Susruta Samhita - Mandhata Global

CHAPTER V.
Now we shall discourse on the chapter which deals
with the medical treatment of lYIaha-Vclta-
Vyadhi. i.
Several authorities group the disease Vata-Rakta
under two different sub-heads, such as superficial and
deep-seated. But such a classification is arbitrary and
unscientific, inasmuch as this disease first manifests
itself on the surface (layer of the skin) like Kushtha and
gradually invades the deeper tissues of the body. Hence
there are no (two) forms of this disease. 1-2.
Causes of Vaita-Rakta -.—The Vayu of
the body is enraged or agitated by such causes as
wrestling with a man of superior and uncommon physical
strength, etc., while the blood is vitiated by such causes
as constant over-eating of edibles which are of difficult
digestion and heat-making in their potency or ingestion
of food before the digestion of the previous meal. The
Vayu thus enraged and agitated enters into the blood-
carrying channels of the body and being obstructed
in its passage, becomes mixed with the vitiated blood.
The deranged Vayu and the blood thus combine to give
rise to a disease characterised by the specific symptoms
of each, which is known as VSLta-Rakta. The charac-
teristic pain, which at first confines itself to the extre-
mities, gradually extends over the whole body.
Premonitory symptoms of Vatta-
Rakta : —The disease is ushered in with a prickino-
pain, a burning and an itching sensation (in the affected
part), a swelling, roughness and numbness (anaesthesia)
of the diseased locality, throbbing of the veins, ligaments,
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