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Charaka Samhita
Charaka Samhita is one of the foundational classical texts of Ayurveda and a principal work associated with Kāyacikitsā, or internal medicine. It presents an extensive exploration of health, disease, diagnosis, therapeutics, diet, lifestyle, preventive care, and the principles that guide individualized Ayurvedic clinical practice. The text approaches medicine not only through the treatment of disease, but also through preservation of health, understanding the individual, identifying causative factors, and applying appropriate diet, behaviour, medicines, and therapeutic procedures. Explore its eight Sthanas chapter by chapter to study the classical Ślokas, available commentaries, script variants, and Ayana's educational additions.
Text at a glance
- Classical tradition
- Agniveśa–Charaka tradition
- Major emphasis
- Kāyacikitsā
- Structure
- 8 Sthanas
- Total Chapters
- 126
- Primary Focus
- Internal medicine, diagnosis, therapeutics & preventive health
1. Sūtrasthānam - सूत्रस्थानम्
30 ChaptersIntroduces the fundamental principles of Ayurveda, including health preservation, diet, medicines, therapeutic principles, the physician-patient relationship, disease prevention, and concepts that form the foundation for the rest of the text.
Explore 30 Chapters →2. Nidānasthānam - निदानस्थानम्
8 ChaptersExamines the causes, pathogenesis, premonitory features, signs, symptoms, and diagnostic principles of important diseases, establishing a systematic framework for understanding the development of illness.
Explore 8 Chapters →3. Vimānasthānam - विमानस्थानम्
8 ChaptersDiscusses important principles of clinical assessment, measurement, diet, disease evaluation, examination of patients, channels of the body, medical education, and factors that influence diagnosis and treatment.
Explore 8 Chapters →4. Śārīrasthānam - शारीरस्थानम्
8 ChaptersExplores philosophical and physiological concepts related to the individual, conception, embryology, development, pregnancy, the body, mind, consciousness, and factors influencing human life.
Explore 8 Chapters →5. Indriyasthānam - इन्द्रियस्थानम्
12 ChaptersDescribes clinical observations and signs associated with prognosis, particularly sensory, physical, behavioural, and other features traditionally used to assess the likely course and outcome of disease.
Explore 12 Chapters →6. Cikitsāsthānam - चिकित्सास्थानम्
36 ChaptersThe principal therapeutic section, covering Rasāyana, Vājīkaraṇa, disease-specific management, medicines, diet, lifestyle interventions, and broader principles of individualized treatment.
Explore 36 Chapters →7. Kalpasthānam - कल्पस्थानम्
12 ChaptersDescribes formulations and practical considerations related particularly to Vamana and Virecana, including the preparation, selection, and administration of therapeutic substances.
Explore 12 Chapters →8. Siddhisthānam - सिद्धिस्थानम्
12 ChaptersFocuses on the successful application of purification therapies, particularly Panchakarma-related procedures, their administration, complications, corrective measures, and principles for achieving appropriate therapeutic outcomes.
Explore 12 Chapters →