This page needs to be proofread.
6
THE SUSHRUTA SAMHlTA.
[Chap.I.

defective, or excessive emission of that vital fluid, or a complete stoppage thereof. i6 — 23.

The Vayu, thus disturbed and agitated, affects in succession the lower and the upper extremities of the body, and the head, or extends all over the body and deranges all its root-principles (Dhatu). The symptoms, which mark such conditions of the body, are numbness (paralysis), convulsive contortions of the limbs (Akshepa), anaesthesia, and various kinds of pain(Sula),and swelling (Sopha) of the body. The deranged Vayu, having entered the natural seats of the Pittam or Kapham, develops symptoms, which are peculiar to either of them, and gives rise to numerous diseases. 24 — 25.

The symptoms, which characterise the union of the deranged Vayu with the Pittam (in its particular seat) are a burning sensation, heat, thirst, and loss of consciousness, in addition to the symptoms of the Vataja disease so generated in that particular part of the body, while a similar unison with the Kapham develops coldness, swelling and heaviness (of the affected part). The disturbed or agitated Vayu in unison with the principle of blood gives rise to a sort of pricking pain (pins and needles in the affected locality), which can not bear the least touch, or is marked by complete anaesthesia, and symptoms, peculiar to the deranged Pittam, follow in its train. 26 — 28.

Vomiting, and a burning sensation, etc. in the body, mark the instance when the Prana Vayu is surcharged (Avrita) with the Pittam; while weakness, lassitude, somnolence and a general discolouring of the complexion ( D. R., — loss of taste) characterise a case when it is surcharged with the deranged Kapham A burning sensation in the body, loss of consciousness or epileptic fits, and a sense of giddiness (vertigo) and