Introduction of Ancient Surgical Practices
Ayurveda is an ancient system of healing that dates back 5000 years. Ayurveda is known as the science of life. It is aimed at maintaining a balance between the mind, body, and soul. The roots of multiple modern medicines are derived from the Vedas too. Vedas are the oldest literary record of Indo-Aryan civilization. The Atharva Veda has a sub-Veda of its own called Ayurveda. Ayurveda uses plants and herbs in making medicines. In ancient times, Ayurveda was the solution to all ailments and diseases. Ayurveda uses natural things like herbs, plants, colors, gems, aroma, mantras, yoga, meditation, and surgery to cure diseases and ailments. The principle of Ayurveda says that illness can be treated by creating awareness among ourselves, maintaining a balance, and controlling our mind.
The School of Thoughts
There are two main schools of thought in Ayurveda, namely- Atreya (school of physicians) and Dhanvantari (school of surgeons). In this blog, we will be discussing the second school of thought- the school of surgeons. Surgery is the answer to most of the ailments and problems in modern science.
But the history of surgery goes back to the time when ancient Indian doctors practiced surgical operation for the first time 2500 years ago. Ancient Indian scientists have been pioneers of scientific and medical innovations of modern times.
There were many physicians and practitioners practicing classical medicine in the ancient period like Dhanwantara, Atreya, and Bhardwaj. But the major contributions in the field were made by Charaka and Sushruta. Sushruta was probably the first Indian surgeon who has written the book Sushruta Samhita where he has mentioned 120 surgical instruments, 300 surgical procedures and classifies human surgery into 8 categories. He is commonly known as the father of surgery.
Surgery is one of the eight branches of Ayurveda. Sushruta was the first to study human anatomy. In his book, he has described in detail about human anatomy with the help of a dead body. Sushruta had expertise in rhinoplasty (Plastic surgery) and ophthalmology (ejection of cataracts).
He used ancient surgery as an option where the medicines or drugs used to fail. Sushruta has described surgery under eight heads Chedya (excision), Lekhya (scarification), Vidhya (puncturing), Esya (exploration), Ahrya (extraction), Vsraya (evacuation), and Sivya (Suturing).
Sushruta was a specialist in ophthalmology (ejection of cataracts) too. The procedure of the operation has been mentioned in his book, and it sounds like the same operation, which is performed by ophthalmologists these days. His method of venesection is still brought in use for the treatment of polycythemia vera (a blood disorder). He was one of the first to study human autonomy with the aid of dead body.
Sushruta’s Explanation
Sushruta has described the procedure as the body should be preserved and should not be too old or has died because of poison or any other disease. First, the intestine is cleaned, and then the body will be wrapped in the inner bark of trees or grass and kept in a cage.
The cage should be placed in a river with a gentle current and the body is left to soften. The body will then be taken out of the water after seven days with grassroots, hair, and bamboo will be brushed off one layer at a time and then all the parts of the body can be observed with the eye. Many techniques for the removal of foreign bodies like metal, sticks, etc., are also mentioned in his book.
He had excellent knowledge of orthopedic as well. He corrected the fractures after making a detailed analysis of the broken pieces of bones. He has also mentioned steps for non-delivery of full-term pregnant women which is nowadays known as cesarian.
Sushruta’s significant contribution was in the field of plastic surgery. The ancient surgical steps are mentioned in detail in his book. His was so much success in this surgery that people from different countries would come to him for surgery. The details of the surgery described in the book are quite similar to the one done in the present day.
He also used the techniques of Agni karma and kasha karma where unnecessary tissue was destroyed by heat, electricity, or corrosive chemicals. This technique was used on the wounds to finish extra granular tissue. The book also mentions the treatment of bites of animals like snakes, rats, scorpions, etc.
Sushruta used the method of big ants to tie internal wounds. The procedure involves the biting of the cut ends by the ant and then cutting the body of the ant. This method is still prevalent in many countries. Charaka was another noted practitioner of ancient times.
Charaka was the first physician to study digestion, metabolism, and immunity. He believed that the body is ill when there is disbalance in the three doshas present in the human body naming- bile, phlegm, and wind. Charaka also had knowledge of genetics.
He knew the factors which determine the sex of the child. He also told that any birth defect in a child is not because of a genetic defect in the mother or father but it is the defect in the ovary or spectrum of the parents. He was of the view that it is necessary to prevent the disease first rather than finding a cure for it.
The chakra Samhita became so popular that it was translated in many languages. It contains 120 chapters on eight topics- surgery, eye and head treatment, therapeutics, toxicology. Paediatrics, mental disease and treatment of reproductive systems.it also mentions the effect of diet and yoga on the mind and body. It also emphasised the importance of herbs and plants in making medicines.
Conclusion
Ayurveda has been in practice and used since ancient times. This system of healing holds a high status in Indian medicine and its no side-effect treatments are now gaining a lot of praise in the international markets too.
While modern equipment have replaced the ancient methods which Sushruta had used, it will not be too far-fetched to say that the basis of a lot of modern surgery still lies in the ancient surgical Indian practices.
