Here is the complete, detailed answer on Grahani Samanya Chikitsa and Vishishta (Type-wise) Chikitsa based on Charaka Samhita (Chikitsa Sthana, Chapter 15), Ashtanga Hridayam (Nidana Sthana 8), and Sushruta Samhita.
ग्रहणी चिकित्सा (Grahani Chikitsa)
परिचय (Introduction)
Grahani is the seat (Adhisthana) of Agni (Jatharagni), located between Amashaya (stomach) and Pakwashaya (large intestine), corresponding roughly to the duodenum and small intestine. Its strength IS Agni - when Agni becomes Manda (weak), the Grahani loses its power to hold, digest and properly process food, leading to Grahani Roga - characterized by alternating loose and hard stools, undigested food in stools, and abdominal distress.
Four types (Charaka Chi. 15/58, A.H. Ni. 8/18):
- Vataja Grahani
- Pittaja Grahani
- Kaphaja Grahani
- Sannipataja Grahani
सामान्य चिकित्सा (Samanya Chikitsa)
The core therapeutic principle: restore Agni, eliminate Ama, remove vitiated Doshas.
1. लंघन (Langhana)
The very first step. Since Ama is the root cause, Langhana (fasting/lightening) clears accumulated undigested material and allows Agni to rekindle naturally. Even when the patient is weak, mild Langhana is recommended initially before giving heavy nourishing therapies.
2. दीपन-पाचन (Deepana-Pachana)
Medicines that kindle Agni (Deepana) and digest Ama (Pachana) form the backbone of Grahani treatment. Key drugs:
| Drug | Botanical Name | Action |
|---|
| Chitraka | Plumbago zeylanica | Agni Deepana, Kapha-Vata hara |
| Pippali | Piper longum | Deepana, Pachana, Rasayana |
| Pippalimoola | Root of Piper longum | Deepana, Vata-Kapha hara |
| Shunthi | Zingiber officinale | Deepana, Pachana, Vata-Kapha hara |
| Haritaki | Terminalia chebula | Tridoshaghna, Deepana |
| Trikatu | Shunthi+Maricha+Pippali | Agni Deepana, Ama Pachana |
| Nagakesara | Mesua ferrea | Deepana, Grahi |
| Haridra | Curcuma longa | Deepana, Ama pachana |
3. वमन (Vamana - Emetic Therapy)
Indication (Charaka Chi. 15/73-74): When doshas are located in Grahani along with undigested food (Sama Dosha), Vamana is given.
Signs indicating Vamana:
- Vishtambha (abdominal distension)
- Praseka (excessive salivation)
- Arti (pain)
- Vidaha (burning sensation)
- Aruchi (anorexia)
- Gaurava (heaviness in body)
Method: Induced by warm water with Pippali + Sarshapa (mustard), or with decoction of fruits with Pippali.
Primarily indicated in Kaphaja Grahani but used when Ama signs are present in any type.
4. लीन दोष चिकित्सा (Leena Dosha Chikitsa)
After Vamana, when doshas become "Leena" (absorbed into dhatus, no longer actively causing symptoms but still present), they must be expelled by Virechana and Basti.
5. विरेचन (Virechana - Purgation)
- Used to expel Leena doshas via Adhomarga (lower pathway)
- Given after Vamana, when digestion is slightly restored
- Mild, Anulomana (downward-directing) Virechana is preferred
Procedure (Charaka): After Niruha + Virechana + Anuvasana, light diet (Laghvanna) with ghee (Sarpi) is taken repeatedly.
6. त्रिविध बस्ति (Basti - Enema Therapy)
Three types are mentioned for Grahani (Ch. Chi. 15/81):
| Type | Purpose |
|---|
| Niruha Basti (Decoction enema) | Removes Vata, expels Leena doshas |
| Virechana | Expels Pitta-dominant doshas |
| Anuvasana Basti (Oil enema) | Nourishes, pacifies Vata, restores tissues |
"After appropriate administration of Niruha, Virechana and Anuvasana, light diet should be taken daily and ghee should be taken repeatedly." (Ch. Chi. 15/81)
7. पञ्चकोलादि श्रित पेय (Panchakoladi Shritam Peya)
Thin rice gruel/Peya processed (Shrita) with Panchakoola (Pippali, Pippalimoola, Chavya, Chitraka, Shunthi) is administered as both food and medicine. It gently rekindles Agni without straining a weakened digestive system.
8. तक्र प्रयोग (Takra Prayoga - Buttermilk)
Universally praised by ALL Acharyas (Charaka, Sushruta, Vagbhata) as the single most important dietary remedy for Grahani:
- Deepana - kindles Agni; Laghu - easy to digest
- Kashaya-Ruksha guna + Madhura-Amla-Sandra guna = manages Vataja Grahani
- Amla rasa but Madhura Vipaka = pacifies Pitta = manages Pittaja Grahani
- Kashaya Rasa + Ushna + Vikasi guna = manages Kaphaja Grahani
- Triphala and Takra together (Triphala Churna with Takra) is a classical combination
9. घृत प्रयोग (Ghrita Prayoga)
Regular intake of medicated Ghrita (after Panchakarma) is recommended to nourish weakened Dhatus and maintain restored Agni. Plain cow's ghee is given with light food as Anupana after treatment.
10. पथ्य-अपथ्य (Pathya-Apathya)
Pathya (Recommended):
- Purana Shali (old rice), Yava (barley), Mudga (green gram)
- Takra (buttermilk), fresh Dadhi (curd)
- Dadima (pomegranate), Bilva (Aegle marmelos) pulp
- Peya (thin rice gruel), warm water
- Light, warm, freshly prepared food
Apathya (To be avoided):
- Guru (heavy), Snigdha (oily), Sheeta (cold) food
- Atibhojana (overeating), Vishamashana (irregular meals)
- Diwa Swapna (daytime sleeping - especially immediately after eating)
- Viruddha Ahara (incompatible food combinations)
- Cold drinks, refrigerated food
विशिष्ट चिकित्सा (Vishishta Chikitsa - Type-Specific Treatment)
1. वातज ग्रहणी चिकित्सा (Vataja Grahani Chikitsa)
Nidana (Causes) - Ch. Chi. 15/59
- Katu (spicy), Tikta (bitter), Kashaya (astringent), Ati-Ruksha (very dry), Sheeta (cold food)
- Pramitashana - eating too little / fasting
- Atyadhwa - excessive walking/exertion
- Vega Nigraha - suppression of natural urges
- Ati-Maithuna - excessive sexual activity
These aggravate Vata, which covers and suppresses the Agni (Manda + Vishama Agni).
Lakshana (Symptoms) - A.H. Ni. 8/21-24
- Talushosha (dryness of palate), Timira (blurring of vision), Karnasawana (tinnitus)
- Pain in Parswa (flanks), Uru (thighs), Vankshana (groin), Greeva (neck)
- Visuchika (spasmodic colicky pain)
- Sarva Rasesu Grudhi (craving for all tastes), Kshut (hunger), Trishna (thirst)
- Parikartika (cutting pain in rectum)
- Characteristic stool: After a long time - alternately dry/hard and loose, thin, with undigested particles, frothy, passed with sound ("Chirad Dukham Dravam Sushkam Tanu Amam Sabda Phenavat")
- After digestion of food - flatulence (Adhmana); but immediately after eating - comfort (Swasthyam)
- Associated conditions: Hridroga, Gulma, Arsha, Pleeha, Pandu
Chikitsa
Panchakarma:
- Niruha Basti (primary treatment - decoction enema)
- Anuvasana Basti (oil enema with Vata-shamaka oils)
- Virechana (mild)
Key Formulations:
| Formulation | Reference | Action |
|---|
| Dashamooladya Ghrita | Ch. Chi. 15/82-86 | Vata-hara, Agni-deepana, Bala-vardhana |
| Tryushanadya Ghrita | Ch. Chi. 15/87 | Trikatu-based, Deepana-Pachana |
| Panchamooladya Ghrita + Choorna | Ch. Chi. 15/88-91 | Vatahara, nourishing |
| Nagaradi Kwatha | - | Shunthi decoction, Vata-shamaka |
| Panchmuladya Taila | - | Oil enema base |
| Abhayadikashaya | - | Haritaki group decoction |
Dashamooladya Ghrita composition (Ch. Chi. 15/82-86):
Dve Panchamula (Brihat + Laghu Panchamula = Dashamula) + Sarala, Devadaru, Nagara, Pippali, Pippalimoola, Chitraka, Hastipippali, Shanabija, Yava, Kola, Kulatha, Sushavi - all cooked with Aranala (sour fermented liquid), Dadhi or Sauviraka; then Ghrita is prepared, with Svarjika-Yavashuka Kshara and five types of Lavana added. Action: Increases Agni, Bala, Varna; destroys Vata; aids digestion of eaten food.
Diet: Warm, Snigdha (unctuous), Vata-pacifying food; milk with ghee; Yavagu with ghee.
2. पित्तज ग्रहणी चिकित्सा (Pittaja Grahani Chikitsa)
Nidana (Causes) - Ch. Chi. 15/64-65
- Katu (spicy), Ajeerna (indigestible food), Vidahi (food causing burning), Amla (sour), Kshara (alkaline) substances
- All foods and drinks that aggravate Pitta
"The aggravated Pitta suppresses Agni just as hot water extinguishes fire" (Ch. Chi. 15/65)
Lakshana (Symptoms) - Ch. Chi. 15/66; A.H. Ni. 8/25
- Characteristic stool: Undigested food particles, Nila-Peeta abha (bluish-yellow or yellow color), loose/watery
- Putyamla Udgara (foul-smelling, sour eructations)
- Hrit-Kantha Daha (burning sensation in cardiac region/chest and throat)
- Aruchi (anorexia), Trishna (thirst/excess thirst)
- Jaundice-like discoloration (Peeta varna of stools)
Chikitsa
Panchakarma:
- Virechana - mild purgation with Pitta-shamaka drugs
- Milk medicated with Shyama + Trivritta for Virechana, followed by Payasa (milk pudding) diet
Key Formulations:
| Formulation | Reference | Action |
|---|
| Chandanadya Ghrita | Ch. Chi. 15/125-128 | Cooling, Pitta-shamaka, Deepana |
| Tikta Ghrita | - | Bitter-taste ghee; Pitta-pacifying |
| Kshara Ghrita | Ch. Chi. 15/171-172 | For Kapha-Pitta mixed type |
Chandanadya Ghrita composition (Ch. Chi. 15/125-128):
Chandana (Santalum album) + other Pitta-shamaka cooling drugs; Ghrita prepared in cooling manner. Relieves Pittaja Grahani, reduces burning sensation, restores Agni.
Additional treatments:
- Bhunimbadya Kshara - Bhunimba (Andrographis paniculata) + Rohini (Kutki) + Patola + Nimba + Parapata, triturated with buffalo urine and cooked by Antardhuma method - promotes Agni
- Haridradya Kshara - Haridra, Daruharidra, Vacha, Kushtha, Chitraka, Katuka-rohini, Musta, triturated with goat's urine and cooked by Antardhuma method - promotes Agni
- For persistent Pitta: Repeated milk with sweet, cooling diet (Payasa)
Diet: Madhura (sweet) and Tikta (bitter) dominant food; milk, ghee, pomegranate; avoid Amla, Katu, Lavana, fried food, alcohol.
3. कफज ग्रहणी चिकित्सा (Kaphaja Grahani Chikitsa)
Nidana (Causes) - Ch. Chi. 15/67
- Guru (heavy), Ati-Snigdha (very unctuous), Sheeta (cold) food
- Atibhojana (overeating)
- Bhukta-matra Swapna - sleeping immediately after eating
These aggravate Kapha, which smothers/extinguishes Agni (like water drowning fire).
Lakshana (Symptoms) - A.H. Ni. 8/26-27
- Dukhena Annam Pachyate - food is digested only with great difficulty (very delayed)
- Varchas: Bhinna (loose), Ama yukta (with undigested particles), Kapha samsrishta (mixed with mucus/slime), Shweta (white/pale), Picchila (slimy/sticky)
- Chardi (vomiting), Arochaka/Aruchi (aversion to food)
- Asyopadeha (coating/stickiness in mouth), Nishteeva (excessive spitting)
- Kasa (cough), Hrillasa (nausea), Peenasa (nasal catarrh)
- Gaurava (heaviness), Tandra (drowsiness), Alasya (lethargy)
Chikitsa
Panchakarma:
- Vamana (emetic therapy) - PRIMARY treatment for Kaphaja Grahani
- After Vamana: pungent, sour, saline, alkaline and bitter drugs are administered
Key Formulations:
| Formulation | Reference | Action |
|---|
| Pippalyadyadi Choorna | - | Pippali-group powder; Kapha-Vata hara, Deepana |
| Madhukasava | - | Fermented honey preparation; Kaphahara |
| Duralabhasava | - | Fermented Duralabha; relieves Kapha Grahani |
| Haridradya Kshara | - | Alkaline prep; Kapha + Ama pachana |
| Duralabhadyakshara | - | Kaphahara Kshara |
Special Kaphaja Grahani recipe (Ch. Chi. 15/168-169):
Pippali + Pippalimoola + Yavakshara + Svarjikakshara + five Lavanas (Saindhava, Sauvarchala, Vida, Samudra, Romaka) + Matulunga + Haritaki + Rasna + Sati + Maricha + Nagara (Shunthi) - equal quantities, powdered and given with warm water early morning.
"It cures Kaphaja Grahani Dosha and improves Bala (strength), complexion and Agni."
Ghrita prepared with these same drugs is given for Kapha + Vata combined Grahani.
Diet: Light (Laghu), dry (Ruksha), hot/warm food; Katu (pungent), Tikta (bitter) rasa; Yava (barley), Mudga, old rice; hot water; avoid heavy, sweet, unctuous, cold food; no daytime sleeping.
4. सन्निपातज ग्रहणी चिकित्सा (Sannipataja Grahani Chikitsa)
Nidana
Simultaneous vitiation of all three Doshas (Vata + Pitta + Kapha) together - when all the above Nidanas act together.
Lakshana
Mixed symptoms of all three Doshas appear together - making this the most difficult (Krichrasadhya) type.
Chikitsa
- Treatment is directed by the Pradhanata (predominant dosha) at any given time - treat the most prominent dosha first
- Chitrakadya Gutika (Ch. Chi. 15/96-97) - the classical compound formulation for Grahani, especially useful here
Chitrakadya Gutika composition:
Chitraka, Pippalimoola, Yavakshara, Svarjikakshara, five types of Lavana (Saindhava etc.), Shunthi, Pippali, Maricha, Hingu (asafoetida), Ajamoda (Trachyspermum ammi), Chavya (Piper retrofractum)
All powdered, triturated with juice of Matulunga (Citrus medica) or Dadima (Punica granatum) and made into pills.
Actions of Chitrakadya Gutika:
- Deepana, Pachana (Agni-stimulating, Ama-digesting)
- Rochana (improves taste/appetite)
- Vata-Anulomana (normalizes Vata movement)
- Shoolahara (relieves colic pain)
- Due to Madhura rasa + Snigdha guna: balances Pitta
- Indicated in: Kapha-Vataja Arsha, Grahani, Pandu, Pleeha, Mutragraha, Svasa, Hikka, Krimi, Jwara, Sosha, Atisara, Prameha, Anaha and all types of toxicity
Takrarishtha (Ch. Chi. 15/120-121):
Yavani + Amalaki + Haritaki + Maricha (3 pala each) + Panchalavana (1 pala) - powdered and fermented in Takra (buttermilk) until sour.
Actions: Stimulates Agni; relieves Shotha (edema), Gulma, Arsha, Krimi, Prameha and Udara Roga - useful across all types of Grahani.
Summary Table
| Type | Predominant Dosha | Primary Panchakarma | Key Formulations |
|---|
| Vataja | Vata | Niruha Basti, Anuvasana Basti, Virechana | Dashamooladya Ghrita, Tryushanadya Ghrita, Nagaradi Kwatha |
| Pittaja | Pitta | Virechana (Pitta-shamaka) | Chandanadya Ghrita, Tikta Ghrita, Bhunimbadya Kshara |
| Kaphaja | Kapha | Vamana (primary) | Pippalyadyadi Choorna, Madhukasava, Haridradya Kshara |
| Sannipataja | Tridosha | Pradhanata-based | Chitrakadya Gutika, Takrarishtha |
| All types | - | Langhana, Deepana-Pachana | Takra, Panchakoladi Peya, Trikatu, Haritaki |
Universal Formulations for All Types
| Formulation | Indication |
|---|
| Takra (Buttermilk) | Universal; pacifies all three doshas through different mechanisms |
| Takrarishtha | Deepana, Pachana; relieves secondary complications |
| Chitrakadya Gutika | Especially Sannipataja; also Kaphaja + Vataja |
| Trikatu Churna | Agni Deepana across all types |
| Triphala Churna with Takra | Bowel regulation, Deepana |
| Panchakoladi Peya | Gentle Agni-rekindling in acute phase |
References:
- Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana Ch. 15 (Grahani Chikitsa, verses 58 onward)
- Ashtanga Hridayam, Nidana Sthana 8/18-27
- Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra 40