An English Translation of the Sushruta Samhita, Vol. II — trans. Kaviraj Kunja Lal Bhishagratna (1911)

Utsadana (rubbing) and Udgharshana* (friction) tend to dilate the orifice of the (superficial) ducts and increase the temperature of the skin. Utsddana specifically improves the complexion of females and gives a lovely appearance, cleanliness, beauty and suppleness to the female form. Udgharshana (friction) pacifies the bodily Vayu, cures itches, rashes and eruptions (Kotha). Phenaka t imparts lightness and steadiness to the thighs, cures itches, eruptions, Vatastambha and excretal diseases. Friction of the body with brickbat powders excites the heat of skin, brings t Phenaka is a kind of friction of the body with small wooden rollers.

* Utsadana and Udgharshana are the two kinds of rubbing the body with medicinal powders with and without a Sneha respectively.

488 THE SUSHRUTA SAMfllTA. .[Chap. XXIV.

on the dilation of the orifices of the bodily ducts^ and cures itches and Kotha. 29-32

Bathing :- Bathing removes somnolence, (inordinate) bodily heat and a sense of fatigue. It allays thirst and checks itching and perspiration, brings on a fresh relish for food, removes all bodily impurities, clears the sense-organs, gladdens the mind, purifies the blood, increases the appetising power, destroys drowsiness and sin, and increa'^es semen. The sight of a man is invigorated by applying cold water to the head at the time of bathing, while the pouring of warm water on the head tends to injure the eye-sight In cases of an aggravation of the deranged Vj^yu and Kapha, the head may be washed with warm water, as a medicine, after a careful consideration of the intensity of the disease. 33-35

Prohibition of Bathing ;— Bathing in

extremely cold water in winter tends to enrage the bodily Vayu and the Kapha, while bathing in hot water in summer agitates the blood and the Pitta. Bathing is not beneficial in fever, diarrhcea, ear-ache, tympanites, Adhmana, aversion to food and indigestion, and in the disorders or diseases due to the actions of the deranged Vayu. It should not also be taken just after a meal. 36-38.

Anulepana : — Anointing (Anulepana^i the body (with scented pastes') removes a sense of fatigue and foetor and perspiration. It produces a sense of pleasure and improves the Ojas, the strength and the complexion of the body enhances the beauty and glow of the frame and gives it a lovely appearance Anulepana is forbidden in those cases in which bathing is prohibited. 39The wearing of gems, flowers and clean clothes is iDeneficial in a variety of ways, as it acts as a good

Chap. XXIV.] CIIIKITSA STHANAM. 489

prophylactic against the influences of monsters and malignant spirits, enhances the Ojas and the beauty of the body and keeps the mind in a cheerful mood and proves highly auspicious, 40.

Alepa. : — B -smearing (A'epa the face (with scented pastes, etc.) imparts steadiness to the eyes, brings on a broad and graceful contour of the cheeks and muth, produces their healthful glow like that of a lotus flower and prevents its disfigurement by pimples, moles and such like growths and eruptions (Vyanga). The use of colh'rium (Anjana) furthers the growth of large and beautiful eyelashes, cleanses the eyes by remo/ing the unhealthy secretions, makes ths eyes more wide and graceful and also imparts a brilliant lustre to the pupils. 41 42.

Devotion to the gods and Brahmanas and hospitality towards guests CAtithi) add to one's good name, piety, wealth, progeny and duration of life. Food (Aha'ra) nourishes and gladdens the heart and directly contributes to one's bodily strength. It improves the memory, appetising power, energy and the natural strength of the mind (Tejas\ and increases the Ojas and the duration of one's life. 43-44.

Washing the feet increases the semen (Vrishya), removes the sense of fatigue, gladdens the heart, makes the soles free from all adhering dirt and local diseases, acts as a prophylactic against evil spirits (Rakshoghna) and clears up* the vision. Anointing (Abhyanga'i the feet (with oil, etc) brings on sleep. It is refreshing and invigorating to the body and the sight, removes allp. 62p. 490 drowsiness and sense of fatigue and softens the skin of the soles of the feet. 45-46.

* Dallana explains ihat washing the feet keeps the nerve (Nadi) joining the soles with the eyes cool and thus helps to clear up the vision. There is a custom of frequently washing the feet amongst the Hindus most probably on this account. — Ed.

The use of shoes is efficacious in curing the diseases of the feet and is conducive to pleasure and verile potency. It acts as a prophylactic against the influences of evil spirits, makes walking easy and pleasant, and improves the Ojas in the body. Walking without shoes is perilous to life and health, and is attended with the danger of impaired vision. 47'4S.