A Critical Conceptual Study of Applied Anatomy in Charaka Samhita

International Journal of Advanced Research and Publications
ISSN: 2456-9992
A Critical Conceptual Study Of Applied Anatomy

In Charaka Samhita
Dr. Sakshi, Dr. Sakshi D/O Dr.S.K.Kaushal
Assistant Professor, Department Of Rachna Sharir Sgas&H,
Tantia University, Sri Ganganagar (Rajasthan),India
Drsakshi54@Gmail.Com
Kath Mandi, Charkhi Dadri, Distt. Bhiwani, Pincode- 127306

Haryana (India)
ABSTRACT: Charaka Samhita is an oldest classical book of Ayurveda with aim for achieving the four Purushartha. To achieve these aims
one needs a high quality source of information of Ayurvedic science and along with the applied aspects. With the advancement in
technology and learning aids, subject Rachna Sharir (Anatomy) is not only considered to dissection but its applied aspect is now more
appreciated. The subject of Rachna Sharir is important in studying the morphology but its practical applicability assists physician to
properly diagnose medical and surgical problem of a patient. This work as entitled is emphasized on exploring the applied anatomical facts
from Charaka Samhita.
Keywords: Anatomy, Applied aspect, Charaka Samhita, Rachna Sharir, Diseases etc.
INTRODUCTION:
Ayurveda is the oldest and immortal system of healing Garbha Sharir And Anuvanshiki : The knowledge of
existing since Vedic period. There is no doubt about the Sharir begins with knowledge of Garbha. The subject is
treasure of knowledge and principles mentioned in Ayurveda concerned with normal development and knowing factors
about way of living life. According to need of hour, it is related to abnormality of developing fetus. Acharya Charaka
essential to explore the basics of unexposed part of Ayurveda has mentioned many concepts concerning to paternal and
for betterment of knowledge. Acharya Charaka revised and environmental imprinting in Ayurveda. One of the best
enlarged the work of Agnivesha (one of the of Bhagwan examples postulated by Acharya Charaka is related to
Atreya‟s disciple) around 5th century A.D.in form of concept of Beeja, Beejabhaga, Beejabhagavyava and dosha.
“Charaka Samhita”. He is known for authoring the medical Various genetic diseases develop due to deformity in Beeja
treatise Charaka Samhita and is famous as “Father of (ovum-sperm), Beejabhaga (chromosome) and
Medicine”. The word „Charaka‟ states to the wandering Beejabhagavayava (genes)[2] .Thus, it is important to study
physician or scholars. The Samhita is divisible into 8 sthanas these valuable aspects in order to have healthy offspring and
and further subdivided into 120 chapters. It is an interesting cure various congenital deformities. Along with these there
fact that 8 parts of Ayurveda are being touched by Acharya are so many points to be covered like, concepts of
Charaka in the Samhita at different sthanas(sections) and Varta,[3]Tranputrika,[4] Atulya gotra (prevention of marriage
adyayas(chapters). Acharya Charaka discussed about in same clan)[5] teratological impact, [6]
sex
[7]
embryology, physiology, pathogenesis and medicine. He determination etc.
gave concepts related immunity, metabolism etc. His
writings show that he had deep insight into genetics, Twacha Sharir: Twacha (skin) is the largest organ of the
embryology etc. The specific Sthanas of Samhita where human body and is of utmost importance as it decreases
description of Sharir, its parts, sub-parts along with socioeconomic status and affects work ability of an
importance, Anuvanshiki related concepts are highlighted is individual. Six layers have been elucidated by Acharya
known as „Sharir Sthana‟. In many of the references Charaka with related disorders of each layer [8] .For instance,
mentioned by him, a point of view of fundamentals of in Kustha roga (like leprosy), [9] Kamala (jaundice) [10]
genetics, nervous system related disorders like paralysis, Slipada (filiarsis) [11]all have clinical manifestation through
convulsions, and disorders related to Twacha, Guda, Basti, skin. In Eka Kustha, clinical feature refers to absence of
Udara Roga etc. With advancements in technology and perspiration (aswednam), skin peels off or looks like scaly
learning aids, the subject “Anatomy” is not only concerned skin of fish. So these are similar to psoriatic patient and
to dissection but its applied aspect is now more appreciated. likewise many other examples can be quoted [12] .
The entire concept of anatomy in Ayurveda is being
mentioned in context to Chikitsa. To revalidate and explore Uttamangiya Sharir: One of the important residences of
the Ayurvedic concepts related to Sharir Rachna, we need to Prana (life) is considered as Shira (head). The Shira (head) is
study it parallel with modern perspective also. important organ where all sense organ and their receptors
reside. Any type of injury can lead to severe outcome or
Sharir Sankhya Shaarir: In Ayurvedic literature, not only death can occur. [13]The chapter entitled „Vatavyadhi‟
Acharya Sushruta is considered for the work in department indicates the involvement of Vata Dosha along with other in
of Anatomy or surgery but Acharya Charaka has also added pathogenesis of disorders in Ardita (facial paralysis)
[14]
to it. In Sharir Sthana he gave a separate chapter related to ,Akeshapa & Dandaka (convulsion & opisthotonus) [15],
general anatomical facts of human body. For instance, Hanugraha (lock jaw) [16], Gritharsi (sciatica) [17] etc. Vata
number of bones,organs ligaments, joints, muscles etc[1]. Dosha is considered as key to movement and nervous system
is controller and coordinator for all the signals in body.
Volume 1 Issue 3, September 2017 5
www.ijarp.org
ISSN: 2456-9992
Trimarma and only disorders with anatomical changes are

Udara Roga: The area where almost all organs (especially considered like Vidghata (developing fistula).
related to digestion) reside is known as Udara (abdomen). It
is illustrated in contemporary science that many of the CONCLUSION:
diseases particularly of abdomen arise from defective Agni From above collective data from the classical literature and
(Jatharagni Bala). In Chikitsa Sthana of the Samhita chapter modern science a correlative study is performed. There are
13th demonstrates disorders like Pleehodara, Jalodara, many references highlighted in Charaka Samhita which
Badhgudaudara, Chidrodara, Bradhna- Mutravridhi etc. all indicates toward the anatomical changes at surface,
these are important examples related to Udara roga where topographical, histology or microscopic level. A closer
anatomical changes can be studied. [18]Here in this concept correlation is done with the modern pathology of that
Acharya Charaka mentioned operative procedure for disorder of system. Hence, this work is a step in new
treatment of Badhgudaudara (obstructive), Chidrodara direction for creating a relation between the contemporary
(perforative) by use of head of large ants [19] . science and modern science. The applied aspect is
applicability of the theoretical knowledge of a physician or
Guda roga: In today‟s sedentary lifestyle, irregular and scholar for betterment of humankind.
inappropriate diet, pronged sitting and stressful life are
causes to pathogenesis of ano-rectal diseases. Jatharagni is REFERNCES:
one of the causes for such complications. He mentioned the [1] Pandit Kashinath Pandey and Dr. Gorakhnath
anatomy of Guda region and pathological condition like Chaturvedi; Edited Charaka Samhita Shaarir Sthana
Arsha (piles), [20]Bhagandara (fistula-in-ano) [21] .The venous 7/14, Part 1; Reprint 2009 Varanasi: Chaukhambha
supply and mucous membrane involvement are among main Bharati Academy; P- 915
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[2] Dr.D.G.Thatte; Edited Role of parental &environmental
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Ayurveda is part & parcel of our society and culture.
Acharya Charaka in Vimana sthana, elucidated that “There is [5] R.K.Sharma and Bhagwan Das;Edited Charaka Samhita
no end of Ayurveda (science of life) hence one should devote Shaarir Sthana 2/3; Part 2; Reprint 2012 Varanasi:
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.With the advancement in technology and learning aids each
subject has become incredible. Rachna Sharir (anatomy) is [6] R.K.Sharma and Bhagwan Das;Edited Charaka Samhita
wide and needs to be appraised with its utility in applied Shaarir Sthana 2/16; Part 2; Reprint 2012
aspects. Thus, the title is justified by decisive or importance Varanasi:Chaukhambha Sanskrit Series Office;P-354-
of fact that are mentioned in Charaka Samhita. In each 355
section, there are many valuable points which prove to be
advantageous in regard to clinical importance and it can be [7] R.K.Sharma and Bhagwan Das;Edited Charaka Samhita
easily differentiated from normal parameters. Like in Garbha Shaarir Sthana 2/29-30; Part 2; Reprint 2012
& Anuvanshiki Siddhanta, the importance lies in determining Varanasi:Chaukhambha Sanskrit Series Office;P-359
factors for better progeny and prevention of congenital
malformations. The example of Eka Kustha Roga to [8] Pandit Kashinath Pandey and Dr. Gorakhnath
psoriasis has been finest correlation because of presence of Chaturvedi; Edited Charaka Samhita Shaarir Sthana 7/4,
epidermal thickening (acanthosis). The condition relate to Part 1; Reprint 2009 Varanasi: Chaukhambha Bharati
increased epidermal cell turnovers with loss of stratum Academy; P- 910
granulosum [25] .Such pathology may affect skin at various
levels (structural, histological) etc which becomes more [9] Dr.P.V.Sharma; Edited Charaka Samhita chikitsa Sthana
clear. The nervous system is controller and coordinator of 7/11-12, Part 2; Reprint 2011 Varanasi: Chaukhambha
bodily activities. The involvement of Vata Dosha is one of Orientalia;P-125-126
communicating factor for various Uttamangiya roga.
Udargata roga are efficiently mentioned which involved the [10] Pandit Kashinath Pandey and Dr. Gorakhnath
anatomical or surgical aspect like in Badhgudodara & Chaturvedi; Edited Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana
Chidrodara. The Gudagata Roga resultant of imbalanced 16/35-36, Part 2; Reprint 2009 Varanasi: Chaukhambha
Agni and due to this food is not digested, less absorption, Bharati Academy; P-492
constipation etc which results into venous congestion and
pressure over lower part of anal canal. The Mutravaha [11] Dr. P.V.Sharma; Edited Charaka Samhita Chikitsa
Sansthana is essential to remove toxins. It is considered in Sthana 12/97, Part 2; Reprint 2011 Varanasi:
Chaukhambha Orientalia;P-202
www.ijarp.org
ISSN: 2456-9992
Currently employed as Assistant Professor in Department of

[12] Pandit Kashinath Pandey and Dr. Gorakhnath Rachna Sharir (Anatomy) Tantia University, Sriganganagar
Chaturvedi; Edited Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana (Rajasthan, INDIA)
7/21, Part 2; Reprint 2009 Varanasi: Chaukhambha
Bharati Academy; P-252
[13] Pandit Kashinath Pandey and Dr. Gorakhnath

Chaturvedi; Edited Charaka Samhita Sutra Sthana 17/12,
Part 1; Reprint 2009 Varanasi: Chaukhambha Bharati
Academy; P-332
[14] Dr. P.V.Sharma; Edited Charaka Samhita Chikitsa

Sthana 28/38-42, Part 2; Reprint 2011; Varanasi:
Chaukhambha Orientalia; P- 464-465

Chaukhambha Orientalia; P- 466

Sthana 28/49, Part 2; Reprint 2011; Varanasi:
Chaukhambha Orientalia; P- 465-466

Chaukhambha Orientalia; P- 466

Sthana 13, Part 2; Reprint 2011 Varanasi: Chaukhambha
Orientalia; P-207-225

Sthana 13/184-187, Part 2; Reprint 2011Varanasi:
Chaukhambha Orientalia; P-222

Sthana 14/6, Part 2; Reprint 2011 Varanasi:


[23] Dr. P.V.Sharma; Edited Charaka Samhita Siddhi Sthana

9/25-26, Part 2; Reprint 2011 Varanasi: Chaukhambha
Orientalia; P-648
[24] Pandit Kashinath Pandey and Dr. Gorakhnath

Chaturvedi; Edited Charaka Samhita Vimana Sthana
8/14, Part 1; Reprint 2009 Varanasi: Chaukhambha
Bharati Academy; P-742
[25] Harsh Mohan; Edited Textbook of Pathology;6th

Edition 2010;Jaypee Brothers Publications :P-779
Author’s profile:
Received Bachelors degree of B.A.M.S from Maharashi
Dayanand University,Rohtak (Haryana,INDIA) . MD in
Anatomy from GRAU, Hoshiarpur (Punjab,INDIA).
www.ijarp.org

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International Journal of Advanced Research and Publications

A Critical Conceptual Study Of Applied Anatomy

Kath Mandi, Charkhi Dadri, Distt. Bhiwani, Pincode- 127306

Trimarma and only disorders with anatomical changes are

Currently employed as Assistant Professor in Department of

[13] Pandit Kashinath Pandey and Dr. Gorakhnath

[14] Dr. P.V.Sharma; Edited Charaka Samhita Chikitsa

[15] Dr. P.V.Sharma; Edited Charaka Samhita Chikitsa

[16] Dr. P.V.Sharma; Edited Charaka Samhita Chikitsa

[17] Dr. P.V.Sharma; Edited Charaka Samhita Chikitsa

[18] Dr. P.V.Sharma; Edited Charaka Samhita Chikitsa

[19] Dr. P.V.Sharma; Edited Charaka Samhita Chikitsa

[20] Dr. P.V.Sharma; Edited Charaka Samhita Chikitsa

[21] Dr. P.V.Sharma; Edited Charaka Samhita Chikitsa

[22] Dr. P.V.Sharma; Edited Charaka Samhita Chikitsa

[23] Dr. P.V.Sharma; Edited Charaka Samhita Siddhi Sthana

[24] Pandit Kashinath Pandey and Dr. Gorakhnath

[25] Harsh Mohan; Edited Textbook of Pathology;6th

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