Abstract

ROLE OF RUKSHANA IN PANCHAKARMA- A REVIEW ARTICLE

V. Kavitha* and Shashikiran

ABSTRACT

Rukshana is one of the Apatarpana Chikitsa mentioned among the Shadvidhopakarmas according to Charaka. The gunas of Rukshana are Ruksha, Kharatva, Vishada and it does Shoshana shakti and it is devoid of Sneha guna. Any disease manifests is due to either Sama or Nirama Avastha. Rukshana line of treatment mainly helps in manage Sama into Nirama Avastha. Rukshana treatment has more effect in Kapha, Medhaja Vyadhi, Ama and Avarana conditions like Sthouly, Prameha, Amavata, Avabhahuka etc. Rukshana can be achieved through either Bahya or Abhyanthara Rukshana methods. Abhyanthara Rukshanas are Panchakarma Procedures like Virechan, Basti, Nasya. where as Bahya Rukshana includes Upakarams such as Udvarthana, Pottali Sweda, Isteka sweda, Dhanyamla Dhara etc act as Rukshana based on the Dravays used in this procedure. Rukshana can also be done as Purva karma before Shodhanartha Snehapana in Mamsala, Medhura, Bhurishleshma condition. Hence the present article is an attempt to review the concept of Rukshana in Panchakarma which are mentioned in our classics.

Keywords: Rukshana, Panchakarmas, Upakramas.