A Case series on cholelithiasis (gall stones)

Gall stones

Abstract

Cholelithiasis is a common gastrointestinal disorder. Gallstones form when bile stored in the gallbladder hardens into a stone-like material. Too much cholesterol, bile salts, or bilirubin (bile pigment) can cause gallstones. The prevalence of cholelithiasis varies according to geographical distribution, sex, and age. As per contemporary science, the main treatment modality for this condition is surgery. Due to distress from the surgical procedure people are turning towards the science of medicine for non-surgical procedures. The disease Cholelithiasis has not been described directly in Ayurvedic classics. The word Ashmari is described only in the context of Bastigata Ashmari (urinary calculi).  After revising Ayurvedic texts we come across the bile secreted from the gallbladder can be correlated with Accha Pitta mentioned in Ayurveda due to the similarity in location and function. In the Ayurvedic context, Pittashaya Ashmari is not directly explained. This theory of Pittashaya Ashmari is explained as the Ashmari (stone) which usually combines with urine here it gets combined with Pitta with the help of Vata and gets lodges in Pittaashaya to form Pittashaya Ashmari. In the present article, an attempt is made to manage and portray the non-surgical management through an Ayurvedic point of view.