VAJRA KANJIKA – ITS BENEFITS ON SUTIKA

A woman immediately after giving birth to a child is called Sutika. Various Acharya's have mentioned Sutika Kala as a very important period because the mother is prone to many complications following the delivery, where a lot of Rakta and Kleda are lost in the process of delivery leaving her vulnerable for various disorders. As we know Vata fills the Rikta Sthana and causes various disorders, in a similar way Sutika is very much prone to Vata disor- ders. Mainly we come across disorders like inadequacy of breast milk and Sutika Makkala (pain). Sthanya is very important in the growth and development of the newborn. It enhances the immunity of the child. Breast milk is babies specific hence one should adopt measures to improve lactation instead of depending on supplementary feeds. Another important condition is Sutika Makkala which is caused due to vitiation of Vata, and shows symptoms like severe discomfort, pain below the umbilical and bladder region, abdomen and cardiac region. At times the pain is so severe that a prickly sensation with a possibility of tearing of bowel or its perforation. These are associated with flatulence and retention of urine. In these above conditions, Vajra Kanjika is of utmost benefit. We get the reference of Vajrakanjika in Yogaratnakara in Ksheera Dosha Chikitsa Adhyaya. Vajra Kanjika contains the drugs like Pip- pali, Pippali mula, Chavya, Shunti, Yawanika, both Jeeraka’s, both Haridra’s, Vida and Souvarchala Lavana. It is indicated in Amavata, it is Vrishya, suppresses Kapha and Vata, increases appetite, cures Makkala Shula and in- creases the quantity of milk.In this article, an attempt is made to understand the probable mode of action of Vajra Kanjika in Sutika, Sutika Makkala and Sthanya kshaya.Keywords: Vajra Kanjika, Sutika, Sutika Roga, Makkala, Sthanya Dosha.