Changes

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sanskrit Text, Transliteration, and Translation in English

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

 

अथातोऽतीसारचिकित्सितं व्याख्यास्यामः||१||  

अथातोऽतीसारचिकित्सितं व्याख्यास्यामः||१||  

इति ह स्माह भगवानात्रेयः||२||  

इति ह स्माह भगवानात्रेयः||२||