CLINICAL ANALYSIS OF SUTIKA PARICHARYA W.S.R TO KASHYAPA SAMHITHA

Abstract

Pregnancy and childbirth remain one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide for women of reproductive age. Frequent post-partum morbidity & its association with adverse perinatal outcomes suggest the need for postpar- tum care for both mother and baby. The number of maternal deaths related to childbirth, in India while consider- ing a civilization can do wonders in concern with Ayurveda. Puerperium is the period following childbirth during which the body tissues, especially the pelvic organ reverts approximately to the prepregnant state both anatomi- cally and physiologically [1]. During this period women require more immense care for physical, emotional, and physiological aspects. The management of puerperium is necessary to avoid infection, bleeding, severe anaemia, backache, postpartum psychosis etc. It also promotes the production of milk in sufficient quantity for the nour- ishment of new-borns and also helps in rapid recovery of the maternal health, so that the mother may be able to resume her normal activities as early as possible. Kashyapa Samhita, also known as Vriddhi jivakiya tantra is one of the earliest treatises on Ayurveda which is consulted especially in the field of Ayurveda Paediatrics, Gynaecol- ogy and Obstetrics. A woman who has just given birth to a child followed by the expulsion of placenta is called Sutika. Kashyapa Samhitha mentioned Sutika kala to be six months as all the Dhatus like raktha will resume to their original state by this time and the treatment pattern should be considered only after analysing the status of doshas and dhatus. Sutika not managed properly may suffer from 64[2] types of puerperal diseases. In Kashyapa samhitha, Ahara (Diet), Vihara (Lifestyle), Aushadi (Medicines) and Ashwasana (Psychological Reassurance), is explained in a detailed manner. Hence, the classical description of Sutika Paricharya along with its scientific in- terpretation with special reference to Kashyapa samhitha is elaborated here. Keywords: Sutika Paricharya, Kashyapa samhitha, Ayurveda, Postnatal.