Cosmetology in Sushruta Samhita

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Dr Shimi Ben C J 2

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 Sushruta Samhita is an ancient Ayurvedic text mainly dealt on
treatments for various diseases and surgical techniques written by
legendary Acharya Sushruta, who is the Father of Surgery has
also contributed a lot in the field of cosmetology
INTRODUCTION

4.  Cosmetology is the science of alteration of appearance and
modification of beauty.
 According to Drugs and Cosmetics Act (India),1940,
Cosmetics is defined as any substance intended to be
rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or otherwise applied to human
being for cleansing, beautifying, or promoting attractiveness
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Dr Shimi Ben C J 5
Concept of Cosmetology in Ayurveda
 Ayurveda says that healthy skin is a result of overall health condition of individuals and
prescribes numerous skin care treatment that needs to be pursued at every stage of life as a
part of Dinacharya and Ritucharya.
 Ayurveda has given equal importance to health along with beauty. Only healthy body and
mind fulfils criteria of a beautiful person.
 According to Ayurveda, Bhrajaka pitta is located in the skin, it imparts the characteristics of
colour and lustre so termed as Bhrajaka.
 Pitta and Rakta vitiation are responsible for skin diseases

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MATERIALS AND METHODS:
 Literary review on Sushruta Samhita- Cosmetology in Susruta Samhita
 This paper highlight the herbal and herbo-mineral preparations which are
used as cosmetics in various disease conditions of skin and also the different
cosmetic techniques and surgical procedures that are scattered in the text of
Sushruta Samhita.

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 Shvitra Kushta (hypopigmentation of skin )- Jalagandaja Kshara, Avalgujadi lepa,
Tutthadi lepa
 Nyaccha, Vyanga and Neelika ( Hyperpigmentation) – Lalata Siravedha &
Application of paste of kshirivriksha twak, Paste of Bala, Atibala, Yashtimadhu and
Rajani, Varaha danta mixed with honey or ghee
 Yuvanapidika ( Acne)- Vamana, Paste of Vacha, Lodhra, Saindhava Lavana and
Sarshapa for local application

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In the context of Shashti Upakrama in Vrana Chikitsa:
• Abhyanga (medicated massage)
• Parisheka (Cleansing )
• Lekhana(scraping off excess granulation tissues)
• Avasaadana (medicinal cauterization of granulation tissue)
• Krshna karma (pigmenting procedure)
• Pandu karma (restoration of normal skin coloration of scar)
• Romasanjanana (regrowth of hairs)
• Romaapaharana (depilation)

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• For Krshna karma (In hypopigmention) - Paste of Bhallataka beeja, Go mutra and Ksheera along with
drugs of Salasaaraadi gana , Paste of Bhallataka beeja along with bhasma made of hoof of domestic
animals
• For Pandukarma ( In hyperpigmentation)- Paste of fruits of Rohini soaked for 7 days in goat’s milk
• For the restoration of the normal coloration of skin ( In Scars)- Nava Kapaalikaa churna, Sarjaras,
Kasisa, Yashtimadhu mixed with honey can be applied externally over the scar
• For Romasanjanana (Hair regeneration)- Local application of Hastidanti masi with Rasanjana / Bhasma
made of Twak, Nakha, Loma, Danta, Asthi etc of Chatushpada/ Leaves of Naktamala soaked in juice of
Kapittha
• In Indralupta ( Alopecia areata)- Siravvyadha, Paste of Maricha,Manashila , Tuttha and Devadaru / Paste
of Gunja , Taila made of Malati, Karaveera, Naktamala

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• For Romapaharana (Hair removal)- 2 parts Shankha bhasma +vinegar/ Bhallataka Taila+
Snuhi ksheera/ Aditya paka taila made with Bhasma of Agargodhika( House lizard) +
Kadalikanda, Ingudi beeja
• Patradana (Application of leaves for epithelial growth and healing)- Yashtimadhu
Ghruta is applied on wounds and then covered by Kadali patra( banana leaf).

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• In Sushruta Samhita, a vast description about the reconstructive surgery or plastic surgery of vital parts like
face, ear, nose and lips are available.
• Examples of such cosmetic applications are Karnavyadha vidhi, Karna sandhana vidhi, Nasa vyadhavidhi,
Nasa sandhana vidhi and Ostha sandhana vidhi
• Acharya Sushruta is the first person to put the light on the context of piercing of ear, nose and lips for
cosmetological point of view along with some medical benefits.
• These techniques are the proof of great expertise of Acharya Sushruta in the field of plastic and
reconstructive surgery.
TREATMENT PROCEDURES IN SUSHRUTA SAMHITA AS COSMETIC

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PLASTIC SURGERY IN SUSHRUTA SAMHITA (Su. S. Su.16)
1) Karna sandhana-Otoplasty- (Repairing of ear): Mentioned fifteen kinds of techniques of repairing severed ear
as follows:
1) Nemisandhanaka 2) Utpala Bhedyaka 3) Valluraka
4) Asangima 5) Gandakarna 6) Aharya
7) Nirvedhima 8) Vyayojima 9) Kapatsandhika
10) Ardhakapat Sandhika 11) Sankshipta 12) Hinakarna
13) Vallikarna 14) Yashtikarna 15) Kakaushtaka
Out of these techniques, Gandakarna is cutting a piece of muscle of the cheek, maintaining its attachment and
turning it over on the damaged pinna. This is the common method of otoplasty operation even in the present era.

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2) Nasa Sandhana- Rhinoplasty ( Repair of Nose):
 The method of flap implant in rhinoplasty.
 A leaf of a tree should be taken and cut to the shape, double the size of the nose.
 Placed on the cheek / forehead – A thin piece of skin is cut to the same size, raising a flap of it
 Then the flap is placed quickly on the mutilated nose by properly elevated by keeping 2 stems of Eranda to restore the
shape of nose
 Suitably bandaged and tied- inserting two tubes into the nose, one on each nostril.
 Sprinkle powders of Raktachandana, Yashtimadhu and Rasanjana sprinkled on the site and dressing is done.
 Irrigate with Tila Taila frequently
 After the union is healed, the flap of muscle should be cut allowing the remaining intact.
3) Oshta Sandhana-Oroplasty (Repair of Lips / Cleft palate): Same as Nasa sandhana

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DISCUSSION
Sushruta Samhita describes the ancient tradition of surgery in India which is considered
as one of the most brilliant gems in Indian medical literature. This treatise contains
detailed description of teaching and practice of the great ancient surgeon
Along with the surgical knowledge Acharya Sushruta has touched many fields in the
branch of medicine both preventive as well as curative aspects.
When it comes to cosmetology, Acharya Sushruta has dealt with every aspect including
dermatology, hair replantation, cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery.
In this context he has not only mentioned medicinal, purificatory and parasurgical
management but also described the details of surgical management

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Sushruta’s contribution in cosmetology is very important as he is the pioneer
of modern era’s cosmetology.
Many of his formulations are still under clinical trials and his principles of
management always give us proper direction for innovative treatment in
Ayurveda and cosmetology.
 The most important aspect of his contribution is the method of plastic and
reconstructive surgery which is popularly known as Indian method of plastic
surgery. There is no doubt Acharya Sushruta is called as the Father of Surgery.

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Bibliography
1. K. R. Shrikantha Murthy, Illustrated Sushruta Samhita, Volume II, Chaukhambha orientalia, Varanasi, reprint edition 2012,
Chikitasthana, chapter 9/22,26,28/ page 108,109
2. Kaviraj Ambikadatta Shasrti, Sushruta Samhita of Maharshi Sushruta, part 1, edited with Ayurved tatva sandipika,
Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan, Varana-si, Edition- reprint 2014, Chikitsasthana, chapter 20/34-36, page no. 196
3. Kaviraj Ambikadatta Shasrti, Sushruta Samhita of Maharshi Sushruta, part 1, edited with Ayurved tatva sandipika,
Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan, Varana-si, Edition- reprint 2014, Chikitsasthana, chapter 1/101-103, page no. 14
4. K. R. Shrikantha Murthy, Illustrated Sushruta Samhita, Volume -I, Chaukhambha orientalia, Vara-nasi, reprint edition 2012,
Sutrasthana, chapter 16/10, page no. 113
5. K. R. Shrikantha Murthy, Illustrated Sushruta Samhita, Volume I, Chaukhambha orientalia, Vara-nasi, reprint edition 2012
Sutrasthana, chapter 16/10, page no. 114

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