‘Dehasya Rudhiram Moolam’: Surgeon’s Perspective

According to Ayurveda, Dosha, Dhatu and Mala are Moola (basic elements) of the body. Among seven Dhatus, Rakta (blood) is the most vital component of our body. According to Acharyas, it gives and sustains the life of any individual and is also included in Dashavidha Pranayatana by Acharya Charka. So, one should protect Rakta (blood) by all means, because its loss (Raktasrava) will ultimately lead to death. Many references are mentioned in Ayurvedic literature for controlling internal as well as external haemorrhage, in addition to these Acharya Sushruta, has described four different measures i.e., Skandana, Sandhana, Pachana, and Dahana for Raktstambhana. Various methods described in modern literature for haemostasis also work on almost similar principles described by our Acharyas. In this article, an effort has been made to describe in detail about Rakta (i.e., its derivation, formation, constituents i.e., Panchamahabhoota, functions), Raktasrava and different measures of Raktstambhana (haemostasis) along with their mode of action.