Narrative literature review on Vyadhi Nigraha: A Jaina Ayurveda Volume

Abstract

Objective: Jaina Ayurveda is the perfect blend of two streams of knowledge which deals with health and culture concomitantly yielding happiness. At present, many works of Jaina Ayurveda literatures are available and Vyadhi nigraha is one of them. Sage named Vishrama of Kutch region in eighteenth century authored this volume. Present study aimed to identify and reveal the distinct literary information of Vyadhi nigraha. Data Source: For this literary review, all data are procured from Hindi and English translated version of Vyadhi nigraha. Few Jaina and Ayurveda literatures also consulted to analyze the content of the text. Review Methods: Identification of specialties of the text with respect to concepts/drugs/diseases etc., is done initially followed by their categorization and critical interpretation. It is a specialized text of Kayacikitsa. A total of 105 pathological conditions have been identified with their managerial strategies. Idiosyncratic diseases, drugs, and medications have been described throughout the text. Result: Analysis reveals that contemporary texts such as Vaidya vallabha, Vaidya ratna, Bhaishajya ratnavali, Sharngadhara samhita, and Bhavaprakasha nighantu have significant influence on the creation of Vyadhi nigraha. Influence of Jaina philosophy is identified through the text, but in some contexts, author prescribed the usage of medicines such as Madhu, Jangama dravya, and Rasa dravya which is prohibited in Jainism. Conclusion: Vyadhi Nigraha is a significant perfectly blended volume of both Jaina philosophy and Ayurveda aiming toward Kayacikitsa. Content analysis, critical analysis, and contemporary analysis revealed many interesting outcomes on Vyadhi nigraha.

Keywords

• jaina ayurveda
• sage vishrama
• vaidya vallabha
• vyadhi nigraha