Paper Contents
Abstract
Pain management remains a cornerstone of postoperative care, directly influencing recovery outcomes and quality of life. Ancient Ayurvedic texts, particularly the Sushruta Samhita, provide detailed insights into surgical practices and pain management strategies that remain clinically relevant today. Sushruta emphasized both Shodhana (elimination) and Shamana (palliative) measures to alleviate postoperative pain. His techniques included the use of herbal formulations (e.g., Haridra, Yashtimadhu, and Ghrita-based preparations) with analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. Additionally, Sushruta recommended snehana (oleation), swedana (sudation), lepa (medicated pastes), and dhara (therapeutic pouring) for local pain relief, along with dietary and lifestyle modifications to support tissue repair.From a modern perspective, many of these interventions align with current multimodal pain management approaches, such as topical applications, systemic analgesics, physiotherapy, and adjuvant therapies. For example, turmeric (Haridra) demonstrates COX-2 inhibitory and anti-inflammatory effects comparable to NSAIDs, while ghee-based formulations aid in reducing oxidative stress and promoting wound healing. The holistic approach advocated by Sushrutaaddressing not only the pain but also the underlying tissue recovery and psychosomatic factorsmirrors current enhanced recovery protocols.This review highlights how Sushrutas postoperative pain management techniques provide a scientific foundation for integrative approaches, bridging traditional Ayurvedic wisdom with modern clinical practice. Re-examining these principles can contribute to safer, cost-effective, and patient-centered postoperative care.
Copyright
Copyright © 2025 Dr.HITESH DILIP MAHAJAN . This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.
