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<big>''' Abstract </big>'''

<big>''' Abstract </big>'''

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The chapter on [[Atisara Chikitsa]] (management of diarrhea) traces the historical origin of the disorder since the Vedic period and attributes it to eating of heavy and hot foods specially meat products. There are six types of diarrhea, three of which are caused by single ''dosha'' (''vataja, pittaja'' and ''kaphaja'') while a fourth is caused by the combination of all the three ''doshas''. The fifth and sixth types are caused due to psychological factors such as fear and grief. Some of these variants could be further classified based on their constituents, e.g., ''vataja atisara'' (diarrhea caused due to ''vata dosha'') is further divided into ''ama'' and ''nirama atisara'' (with or without mucoid substances diarrhea) and it has been emphasized not to stop the lose motions in initial or ''ama'' stage.  

The chapter on [[Atisara Chikitsa]] (management of diarrhea) traces the historical origin of the disorder since the Vedic period and attributes it to eating of heavy and hot foods specially meat products. There are six types of diarrhea, three of which are caused by single [[dosha]] ([[vata]]ja, [[pitta]]ja and [[kapha]]ja) while a fourth is caused by the combination of all the three [[dosha]]. The fifth and sixth types are caused due to psychological factors such as fear and grief. Some of these variants could be further classified based on their constituents, e.g., [[vata]]ja atisara (diarrhea caused due to [[vata]] [[dosha]]) is further divided into ''ama'' and ''nirama atisara'' (with or without mucoid substances diarrhea) and it has been emphasized not to stop the lose motions in initial or ''ama'' stage.  

The etiology, pathology, signs and symptoms of each of these six types of diarrhea, along with their prognosis have been detailed here.The principles of treatment and complications associated with diarrhea, such as bleeding, suppuration, ulceration and  prolapsed anus are also described along with various measures to tackle the problems effectively.  

The etiology, pathology, signs and symptoms of each of these six types of diarrhea, along with their prognosis have been detailed here.The principles of treatment and complications associated with diarrhea, such as bleeding, suppuration, ulceration and  prolapsed anus are also described along with various measures to tackle the problems effectively.  

''Sangrahi'' (astringent or anti-diarrheals) therapies are not advisable in the initial stage of the disease because of presence of ''ama'' inside the body. Instead, mild laxative should be given to eliminate the accumulated ''doshas''. Diarrhea should be allowed to continue and should not be stopped by constipating or bowel binding drugs. The patients shall be managed with light to digest, nutritive and liquid diet regimen which enhances power of ''agni'' as well as it helps to stop diarrhea. </div>

''Sangrahi'' (astringent or anti-diarrheals) therapies are not advisable in the initial stage of the disease because of presence of ''ama'' inside the body. Instead, mild laxative should be given to eliminate the accumulated [[dosha]]. Diarrhea should be allowed to continue and should not be stopped by constipating or bowel binding drugs. The patients shall be managed with light to digest, nutritive and liquid diet regimen which enhances the power of [[agni]] as well as it helps to stop diarrhea. </div>

'''Keywords''': ''atisara, diarrhea, ama, nirama, sangrahi'' treatment, ''pichcha basti''.

'''Keywords''': atisara, diarrhea, ama, nirama, sangrahi treatment, pichcha [[basti]].

== Introduction ==

== Introduction ==

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''Grahani'' and ''atisara'' - both manifest due to the vitiation of ''agni'' and share common features of impairment of digestion resulting in indigestion and loose motions. Therefore, this chapter should logically precede or succeed the chapter on ''grahani''. But it is described three chapters after that on ''grahani''. The reason for this unusual sequencing of these topics is that since ''pandu'' is a common symptom and sequelae of the malabsorption syndrome (''grahani''), the chapter on ''pandu'' follows ''grahani''. Now, dyspnea (''shwasa'') is a major symptom of ''pandu,'' and thus, follows the chapter on ''pandu''. Similarly, chapter on ''kasa'' (cough) follows  ''shwasa'' because of their relationship. That explains the sequencing of ''grahani'' and ''atisara'' in [[Charak Samhita]].

''Grahani'' and ''atisara'' - both manifest due to the vitiation of [[agni]] and share common features of impairment of digestion resulting in indigestion and loose motions. Therefore, this chapter should logically precede or succeed the chapter on ''grahani''. But it is described three chapters after that on ''grahani''. The reason for this unusual sequencing of these topics is that since ''pandu'' is a common symptom and sequelae of the malabsorption syndrome (''grahani''), the chapter on ''pandu'' follows ''grahani''. Now, dyspnea (''shwasa'') is a major symptom of ''pandu,'' and thus, follows the chapter on ''pandu''. Similarly, chapter on ''kasa'' (cough) follows  ''shwasa'' because of their relationship. That explains the sequencing of ''grahani'' and ''atisara'' in [[Charak Samhita]].

[[Ayurveda]] considers ''atisara'' as a defense mechanism of the body to eject out any toxic material from it. Therefore, it is recommended that in ''amaja'' (or initial) state loose motions should not be checked. After evacuation of toxins from the body, fasting and digestive drugs are prescribed as a cure for milder forms of diarrhea. However, for other types of diarrhea, various preparations, diet and ''basti'' are advised. ''Picchabasti'' (mucilegue type of medicated enema) is prescribed particularly if blood accompanies the stool. Appropriate treatments for ulcer, suppuration of anus and prolapse of anus are dealt with, since these accompany the more complex forms of diarrhea.  

[[Ayurveda]] considers ''atisara'' as a defense mechanism of the body to eject out any toxic material from it. Therefore, it is recommended that in ''amaja'' (or initial) state loose motions should not be checked. After evacuation of toxins from the body, fasting and digestive drugs are prescribed as a cure for milder forms of diarrhea. However, for other types of diarrhea, various preparations, diet and ''basti'' are advised. ''Picchabasti'' (mucilegue type of medicated enema) is prescribed particularly if blood accompanies the stool. Appropriate treatments for ulcer, suppuration of anus and prolapse of anus are dealt with, since these accompany the more complex forms of diarrhea.