Abstract

CONTEMPORARY RELAVANCE OF THE CONCEPT OF SHANKA VISHA - A REVIEW ARTICLE

Dr. Deepika J. R.* and Dr. Suresh Y.

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Abstract

Shaṅka visha (Poisoning phobia/Imaginary fear of poisoning) is the unique concept mentioned in Ayurveda, where other Acharyas has given the name Sarpaṅgābihata. It is about fear of intoxication. Fear is a response towards the action from the body to make ready for the further damage. The story of rope and the snake is very popular among the people. This story is about frighten state of mind, it is due to the darkness and previous knowledge about the snake, there are manifestation of certain symptoms which simulates that of the symptoms of snake bite. There cause brain responses causing the physiological and pathological changes in the body. In this article an attempt will be made to understand the Shaṅka Visha with the help of modern pathophysiology.

Keywords: Sha?ka visha, Sarpa?g?bihata, Panic attack, Amygdala.