CRITICAL ANALYSIS ON MANAGEMENT OF KUSHTA THROUGH PANCHKARMA– A REVIEW

Abstract

The skin is the largest organ of the body, having a surface area of 1.8 m2 and measuring approximately 18% of the body
weight. It reveals both the normal and pathological state of an individual. The word Kushta is a broad term used for almost
all skin disorders. The disease which has a spreading nature and which leads to deformity of skin in the form of
discoloration is known as Kushta. All three types of treatment viz. Daivavyapashraya, Yuktivyapashraya and Satvavajaya
chikitsa are to be followed while treating Kushta. While applying the Yuktivyapashraya Chikitsa preferably start with any
form of Apatarpana Chikitsa eg. Rukshana because Kushta is a Santharpanottha vikara. This should be followed by
Dosha Pratyanika Chikitsa wherein Ghritapana is indicated in Vata Pradhana Kushta, Virechana and Raktamokshana in
Pitta Pradhana Kushta and Vamana is indicated in Kapha Pradhana Kushta. Person suffering from Kushta who has
excessive vitiation of the Dosha should be given eliminative therapies repeatedly. While administering these elimination
therapies the physician should be very cautious because excessive elimination of morbid factors may weaken the patient
and the Vayu which becomes aggravated might pose sudden danger to his life. A wise physician should eliminate morbid
Dosha in small quantities repeatedly by accessing the strength of person each time. Acharyas have prescribed Vamana
once in 15 days, Sramsana once in a month, Raktamokshana once in 6 months and Nasya once in 3 days. All Acharya’s
have emphasized on Shodhana therapy in the management of Kushta. By nature, Kushta is a difficult disease to cure hence
called ‘Duschikitsya’ but by the application of shodhana therapy, cure of the diseases becomes easier due to removal of the
root cause. Hence shodhana has great importance in Bahudosha avastha.