An English Translation of the Sushruta Samhita, Vol. II — trans. Kaviraj Kunja Lal Bhishagratna (1911)
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The translator’s English as printed (Kunja Lal Bhishagratna). The original-language text is not held; names are romanised as the translator printed them.
Anointments of the body simply with (unmedicated) Sneha are strictly forbidden in cases of undigested (Ama) Doshas (as long as the aggravated Doshas of the body continue in an unassimilated or undigested state and in their full virulence and intensity). Anointment should not be resorted to in cases of acute fever and indigestion, nor after the exhibition of emetics and purgatives, nor after an application of a Nirudha-Vasti. Anointment in the first two cases (acute fever and indigestion) serves to make the diseases curable with difficulty and even incurable, while that made on the same day after the application of purgatives, emetics, or a NirudhaVasti, tends to impair the digestive capacity, etc. Anointment is similarly prohibited in' diseases due to Samtarpana (repletion, etc). 22 — 24.
Physical Exercise :-• What is (popularly)
known as physical exercise is (nothing but) a sense of weariness from bodily labour, and it should be taken every day. After taking physical exercise, the whole body should be shampooed, until it gives rise to a comfortable sensation in the limbs. It makes the body stout and strong, helps the symmetrical growth of the limbs and muscles, improves the complexion and the digestive powers, prevents laziness and
486 THE SUSHRUTASAMHITA. [Chap. XXIV.
makes the body light and glossy, firm and compact. The power of enduring fatigue and weariness and the variations of temperature, thirst, etc., are the virtues which are invariably found to follow in its train. It leads to an undiseascd existence and is the best means of reducing corpulency. The enemies of a man habituated to regular physical exercises, dare not molest him through fear (for his strength — D. R.). Imbecility and senile decay never approach him, and the muscles of his body become firm and steady. Diseases fly from the presence of a person, habituated* to regular physical exercise and (subsequent) shampooing, just as small beasts do on seeing a lion. It makes an aged and deformed man (young and) good-looking. Food consisting of articles incompatible in their potency, and itidigested and decomposed food are easily digested in a man who takes regular physical exercise (and cannot produce any bad effect\ Regular physical exercise is (particularly) beneficial to a strong man accustomed to the use of emollient food (abounding in proteid matter), in all seasons of the year ; but in the winter and the spring, it is highly : indispensably) necessary for him. A man seeking his own good should take physical exercise every day only to the half extent of his capacity (Valardha), as otherwise it may prove fatal. That amount of exercise which makes the Pr^naVayu come out through the mouth-j- {i.e., as soon as t According to several authorities, the appearance of perspiration on the nose, the axilla, the forehead and in the joints of the hands and the legs and dryness of the mouth are the symptoms which indicate that one has taken Valstrdha physical exercise (i.e., to the half extent of his capacity).— Dallana.
* Dallana's reading here evidently is "o5n^TTf1%^1T^^" ■" place of "Bm^|4^-d'^J|M^" I This would mean "of one taking so much exercise as produces sweat."
p. 487
hard-breathing would set in\ is known as the Valardha exercise. One's own age, strength, physique and food as well as the season of the year and the physical nature of the country are the factors which should be considered before one began to take physical exercise, as otherwise it might bring on some disease 25.
Consumption, haemorrhage (Rakta-pitta), thirst phthisis^ aversion to food, vomiting, illusiveness, weariness, fever, cough and asthma are the diseases, which are likely to originate from excessive physical exercise, and is, therefore, forbidden after a meal and the fatigues of sexual intercourse, in a iit of vertigo and in respect of persons suffering from haemorrhage, phthisis, cachexia, cough, asthma and ulcer. 26-27.
The deranged Vayu of the body is restored to its normal condition by the help of Udvartana (massage). It reduces the fat and the aggravated Kapha of the system, smoothes and cleanses the skin and imparts a firmness to the limbs. 28.
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