Concept of Dhoopan Chikitsa (Medicinal Fumigation Therapy) and Its Importance in Prevention of air-borne diseases–A review

Abstract

A person could spread infectious diseases to another person or an animal to person. Most of the contagious diseases are airborne, air borne diseases spread by tiny pathogens in the air. Bacteria, fungi or viruses transmit them. These diseases are spread by sneezing, coughing and phlegm. Airborne diseases are the most widespread, and complete prevention is complicated. These pandemic conditions had occurred in ancient times, which were described in Ayurveda text such as Janpadodhwansaj vikar (mass destruction of population) and infectious diseases (Auopsargika rogas) and Samarikavishaprayoga.Janpadodhwansaj vikar, communicable diseases (Auopsargika rogas) and Samarikavishaprayoga spread by four routes – air, water, region, time. At that time, Dhoopan Chikitsa (Fumigation therapy) had been mentioned for treating these types of airborne diseases spread by air. Dhoopana is one of the measures suggested for the maintenance of the internal and external environment of man. Dhoopana is a method by which drugs of herbal, herbo-mineral or animal origin are used for fumigation. Herbs belonging to Plant origin possess kushthahara krimihara and kandughna properties, Animal products like horn, hair, nails etc. have also been used for fumigation and Mineral like sulphur compound viz, Hartal (Arsenic trisulphide) and Manashila (Arsenic disulphide) have been used as a disinfectant for Dhoopa Chikitsa or medicinal fumigation therapy. The nose is the best route for the administration of drugs to the patient. Dhoopan Chikitsa is very easy to administer, and it can fumigate the environment also.