Description

About the Book

The Charak Samhita is an ancient and authentic ayurvedic text written by Maharishi Agnivesha, which is later revised by Maharishi Charak and edited by Acharya Dridhabala. This system of Ayurveda was taught by Maharishi Atreya. In this treatise, 121 chapters are organized into eight sections or ashtanga sthanas— Sutra, Nidana, Vimana, Sarira, Endriya, Chikitsa, Kalpa, and Siddha. Further, 17 chapters were added in the Charaka Samhita by Dridhabala. This treatise is not just a fascinating source of ancient medical practices but it may also be a helpful source of information on the ecological, social, and economic elements of ancient India.
The Nidana Sthana (Pathology), the second section within Charak Samhita, is about guide lines for diagnosing disease on the basis of detailed history and clinical examination, compiled in eight chapters. This section talks about diagnostic principles in view of two important aspects like knowledge of roga (disease) and rugna (patient). It always considers interaction between the individual and the affecting pathological entities. It also considers the prognosis and inter-relation of different diseases or co-morbid conditions. The comprehensive study guides a physician to diagnose and treat disease with minimal use of laboratory, imaging and other tools. This treatise is not just a fascinating source of ancient medical practices; it may also be a helpful source of information on the ecological, social, and economic elements of ancient India.

About the Author

Acharya Charak, born around 300 BC, was a key contributor to the science of traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda) and lifestyle philosophy that was developed in Ancient India. He is well known as the editor of the medical treatise “Charaka Samhita”, one of the basic books of traditional Indian medicine and Ayurveda. He placed a specific focus on illness diagnosis and regarded Ayurveda as a holistic system of health care that addressed both preventative and curative elements.
A.P. Mishra, a young and dynamic scholar of philosophy, is doing research in Patna University. Mr. Mishra has written many research papers in national and international journal which undoubtedly prove his efficiency and knowledge in the field of oriental studies. Presently, he is teaching philosophy in A.S. College, Deoghar, Jharkhand.