Variables influencing wound healing: An ayurvedic review with contemporary interpretation

Abstract

Introduction: Wound is a universal clinical entity since the dawn of civilization, and human has always tried to overcome this problem. They are the core reason of disability and pose a big economic challenge to the humanity and nations. Wound healing is a complex biological process which starts just after the injury and ends with its healing. This healing process is influenced by many factors in diverse ways. A clinician managing the wounds should have detailed knowledge of these factors for successful wound management. This article reviews such variables under the headings: injury variables, patient variables, and treatment variables from ayurvedic and modern point of view. Discussion: An understanding of all these variables is vital for rational modification in the management strategies for successful wound healing. These factors require to be interpreted in the present-day modern scientific way for their proper understanding and acceptability and to apply them in the clinical practice. In modern system of medicine, a detailed description of variables influencing wound-healing process is available that simulates a great deal with those described in Ayurveda. However, still, there are certain principles that need to be verified scientifically to generate evidence. Conclusion: Ayurvedic principles stand true even in this highly advanced era of modern medical science. A clinician should have the detailed knowledge of these principles and should apply in the clinical practice.