Shalya Tantra is the surgical method which was initiated by Ayurvedic sages in ancient India. Shalya Tantra is the root of modern surgery, a branch of Ayurveda.Ayurveda considers a human body to be developed from five universal factors known as the ‘Panch Mahabhutas’. These are earth (prithvi), water (jal), fire (agni), air (vayu) and universal space (akash). These factors ultimately give rise to the ‘Tridosha’, that are Vata, Pitta and Kapha. These Tridoshas maintain the body’s balance in case of a disproportion in one or more than one of these components, one’s health degenerates and become ill. To a certain extent, the medicinal way of treatment or Kayachikitsa can be applied with good results. But at times the disease goes beyond the control of Kayachikitsa and surgical intervention or Shalya Tantra becomes mandatory.
Etymology of Shalya Tantra
The word ‘Shalya Tantra’ literally signifies the elimination of irritating factors from the human body. ‘Shalya’ means cause, which produces pain, or factor, which stimulates irritation, and ‘Tantra’ means the technique by which this cause or factor is done away with.
Concept of Shalya Tantra by Sushruta
Sushruta was the earliest surgeon to develop cosmetic surgery. Shalya Tantra is discussed in detail in his renowned Ayurvedic text ‘Sushruta Samhita’. Here he gives an exhaustive description of the surgical processes involved in different conditions where surgery is required.
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