A conceptual and applied aspect of Ashtavidha Shastra Karma in Shalakya Tantra focusing on Sushruta Samhita

Abstract

A vast description of Shastra and Ashtavidha Shastra Karma is given in our Samhitas, which are used for medical and surgical procedures. Most of the modern procedures can be correlated to them. As described by Acharya Sushruta there are three stages of a surgical surgery, known as Trividh Karma, that are: Poorva Karma (pre-operative measure), Pradhan Karma (operative), and Paschat Karma (postoperative measures).^[1] Ashtavidha Shastra Karma falls under Pradhan Karma, which includes the main Karma or procedure. The procedures or steps that make up Ashtavidha Shastra Karmas are always the heart of surgery. From a broad perspective, Ashtavidha Shastra Karmas can be seen as the foundation of modern surgery, which may explain why both Ayurvedic and modern surgeons continue to commemorate Acharya Sushruta. Although modern surgery is always being updated and enhanced, these Shalya Karmas have not lost their luster because they are the origins of all surgeries and roots are always more essential than the branches.