History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c22.s3.33

v1.c22.s3.33

There are five therapeutic operations according to the *Caraka Saṃhitā*; there is a slightly different list in the *Suśruta Saṃhitā*. The two ‘*Vastis*’, *Anuvāsanavasti* (called *Snehavasti* in the *Suśruta Saṃhitā*) and *Niruhavasti* or use of decoctions as enemata are in the *Suśruta Saṃhitā* under one head, and blood letting (*Rakta Moksana*) has been enlisted as the fifth (*SS. Ci.* 36 17). This is based on the idea that blood is the fourth *doṣa* and that a large number of diseases are caused by its vitiation (*SS. Sū.* 21.3).