहो भुक्तस्य, पाककाले चायुक्त्या छर्द्युद्गारौ, वातमूत्रपुरीषवेगानां चाप्रादुर्भावः, प्रादुर्भूतानां चाप्रवृत्तिरीषदागमनं वा, वातशूलाटोपान्त्रकूजनापरिहर्षणातिवृत्तपुरीषताः,  
 
अबुभुक्षा, दौर्बल्यं,सौहित्यस्य चासहत्वमिति||१५||
 
अबुभुक्षा, दौर्बल्यं,सौहित्यस्य चासहत्वमिति||१५||
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
  
 
ēṣāṁ tu khalu pañcānāṁ gulmānāṁ prāgabhinirvr̥ttērimāni pūrvarūpāṇi bhavanti; tadyathā- anannābhilaṣaṇam, arōcakāvipākau, agnivaiṣamyaṁ, vidāhō bhuktasya,pākakālē cāyuktyā chardyudgārau, vātamūtrapurīṣavēgānāṁ cāprādurbhāvaḥ, prādurbhūtānāṁ cāpravr̥ttirīṣadāgamanaṁ vā,vātaśūlāṭōpāntrakūjanāpariharṣaṇātivr̥ttapurīṣatāḥ, abubhukṣā, daurbalyaṁ, sauhityasya cāsahatvamiti||15||
 
ēṣāṁ tu khalu pañcānāṁ gulmānāṁ prāgabhinirvr̥ttērimāni pūrvarūpāṇi bhavanti; tadyathā- anannābhilaṣaṇam, arōcakāvipākau, agnivaiṣamyaṁ, vidāhō bhuktasya,pākakālē cāyuktyā chardyudgārau, vātamūtrapurīṣavēgānāṁ cāprādurbhāvaḥ, prādurbhūtānāṁ cāpravr̥ttirīṣadāgamanaṁ vā,vātaśūlāṭōpāntrakūjanāpariharṣaṇātivr̥ttapurīṣatāḥ, abubhukṣā, daurbalyaṁ, sauhityasya cāsahatvamiti||15||
Line 255: Line 328:
 
VatashUlATopAntrakUjanApariharShaNAtivRuttapurIShatAH,
 
VatashUlATopAntrakUjanApariharShaNAtivRuttapurIShatAH,
 
abubhukShA, daurbalyaM, sauhityasya cAsahatvamiti||15||
 
abubhukShA, daurbalyaM, sauhityasya cAsahatvamiti||15||
 +
</div></div>
 +
 
<div style="text-align:justify;">
 
<div style="text-align:justify;">
These five types of ''gulma'' have the following prodormal symptoms just prior to occurring: aversion to food, anorexia and indigestion, disturbed metabolism, burning sensation after taking meals, vomiting and unusual eructations, reduced urge for flatus, urine and bowel movements, pain, distension, gurgling sound, horripilation and diarrhea due to ''vata'', loss of appetite, debility, and inability to endure satiety. [15]
+
These five types of ''gulma'' have the following prodormal symptoms just prior to occurring: aversion to food, anorexia and indigestion, disturbed metabolism, burning sensation after taking meals, vomiting and unusual eructations, reduced urge for flatus, urine and bowel movements, pain, distension, gurgling sound, horripilation and diarrhea due to ''[[vata]]'', loss of appetite, debility, and inability to endure satiety. [15]
 
</div>
 
</div>
==== Prognosis and general principles of management ====
+
=== Prognosis and general principles of management ===
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
  
 
सर्वेष्वपि खल्वेतेषु  गुल्मेषु न कश्चिद्वातादृते  सम्भवति गुल्मः|  
 
सर्वेष्वपि खल्वेतेषु  गुल्मेषु न कश्चिद्वातादृते  सम्भवति गुल्मः|  
Line 268: Line 344:
 
वातचिकित्सितं प्रणयेत्, स्नेहस्वेदौ वातहरौ स्नेहोपसंहितं च मृदु विरेचनं बस्तींश्च;  अम्ललवणमधुरांश्च रसान् युक्त्याऽवचारयेत्|  
 
वातचिकित्सितं प्रणयेत्, स्नेहस्वेदौ वातहरौ स्नेहोपसंहितं च मृदु विरेचनं बस्तींश्च;  अम्ललवणमधुरांश्च रसान् युक्त्याऽवचारयेत्|  
 
मारुते ह्युपशान्ते स्वल्पेनापि प्रयत्नेन शक्योऽन्योऽपि  दोषो नियन्तुं  गुल्मेष्विति||१६||  
 
मारुते ह्युपशान्ते स्वल्पेनापि प्रयत्नेन शक्योऽन्योऽपि  दोषो नियन्तुं  गुल्मेष्विति||१६||  
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
  
 
sarvēṣvapi khalvētēṣu gulmēṣu na kaścidvātādr̥tē sambhavati gulmaḥ|  
 
sarvēṣvapi khalvētēṣu gulmēṣu na kaścidvātādr̥tē sambhavati gulmaḥ|  
Line 279: Line 356:
 
gurUnupadravAMstvaramANashcikitsejjaghanyamitarAn|
 
gurUnupadravAMstvaramANashcikitsejjaghanyamitarAn|
 
tvaramANastu visheShamanupalabhamAno gulmeShvAtyayike karmaNi VatacikitsitaM praNayet, snehasvedau Vataharau snehopasaMhitaM ca mRudu virecanaM  bastIMshca; amlalavaNamadhurAMshca rasAn yuktyA~avacArayet| mArute hyupashAnte svalpenApi prayatnena shakyo~anyo~api doSho niyantuM gulmeShviti||16||
 
tvaramANastu visheShamanupalabhamAno gulmeShvAtyayike karmaNi VatacikitsitaM praNayet, snehasvedau Vataharau snehopasaMhitaM ca mRudu virecanaM  bastIMshca; amlalavaNamadhurAMshca rasAn yuktyA~avacArayet| mArute hyupashAnte svalpenApi prayatnena shakyo~anyo~api doSho niyantuM gulmeShviti||16||
 +
</div></div>
 +
 
<div style="text-align:justify;">
 
<div style="text-align:justify;">
As is evident from the descriptions of ''gulma'', no variant is caused without vitiation of ''vata''. Amongst these variants, ''sannipatika'' ''gulma'' is incurable and should not be treated. The variant caused by just one ''dosha'', should be treated with suitable therapeutics prescribed for respective ''dosha''. Those caused by a combination of two ''doshas'' (''vata – pitta'' or ''vata – kapha'') should be managed with the general therapeutic measures applicable to  ''dwidoshic'' ailments. The measures that are not contrary to the ''dosha'' can be applied according to severity of complications. In case of emergency situations, the measures applicable in treatment of ''vata gulma'', such as ''vata''-alleviating unction, fomentation, mild unctuous purgation, enema, and use of  sweet, sour and salty substances should be administered. If ''vata'' is pacified, then the disease can be cured even with little efforts and other types of ''gulma'' can also be treated.  [16]
+
As is evident from the descriptions of ''gulma'', no variant is caused without vitiation of ''[[vata]]''. Amongst these variants, ''sannipatika'' ''gulma'' is incurable and should not be treated. The variant caused by just one ''[[dosha]]'', should be treated with suitable therapeutics prescribed for respective ''[[dosha]]''. Those caused by a combination of two ''[[dosha]]s'' (''[[vata]] [[pitta]]'' or ''[[vata]] [[kapha]]'') should be managed with the general therapeutic measures applicable to  ''dwidoshic'' ailments. The measures that are not contrary to the ''[[dosha]]'' can be applied according to severity of complications. In case of emergency situations, the measures applicable in treatment of ''[[vata]] gulma'', such as ''[[vata]]''-alleviating unction, fomentation, mild unctuous purgation, enema, and use of  sweet, sour and salty substances should be administered. If ''[[vata]]'' is pacified, then the disease can be cured even with little efforts and other types of ''gulma'' can also be treated.  [16]
 
</div>
 
</div>
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
 +
 
भवति चात्र-  
 
भवति चात्र-  
 
गुल्मिनामनिलशान्तिरुपायैः सर्वशो विधिवदाचरितव्या|  
 
गुल्मिनामनिलशान्तिरुपायैः सर्वशो विधिवदाचरितव्या|  
 
मारुते  ह्यवजितेऽन्यमुदीर्णं  दोषमल्पमपि कर्म निहन्यात्||१७||
 
मारुते  ह्यवजितेऽन्यमुदीर्णं  दोषमल्पमपि कर्म निहन्यात्||१७||
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
  
 
bhavati cātra- gulmināmanilaśāntirupāyaiḥ sarvaśō vidhivadācaritavyā|  
 
bhavati cātra- gulmināmanilaśāntirupāyaiḥ sarvaśō vidhivadācaritavyā|  
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gulminAmanilashAntirupAyaiH sarvasho vidhivadAcaritavyA| mArute
 
gulminAmanilashAntirupAyaiH sarvasho vidhivadAcaritavyA| mArute
 
hyavajite~anyamudIrNaM doShamalpamapi karma nihanyAt||17||
 
hyavajite~anyamudIrNaM doShamalpamapi karma nihanyAt||17||
 +
</div></div>
  
In the case of ''gulma'', all the measures for pacification of ''vata'' should be administered properly because after ''vayu'' is controlled over, other aggravated ''doshas'' can be alleviated even with small remedies. [17]
+
In the case of ''gulma'', all the measures for pacification of ''[[vata]]'' should be administered properly because after ''vayu'' is controlled over, other aggravated ''[[dosha]]s'' can be alleviated even with small remedies. [17]
  
==== Summary ====
+
=== Summary ===
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
  
 
तत्र  श्लोकः-  
 
तत्र  श्लोकः-  
 
सङ्ख्या निमित्तं रूपाणि पूर्वरूपमथापि च|  
 
सङ्ख्या निमित्तं रूपाणि पूर्वरूपमथापि च|  
 
दिष्टं  निदाने गुल्मानामेकदेशश्च कर्मणाम्||१८||
 
दिष्टं  निदाने गुल्मानामेकदेशश्च कर्मणाम्||१८||
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
  
 
tatra ślōkaḥ- saṅkhyā nimittaṁ rūpāṇi pūrvarūpamathāpi ca|  
 
tatra ślōkaḥ- saṅkhyā nimittaṁ rūpāṇi pūrvarūpamathāpi ca|  
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sa~gkhyA nimittaM rUpANi pUrvarUpamathApi ca| diShTaM
 
sa~gkhyA nimittaM rUpANi pUrvarUpamathApi ca| diShTaM
 
nidAne gulmanAmekadeshashca karmaNAm||18||
 
nidAne gulmanAmekadeshashca karmaNAm||18||
 +
</div></div>
  
 
Now, to summarize:
 
Now, to summarize:
  
 
In the chapter on diagnosis of ''gulma'' the number, causative factor, symptoms and prodromal symptoms along with a portion of treatment of ''gulmas'' have been described.[18]
 
In the chapter on diagnosis of ''gulma'' the number, causative factor, symptoms and prodromal symptoms along with a portion of treatment of ''gulmas'' have been described.[18]
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
  
 
इत्यग्निवेशकृते  तन्त्रे  चरकप्रतिसंस्कृते  निदानस्थाने गुल्मनिदानं  
 
इत्यग्निवेशकृते  तन्त्रे  चरकप्रतिसंस्कृते  निदानस्थाने गुल्मनिदानं  
 
नाम तृतीयोऽध्यायः||३||
 
नाम तृतीयोऽध्यायः||३||
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
  
 
ityagnivēśakr̥tē tantrē carakapratisaṁskr̥tē nidānasthānē gulmanidānaṁ nāma tr̥tīyō'dhyāyaḥ||3||
 
ityagnivēśakr̥tē tantrē carakapratisaṁskr̥tē nidānasthānē gulmanidānaṁ nāma tr̥tīyō'dhyāyaḥ||3||
  
 
ityagniveshakRute tantre tantre carakapratisaMskRute nidAnasthAne gulmanidAnaM nAma tRutIyo~adhyAyaH||3||
 
ityagniveshakRute tantre tantre carakapratisaMskRute nidAnasthAne gulmanidAnaM nAma tRutIyo~adhyAyaH||3||
 +
</div></div>
  
 
Thus ends the third chapter on the diagnosis of ''gulma'' in the treatise composed by Agnivesha and redacted by Charak.
 
Thus ends the third chapter on the diagnosis of ''gulma'' in the treatise composed by Agnivesha and redacted by Charak.
  
=== ''Tattva Vimarsha'' ===
+
== Tattva Vimarsha (Fundamental Principles) ==
 
<div style="text-align:justify;">
 
<div style="text-align:justify;">
*''Gulma'' is a disease of the ''mahastrotas'' (gastro-intestinal tract/abdomen) and is caused due to predominance of ''vata''. It is of five types depending upon its location (limited to the gastro-intestinal region between the heart and the bladder). Four types of ''gulma'' are common to both males and females while the fifth, ''raktaja gulma'', is a condition limited to females.
+
*''Gulma'' is a disease of the ''mahastrotas'' (gastro-intestinal tract/abdomen) and is caused due to predominance of ''[[vata]]''. It is of five types depending upon its location (limited to the gastro-intestinal region between the heart and the bladder). Four types of ''gulma'' are common to both males and females while the fifth, ''raktaja gulma'', is a condition limited to females.
*''Gulmas'' also vary by the vitiation of other doshas besides ''vata''. The ''sannipitaka gulma'', caused by vitiation of all three ''doshas'', is said to be incurable.
+
*''Gulmas'' also vary by the vitiation of other [[dosha]]s besides ''[[vata]]''. The ''sannipitaka gulma'', caused by vitiation of all three ''[[dosha]]s'', is said to be incurable.
*A primary feature of ''gulma'' is obstruction to the path of ''vata'', which can be due to causes like tumor, stricture, inflammation, tuberculosis, parasites, etc.
+
*A primary feature of ''gulma'' is obstruction to the path of ''[[vata]]'', which can be due to causes like tumor, stricture, inflammation, tuberculosis, parasites, etc.
*''Gulma'' with acute symptoms should have urgent relief of ''vata'' obstruction.
+
*''Gulma'' with acute symptoms should have urgent relief of ''[[vata]]'' obstruction.
*Treatment of ''vata gulma'' includes ''vata''-alleviating unction, fomentation, mild unctuous purgation, enema, and use of  sweet, sour and salty substances. If ''vata dosha'' is pacified in ''gulma'' disease, then other two ''dosha'' can also be controlled.  
+
*Treatment of ''[[vata]] gulma'' includes ''[[vata]]''-alleviating unction, fomentation, mild unctuous purgation, enema, and use of  sweet, sour and salty substances. If ''[[vata dosha]]'' is pacified in ''gulma'' disease, then other two ''[[dosha]]'' can also be controlled.
  
=== ''Vidhi Vimarsha'' ===
+
== Vidhi Vimarsha (Applied Inferences) ==
  
A comprehensive effort has been made in Ayurveda to describe different types of swellings occurring in the body e.g. ''gulma, udara roga, vriddhi roga, granthi, arbuddha, shopha,'' and ''vidradhi'', etc. They can be distinguished from each other according to their specific characteristics as written in different classics of Ayurveda. Generalized abdominal swellings have been described under the heading of ''udara roga'' (abdominal diseases including ascitis), while localized, non-suppurated swellings are ''gulmas''. Other localized swellings, such as ''vriddhi roga'' (hernia and hydrocele), have also been described by ancient authors but such swellings are in regions other than the gastro-intestinal region, or in parts of the body such as the scrotal and inguinoscrotal region.  
+
A comprehensive effort has been made in [[Ayurveda]] to describe different types of swellings occurring in the body e.g. ''gulma, udara roga, vriddhi roga, granthi, arbuddha, shopha,'' and ''vidradhi'', etc. They can be distinguished from each other according to their specific characteristics as written in different classics of [[Ayurveda]]. Generalized abdominal swellings have been described under the heading of ''udara roga'' (abdominal diseases including ascitis), while localized, non-suppurated swellings are ''gulmas''. Other localized swellings, such as ''vriddhi roga'' (hernia and hydrocele), have also been described by ancient authors but such swellings are in regions other than the gastro-intestinal region, or in parts of the body such as the scrotal and inguinoscrotal region.  
  
 
''Shopha'' is a localized inflammatory swelling. ''Vidradhi'' (abscess) are also localized  but large suppurative lesions and are deep - rooted that may develop either from external  surfaces or  internal body cavities.  ''Granthi'' (cyst) and ''arbuda'' (tumor) are also localized, progressively increasing knotty lesions and are primarily non suppurative in nature. Such swellings may arise in any part of the body and  are commonly known as neoplastic lesions.  
 
''Shopha'' is a localized inflammatory swelling. ''Vidradhi'' (abscess) are also localized  but large suppurative lesions and are deep - rooted that may develop either from external  surfaces or  internal body cavities.  ''Granthi'' (cyst) and ''arbuda'' (tumor) are also localized, progressively increasing knotty lesions and are primarily non suppurative in nature. Such swellings may arise in any part of the body and  are commonly known as neoplastic lesions.  
  
==== Etiopathogenesis of ''gulma'' ====
+
=== Etiopathogenesis of ''gulma'' ===
  
In [[Charak Samhita]], vitiated ''vata dosha'' is considered as major etiological factor for the development of any type of ''gulma''.<ref>CH Chi 28/58</ref> Among the five types of ''vata'' mentioned in [[Charak Samhita]], vitiated ''apana'' and/or ''samana vata'' seem to be the primary etiological factors of ''gulma'', since these are mainly responsible for the normal physiological functions of ''mahastrotas''. The prodromal symptoms of ''gulma'' also point towards these two e.g. aversion to food, anorexia, and diminished urge to pass flatus, urine and feces.  
+
In [[Charak Samhita]], vitiated ''[[vata dosha]]'' is considered as major etiological factor for the development of any type of ''gulma''.[Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 28/58] Among the five types of ''[[vata]]'' mentioned in [[Charak Samhita]], vitiated ''apana'' and/or ''samana [[vata]]'' seem to be the primary etiological factors of ''gulma'', since these are mainly responsible for the normal physiological functions of ''mahastrotas''. The prodromal symptoms of ''gulma'' also point towards these two e.g. aversion to food, anorexia, and diminished urge to pass flatus, urine and feces.  
  
In  [[Chikitsa Sthana]], Charak states that ''vata'' gets vitiated by two basic means i.e. ''dhatukshaya'' (tissue wasting) and ''margavarana'' (obstruction).  The etiology given in this chapter could also include excess consumption of food with ''ruksha guna'', trauma and faulty ''shodhana'' procedures, excessive loss of ''mala'' and ''dhatu'' responsible for ''dhatukshaya'' and various other factors that vitiate ''doshas'' and ''mala'' causing obstruction of different channels, further aggravating ''vata''.
+
In  [[Chikitsa Sthana]], Charak states that ''[[vata]]'' gets vitiated by two basic means i.e. ''dhatukshaya'' (tissue wasting) and ''margavarana'' (obstruction).  The etiology given in this chapter could also include excess consumption of food with ''ruksha [[guna]]'', trauma and faulty ''[[shodhana]]'' procedures, excessive loss of ''[[mala]]'' and ''[[dhatu]]'' responsible for ''dhatukshaya'' and various other factors that vitiate ''[[dosha]]s'' and ''[[mala]]'' causing obstruction of different channels, further aggravating ''[[vata]]''.
  
While analysing the definition given by various Acharyas regarding ''gulma'' it can be stated that it is the clinical condition in which only solidification of ''doshas'' give rise to ''gulma''. It is believed that, for the development of any other disease, vitiated ''dosha''(s), together with ''dushya'' need to accumulate at a specific site leading to development of the disease. Therefore for the development of any disease, a combination of ''dosha'' and ''dushya'' is critical. However for ''gulma'', only vitiated ''doshas'' are responsible and there is no involvement of ''dushya''. This is a unique feature of pathogenesis of ''gulma''. Sushruta has explained further  that just as water bubbles appear and disappear when rain drops fall on water, ''gulmas'' appear and disappear.  
+
While analysing the definition given by various Acharyas regarding ''gulma'' it can be stated that it is the clinical condition in which only solidification of ''[[dosha]]s'' give rise to ''gulma''. It is believed that, for the development of any other disease, vitiated ''[[dosha]]''(s), together with ''[[dushya]]'' need to accumulate at a specific site leading to development of the disease. Therefore for the development of any disease, a combination of ''[[dosha]]'' and ''[[dushya]]'' is critical. However for ''gulma'', only vitiated ''[[dosha]]s'' are responsible and there is no involvement of ''[[dushya]]''. This is a unique feature of pathogenesis of ''gulma''. Sushruta has explained further  that just as water bubbles appear and disappear when rain drops fall on water, ''gulmas'' appear and disappear.  
  
Also, in the absence of any ''dushya'' (''dhatu'' and ''mala''), these swellings are commonly non-suppurative in nature.<ref>Su Utt 42/6-7</ref> There are, however, some cases where suppuration may take place. For example, in [[Chikitsa Sthana]], Charak has mentioned that suppuration may takes place in ''pittaja gulma'' and further elaborates the various stages of suppuration of ''gulma'' i.e. ''ama'' (immature or initial stage), ''pachyamana'' (intermediary stage) and ''pakwa awastha'' (final mature stage) etc. similar to the stages seen in various suppurative conditions like ''vidradhi''. Chakrapani commented that when the ''pitta gulma'' is not treated timely, ''pitta dosha'' and ''rakta dhatu'' get aggravated (together or separately), and involves the deeper structure (''kritmulam'').
+
Also, in the absence of any ''[[dushya]]'' (''[[dhatu]]'' and ''[[mala]]''), these swellings are commonly non-suppurative in nature.<ref>Sushruta. Uttara Tantra, Cha.42 Gulmapratisheda Adhyaya verse 6. In: Jadavaji Trikamji Aacharya, Editors. Sushruta Samhita. 8th ed. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia;2005.</ref> There are, however, some cases where suppuration may take place. For example, in [[Chikitsa Sthana]], Charak has mentioned that suppuration may takes place in ''pittaja gulma'' and further elaborates the various stages of suppuration of ''gulma'' i.e. ''ama'' (immature or initial stage), ''pachyamana'' (intermediary stage) and ''pakwa awastha'' (final mature stage) etc. similar to the stages seen in various suppurative conditions like ''vidradhi''. Chakrapani commented that when the ''[[pitta]] gulma'' is not treated timely, ''[[pitta dosha]]'' and ''[[rakta dhatu]]'' get aggravated (together or separately), and involves the deeper structure (''kritmulam'').
  
==== ''Shadkriyakala'' (lifecycle) of ''Gulma'' ====
+
=== ''Shadkriyakala'' (lifecycle) of ''Gulma'' ===
  
#''Sanchaya-Vata'' accumulates in ''vatasthana'' (''pakwashaya'', or the intestines) with the consumption of ''vatika'' food and activities such as excessive exercise, suppressing emergent urges etc., further aggravating it.
+
#''Sanchaya-[[Vata]]'' accumulates in ''vatasthana'' (''pakwashaya'', or the intestines) with the consumption of ''vatika'' food and activities such as excessive exercise, suppressing emergent urges etc., further aggravating it.
#''Prakopa''- Consumption of ''ruksha, khara'' and ''sheeta'' food for prolonged periods of time reduces the ''snigdha'' quality of '''strotas''' while stimulating excess ''vata'' to overflow from its ''sthana''.
+
#''Prakopa''- Consumption of ''ruksha, khara'' and ''sheeta'' food for prolonged periods of time reduces the ''snigdha'' quality of '''strotas''' while stimulating excess ''[[vata]]'' to overflow from its ''sthana''.
#''Prasara''-In this stage aggravated ''vata'' dislodges from its accumulated site and spreads all over the body.
+
#''Prasara''-In this stage aggravated ''[[vata]]'' dislodges from its accumulated site and spreads all over the body.
#''Sthanasanshraya''- This is the stage in which the ''dosha'' stays at a particular locus and comes in contact with ''dushya''. In case of ''gulma'', the ''mahastrotas'' are the principal loci, with an absence of ''dushya'' in their formation. The vitiated ''vata'' and other ''doshas'' have an affinity towards specific loci such as ''hridaya, nabhi, basti'' etc. to get lodged there. Prodromal symptoms of ''gulma'' such as anorexia, aversion for food, weakness etc. also become apparent at this stage.
+
#''Sthanasanshraya''- This is the stage in which the ''[[dosha]]'' stays at a particular locus and comes in contact with ''[[dushya]]''. In case of ''gulma'', the ''mahastrotas'' are the principal loci, with an absence of ''[[dushya]]'' in their formation. The vitiated ''[[vata]]'' and other ''[[dosha]]s'' have an affinity towards specific loci such as ''hridaya, nabhi, basti'' etc. to get lodged there. Prodromal symptoms of ''gulma'' such as anorexia, aversion for food, weakness etc. also become apparent at this stage.
#''Vyakti''- Clinical features of different types of ''gulma'' manifest at this stage so management can be done depending upon specific ''dosha'' characteristics.
+
#''Vyakti''- Clinical features of different types of ''gulma'' manifest at this stage so management can be done depending upon specific ''[[dosha]]'' characteristics.
#''Bheda''-When the ''gulma'' is not treated at the fourth and fifth stage, complications like ''bradhna roga'' (inguinal swelling), ''jwara'' (fever), ''vidbheda'' (loose stools/diarrhea), and suppuration (in case of ''pittaja gulma'') occur where surgical intervention could be necessary.  
+
#''Bheda''-When the ''gulma'' is not treated at the fourth and fifth stage, complications like ''bradhna roga'' (inguinal swelling), ''[[jwara]]'' (fever), ''vidbheda'' (loose stools/diarrhea), and suppuration (in case of ''pittaja gulma'') occur where surgical intervention could be necessary.
  
==== Location of ''gulma'' ====
+
=== Location of ''gulma'' ===
  
With respect to the ''adhishthana'' (location) of ''gulma'', five major sites have been mentioned<ref>CH. Chi. 5/8</ref>, including the ''hridaya, nabhi, basti,'' and ''parshwadwaya'' (flanks). In the context of this chapter, ''hridaya'' should be taken as the upper part of the abdominal cavity rather than the thoracic cage as described in [[Sharira Sthana]]. ''Vata gulma'' most commonly occurs in ''basti'', while ''pittagulma'' occurs most commonly in the ''nabhi'' region, and ''kaphagulma'' in the ''hridaya'' and ''parshwadwaya'' regions.<ref>Vagbhata Gulma Nidana</ref> The ''yakrita gulma'' occurs in the region of ''hridaya, ashtheela gulma'' in the region of ''kukshi'' (hypogastrium), ''pleeha gulma'' in the ''madhya'' (central) region, ''chandravivardhaka gulma'' in the region of ''basti'' , and ''granthi gulma'' afflicts the region of ''nabhi''.<ref>Harita samhita gulma nidana</ref>  
+
With respect to the ''adhishthana'' (location) of ''gulma'', five major sites have been mentioned [Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 5/8], including the ''hridaya, nabhi, basti,'' and ''parshwadwaya'' (flanks). In the context of this chapter, ''hridaya'' should be taken as the upper part of the abdominal cavity rather than the thoracic cage as described in [[Sharira Sthana]]. ''[[Vata]] gulma'' most commonly occurs in ''basti'', while ''[[pitta]] gulma'' occurs most commonly in the ''nabhi'' region, and ''[[kapha]] gulma'' in the ''hridaya'' and ''parshwadwaya'' regions.<ref>Vagbhata. Sutra Sthana, Cha.11 Vidradivriddhigulmanidana verse 41. In: Harishastri Paradkar Vaidya, Editors. Ashtanga Hridayam. 1st ed. Varanasi: Krishnadas Academy;2000. </ref> The ''yakrita gulma'' occurs in the region of ''hridaya, ashtheela gulma'' in the region of ''kukshi'' (hypogastrium), ''pleeha gulma'' in the ''madhya'' (central) region, ''chandravivardhaka gulma'' in the region of ''basti'' , and ''granthi gulma'' afflicts the region of ''nabhi''.<ref>Harita, Harita Samhita. Tritiya Sthana, Chap 4, Gulma Chikista, Verse 2-4, In: Harihariprasad Tripati, Editor. Harita Samhita. 2nd ed. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Krishnadas Academy; 2009</ref>  
  
The pathogenesis of ''pittaja'' and ''kaphaja gulma'' takes place in ''amashaya'' that lies in the region between ''hridaya'' and ''basti''.<ref>Chakrapani commentary on Charak gulma sites</ref>. Thus these two variants of ''gulma'' (i.e., ''pittaja'' and ''kaphaja'') cannot occur in ''basti''. The five sites of ''gulma'' can be mapped to the following anatomical sites of the abdomen:
+
The pathogenesis of ''pittaja'' and ''kaphaja gulma'' takes place in ''amashaya'' that lies in the region between ''hridaya'' and ''basti'' [Chakrapani on Cha.Sa.[[Nidana Sthana]] 03]. Thus these two variants of ''gulma'' (i.e., ''pittaja'' and ''kaphaja'') cannot occur in ''basti''. The five sites of ''gulma'' can be mapped to the following anatomical sites of the abdomen:
  
 
{|class = "wikitable"
 
{|class = "wikitable"
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'''Prognosis''' –''Sannipatika gulma'' is incurable, rest four are curable when treated timely.  
 
'''Prognosis''' –''Sannipatika gulma'' is incurable, rest four are curable when treated timely.  
  
'''Management'''- All the four types of ''gulma'' can be managed according to the prevalent ''doshas''. In emergency conditions  if there is no time to diagnose the type of ''gulma, vata dosha'' should be managed first as it is prevalent in all types of ''gulma''.
+
'''Management'''- All the four types of ''gulma'' can be managed according to the prevalent ''[[dosha]]s''. In emergency conditions  if there is no time to diagnose the type of ''gulma, [[vata dosha]]'' should be managed first as it is prevalent in all types of ''gulma''.
  
 
Considering the various clinical features of ''gulma'' it can be said that the majority of ''gulmas'' are non-inflammatory and non-malignant intra-abdominal swellings. But some ''gulmas'' show indications of inflammatory swellings, some benign while some show the characteristics of malignant growths.
 
Considering the various clinical features of ''gulma'' it can be said that the majority of ''gulmas'' are non-inflammatory and non-malignant intra-abdominal swellings. But some ''gulmas'' show indications of inflammatory swellings, some benign while some show the characteristics of malignant growths.
  
==== ''Vataja gulma'' ====     
+
=== ''Vataja gulma'' ===     
  
 
''Vataja gulma'' are mostly irregular, transitory swellings. These are accompanied with different intensities of colicky pain.  
 
''Vataja gulma'' are mostly irregular, transitory swellings. These are accompanied with different intensities of colicky pain.  
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Complications like inguinal swelling (''bradhna roga'') gurgling sound in the intestines (''antrakoojana''), fever/elevated temperature in the evenings, splenomegaly (''pleehavriddhi''), difficulty in breathing, bodyache (''angamarda''), and headache are commonly in the advanced stages of ''gulma''.  The above clinical features can be seen in chronic intestinal obstruction, intestinal tuberculosis, pyloric stenosis and in mobile caecum. Intestinal tuberculosis is a chronic condition with common symptoms including transitory nodules of varying sizes occurring due to partial intestinal obstruction, often accompanied with gurgling sounds from the abdomen, poor appetite, and evening fevers, as seen in the advanced stages of ''vatika gulma''. Mobile upper abdominal lump, with nausea and breathing difficulty are the features present in the case of pyloric stenosis. In mobile caecum there is also chronic progressive pain in the right flank and in the lower abdomen.  
 
Complications like inguinal swelling (''bradhna roga'') gurgling sound in the intestines (''antrakoojana''), fever/elevated temperature in the evenings, splenomegaly (''pleehavriddhi''), difficulty in breathing, bodyache (''angamarda''), and headache are commonly in the advanced stages of ''gulma''.  The above clinical features can be seen in chronic intestinal obstruction, intestinal tuberculosis, pyloric stenosis and in mobile caecum. Intestinal tuberculosis is a chronic condition with common symptoms including transitory nodules of varying sizes occurring due to partial intestinal obstruction, often accompanied with gurgling sounds from the abdomen, poor appetite, and evening fevers, as seen in the advanced stages of ''vatika gulma''. Mobile upper abdominal lump, with nausea and breathing difficulty are the features present in the case of pyloric stenosis. In mobile caecum there is also chronic progressive pain in the right flank and in the lower abdomen.  
  
==== ''Pittaja gulma'' ====  
+
=== ''Pittaja gulma'' ===  
  
 
They are painful abdominal lumps characterized with fever, sweating, thirst, burning sensations and burning eructations. These features are suggestive of inflammatory and suppurative changes in the intra-abdominal lump. In due course of time, ''pittaja gulma'' develops yellow discoloration of nail, eyes and skin, fever, and vertigo as an added complication. These features can be seen in obstructive biliary tract.
 
They are painful abdominal lumps characterized with fever, sweating, thirst, burning sensations and burning eructations. These features are suggestive of inflammatory and suppurative changes in the intra-abdominal lump. In due course of time, ''pittaja gulma'' develops yellow discoloration of nail, eyes and skin, fever, and vertigo as an added complication. These features can be seen in obstructive biliary tract.
  
==== ''Kaphaja gulma'' ====
+
=== ''Kaphaja gulma'' ===
  
 
These are fixed, solid abdominal lumps associated with heaviness, vomiting, mild pain and poor appetite. Further, if the exposure to etiological factors is continued, the patient may develop cough, breathing difficulty and ''rajayakshma'' (tuberculosis) etc. Such swellings can be compared with solid tumors of the abdomen which may or may not be associated with obstructive features of the gastrointestinal tract.
 
These are fixed, solid abdominal lumps associated with heaviness, vomiting, mild pain and poor appetite. Further, if the exposure to etiological factors is continued, the patient may develop cough, breathing difficulty and ''rajayakshma'' (tuberculosis) etc. Such swellings can be compared with solid tumors of the abdomen which may or may not be associated with obstructive features of the gastrointestinal tract.
  
==== ''Sannipataja gulma'' ====
+
=== ''Sannipataja gulma'' ===
  
 
These swellings are progressively increasing in size, fixed, deep rooted, covered with prominent veins, bulged out, and associated with weakness, nausea, vomiting, fever and thirst. Such features can be seen in malignant abdominal tumors.
 
These swellings are progressively increasing in size, fixed, deep rooted, covered with prominent veins, bulged out, and associated with weakness, nausea, vomiting, fever and thirst. Such features can be seen in malignant abdominal tumors.
  
==== ''Raktaja gulma'' ====
+
=== ''Raktaja gulma'' ===
  
 
These exhibit symptoms similar to those of pregnancy, so it is essential to differentiate them from the point of view of treatment:
 
These exhibit symptoms similar to those of pregnancy, so it is essential to differentiate them from the point of view of treatment:
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*''Raktaja gulma'' features are found in hydatidiform mole and chorio-carcinoma.
 
*''Raktaja gulma'' features are found in hydatidiform mole and chorio-carcinoma.
  
=== Researches done ===
+
== Researches ==
  
Thesis work done- Ultrasonographic and other radiological investigative studies on gulma in relation to malignancy (Kumar Satish et al in 1986).
+
Thesis work done- Ultrasonographic and other radiological investigative studies on gulma in relation to malignancy (Kumar Satish et al in 1986).  
  
=== Reference Books ===
+
== Reference Books ==
  
 
*[[Charak Samhita]], translation by Acharya P. V. Sharma.  
 
*[[Charak Samhita]], translation by Acharya P. V. Sharma.  
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*Madhavanidana- gulmanidana
 
*Madhavanidana- gulmanidana
  
=== Glossary ===
+
== Related Chapters ==
<div>
 
  
*guLm (phonetic:gulma ; Sanskrit: xwYe) Lump in abdomen : A lump like formation occurring in the abdomen either mobile or static in nature, circular in shape and constantly increasing and decreasing in size.
+
* [[Gulma Chikitsa]]
*k)j guLm (phonetic:kaphaja gulma; Sanskrit: dफt xwYe ) : Solid lump in abdomen; A subtype of gulma characterized by heaviness and hardness of the lump with mild pain.
+
 
*ipÄj guLm (phonetic :pittaja gulma; Sanskrit: fiRrt xwYe ) : Infective lump in abdomen; A subtype of gulma characterized by fever, superficial tenderness over the region and increase of pain during digestion of food.
+
<big>'''[[Special:ContactMe|Send us your suggestions and feedback on this page.]]'''</big>
*r´j guLm (phonetic :raktaja gulma; Sanskrit :jDrt xwYe ) : Uterine tumor ; A subtype of gulma characterized by bolus like formation resembling to that of fetus devoid of limbs and having features like that of pittaja gulma; and mainly reported in females.
 
*vatj guLm (phonetic:vätaja gulma;Sanskrit; okrt xwYe) Gaseous lump : A subtype of gulma characterized by fleeting type of pain in the abdomen increasing post prandial.
 
*saiÚpatj guLm ( phonetic: sännipätaja gulma; Sanskrit:  lUufikrt xwYe);A subtype of gulma characterized by formation of stone like hard lump in abdomen which is fatal in nature.
 
*ämaù (phonetic:Aam; Sanskrit: vke) Form of Toxins It is used as a technical word for anything that exists in a state of incomplete transformation. It is mentioned in various contexts like:
 
**In particular, it can refer to a toxic byproduct generated due to improper or incomplete digestion.
 
**Toxins that were produced at any stage of metabolism and that are circulating through the channels are also  sometimes.
 
**The first stage of any disease is also frequently.
 
**Any substance which is present in its abnormal state and is unwanted in the body. It represents, in a gross sense, mere indigestion which begins in the stomach, to, in a finer sense, even a faulty enzymatic pathway that prevents or hampers a metabolic cycle or chain. It is a very important factor playing a pivotal role in the genesis of any disease. It is also important in determining the prognosis, drug selection and all other stages of therapy.
 
*Ajirnah(phonetic :Ajeerna; Sanskrit:  vth.kZ ) : Dyspepsia, all kinds of digestive and metabolic disorders; A disease characterized by difficulty in digesting food, accompanied by abdominal pain, heartburn and belching and also considered the root cause of all the intrinsic diseases. It is classified into six types:
 
**Āntrakūjana (phonetic :Antrakujana ; Sanskrit: आU(kकूजन ) The term signifies increased bowel sounds which reflect the increased intestinal peristaltic movements; this can sometimes occur in diarrhea or after taking food.
 
**Adhmānaḥs (phonetic: Adhmana ; Sanskrit:  आ/ekन Distension, Inflation;  The term signifies distension or inflation of a body part caused due to stagnation of the substances inside it; but generally is taken for distension of the abdomen associated with pain due to various reasons like obstruction to the urine and feces, accumulation of blood in abdomen etc.
 
**Atisāraù (phonetic :Atisara; Sanskrit:अfतसार )  Diarrhea ; A disease of large intestine having cardinal feature as excessive and frequent defecation of liquid or unformed stools.
 
**Adhyaśanam (phonetic :Adhyashana ; Sanskrit: अ/;शनम ) Eating in undigested state; Eating before the complete digestion of the previous food.
 
**Aṭopaù (phonetic :atopa; Sanskrit: आटोप  ) Puffing, Swelling ; The term signifies abnormal expansion of the body tissue due to exertion of pressure within.
 
**Avipākaḥ (Avipaka) Non- conversion ; The term signifies a state of non- conversion any substance in the body. Generally used to denote non-conversion of food.
 
*arocakaḥ (phonetic :Arochaka; Sanskrit: अरोचक) Anorexia ; A disease where in the person has dislikes towards all kinds of food and drink.
 
*Amagarbha(phonetic: Amagarbha;  Sanskrit: vkexZHk) Abnormal formation of embryo/embryo associated with endogenous toxins; An abnormal condition of the fetus resulting in any form of wastage of pregnancy till the end of 6 months.
 
*Anannabhilasha (phonetic: anannabhilasha; Sanskrit: vuUukfHkykषा  ); Aversion to food; The term signifies abnormal aversion to intake of food.
 
*anupaśayaḥ (phonetic: Anupshaya  Sanskrit:अनुपशयः) Interventions neither good for disease nor for the health; Intervention of the diet and medicine which is neither good for health nor for diseases. And it is one of the tools of the diagnosis where the diseases cannot be diagnosed by referring merely its clinical features.
 
*kaZy R(phonetic: kärçya ;  Sanskrit: dk’Z; ) Asthenia /emaciation; The disease characterized by excessive reduction in the mass of the body and weight loss.
 
*Vyavaya (phonetic:vyavaya; Sanskrit: O;ok; ) ; It indicates sexual intercourse /sexual regimen.
 
*Prashamana (phonetic: prashamana;Sanskrit: iz’keu); Palliative therapeutics
 
*Pürvarüpa (phonetic: Poorvarupa ; Sanskrit: iwZojwIk) Premonitory, Prodromal symptoms; It is the premonitory symptom by learning about which one can avoid the manifestation of the disease. Depending on their nature they are classified into two types.
 
*Linga (phonetic:linga; Sanskrit: fyax); A distinguishing mark or a feature,attribute or trait that points towards a co-relation.
 
*Vdna(phonetic :Vedna ; Sanskrit: osnuk) ; Sensation of pain/discomfort; The term signifies sensation of discomfort or pain in the body.
 
*Vmn km (phonetic :Vamana karma Sanskrit: oeudZe) Therapeutic emesis; Vamana is first of the bio-cleansing series  and causing vomiting of vitiated dosha, especially kapha from the upper region of the body, by means of consuming suitable drugs which are repulsive, nauseating, indigestible and tending to move upwards.mainly used for diseases manifesting in upper part of body and caused by kapha dosha.
 
*ivcn km (phonetic :Virechanakarma  Sanskrit: fojspudZe) Therapeutic catharsis; Virechana literally means catharsis, consists in administration of the purgative drugs which are pleasant and tending to move downward in order to eliminate the vitiated dosha especially pitta from the lower regions of the body.
 
*Cankramana (phonetic:chankramana ;Sanskrit: pUdze.k); Person after taking food should walk for a hundredfeet slowly that way reduces the heaviness of the body and aid in easy digestion of consumed food.
 
*Prakopa (phonetic:Prakupita; Sanskrit: izdksi);  Provocative stage Second stage ; The Stage of provocation or aggravation (mainly due to liquefaction of the vitiated doñä in solid form attained during Sancaya stage). It is the second stage of kriyäkäla.
 
*Granthi (phonetic:granthi Sanskrit: xzfU; ); Knot like projection.
 
*Muhurpipilikasamprachara-iva angeshu  ( Sanskrit: eqgqZfififydklaizpkjbovaxs’kq )Formication
 
*Todau(phonetic : Toda Sanskrit: ; rksn ) Needling,pinning sensation
 
*Bhedah (phonetic Bheda Sanskrit:भॆद); The term signified an act of splitting or breaking.
 
*āyāmaḥ (phonetic Ayama Sanskrit आयामः ) Extension /Expansion /Stretching /Broadening ; The term signifies pathological condition wherein there is expansion of (or any similar meaning) elastic structures in the body. It also denotes therapeutic created conditions wherein the channels or other body parts become extended so that the normal flow and the functional physiology of the bodily constituents may continue and the pathology may be alleviated.
 
*samkoca (phonetic Sankocha Sanskrit संकॊच) Contraction of body parts
 
*Siyta (phonetic Supti  Sanskrit) Numbness; Term for abnormal sensation, including absent  or reduced sensory perception as well as perception.
 
*Harsha(phonetic Harsha Sanskrit हष ); Exhilaration; A feeling of great enthusiasm.
 
*Pralaya;( phonetic  Pralaya Sanskrit पलय) fainting
 
*Samviddha; (phonetic Samviddha Sanskrit संविद )Sting/arrow poison
 
*Sula (phonetic Shoola Sanskrit शूल); algia ; The terms, indicate continuous pinning like pain arising in different entities of the body.
 
*Daraù (phonetic Davathu Sanskrit  दवथु ) Tearing pain. The term signifies a kind of tearing pain
 
*Jvr( phonetic jvara  Sanskrit जवर); Pyrexia / fever ; A sense of non well being in senses, mind and body along with raised body temperature and associated by obstruction to the skin.
 
*Bhramau (phonetic Bhrama Sanskrit भम  ) Vertigo/dizziness; A sensation of spinning or whirling motion or a definite sensation of rotation of the subject or of objects about the in any plane.
 
*Moha (phonetic Moha Sanskrit मोह); disorientation; Because of the sharpness property of poison, it overwhelmes the mind (produces disorientations)and tends to disintegrate the marmas.
 
*chardiḥ (phonetic Chardi Sanskrit छदि ) Vomiting; A disease in which vomiting is the main symptom
 
*Nidra (phonetic Nidra Sanskrit निदा)Sleep; When the mana (mind)and indriya(sense organs )get exhausted,they withdraw themselves from the objects and the individual get sleep.
 
*Ālasyam (phonetic Ālasyam Sanskrit आलसयम् ); Lassitude at the somatic as well as psychological level; The term signifies desire of ecstasy along with vacillation or weariness of body or mind from strain, oppressive climate, etc. it is mainly caused due to psychological factors which are reflected on sensory and motor organs.
 
*Gaurava (phonetic Gaurava Sanskrit गौरव);  ; Feeling heaviness
 
*Shiroabhitatapa(phonetic Shiroabhitatapa Sanskrit शिरोअभिताप);  ; Rage of provocation
 
*Käsa (phonetic Kasa  Sanskrit कास); Cough ; A disease characterized by excessive cough either dry or with mucous.
 
*Cvasa; (phonetic Shwasa  Sanskrit श्वास); Dyspnoea due to respiratory disease; It is a respiratory diseases marked by recurrent paroxysmal attacks of shortness of breath, a subjective, difficulty or distress in breathing, with or without wheezing due to obstruction in respiratory airways.
 
*Upakrama(phonetic  Upakrama  Sanskrit उपकम); Therapeutic measures; The main therapeutic measures to counteract the disease conditions.
 
*Ko..tha (phonetic  Koshtha; Sanskrit कोष्ठ);  A closed space or area, typically indicative of organs in the abdominal, thoracic and pelvic cavities physiologically koshtha is also indicative of git. depending on the dominance of dosa, depending on the ability to digest the food, and depending on the bowel movements.
 
*Artava (phonetic  Artava  Sanskrit अ तव);; One of the updhatu of rasa dhatu.indicative of either menstrual fluid or ovum.it is dominant of Agni dhatu.
 
*glāniḥ ((phonetic Glani Sanskrit ग्लानिः  ); Mental fatigue/Regret;  Fatigue in mind leading to dislike towards thinking.
 
*Shwayathu(phonetic Shwayathu  Sanskrit श्वयथु);; Swelling ; oedema
 
*Romaraji; (phonetic Romaraji  Sanskrit रोमराजि);  Appearance of hairy lines
 
*Vidaha ((phonetic Vidaha  Sanskrit विदाह); Heartburn) An abnormal condition characterized by heartburn.
 
*Basti  (phonetic Basti  Sanskrit बस्ति);  bladder
 
*Apacayam (phonetic Apacayam  Sanskrit  अपचयम) Decrease, get shrink, not nourishing; The term signifies decrease of the body constituents which are abnormally increased.
 
</div>
 
  
=== References ===
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== References ==
 
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Latest revision as of 08:04, 23 February 2024

Cite.png

Nidana Sthana Chapter 3. Diagnosis and etio-pathogenesis of Abdominal lumps

Gulma Nidana
Section/Chapter Nidana Sthana Chapter 3
Preceding Chapter Raktapitta Nidana
Succeeding Chapter Prameha Nidana
Other Sections Sutra Sthana, Vimana Sthana, Sharira Sthana, Indriya Sthana, Chikitsa Sthana, Kalpa Sthana, Siddhi Sthana
Translator and commentator Sahu M., Fatmi U., Deole Y. S.
Reviewer Kar A.C., Gadgil D.
Editors Khandel S.K., Godatwar P., Deole Y.S., Basisht G.
Year of publication 2020
Publisher Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre
DOI 10.47468/CSNE.2020.e01.s02.004

Abstract

The third chapter describes the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical features and therapeutics of lumps in abdomen. Gulma, a (stable or transitory) growth that could occur anywhere in the body is primarily caused by a vitiated vata. The description given in the text cannot be correlated with any single entity of conventional medicine, but denotes localized intra-abdominal swellings of multiple origin in terms of their cause, site, features etc. In patients weakened by or recuperating from diseases or cleansing therapies (vamana, etc.), or suffering from very stressful conditions, vata gets vitiated and enters the mahasrotas (gastrointestinal tract) causing the formation of gulma. Amongst the five types of gulma, sannipatika gulma is incurable whereas remaining can be managed according to dosha involvement.

Keywords: Gulma, mahasrotas, koshtha, dhatukshaya, avarana, abdominal lumps, intra-abdominal swellings, tumors.


Introduction

The word gulma is derived from the Sanskrit root gud, literal meaning encircling or surrounding. Therefore the word gulma stands for an entity that encircles, envelops or covers something. According to mythological concepts described in this text, people fleeing from the wrath of Lord Shiva, when he was dismantling Daksha’s holy sacrifice, were afflicted with this disease. This legend is symbolic, since situations such as panic, stress, or grief, usually accompanying such a chaotic, cataclysmic event would lead to vitiation of vata causing the appearance of vata-dominant diseases like gulma, etc. In Ayurveda, gulma has been defined as large palpable, rounded, intra- abdominal swellings between hridaya (upper abdomen) and the basti (bladder) regions, which develop due to accumulation of doshas with predominance of vata. Such swellings are either transitory or static, and display the properties of spontaneous regression and reappearance. Gulmas are usually non-suppurative and are separate entities from other intra-abdominal swellings such as antar vidradhi (internal abscesses) where suppuration is often found.

The vitiated vata, in conjunction with other doshas, gets into the mahasrotas and get lodged either in the amashaya (stomach), pittashaya (gallbladder), pakwashaya (cecum) or in other regions like hridaya (epigastric), basti (bladder) and nabhi (umblicus) leading to formation of deep-rooted shrub-like mass. Here a new term has been introduced i,e, mahasrotas, that could be explained as viscera including organs of the gastrointestinal tract. However, commentators have suggested that it stands for all of abdominal viscera, including the kidneys. Thus it is evident that under the definition of mahasrotas all the organs in abdomen are included. As mentioned earlier, gulma afflicts the gastrointestinal region between the heart and the bladder. Depending upon the region it afflicts, it can be classified into four general types common to males and females:

  • Hridaya (epigastric region),
  • Basti (pelvic region),
  • Nabhi (periumbilical region) and
  • Both the parshva (both the flanks)

Besides these, there is a fifth type afflicting only women - shonitaja gulma of the yoni region i.e. in the garbhashaya or uterus region. Such gulma shows a progressive increase in size and thus requires a special attention to differentiate it from pregnancy. While there are gulma variants like paittika and kaphaja gulma caused by an excess of pitta and kapha respectively, it is essentially a vata disorder. Sannipatika gulma is caused due to the vitiation of all the three doshas. Since abdominal organs have mamsa dhatu as the main component, all the siragranthi (glandular/tumorous) types of srotodushti (vitiation of channels carrying body components) of abdominal viscera have also been covered under gulma. This chapter also covers obstruction and inflammation of viscera having no swelling.

Sanskrit Text, Transliteration and English Translation

अथातो गुल्मनिदानं व्याख्यास्यामः||१||

इति ह स्माह भगवानात्रेयः||२||

athātō gulmanidānaṁ vyākhyāsyāmaḥ||1||

iti ha smāha bhagavānātrēyaḥ||2||

athAto gulmanidAnaM vyAkhyAsyAmaH||1||

Iti ha smAha bhagavAnAtreyaH||2||

Now we shall expound the chapter "Gulma Nidana"(Diagnosis and etio-pathogenesis of Abdominal lumps). Thus said Lord Atreya.[1-2]

Classification of gulma

इह खलु पञ्च गुल्मा भवन्ति; तद्यथा- वातगुल्मः, पित्तगुल्मः, श्लेष्मगुल्मो, निचयगुल्मः, शोणितगुल्म इति||३||

iha khalu pañca gulmā bhavanti; tadyathā- vātagulmaḥ, pittagulmaḥ, ślēṣmagulmō, nicayagulmaḥ, śōṇitagulma iti||3||

Iha khalu pa~jca gulma bhavanti; tadyathA- VatagulmaH, pittagulmaH, shleShmagulmo, nicaya gulmaH, shoNitagulma iti||3||

There are five types of gulma- vata dominant gulma, pitta dominant gulma, shleshma/kapha dominant gulma, nichaya (tridosha dominant) gulma, and shonita gulma.[3]

Agnivesha’s question

एवंवादिनं भगवन्तमात्रेयमग्निवेश उवाच- कथमिह भगवन् पञ्चानां गुल्मानां विशेषमभिजानीमहे; नह्यविशेषविद्रोगाणामौषधविदपि भिषक् प्रशमनसमर्थो भवतीति||४||

ēvaṁvādinaṁ bhagavantamātrēyamagnivēśa uvāca- kathamiha bhagavan pañcānāṁ gulmānāṁ viśēṣamabhijānīmahē; nahyaviśēṣavidrōgāṇāmauṣadhavidapibhiṣak praśamanasamarthō bhavatīti||4||

evaMvAdinaM bhagavantamAtreyamagnivesha uvAca- kathamiha bhagavan pa~jcAnAM gulmanAM visheShamabhijAnImahe; nahyavisheShavidrogANAmauShadhavidapi bhiShak prashamanasamartho bhavatIti||4||

After Lord Atreya said this, Agnivesha asked, “Sir, How can we know the specific characteristics of these five gulmas? Because without this knowledge, such patients cannot be successfully treated by a physician even though he is well versed in the selection and usage of drugs.”[4]

तमुवाच भगवानात्रेयः- समुत्थानपूर्वरूपलिङ्गवेदनोपशयविशेषेभ्यो विशेषविज्ञानं गुल्मानां भवत्यन्येषां च रोगाणामग्निवेश! तत्तु खलु गुल्मेषूच्यमानं निबोध||५||

tamuvāca bhagavānātrēyaḥ- samutthānapūrvarūpaliṅgavēdanōpaśayaviśēṣēbhyō viśēṣavijñānaṁ gulmānāṁ bhavatyanyēṣāṁ ca rōgāṇāmagnivēśa! tattu khalu [1]gulmēṣūcyamānaṁ nibōdha||5||

TamuvAca bhagavAn AtreyaH- samutthAnapUrvarUpali~ggavedanopashayavisheShebhyo visheShavij~jAnaM gulmanAM bhavatyanyeShAM ca rogANAmagnivesha! Tattu khalu gulmeShUcyamAnaM nibodha||5||

Lord Atreya replied, “Agnivesha! Specific characteristics of the five gulma as well as other diseases are defined on the basis of their etiology, prodromal symptoms, clinical features with various types of pains, and therapeutic applicability.”[5]

Etio-pathogenesis of vata-dominant gulma

यदा पुरुषो वातलो विशेषेण ज्वरवमनविरेचनातीसाराणामन्यतमेन कर्शनेन कर्शितो वातलमाहारमाहरति, शीतं वा विशेषेणातिमात्रम् अस्नेहपूर्वे वा वमनविरेचने पिबति, अनुदीर्णां वा छर्दिमुदीरयति, उदीर्णान् वातमूत्रपुरीषवेगान्निरुणद्धि, अत्यशितो वा पिबति नवोदकमतिमात्रम्, अतिसङ्क्षोभिणा वा यानेन याति, अतिव्यवायव्यायाममद्यशोकरुचिर्वा, अभिघातमृच्छति वा, विषमासनशयनस्थानचङ्क्रमणसेवी वा भवति, अन्यद्वा किञ्चिदेवंविधं विषममतिमात्रं व्यायामजातमारभते, तस्यापचाराद्वातः प्रकोपमापद्यते||६||

yadā puruṣō vātalō viśēṣēṇa jvaravamanavirēcanātīsārāṇāmanyatamēna karśanēna karśitō vātalamāhāramāharati, śītaṁ vā viśēṣēṇātimātram [3] , asnēhapūrvē vāvamanavirēcanē pibati, anudīrṇāṁ vā chardimudīrayati, udīrṇān vātamūtrapurīṣavēgānniruṇaddhi, atyaśitō vā pibati navōdakamatimātram, atisaṅkṣōbhiṇā vā yānēnayāti, ativyavāyavyāyāmamadyaśōkarucirvā, abhighātamr̥cchati vā, viṣamāsanaśayanasthānacaṅkramaṇasēvī [4] vā bhavati, anyadvā kiñcidēvaṁvidhaṁviṣamamatimātraṁ vyāyāmajātamārabhatē, tasyāpacārādvātaḥ [5] prakōpamāpadyatē||6||

yadA puruSho Vatalo visheSheNa jvaravamanavirecanAtIsArANAmanyatamena karshanena karshito VatalamAhAramAharati, shItaM vA visheSheNAtimAtram asnehapUrve vA vamanavirecane pibati, anudIrNAM vA chardimudIrayati, udIrNAn VatamUtrapurIShavegAnniruNaddhi, atyashito vA pibati navodakamatimAtram, atisa~gkShobhiNA vA yAnena yAti, ativyavAyavyAyAmamadyashokarucirvA, abhighAtamRucchati vA, viShamAsanashayanasthAnaca~gkramaNasevI vA bhavati, anyadvA ki~jcidevaMvidhaM viShamamatimAtraM vyAyAmajAtamArabhate, tasyApacArAdVataH prakopamApadyate||6||

When a person of vatika constitution, particularly emaciated due to one of the debilitating factors like fever, emesis, purgation and diarrhoea, consumes vata- aggravating food or excessively cold food, in excessive quantities, or is administered emesis or purgation without prior unction, he vomits profusely and holds up impelling urges of flatus, urine, bowel movement. Or if such a person, after consuming a heavy meal, drinks a lot of fresh water or travels by an excessively jerking vehicle, indulges in excessive sexual intercourse, intensive physical exercise, or drinks alcoholic drinks, or suffers from excessive anxiety, or is subjected to injury or uses uneven postures in sitting, sleeping, standing and walking, or starts some other similar sort of irregular and excessive physical exercises -vata gets vitiated or aggravated. [6]

स प्रकुपितो वायुर्महास्रोतोऽनुप्रविश्य रौक्ष्यात् कठिनीभूतमाप्लुत्य पिण्डितोऽवस्थानं करोति हृदि बस्तौ पार्श्वयोर्नाभ्यां वा; स शूलमुपजनयति ग्रन्थींश्चानेकविधान्, पिण्डितश्चावतिष्ठते, स पिण्डितत्वाद् ‘गुल्म’ इत्यभिधीयते; स मुहुराधमति मुहुरल्पत्वमापद्यते; अनियतविपुलाणुवेदनश्च भवति चलत्वाद्वायोः, मुहुः पिपीलिकासम्प्रचार इवाङ्गेषु, तोदभेदस्फुरणायामसङ्कोचसुप्तिहर्षप्रलयोदयबहुलः; तदातुरः सूच्येव शङ्कुनेव चाभिसंविद्धमात्मानं मन्यते, अपि च दिवसान्ते ज्वर्यते शुष्यति चास्यास्यम्, उच्छ्वासश्चोपरुध्यते, हृष्यन्ति चास्य रोमाणि वेदनायाः प्रादुर्भावे;प्लीहाटोपान्त्रकूजनाविपाकोदावर्ताङ्गमर्दमन्याशिरःशङ्खशूलब्रध्नरोगाश्चैनमुपद्रवन्ति; कृष्णारुणपरुषत्वङ्नखनयनवदनमूत्रपुरीषश्च भवति, निदानोक्तानि चास्य नोपशेरते, विपरीतानि चोपशेरत इति वातगुल्मः||७||

sa prakupitō vāyurmahāsrōtō'nupraviśya raukṣyāt kaṭhinībhūtamāplutya [6] piṇḍitō'vasthānaṁ karōti hr̥di bastau pārśvayōrnābhyāṁ vā; sa śūlamupajanayatigranthīṁścānēkavidhān, piṇḍitaścāvatiṣṭhatē, sa piṇḍitatvād ‘gulma’ ityabhidhīyatē; sa muhurādhamati [7] , muhuralpatvamāpadyatē; aniyatavipulāṇuvēdanaścabhavati calatvādvāyōḥ, muhuḥ pipīlikāsampracāra ivāṅgēṣu, tōdabhēdasphuraṇāyāmasaṅkōcasuptiharṣapralayōdayabahulaḥ; tadāturaḥ sūcyēva śaṅkunēvacābhisaṁviddhamātmānaṁ manyatē, api ca divasāntē jvaryatē [8] , śuṣyati cāsyāsyam, ucchvāsaścōparudhyatē, hr̥ṣyanti cāsya rōmāṇi vēdanāyāḥ prādurbhāvē;plīhāṭōpāntrakūjanāvipākōdāvartāṅgamardamanyāśiraḥśaṅkhaśūlabradhnarōgāścainamupadravanti; kr̥ṣṇāruṇaparuṣatvaṅnakhanayanavadanamūtrapurīṣaścabhavati, nidānōktāni cāsya nōpaśēratē, viparītāni cōpaśērata iti vātagulmaḥ||7||

Sa prakupito vAyurmahAsroto~anupravishya raukShyAt kaThinIbhUtamAplutya piNDito~avasthAnaM karoti hRudi bastau pArshvayornAbhyAM vA; sa shUlamupajanayati granthIMshcAnekavidhAn, piNDitashcAvatiShThate, sa piNDitatvAd ‘gulma’ ityabhidhIyate; samuhurAdhamati muhuralpatvamApadyate; aniyatavipulANuvedanashca bhavati calatvAdvAyoH, muhuH pipIlikAsampracAra ivA~ggeShu, todabhedasphuraNAyAmasa~gkocasuptiharShapralayodayabahulaH; tadAturaH sUcyeva sha~gkuneva cAbhisaMviddhamAtmAnaM manyate, api ca divas Ante jvaryate shuShyati cAsyAsyam, ucchvAsashcoparudhyate, hRuShyanti cAsya romANi vedanAyAH prAdurbhAve; plIhATopAntrakUjanAvipAkodAvartA~ggamardamanyAshiraHsha~gkhashUlabradhnarogAshcainamupadravanti; kRuShNAruNaparuShatva~gnakhanayanavadanamUtrapurIShashca bhavati, nidAnoktAni cAsya nopasherate, viparItAni copasherata iti VatagulmaH||7||

Such vitiated vata, on entering the mahasrotas, hardens due to dryness forming a mass or swelling localised in the regions of heart, urinary bladder, sides and the navel. The condition, gulma (or vata gulma), is painful and can take the shape of a single swelling or multiple nodules of various types. It sometimes gets aggravated and enlarged, sometimes diminished, and causes mild or severe pain due to instability of vayu. Sometimes there are tingling sensations like ants crawling on body and frequent onset and diminution of various types of painful sensations such as piercing, breaking, twitching, extension, contraction, numbness, hyperaesthesia, etc. These sensations could be accompanied by a rise in temperature usually in the evenings, dryness of mouth, difficulty in expiration, horripilation at the onset of pain and complications such as spleen (enlargement), distension and gurgling sound in the abdomen, indigestion, udavarta (upward movement of vata), bodyache, pain in the lateral side of the neck, head and temple regions and bradhana (swellings of the inguinal region) with appearance of blackness, reddishness and roughness in skin, nails, eyes, face, urine and feces. The disease aggravates due to these etiological factors and pacifies due to opposite factors. These are characteristic features of vata gulma. [7]

Pitta-dominant gulma

तैरेव तु कर्शनैः कर्शितस्याम्ललवणकटुकक्षारोष्ण तीक्ष्ण शुक्तव्यापन्न मद्यहरितकफलाम्लानां विदाहिनां च शाकधान्य मांसादीनामुपयोगादजीर्णाध्यशनाद्रौक्ष्यानुगते चामाशये वमनमतिवेलं सन्धारणं वातातपौ चातिसेवमानस्य पित्तं सह मारुतेन प्रकोपमापद्यते||८||

tairēva tu karśanaiḥ karśitasyāmlalavaṇakaṭukakṣārōṣṇatīkṣṇaśuktavyāpannamadyaharitakaphalāmlānāṁ vidāhināṁ caśākadhānyamāṁsādīnāmupayōgādajīrṇādhyaśanādraukṣyānugatē cāmāśayē vamanamativēlaṁ [10] sandhāraṇaṁ vātātapau cātisēvamānasya pittaṁ sahamārutēna prakōpamāpadyatē||8||

Taireva tu karshanaiH karshitasyAmlalavaNa kaTukakShAroShNatIkShNashuktavy ApannamadyaharitakaphalAmlAnAM vidAhinAM ca shAkadhAnyamAMsAdIn AmupayogAdajIrNAdhyashanAdraukShyAnugate cAmAshaye vamanamativelaM sandhAraNaM Vatatapau cAtisevamAnasya pittaM saha mArutena prakopamApadyate||8||

If a person, weakened by ailments or various etiological factors (as mentioned above in verse 6), uses sour, salty, pungent, and alkaline substances with hot and sharp potency, vinegar, improperly prepared or denatured alcoholic drinks, salads, sour fruits and acidic vegetables, grains, meat etc., takes food during indigestion, is administered emesis when amashaya is dry (or not properly oleated), suppresses natural urges for long, or is exposed excessively to the sun and wind, his pitta along with vata gets vitiated or aggravated. [8]

तत् प्रकुपितं मारुत आमाशयैकदेशे संवर्त्य तानेव वेदनाप्रकारानुपजनयति, य उक्ता वातगुल्मे; पित्तं त्वेनं विदहति कुक्षौ हृद्युरसि कण्ठे च; स विदह्यमानः सधूममिवोद्गारमुद्गिरत्यम्लान्वितं, गुल्मावकाशश्चास्य दह्यते दूयते धूप्यते ऊष्मायते स्विद्यति क्लिद्यति शिथिल इव स्पर्शासहोऽल्परोमाञ्चश्च भवति; ज्वरभ्रमदवथुपिपासागलतालुमुखशोषप्रमोहविड्भेदाश्चैनमुपद्रवन्ति; हरितहारिद्रत्वङ्नखनयनवदनमूत्रपुरीषश्च भवति; निदानोक्तानि चास्य नोपशेरते, विपरीतान्युपशेरत इति पित्तगुल्मः||९||

tat prakupitaṁ māruta āmāśayaikadēśē saṁvartya [11] tānēva vēdanāprakārānupajanayati, ya uktā vātagulmē; pittaṁ tvēnaṁ vidahati kukṣau hr̥dyurasi kaṇṭhē ca; savidahyamānaḥ sadhūmamivōdgāramudgiratyamlānvitaṁ, gulmāvakāśaścāsya dahyatē dūyatē dhūpyatē [12] ūṣmāyatē svidyati klidyati śithila [13] ivasparśāsahō'lparōmāñcaśca [14] bhavati; jvarabhramadavathupipāsāgalatālumukhaśōṣapramōhaviḍbhēdāścainamupadravanti;haritahāridratvaṅnakhanayanavadanamūtrapurīṣaśca bhavati; nidānōktāni cāsya nōpaśēratē, viparītānyupaśērata iti pittagulmaḥ||9||

tat prakupitaM mAruta AmAshayaikadeshe saMvartya tAneva vedanAprakArAnupajanayati, ya uktA Vatagulme; pittaM tvenaM vidahati kukShau hRudyurasi kaNThe ca; sa vidahyamAnaH sadhUmamivodgAramudgiratyamlAnvitaM, gulmavakAshashcAsya dahyate dUyate dhUpyate UShmAyate svidyati klidyati shithila iva sparshAsaho~alparomA~jcashca bhavati; jvarabhramadavathupipAsAgalatAlumukhashoShapramohaviDbhedAshcainamupadravanti; haritahAridratva~gnakhanayanavadanamUtrapurIShashca bhavati; nidAnoktAni cAsya nopasherate, viparItAnyupasherata iti pittagulmaH||9||

Aggravated vata, along with vitiated pitta, gets (completely or partially) collected in the amashaya and produces the same types of pain as mentioned for vata gulma. Due to aggravation of pitta in certain cases, the patient feels a burning sensation (with hyperacidity) in the belly, cardiac region, chest and throat while letting out smoky and sour eructations at the same time. In the location of gulma, there is burning sensation, pain, sensations of fuming, sweating and moistening, laxity, tenderness and slight horripilation. The patient could exhibit symptoms such as fever, giddiness, burning pain, thirst, dryness of throat, palate and mouth, fainting and diarrhea, and develops greenish or yellowish discoloration of skin, nails, eyes, face, urine and feces. The disease aggravates due to these etiological factors and pacifies due to opposite factors. This variant of gulma is called pitta gulma. [9]

Kapha-dominant gulma

तैरेव तु कर्शनैः कर्शितस्यात्यशनादतिस्निग्धगुरुमधुरशीताशनात् पिष्टेक्षुक्षीरतिलमाषगुडविकृतिसेवनान्मन्दकमद्यातिपानाद्धरितकातिप्रणनयादानूपौदकग्राम्यमांसातिभक्षणात् सन्धारणादबुभुक्षस्य चातिप्रगाढमुदपानात् सङ्क्षोभणाद्वा शरीरस्य श्लेष्मा सह मारुतेन प्रकोपमापद्यते||१०||

tairēva tu karśanaiḥ karśitasyātyaśanādatisnigdhagurumadhuraśītāśanātpiṣṭēkṣukṣīratilamāṣaguḍavikr̥tisēvanānmandakamadyātipānāddharitakātipraṇanayādānūpaudakagrāmyamāṁsātibhak
ṣaṇāt [16] sandhāraṇādabubhukṣasya [17]cātipragāḍhamudapānāt saṅkṣōbhaṇādvā śarīrasya ślēṣmā saha mārutēna prakōpamāpadyatē||10||

Taireva tu karshanaiH karshitasyAtyashanAdatisnigdhagurumadhurashItAshanAt piShTekShukShIratilamAShaguDavikRutisevanAnmandakamadyAtipAnAddharitakAtipraNanayAdAnUpaudakagrAmyamAMsAtibhakShaNAt sandhAraNAdabubhukShasya cAtipragADhamudapAnAt sa~gkShobhaNAdvA sharIrasya shleShmA saha mArutena prakopamApadyate||10||

If a person weakened by diseases or aforesaid factors (in verse 6) takes too much unctuous, heavy, sweet and cold things, habitually takes preparations of (rice) flour, sugarcane, milk, sesame, black gram and coarse, unrefined sugar (jaggery), uses excessively immature curd, alcoholic drinks, salads, eats meat of marshy, aquatic and domesticated animals in excessive quantities, suppresses natural urges, drinks too much water when hungry, or is subjected to excessive shaking of the body (caused by travelling on rough roads, etc.), his kapha along with vata gets vitiated or aggravated. [10]

तं प्रकुपितं मारुत आमाशयैकदेशे संवर्त्य तानेव वेदनाप्रकारानुपजनयति य उक्ता वातगुल्मे; श्लेष्मा त्वस्य शीतज्वरारोचकाविपाकाङ्गमर्द हर्षहृद्रोगच्छर्दिनिद्रालस्यस्तैमित्यगौरवशिरोभितापानुपजनयति, अपि च गुल्मस्यस्थैर्यगौरवकाठिन्यावगाढसुप्तताः, तथाकासश्वासप्रतिश्यायान् राजयक्ष्माणं चातिप्रवृद्धः, श्वैत्यं त्वङ्नखनयनवदनमूत्रपुरीषेषूपजनयति, निदानोक्तानि चास्य नोपशेरते, विपरीतानि चोपशेरत इति श्लेष्मगुल्मः||११||

taṁ prakupitaṁ māruta āmāśayaikadēśē saṁvartya [18] tānēva vēdanāprakārānupajanayati ya uktā vātagulmē; ślēṣmā tvasyaśītajvarārōcakāvipākāṅgamardaharṣahr̥drōgacchardinidrālasyastaimityagauravaśirōbhitāpānupajanayati, api ca gulmasyasthairyagauravakāṭhinyāvagāḍhasuptatāḥ, tathā kāsaśvāsapratiśyāyān rājayakṣmāṇaṁ cātipravr̥ddhaḥ, śvaityaṁtvaṅnakhanayanavadanamūtrapurīṣēṣūpajanayati, nidānōktāni cāsya nōpaśēratē, viparītāni cōpaśērata iti ślēṣmagulmaḥ||11||

taM prakupitaM mAruta AmAshayaikadeshe saMvartya tAneva vedanAprakArAnupajanayati ya uktA Vatagulme; shleShmA tvasya shItajvarArocakAvipAkA~ggamardaharShahRudrogacchardinidrAlasyastaimityagauravashirobhitApAnupajanayati, api ca gulmasya sthairyagauravakAThinyAvagADhasuptatAH, tathA kAsashvAsapratishyAyAn rAjayakShmANaM cAtipravRuddhaH, shvaityaM tva~gnakhanayanavadanamUtrapurISheShUpajanayati, nidAnoktAni cAsya nopasherate, viparItAni copasherata iti shleShmagulmaH||11||

Such aggravated vata along with vitiated kapha, when accumulated in the amashaya (upper part of abdomen) region or a part of it, causes the same types of painful symptoms as mentioned for vata gulma. Kapha causes fever accompanied with cold sensation, anorexia, indigestion, bodyache, horripilation, heart disease, vomiting, excess sleep, lassitude, sweating, and a feeling of heaviness and distress in the head. In the region where the gulma is located, there is fixity, heaviness, hardness, and numbness. Complications could occur such as cough, dyspnoea, coryza and even tuberculosis in much advanced stages. In terms of physical appearance, the patient develops whiteness in skin, nails, face, urine and feces. The disease aggravates due to these etiological factors and pacifies due to opposite factors. This variant of gulma is called kapha gulma. [11]

Tridosha dominant gulma

त्रिदोषहेतुलिङ्गसन्निपाते तु सान्निपातिकं गुल्ममुपदिशन्ति कुशलाः| स विप्रतिषिद्धोपक्रमत्वादसाध्यो निचयगुल्मः||१२||

tridōṣahētuliṅgasannipātē tu sānnipātikaṁ gulmamupadiśanti kuśalāḥ| sa vipratiṣiddhōpakramatvādasādhyō [19] nicayagulmaḥ||12||

Tu sAnnipAtikaM gulmamupadishanti kushalAH| sa vipratiShiddhopakramatvAdasAdhyo nicayagulmaH||12||

When the symptoms of three doshas are exhibited, a gulma patient is said to be ailing from sannipatika gulma. This condition is incurable. [12]

Shonita gulma

शोणितगुल्मस्तु खलु स्त्रिया एव भवति न पुरुषस्य, गर्भकोष्ठार्तवागमन वैशेष्यात्| पारतन्त्र्यादवैशारद्यात् सततमुपचारानुरोधाद्वा वेगानुदीर्णानुपरुन्धत्या आमगर्भे वाऽप्यचिरपतितेऽथवाऽप्यचिरप्रजाताया ऋतौ वा वातप्रकोपणान्यासेवमानायाः क्षिप्रंवातः प्रकोपमापद्यते||१३||

śōṇitagulmastu khalu striyā ēva bhavati na puruṣasya, garbhakōṣṭhārtavāgamanavaiśēṣyāt| pāratantryādavaiśāradyāt satatamupacārānurōdhādvā vēgānudīrṇānuparundhatyā āmagarbhē vā'pyacirapatitē'thavā'pyaciraprajātāyā r̥tau vāvātaprakōpaṇānyāsēvamānāyāḥ kṣipraṁ vātaḥ prakōpamāpadyatē||13||

khalu striyA eva bhavati na puruShasya, garbhakoShThArtavAgamanavaisheShyAt| pAratantryAdavaishAradyAt satatamupacArAnurodhAdvA vegAnudIrNAnuparundhatyA Amagarbhe vA~apyacirapatite~athavA~apyaciraprajAtAyA Rutau vA VataprakopaNAnyAsevamAnAyAH kShipraM VataH prakopamApadyate||13||

Shonita or raktagulma occurs specifically only in women and not in men because of presence of uterus and menstrual flow in the former. In woman, who suppress their natural urges because of dependence, ignorance or a constant attendance to service of others or uses vata aggravating substances soon after abortion, delivery or during menstruation, vata gets vitiated or aggravated quickly. [13]

स प्रकुपितो योनिमुखमनुप्रविश्यार्तवमुपरुणद्धि, मासि मासि तदार्तवमुपरुध्यमानं |कुक्षिमभिवर्धयति| तस्याः शूलकासातीसारच्छर्द्यरोचकाविपाकाङ्गमर्दनिद्रालस्यस्तैमित्य कफप्रसेकाः समुपजायन्ते, स्तनयोश्च स्तन्यम्, ओष्ठयोः स्तनमण्डलयोश्च कार्ष्ण्यम्, अत्यर्थं ग्लानिश्चक्षुषोः, मूर्च्छा, हृल्लासः, दोहदः, श्वयथुश्च पादयोः, ईषच्चोद्गमो रोमराज्याः, योन्याश्चाटालत्वम्, अपि च योन्या दौर्गन्ध्यमास्रावश्चोपजायते, केवलश्चास्या गुल्मः पिण्डित एव स्पन्दते, तामगर्भां गर्भिणीमित्याहुर्मूढाः||१४||

sa prakupitō yōnimukhamanupraviśyārtavamuparuṇaddhi, māsi māsi tadārtavamuparudhyamānaṁ kukṣimabhivardhayati| tasyāḥ śūlakāsātīsāracchardyarōcakāvipākāṅgamardanidrālasyastaimityakaphaprasēkāḥ samupajāyantē, stanayōśca stanyam, ōṣṭhayōḥ stanamaṇḍalayōścakārṣṇyam, atyarthaṁ glāniścakṣuṣōḥ, mūrcchā, hr̥llāsaḥ, dōhadaḥ, śvayathuśca pādayōḥ, īṣaccōdgamō rōmarājyāḥ, yōnyāścāṭālatvam, api ca yōnyādaurgandhyamāsrāvaścōpajāyatē, kēvalaścāsyā gulmaḥ piṇḍita ēva spandatē, tāmagarbhāṁ garbhiṇīmityāhurmūḍhāḥ||14||

sa prakupito yonimukhamanupravishyArtavamuparuNaddhi, mAsi mAsi tadArtavamuparudhyamAnaM kukShimabhivardhayati| tasyAH shUlakAsAtIsAracchardyarocakAvipAkA~ggamardanidrAlasyastaimityakaphaprasekAH samupajAyante, stanayoshca stanyam, oShThayoH stanamaNDalayoshca kArShNyam, atyarthaM glAnishcakShuShoH, mUrcchA, hRullAsaH,dohadaH, shvayathushca pAdayoH, IShaccodgamo romarAjyAH, yonyAshcATAlatvam, api ca yonyA daurgandhyamAsrAvashcopajAyate, kevalashcAsyA gulmaH piNDita eva spandate, tAmagarbhAM garbhiNImityAhurmo UDhAH||14||

This vitiated vata gets into the cervico-vaginal canal and checks the menstrual flow. If this continues for a prolonged period, the menstrual blood being obstructed accumulates and enlarges the abdomen. The patient consequently suffers from pain, cough, diarrhea, vomiting, anorexia, indigestion, bodyache, excess sleep, lassitude, dampness, and excessive salivation. There occurs appearance of milk in breasts, dark coloration of lips and areolar region, excessive heaviness in eyes, fainting, nausea, longing for certain food articles as seen during pregnancy, swelling in feet, dilatation of the vaginal orifice and foul smelling discharge from the vagina. There is pulsation in the entire mass of gulma, confusing the patient (or her attendants) into thinking that she is pregnant. [14]

Prodormal symptoms

एषां तु खलु पञ्चानां गुल्मानां प्रागभिनिर्वृत्तेरिमानि पूर्वरूपाणि भवन्ति; तद्यथा-अनन्नाभिलषणम्, अरोचकाविपाकौ, अग्निवैषम्यं, विदाहो भुक्तस्य, पाककाले चायुक्त्या छर्द्युद्गारौ, वातमूत्रपुरीषवेगानां चाप्रादुर्भावः, प्रादुर्भूतानां चाप्रवृत्तिरीषदागमनं वा, वातशूलाटोपान्त्रकूजनापरिहर्षणातिवृत्तपुरीषताः, अबुभुक्षा, दौर्बल्यं,सौहित्यस्य चासहत्वमिति||१५||

ēṣāṁ tu khalu pañcānāṁ gulmānāṁ prāgabhinirvr̥ttērimāni pūrvarūpāṇi bhavanti; tadyathā- anannābhilaṣaṇam, arōcakāvipākau, agnivaiṣamyaṁ, vidāhō bhuktasya,pākakālē cāyuktyā chardyudgārau, vātamūtrapurīṣavēgānāṁ cāprādurbhāvaḥ, prādurbhūtānāṁ cāpravr̥ttirīṣadāgamanaṁ vā,vātaśūlāṭōpāntrakūjanāpariharṣaṇātivr̥ttapurīṣatāḥ, abubhukṣā, daurbalyaṁ, sauhityasya cāsahatvamiti||15||

eShAM tu khalu pa~jcAnAM gulmanAM prAgabhinirvRutterimAni pUrvarUpANi bhavanti; tadyathA-anannAbhilaShaNam, arocakAvipAkau, agnivaiShamyaM, vidAho bhuktasya, pAkakAle cAyuktyA chardyudgArau, VatamUtrapurIShavegAnAM cAprAdurbhAvaH, prAdurbhUtAnAM cApravRuttirIShadAgamanaM vA, VatashUlATopAntrakUjanApariharShaNAtivRuttapurIShatAH, abubhukShA, daurbalyaM, sauhityasya cAsahatvamiti||15||

These five types of gulma have the following prodormal symptoms just prior to occurring: aversion to food, anorexia and indigestion, disturbed metabolism, burning sensation after taking meals, vomiting and unusual eructations, reduced urge for flatus, urine and bowel movements, pain, distension, gurgling sound, horripilation and diarrhea due to vata, loss of appetite, debility, and inability to endure satiety. [15]

Prognosis and general principles of management

सर्वेष्वपि खल्वेतेषु गुल्मेषु न कश्चिद्वातादृते सम्भवति गुल्मः| तेषां सान्निपातिकमसाध्यं ज्ञात्वा नैवोपक्रमेत, एकदोषजे तु यथास्वमारम्भं प्रणयेत्, संसृष्टांस्तु साधारणेन कर्मणोपचरेत्| यच्चान्यदप्यविरुद्धं मन्येत तदप्यवचारयेद्विभज्य गुरुलाघवमुपद्रवाणां, गुरूनुपद्रवांस्त्वरमाणश्चिकित्सेज्जघन्यमितरान्| त्वरमाणस्तु विशेषमनुपलभमानो गुल्मेष्वात्ययिके कर्मणि वातचिकित्सितं प्रणयेत्, स्नेहस्वेदौ वातहरौ स्नेहोपसंहितं च मृदु विरेचनं बस्तींश्च; अम्ललवणमधुरांश्च रसान् युक्त्याऽवचारयेत्| मारुते ह्युपशान्ते स्वल्पेनापि प्रयत्नेन शक्योऽन्योऽपि दोषो नियन्तुं गुल्मेष्विति||१६||

sarvēṣvapi khalvētēṣu gulmēṣu na kaścidvātādr̥tē sambhavati gulmaḥ| tēṣāṁ sānnipātikamasādhyaṁ jñātvā naivōpakramēta, ēkadōṣajē tu yathāsvamārambhaṁ praṇayēt, saṁsr̥ṣṭāṁstu sādhāraṇēna karmaṇōpacarēt| yaccānyadapyaviruddhaṁ manyēta tadapyavacārayēdvibhajya gurulāghavamupadravāṇāṁ, gurūnupadravāṁstvaramāṇaścikitsējjaghanyamitarān| tvaramāṇastu viśēṣamanupalabhamānō gulmēṣvātyayikē karmaṇi vātacikitsitaṁ praṇayēt, snēhasvēdau vātaharau snēhōpasaṁhitaṁ ca mr̥du virēcanaṁ bastīṁśca;amlalavaṇamadhurāṁśca rasān yuktyā'vacārayēt| mārutē hyupaśāntē svalpēnāpi prayatnēna śakyō'nyō'pi dōṣō niyantuṁ gulmēṣviti||16||

sarveShvapi khalveteShu gulmeShu na kashcidVatadRute sambhavati gulmaH| teShAM sAnnipAtikamasAdhyaM j~jAtvA naivopakrameta, ekadoShaje tu yathAsvamArambhaM praNayet, saMsRuShTAMstu sAdhAraNena karmaNopacaret| yaccAnyadapyaviruddhaM manyeta tadapyavacArayedvibhajya gurulAghavamupadravANAM, gurUnupadravAMstvaramANashcikitsejjaghanyamitarAn| tvaramANastu visheShamanupalabhamAno gulmeShvAtyayike karmaNi VatacikitsitaM praNayet, snehasvedau Vataharau snehopasaMhitaM ca mRudu virecanaM bastIMshca; amlalavaNamadhurAMshca rasAn yuktyA~avacArayet| mArute hyupashAnte svalpenApi prayatnena shakyo~anyo~api doSho niyantuM gulmeShviti||16||

As is evident from the descriptions of gulma, no variant is caused without vitiation of vata. Amongst these variants, sannipatika gulma is incurable and should not be treated. The variant caused by just one dosha, should be treated with suitable therapeutics prescribed for respective dosha. Those caused by a combination of two doshas (vatapitta or vatakapha) should be managed with the general therapeutic measures applicable to dwidoshic ailments. The measures that are not contrary to the dosha can be applied according to severity of complications. In case of emergency situations, the measures applicable in treatment of vata gulma, such as vata-alleviating unction, fomentation, mild unctuous purgation, enema, and use of sweet, sour and salty substances should be administered. If vata is pacified, then the disease can be cured even with little efforts and other types of gulma can also be treated. [16]

भवति चात्र- गुल्मिनामनिलशान्तिरुपायैः सर्वशो विधिवदाचरितव्या| मारुते ह्यवजितेऽन्यमुदीर्णं दोषमल्पमपि कर्म निहन्यात्||१७||

bhavati cātra- gulmināmanilaśāntirupāyaiḥ sarvaśō vidhivadācaritavyā| mārutē hyavajitē'nyamudīrṇaṁ dōṣamalpamapi karma nihanyāt||17||

bhavati cAtra- gulminAmanilashAntirupAyaiH sarvasho vidhivadAcaritavyA| mArute hyavajite~anyamudIrNaM doShamalpamapi karma nihanyAt||17||

In the case of gulma, all the measures for pacification of vata should be administered properly because after vayu is controlled over, other aggravated doshas can be alleviated even with small remedies. [17]

Summary

तत्र श्लोकः- सङ्ख्या निमित्तं रूपाणि पूर्वरूपमथापि च| दिष्टं निदाने गुल्मानामेकदेशश्च कर्मणाम्||१८||

tatra ślōkaḥ- saṅkhyā nimittaṁ rūpāṇi pūrvarūpamathāpi ca| diṣṭaṁ nidānē gulmānāmēkadēśaśca karmaṇām||18||

Tatra shlokaH- sa~gkhyA nimittaM rUpANi pUrvarUpamathApi ca| diShTaM nidAne gulmanAmekadeshashca karmaNAm||18||

Now, to summarize:

In the chapter on diagnosis of gulma the number, causative factor, symptoms and prodromal symptoms along with a portion of treatment of gulmas have been described.[18]

इत्यग्निवेशकृते तन्त्रे चरकप्रतिसंस्कृते निदानस्थाने गुल्मनिदानं नाम तृतीयोऽध्यायः||३||

ityagnivēśakr̥tē tantrē carakapratisaṁskr̥tē nidānasthānē gulmanidānaṁ nāma tr̥tīyō'dhyāyaḥ||3||

ityagniveshakRute tantre tantre carakapratisaMskRute nidAnasthAne gulmanidAnaM nAma tRutIyo~adhyAyaH||3||

Thus ends the third chapter on the diagnosis of gulma in the treatise composed by Agnivesha and redacted by Charak.

Tattva Vimarsha (Fundamental Principles)

  • Gulma is a disease of the mahastrotas (gastro-intestinal tract/abdomen) and is caused due to predominance of vata. It is of five types depending upon its location (limited to the gastro-intestinal region between the heart and the bladder). Four types of gulma are common to both males and females while the fifth, raktaja gulma, is a condition limited to females.
  • Gulmas also vary by the vitiation of other doshas besides vata. The sannipitaka gulma, caused by vitiation of all three doshas, is said to be incurable.
  • A primary feature of gulma is obstruction to the path of vata, which can be due to causes like tumor, stricture, inflammation, tuberculosis, parasites, etc.
  • Gulma with acute symptoms should have urgent relief of vata obstruction.
  • Treatment of vata gulma includes vata-alleviating unction, fomentation, mild unctuous purgation, enema, and use of sweet, sour and salty substances. If vata dosha is pacified in gulma disease, then other two dosha can also be controlled.

Vidhi Vimarsha (Applied Inferences)

A comprehensive effort has been made in Ayurveda to describe different types of swellings occurring in the body e.g. gulma, udara roga, vriddhi roga, granthi, arbuddha, shopha, and vidradhi, etc. They can be distinguished from each other according to their specific characteristics as written in different classics of Ayurveda. Generalized abdominal swellings have been described under the heading of udara roga (abdominal diseases including ascitis), while localized, non-suppurated swellings are gulmas. Other localized swellings, such as vriddhi roga (hernia and hydrocele), have also been described by ancient authors but such swellings are in regions other than the gastro-intestinal region, or in parts of the body such as the scrotal and inguinoscrotal region.

Shopha is a localized inflammatory swelling. Vidradhi (abscess) are also localized but large suppurative lesions and are deep - rooted that may develop either from external surfaces or internal body cavities. Granthi (cyst) and arbuda (tumor) are also localized, progressively increasing knotty lesions and are primarily non suppurative in nature. Such swellings may arise in any part of the body and are commonly known as neoplastic lesions.

Etiopathogenesis of gulma

In Charak Samhita, vitiated vata dosha is considered as major etiological factor for the development of any type of gulma.[Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 28/58] Among the five types of vata mentioned in Charak Samhita, vitiated apana and/or samana vata seem to be the primary etiological factors of gulma, since these are mainly responsible for the normal physiological functions of mahastrotas. The prodromal symptoms of gulma also point towards these two e.g. aversion to food, anorexia, and diminished urge to pass flatus, urine and feces.

In Chikitsa Sthana, Charak states that vata gets vitiated by two basic means i.e. dhatukshaya (tissue wasting) and margavarana (obstruction). The etiology given in this chapter could also include excess consumption of food with ruksha guna, trauma and faulty shodhana procedures, excessive loss of mala and dhatu responsible for dhatukshaya and various other factors that vitiate doshas and mala causing obstruction of different channels, further aggravating vata.

While analysing the definition given by various Acharyas regarding gulma it can be stated that it is the clinical condition in which only solidification of doshas give rise to gulma. It is believed that, for the development of any other disease, vitiated dosha(s), together with dushya need to accumulate at a specific site leading to development of the disease. Therefore for the development of any disease, a combination of dosha and dushya is critical. However for gulma, only vitiated doshas are responsible and there is no involvement of dushya. This is a unique feature of pathogenesis of gulma. Sushruta has explained further that just as water bubbles appear and disappear when rain drops fall on water, gulmas appear and disappear.

Also, in the absence of any dushya (dhatu and mala), these swellings are commonly non-suppurative in nature.[1] There are, however, some cases where suppuration may take place. For example, in Chikitsa Sthana, Charak has mentioned that suppuration may takes place in pittaja gulma and further elaborates the various stages of suppuration of gulma i.e. ama (immature or initial stage), pachyamana (intermediary stage) and pakwa awastha (final mature stage) etc. similar to the stages seen in various suppurative conditions like vidradhi. Chakrapani commented that when the pitta gulma is not treated timely, pitta dosha and rakta dhatu get aggravated (together or separately), and involves the deeper structure (kritmulam).

Shadkriyakala (lifecycle) of Gulma

  1. Sanchaya-Vata accumulates in vatasthana (pakwashaya, or the intestines) with the consumption of vatika food and activities such as excessive exercise, suppressing emergent urges etc., further aggravating it.
  2. Prakopa- Consumption of ruksha, khara and sheeta food for prolonged periods of time reduces the snigdha quality of strotas while stimulating excess vata to overflow from its sthana.
  3. Prasara-In this stage aggravated vata dislodges from its accumulated site and spreads all over the body.
  4. Sthanasanshraya- This is the stage in which the dosha stays at a particular locus and comes in contact with dushya. In case of gulma, the mahastrotas are the principal loci, with an absence of dushya in their formation. The vitiated vata and other doshas have an affinity towards specific loci such as hridaya, nabhi, basti etc. to get lodged there. Prodromal symptoms of gulma such as anorexia, aversion for food, weakness etc. also become apparent at this stage.
  5. Vyakti- Clinical features of different types of gulma manifest at this stage so management can be done depending upon specific dosha characteristics.
  6. Bheda-When the gulma is not treated at the fourth and fifth stage, complications like bradhna roga (inguinal swelling), jwara (fever), vidbheda (loose stools/diarrhea), and suppuration (in case of pittaja gulma) occur where surgical intervention could be necessary.

Location of gulma

With respect to the adhishthana (location) of gulma, five major sites have been mentioned [Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 5/8], including the hridaya, nabhi, basti, and parshwadwaya (flanks). In the context of this chapter, hridaya should be taken as the upper part of the abdominal cavity rather than the thoracic cage as described in Sharira Sthana. Vata gulma most commonly occurs in basti, while pitta gulma occurs most commonly in the nabhi region, and kapha gulma in the hridaya and parshwadwaya regions.[2] The yakrita gulma occurs in the region of hridaya, ashtheela gulma in the region of kukshi (hypogastrium), pleeha gulma in the madhya (central) region, chandravivardhaka gulma in the region of basti , and granthi gulma afflicts the region of nabhi.[3]

The pathogenesis of pittaja and kaphaja gulma takes place in amashaya that lies in the region between hridaya and basti [Chakrapani on Cha.Sa.Nidana Sthana 03]. Thus these two variants of gulma (i.e., pittaja and kaphaja) cannot occur in basti. The five sites of gulma can be mapped to the following anatomical sites of the abdomen:

Types of gulma Adhisthana Anatomical site Charak Sushruta Vagbhata Harita
Vataja Basti Lower abdomen Does not specify Does not specify Same Not mentioned
Pittaja Nabhi Mid-abdomen Does not specify Does not specify Same Not mentioned
Kaphaja Hridaya Upper-abdomen Does not specify Does not specify Same Not mentioned
parshwadwaya(dakshina parshwa and vama parshwa) right and left flank
Shonitaja Garbhashaya and yoni Uterus and vagina Same Same Same Not mentioned
Sannipataja Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified Not mentioned
Yakrita gulma Hridaya Upper abdomen Not mentioned Not mentioned Not mentioned Same
Ashtheela gulma Kukshi Mid-abdomen Not mentioned Not mentioned Not mentioned Same
Pleeha gulma Madhya bhaga Mid-abdomen Not mentioned Not mentioned Not mentioned Same
Chandravivardhaka gulma Basti Lower-abdomen Not mentioned Not mentioned Not mentioned Same
Granthi gulma Nabhi Umbilical region Not mentioned Not mentioned Not mentioned Same

PrognosisSannipatika gulma is incurable, rest four are curable when treated timely.

Management- All the four types of gulma can be managed according to the prevalent doshas. In emergency conditions if there is no time to diagnose the type of gulma, vata dosha should be managed first as it is prevalent in all types of gulma.

Considering the various clinical features of gulma it can be said that the majority of gulmas are non-inflammatory and non-malignant intra-abdominal swellings. But some gulmas show indications of inflammatory swellings, some benign while some show the characteristics of malignant growths.

Vataja gulma

Vataja gulma are mostly irregular, transitory swellings. These are accompanied with different intensities of colicky pain.

Complications like inguinal swelling (bradhna roga) gurgling sound in the intestines (antrakoojana), fever/elevated temperature in the evenings, splenomegaly (pleehavriddhi), difficulty in breathing, bodyache (angamarda), and headache are commonly in the advanced stages of gulma. The above clinical features can be seen in chronic intestinal obstruction, intestinal tuberculosis, pyloric stenosis and in mobile caecum. Intestinal tuberculosis is a chronic condition with common symptoms including transitory nodules of varying sizes occurring due to partial intestinal obstruction, often accompanied with gurgling sounds from the abdomen, poor appetite, and evening fevers, as seen in the advanced stages of vatika gulma. Mobile upper abdominal lump, with nausea and breathing difficulty are the features present in the case of pyloric stenosis. In mobile caecum there is also chronic progressive pain in the right flank and in the lower abdomen.

Pittaja gulma

They are painful abdominal lumps characterized with fever, sweating, thirst, burning sensations and burning eructations. These features are suggestive of inflammatory and suppurative changes in the intra-abdominal lump. In due course of time, pittaja gulma develops yellow discoloration of nail, eyes and skin, fever, and vertigo as an added complication. These features can be seen in obstructive biliary tract.

Kaphaja gulma

These are fixed, solid abdominal lumps associated with heaviness, vomiting, mild pain and poor appetite. Further, if the exposure to etiological factors is continued, the patient may develop cough, breathing difficulty and rajayakshma (tuberculosis) etc. Such swellings can be compared with solid tumors of the abdomen which may or may not be associated with obstructive features of the gastrointestinal tract.

Sannipataja gulma

These swellings are progressively increasing in size, fixed, deep rooted, covered with prominent veins, bulged out, and associated with weakness, nausea, vomiting, fever and thirst. Such features can be seen in malignant abdominal tumors.

Raktaja gulma

These exhibit symptoms similar to those of pregnancy, so it is essential to differentiate them from the point of view of treatment:

Raktaja Gulma Garbha (Pregnancy)
Slight movement may be present in later stage Some movement is present throughout all trimesters
Size increases progressively and it remains localized Progressive change in size
It may be associated with fever, cough, pain etc. Presence of other constitutional features of pregnancy, including bodily changes

The features of Hydatidiform mole and chronic carcinoma closely resemble the features of raktaja gulma.

A study was conducted in 50 patients of abdominal swellings, gulmas were analysed using clinical tests and radio-imaging techniques such as plain X ray abdomen, Barium studies, USG, intra-operative findings and HPE of the lumps.[4]

  • The study showed that vataja gulma has chronic obstructive lesions associated with gastrointestinal tract as in the cases of intestinal tuberculosis, pyloric obstruction due to carcinoma of the stomach, etc.
  • Pittaja gulma includes nonspecific inflammatory lesions such as cholecystitis presenting as mucocele or empyema of gall bladder, appendicitis , etc.
  • Kaphaja gulma includes benign lesions such as ovarian cyst, lipoma etc. Some are of specific chronic inflammatory types such as tubercular mesenteric lymphadenopathy.
  • Tridoshaja gulma includes most of the malignant lesions of different organs of abdomen, adenocarcinoma of gall bladder, carcinoma ovary etc.
  • Raktaja gulma features are found in hydatidiform mole and chorio-carcinoma.

Researches

Thesis work done- Ultrasonographic and other radiological investigative studies on gulma in relation to malignancy (Kumar Satish et al in 1986).

Reference Books

  • Charak Samhita, translation by Acharya P. V. Sharma.
  • Charak Samhita, translation by Acharya Bhagvanadasa.
  • Sushruta Samhita Uttaratantra 42.
  • Ashtanga Hridaya Nidana Sthana 11.
  • Ashtanga Samgraha -11(Vidradhi vridhi and gulma nidanam)
  • Bhavaprakasha Madhyakhanda
  • Madhavanidana- gulmanidana

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References

  1. Sushruta. Uttara Tantra, Cha.42 Gulmapratisheda Adhyaya verse 6. In: Jadavaji Trikamji Aacharya, Editors. Sushruta Samhita. 8th ed. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia;2005.
  2. Vagbhata. Sutra Sthana, Cha.11 Vidradivriddhigulmanidana verse 41. In: Harishastri Paradkar Vaidya, Editors. Ashtanga Hridayam. 1st ed. Varanasi: Krishnadas Academy;2000.
  3. Harita, Harita Samhita. Tritiya Sthana, Chap 4, Gulma Chikista, Verse 2-4, In: Harihariprasad Tripati, Editor. Harita Samhita. 2nd ed. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Krishnadas Academy; 2009
  4. Kumar Satish et al. 1986. Ultrasonographic and other radiological investigative studies on gulma in relation to malignancy. Thesis work submitted at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi.