Madhava Chikitsa

Description

The chapters discussed in Madhava Chikitsa are at par with the sequence of the chapters of Madhava Nidana. The line of treatments specified (in some of the diseases) is the true verses referred from either of Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Chakradutta, Yogaratnakara or Bhavapraksha. Some of the formulations quoted in the Vrindamadhava are found here also.Unique references and specific mentioning are also cited here and there. The Ubhaya Panchadashaka yantra and Ubhaya trimshaka yantra mentioned under Striroga chikitsa are unique references which determine the incorporation of Tantric ways in Ayurvedic practices. Madhavakara, being a scholar of Shaiva sampradaya, surely hides out the practices of his time period. (In Mangalacharana also the author appraises Lord Shiva). The author is very keen about the wholesome and unwholesome diet and habits, in each disease. Instead of giving a long list of such substances/matters, the author has given the routinely practised food and beverages in this context. The authour Madhavakara refers to the use of various acidic fermented products (Kanjika, Souveera, Shukta, Chukra etc.) in most of the diseases. Rasashstric preparations are referred in lesser contexts. As a part of Daivavaypashraya and Satvavajaya chikitsa, several Mantra (sacred hymns) and Bali (sacred oblages) are mentioned in the texts and it looks different from the primordial literature – Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita and Ashtanga Samgraha/Hridaya. Ultimately, the text Madhava Chikitsa appears unique in its approach and utility.