PAIN MANAGEMENT IN AYURVEDIC CLASSICS: AN ANALYTICAL OVERVIEW

Abstract

Pain can be described as any physical and mental suffering or discomfort caused by illness or injury. The International Association for the Study of Pain defines pain as "an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience arising from actual or potential tissue damage." Pain always lands a person in discomfort and interferes with daily tasks, regardless of severity or location. Different terminologies viz. vedana, shool, ruja, etc. are used for pain in Ayurvedic classics. It is mentioned as a premonitory sign as well as a symptom of many diseases. According to Acharya Sushruta “Vatat rute nasti ruja” i.e., the root cause of all types of pain is Vata dosha. The effectiveness and safety of the therapeutic drugs that are currently utilised to relieve pain are often limited. Therefore, there is an urgent need for research into novel analgesics that are safe, efficacious, and tolerated well. Description of a variety of therapeutic approaches for pain management is available in the Ayurvedic classical text. Agnikarma, Jalaukavacharana, Marma chikitsa, and other Ayurvedic treatment modalities provide immediate pain relief without untoward effects. Along with these therapies, there are descriptions of many other therapeutic procedures such as Vedhankarma, Bastikarma, Lepa, Snehana, Swedana, and internal use of medicine in Ayurvedic classical texts. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate the concept of pain and its practical utility, which necessitates the development of pain management techniques recognised in Ayurveda.