NIRJANTUKARANA (STERILIZATION): A BRIEF OVERVIEW

Abstract

We, Human beings, are surrounded by microorganisms. The relationship among humans and microbes is inextricable. On the one hand, some microbes live among us as commensal and co evolve while on the other hand, some may cause infectious diseases e.g., Staphylococcus lives on about 25% of healthy people, according to the Center for disease control and prevention. Some strains (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus) of this bacterium cause many ailments such as boils, which is very common and here comes the role of sterilisation. As the world is fast approaching the post antibiotic era, in which pathogens that cause healthcare-associated infections are becoming better at resisting antibiotic and antifungal substances that were once quite effective,not only in surgery or hospital wards but it is mandatory in daily living in the present scenario. It has been used since Vedic period. Guggulu(Commiphoramukul) Dhoopana is mentioned in Atharva Veda. Acharya Sushruta and other ancient masters were very keen observers and they included this technique from the very beginning. Techniques like Dhoopana, Raksha karma etc. are mentioned in various texts in various places. Ayurvedic techniques are cost effective and can be used by common people without dealing with side effects and they help to maintain immunity in a natural way.

Keywords: Nirjantukarana, Rakshkarma, Dhoopana, kandugna, krimighna Mahakashya