Changes

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 ''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.<ref>Sushruta. Uttara Tantra, Cha.42 Gulmapratsheda 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'').

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'' ===