The Sushruta Samhita — trans. Bhishagratna

X See Chapter XXXIX., Sutra-Sthanam.

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Saindhava, Kdnjika and cow's urine in cases of the retention of the stool, etc., due to an abuse of a purgative. Proper Asthapana and Anuvdsana Vastis should be prescribed in consideration of the nature and intensity of the Doshas involved in the case. The nature of the diet should be judiciously determined according to the nature of the Doshas. The supervening distresses in both the cases should be remedied with due consideration of the nature of the Doshas originating them. 20.

The cutting pain in the anus in connection with purging corresponds to the digging in the throat in a case of vomiting. The oozing out of the faecal matter downward (Parisrdva) in connection with a purgative corresponds to the water-brash in the case of an emetic. What diarrhoea (Pravdhikd) is to purging, a dry eructation is to vomiting. 21.

IVIemorable Verse ".-—The fifteen kinds of

distempers (Vydpat) described in the present chapter originate through an excessive, injudicious or insufficient use of purgatives or emetics. 22.

Thus ends the Thirty-fourth Chapter of the Chikitsita Sthdnam in the Sus'ruta Samhitd which deals with the treatment of the disorders resulting from an injudicious use of purgatives and emetics.

CHAPTER XXXy.

Now we shall discourse on the dimensions and classifications of a Netra and a Vasti (pipes, nozzles and apparatus) with their therapeutic applications (Netra- Vasti-Pramaina-Pravibhsiga-Chikitsitam). i.

CHAPTER XXXy.

Now we shall discourse on the dimensions and classifications of a Netra and a Vasti (pipes, nozzles and apparatus) with their therapeutic applications (Netra- Vasti-Pramaina-Pravibhsiga-Chikitsitam). i.

Sages of authority hold an application of the Vasti to be the best of all measures such as, the application of a Sneha^ etc.; and why ? Because on account of its varied functions and of its being composed of the various kinds of medicinal drugs a Vasti helps to restrain (Samgraha\ pacify (Sams'amana) and cleanse (Sams'o* dhana) the different Doshas (morbific principles) of the body. It helps the recreation and growth of fresh semen, contributes to the building up of an emaciated frame, reduces corpulency, invigorates eyesight, arrests premature old age and tends to rejuvenate. A regular and proper use of a Vasti tends to improve one's complexion and bodily strength, imparts longevity, contributes to the growth of the body, ensures the enjoyment of sound health and guards against the inroad of any disease whatever. Applications of Vastis are highly efficacious in cases of fever, dysentery, cataract, catarrh, diseases of the head, Adhimantha, vomiting, facial paralysis, epileptic fits, convulsions^ (Akshepaka), hemiplegia, locomotor ataxy (Ekdnga) and paraplegia (Sarvanga-Roga\ tympanites, ascites or abdominal dropsy, Sarkara (gravels or urinary concretions), gastralgia (Sula), scrotal tumours (including hydrocele, hernia, etc.), Upadams'a, retention of stool and urine (Aniha), strangury (Mutra krichchhra), Gulma, Vdta-rakta, upward coursing of urine, stool and Vdyu,

Chap. XXXV.] CHIKirSA STHANAM. 59I

loss of semen, breast-milk and of catamanial fluid, Hrid-graha (catching pain in the chest), Manydgraha (wryneck), Hanu-graha (numbness of the jaws), haemorrhoids, As'mari (stone) and Mudha-garbha (false presentation and difficult labour). 2.

IVlcmorablC Verse :— Applications ofVasti are always efficacious in diseases due to the action of the deranged Vayu, Pitta and Kapha, in those due to the vitiated condition of blood and in those brought on by the concerted action of any two or all of them. 3.

Dimensions of the pipe :— The length of

3.

Dimensions of the pipe :— The length of the pipe of a Vasti should be made six fingers in respect of an infant of one year and eight and ten fingers in respect of a boy of eight and an adult of sixteen years respectively, the girth of its calibre being respectively equal to those of the small finger, the ring finger and the middle finger respectively in the three afore-named instances. The pipe should have Karnikas * or bulblike protrusions attached to it at one of the ends above a space of one finger and a half, two fingers, and two fingers and a half respectively in the three afore-said forms of the apparatus. The girth of their mouths (to be introduced into the rectum) should be respectively made to equal those of the calibres of feathers of a crow, a falcon and a peacock, and the girth of the channels of the main body of the pipes should respectively be such as to let a j^^^/^'"^ pulse, a. Mds/ia pulse and a Kaldya pulse to pa£S through them. The quantity of the fluid with which an Asthapana-Vasti should be charged is equal respectively to two, four, and eight Prasritasf

* The Karnikas are attached to the pipes for guarding against their being thrust into the rectum.

t A Prasrita measure is generally equal to two Palas, i e.^ sixteen Tolds. But he^re it has the particular meaning as given in the text.

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(in volume). A Prasrita measure being here equal to what can be contained in the hollow of the patient's own palms (in each particular case). 4.

Memorable Verse :— The length of the pipe and the quantity of the fluid to charge with should •be gradually increased with the progress of the patient's ^ge and in consideration of his strength and bodily capacity. 5.