E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

Shalya Tantra

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2025 Volume 10 Number 1 JANUARY
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Ayurvedic surgical practices: Insights into Shalya Tantra

Mohan BD1*, Mohan JB2
DOI:10.21760/jaims.10.1.25

1* Baban Dagu Mohan, Principal Professor and Hod, Department of Shalyatantra, Anand Ayurved College Vaijapur Dist Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Maharashtra, India.

2 Jyoti Baban Mohan, Assistant Professor, Department of Sanskrit and Samhita, Sau. Surekhatai Prakash Kolpe Ayurveda College & Research Center and Suprasadh Ayurved Hospital, Kolpewadi, Maharashtra, India.

Shalya Tantra, a prominent branch of Ayurveda, integrates surgical precision with holistic therapeutic principles, offering a comprehensive framework for managing diseases requiring surgical intervention. Rooted in ancient texts like the Sushruta Samhita, Shalya Tantra employs techniques such as incision, excision, suturing, and chemical cauterization, alongside herbal therapies to promote healing, reduce complications, and prevent recurrences. It addresses a wide range of conditions, including ano-rectal disorders, fractures, and wounds, emphasizing pre-operative and post-operative care for optimal recovery. The blend of ancient wisdom and contemporary relevance highlights Shalya Tantra’s potential in modern medical practices.

Keywords: Shalya Tantra, Ayurveda, surgical techniques, ano-rectal disorders

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Baban Dagu Mohan, Principal Professor and Hod, Department of Shalyatantra, Anand Ayurved College Vaijapur Dist Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, , Maharashtra, India.
Email: 		Mohan BD, Mohan JB, Ayurvedic surgical practices: Insights into Shalya Tantra. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2025;10(1):179-182.
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https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/3859

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2024-12-11 2024-12-23 2025-01-04 2025-01-15 2025-01-28
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
None Nil Not required 12.63

© 2025by Mohan BD, Mohan JBand Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

J Ayu Int Med Sci 2025;10(1)179
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Baban DM et al. Ayurvedic surgical practices: Insights into Shalya Tantra

Introduction

Ayurveda, one of the oldest medical systems in the world, provides a holistic approach to health and wellness. Among its various branches, Shalya Tantra holds a unique and significant position as it deals specifically with surgical and para-surgical interventions. Derived from ancient texts such as the Sushruta Samhita, Shalya Tantra encompasses a range of practices aimed at diagnosing and treating ailments that require surgical attention.[1]

This branch of Ayurveda not only emphasizes surgical precision but also Integrates therapeutic principles that aid in pre-operative and post-operative care. Unlike modern surgical methods, which often focus solely on physical outcomes, Shalya Tantra incorporates a holistic view by considering the patient’s overall well-being, including mental and spiritual aspects. It recognizes the interconnectedness of body systems and employs both invasive and non-invasive techniques to restore balance and health. The field of Shalya Tantra has been instrumental in addressing a variety of pathological conditions, such as cysts, hemorrhoids, abscesses, urinary retention, wounds, urinary stones, fractures, and ano-rectal disorders. Its techniques, which include incision, excision, cauterization, and suturing, are complemented by herbal formulations and supportive therapies. This comprehensive approach ensures not only the treatment of the primary condition but also the prevention of complications and recurrences.[2-5]

In today’s medical landscape, Shalya Tantra remains relevant as it offers unique insights into minimally invasive techniques and natural healing processes. By blending ancient wisdom with contemporary medical practices, it provides a robust framework for managing surgical conditions while minimizing risks and enhancing recovery. This article delves into the principles, applications, and therapeutic benefits of Shalya Tantra, showcasing its enduring relevance in the management of diseases requiring surgical intervention.

Therapeutic Approaches of Shalya Tantra

The branch of Shalya Chikitsa focuses on specific treatments:

  • Gudaroga Chikitsa: Treats ano-rectal disorders like fissures, piles, abscesses, and hemorrhoids.

  • Vruna Chikitsa: Focuses on wound management, addressing chronic ulcers and cuts.
  • Fracture rehabilitation techniques are employed to realign bones and joints effectively. Additionally, Shalya Tantra is pivotal in managing post-operative complications and provides solutions for minor and major surgical emergencies.

Precautions in Shalya Chikitsa

While practicing Shalya Chikitsa, certain precautions are essential to ensure safety and efficacy:

1. Proper selection and sterilization of surgical instruments.
2. Maintenance of aseptic conditions in the surgical area to prevent infections.
3. Adoption of precise surgical techniques with minimal invasion and maximum benefit.
4. Consideration of Marma points (vital points) to avoid complications.
5. Careful determination of anesthesia dose and duration, especially in critical cases.
6. Thorough evaluation of patient history and existing conditions.
7. Special attention to pediatric and elderly patients.

Surgical Equipment in Shalya Tantra

Various tools and materials are utilized for surgical procedures in Shalya Tantra, including:

  • Shastra (sharp instruments)
  • Yantras (blunt instruments)
  • Sutures for stitching
  • Bandages and surgical cloths

Pre- and Post-Operative Considerations [6,7]

Pre-operative measures in Shalya Chikitsa ensure thorough preparation, facilitating smoother surgical processes and patient comfort. Post-operative care focuses on preventing complications, promoting healing, and maximizing the benefits of the surgery.

Applications of Shalya Chikitsa in Specific Diseases[8]

1. Ano-rectal Disorders: Conditions like hemorrhoids, fistula-in-ano, and piles are treated effectively using Kshara Karma, Shastra Karma, and bandaging techniques.


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Baban DM et al. Ayurvedic surgical practices: Insights into Shalya Tantra

These methods reduce pain, bleeding, discomfort, and inflammation while promoting healing.

2. Arsha (Hemorrhoids): Techniques like chemical cauterization with Ksharasutra aid in blood vessel strangulation, reducing recurrence and accelerating healing.

3. Fissure-in-Ano: Relaxation of the sphincter and inflammation management is achieved using Ksharasutra and therapies like Avagaha Sweda (sitz bath with Triphala Kwatha).

4. Parikartika (Anal Fissures): Procedures such as excision (Bhedana and Chhedana), purification (Shodhana), and healing (Ropana) help remove unhealthy tissues and boost recovery.

5. Bhagna (Fractures): Techniques include immobilization, traction, and stabilization, coupled with Ayurvedic bandaging methods for effective bone alignment and recovery.

6. Vrana (Wounds): Surgical purification and herbal therapies transform unhealthy wounds (Dushta Vrana) into healthy ones (Shuddha Vrana), accelerating the healing process.

Mode of Action in Shalya Chikitsa

The mode of action in Shalya Chikitsa is rooted in a combination of precise surgical techniques and therapeutic interventions that aim to restore health and promote healing. The fundamental mechanisms include:

1. Hemostasis and Pathogenesis Management: Surgical procedures such as incision, excision, and suturing effectively control bleeding (hemostasis) and target the root of diseases by addressing deep-seated pathological tissues. This approach prevents further progression of disease & supports recovery.

2. Antiseptic and Anti-Infective Actions: Many surgical techniques inherently possess antiseptic properties, minimizing the risk of infections. Herbal components like turmeric, applied during procedures, provide antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, further reducing infection and inflammation.

3. Tissue Granulation and Regeneration: Techniques like Ksharasutra (alkaline thread therapy) induce mechanical strangulation of tissues, promoting tissue granulation and regeneration. This ensures faster healing of wounds and surgical sites.

4. Reduction of Inflammatory Responses: Ayurvedic materials used in Shalya Chikitsa possess anti-inflammatory properties, which help alleviate pain and swelling at the surgical site. This is especially effective in conditions such as fissures and abscesses.

5. Cauterization and Tissue Debridement: Procedures involving chemical cauterization remove unhealthy or necrotic tissue. The use of alkaline substances purifies the wound and creates an environment conducive to healing by facilitating drainage and preventing infection.

6. Enhanced Healing Through Herbal Therapies: Herbal interventions incorporated in Shalya Chikitsa, such as Triphala and Guggulu, enhance the body’s natural healing mechanisms by accelerating cell repair and reducing scarring.

7. Supportive Measures for Recovery: The combination of surgical and para-surgical interventions, along with dietary and lifestyle adjustments, ensures holistic recovery. This minimizes post-operative complications and prevents recurrence of conditions.

In essence, Shalya Chikitsa employs a multidimensional approach to address surgical and post-surgical needs, harmonizing precise surgical techniques with Ayurvedic principles to achieve optimal patient outcomes.

Conclusion

Shalya Chikitsa exemplifies the synthesis of ancient surgical wisdom and holistic therapeutic strategies, offering effective solutions for a wide range of pathological conditions. Its emphasis on precision, patient-specific interventions, and post-surgical care ensures comprehensive healing and minimal recurrence. Techniques such as Ksharasutra, Shastra, and Anushastra not only address the physical aspects of diseases but also promote overall well-being by integrating herbal and lifestyle modifications. By adapting these time-tested principles in modern medical practice, Shalya Tantra continues to provide valuable insights into managing surgical conditions with minimal risks and maximum efficacy. The enduring relevance of Shalya Chikitsa highlights its potential as a complementary system in today’s healthcare landscape, bridging traditional knowledge and contemporary advancements for better patient outcomes.


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References

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