Chaudhari et al.

UJAHM 2015, 03 (01): Page 60-66

ISSN 2347-2375

UNIQUE JOURNAL OF AYURVEDIC AND HERBAL MEDICINES

Available online: www.ujconline.net
Review Article

CONCEPTUAL STUDY ON SHOSHA

Chaudhari Bhojraj Arun*
Assistant Professor & H.O.D. Rog-nidan & Vikruti Vidnyan S.G.R. Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Solapur, Maharashtra, India

Received 30-12-2014; Revised 28-01-2015; Accepted 25-02-2015

*Corresponding Author: Dr. Bhojraj Arun Chaudhari.
Assistant Professor & H.O.D. Rog-nidan & Vikruti Vidnyan S.G.R. Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Solapur, Maharashtra, Mob: 09422774206

ABSTRACT
Shosha is the word which literally means drying up, emaciation, withering up, and consumption in general.
Shosha is a generic term which can be applied or mentioned, indicating wasting process of the vital principles of the body and all the
functional activities of the body such as RasadiDhatu.
The diseases Shohsa is found to be gradually increasing in the society, it has become one of the most common and challenging health
problems.The diseases are affected by environment, occupation, psychology stress, dietary pattern, malnutrition, unnecessary fasting,
addition and general debility. The disease Shosha is described in various Ayurvedic texts as well as non-medicalancient literature with
its clinical features, pathology and treatment.
Shosha have been described with its seven types according to tissue loss (Dhatukshaya) by specific reasons and Kshaya of all
functions of mind, body and speech are lost. This is the result of many other diseases, similarly many diseases also develops after
them .Shosha is characterized mainly with Vyavaya, Shoka, Jara, Vyayama, Vrana, Adhwa, Upawasa and Urah-kshata, considering
its features.
It is found mainly primary and secondary. Secondary Shosha is a result of some other disease causing general emaciation of body. It
is not necessary to label the Kshaya of all Dhatus as Shosha. Even the Kshaya of any individual Dhatu can cause this condition and
can be considered as Shosha i.e. Primary.
Shosha is a multisystem disease entity mainly with all the wasting complications, where the person gradually becomes a victim of
Shosha. It is most common disorders affecting the population irrespective of age, sex, caste, occupation, socio-economic status etc.
Shosha is a disease which is highly severe, difficult to diagnose and eliminate. It is followed by many disorders and also preceded by a
number of diseases.
ABBREVIATIONS: A.H.=AstangaHridaya, B.P.=Bhavprakash, C.S.=Charka Samhita,, G.N.=Gadnigraha, H.S.=HaritaSamhita, M.N.=MadhavNidan,
Sh.S=Sharangdhar Samhita, Su. S=SushrutSamhita, Vg.S =VangasenSamhita, Y.R.=Yogaratnakar
Keywords: Atikrisha, Dhatu, Emaciation, Kshaya, Rasadhatu, Shosha, Shukradhatu, Wasting.

Wasting or general emaciation of the frame marks the sequel

INTRODUCTION of and comes in as premonitory symptoms of an organic
The term Shosha in Vedic literatures sound controversial. disease.
Shosha is one of major disease in which involvement of all DEFINITION
Dhatus and Srotas respectively with vitiated Vata. The exact Shosha i.e. dries up rasadidhatu, called as kshaya, and it is
interpretation of the term Shosha as found in the commentary caused by a single Dosha separately, in fact consumption is
of Sanskrit Shabdakosha as well as Brihatrayi Samhitas, as only one3. various physiological activities are constantly
follows- performed in the body like respiration, circulation and
Shoshan; Drying up, desiccating, emaciating, and causing to digestion. In Shosha, those activities affected and gradually
wither up1. decreases, i.e. ‘Kshaya’ of Rasadidhatus.
According to mythology- Shosha i.e. all tissues are lost When the Rasavahasrotas obstructed by vitiated Dosha where
(ksahya), all functions of mind, and body are lost, in the result Vata is predominant or in persons who indulge in excessive
of many previous diseases, similarly many diseases also sexual activity leading to Shukrakshaya and all other Dhatus
develop as complications of Shosha2. undergoes in deficiency, making the person too much
emaciated4.

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Shosha is an individual disease entity considering its most (weight lifting), Atiadhwa (walking for a long time),
common clinical manifestation and associated with its types, it Vrana (severe trauma with blood loss), Prakriti
is described in the disease Rajyakshma. Some Acharyas have (constitutional tendency), Jara (Old age), Sedentary
described that; Shosha is a subtype according to the causative habits7.
factors. Hence, the types of Shosha may be considered as a 5) Mansik (Manasikbhavadusti): Chinta (worry), Bhaya
post and partial of Yakshma. But Sushruta do not agree with (fear), krodha (anger), Irsha (jealousy) and anxiety as
this, he says that Yakshma is Tridoshjanya and it presents with well as Shoka (grief) is the responsible factors for Shosha.
all the Ekadashlakshanas. But these all symptoms will not be 6) Nidanarthakar Roga: Suffering from chronic disorders
found in the DhatuKshayajanyaShosha5. like Cancer, Hormonal disturbances, Protein energy
Shosha corroborates with the features of Rasa Dhatu Kshya malnutrition, Rajyakshma, Madhumeha, Grahani,
and Atikrisha as like this description etiology and features of Atisara, Chronic Anemia, Udar-roga and old age etc.
Atikrisha and Shosha are almost same, so the Atikrisha person 7) Ahara (dietary habit): On the basis of nutritional value,
can be considered as a person affected from Shosha6. Also the there are Apatarpana i.e. Pramitaashana (dieting for
etiology of both conditions is same. obesity) and Vrata (fasting) mostly in females, Bhojan
Shosha is described as Swatantravyadhi (independently), a Alpata (anorexia), Vataprakopaka Aahar. (Ruksha,
disease which is characterized by its own etiology and Laghuaadi.)
symptoms, and when it known as Paratantravyadhi (i.e. 8) Vihara (Habit): Kriyati-yoga (Excessive purification),
syndrome), a disease which is not produced by its own causes Nidra-vinigraha (Insomnia),Vega Nigraha (Suppression
and there is no specific relation between the factors which lead natural urges), Rati-Nitya (sex), Roga-Nitya (Suffering
to the disease. So, Shosha appears either as a disease or as a from disease frequently)
syndrome. CAUSES OF SHOSHA:
In Sushruta and MadhavNidan Samhita, we get the details Etiological factors mentioned above divided in to 2 groups,
description on Shosha with its etiology, pathology, signs and i.e. excessive expenditure of the calorie and low intake calorie.
symptoms, complications, prognosis and management etc. The condition of under nutrition develops which ultimately
NIDANA (ETIOLOGICAL FACTORS) OF SHOSHA: leads to Atikrisha i.e. shosha. Generally the persons of Vata
Vitiated Doshas (from various reasons) get occupied within Prakriti are Krisha, that persons are considered as Alpabala
the Strotas and Dhatus cause Dhatu kshaya and obstruct i.e. having the less vital power, who loss Dhatu of Shukra and
(partially or completely) the Neuro-circulatory and excretory Meda. Sushruta also mentions that Krisha persons having less
pathways. Attempt to perform the adventure and the work vital power, turned towards Shosha8.
beyond capacity; Visham-Bhojan and psychological trauma SAMPRAPTI (PATHOGENESIS):
are some of the etiological factors for this.7 In general consideration, the indulgence of etiological factors
Starvation, excessive sexual intercourse, hemorrhage as well of Shosha results in the diminution of the Rasadi Dhatu leads
as some condition related to mental illness like depressive to their own wasting. As mentioned earlier, the dietary habit of
psychosis and being jealous with the people are also included the Shosha take less calories and on other hand habits may be
as causative factors. considered as responsible for excessive use of calories. The
Samanya Nidana (general etiological factors): body may have to break the valuable tissue materials to get the
The disease Shosha is a condition; there are loss of Dhatus, energy resulting in Krishata. If this condition persists for a
especially Mansa and Medadhatu. The etiological factors longer period then the condition of Shosha developed. In this
which are responsible for loss of Dhatus can be categorized as condition first Kashaya of Rasa Dhatu occurs, which leads to
Samanyanidan of Shosha. the less nutritional supply to the other Dhatu leading to their
1) Prakriti (Psycho somatic constitution): In considering depletion and ultimately resulting in Shosha. An excessive
to the fundamental principles of Ayurveda, it can be noted sexual activity causes shukrakshaya. This subsequently
that the person with Vatik or Vatik-Paittika types of causes kshyaya of purva-purvadhatu and ultimately results in
Prakriti are more prone to Shosha. the kshaya of all Dhatus9. Loss of flesh or a gradually
2) Desha (Environmental factors): By the different emaciated of the body, due to etiological factors described
reviews, more physical activity, nutritional problems, above, which trends to dry up the Rasadhatu, by aggravating
mental stress etc. recognized as a factors to predispose the Vayu in body10.
Shosha. Dosha: In the pathogenesis of Shosha, Vayutakes place.
3) Dhatu: Dhatudusti and Kshaya and of particular Dhatu Shshruta and Madhavkara have clearly mentioned that
plays a role to etiopathogenesis of Shosha. Dhatu is the Vriddhavata leads to Shosha.
base of growth and element which constructs our body i.e. Dhushya: Sushruta clearly mentions that Rasa Dhatudushti
Rasa (Serum), Rakta (blood), Mansa (muscles), Meda and Shukrakshaya, which may be held responsible for Shosha.
(fatty tissue), Asthi (bones), Majja (bone marrow and Srotas: In Shosha the Dushti of Shukravahasrotas occurs in
nervous tissue) and Shukra (semen). Every Dhatu is a ascending order and Dushti of Rasavahasrotas occur in Shosha
precursor of the next Dhatu. Rasa is transformed into with respect to descending order. 1) Samanyasrotas-
Rakta, Rakta prepares Mansa, Mansa to Meda and Meda Annavaha, Udakavaha.
up to the shukra. 2) Vishistasrotas- Pranavaha, Rasavaha, Raktavaha,
4) Sharirik: Atishrama (exertion), Ativyayama (exercise), Mansavaha, Medovaha, Majjavaha, Asthivaha and
Ativyavaya (sex), Upavasa (more fasting), Bharvahan Shukravaha.
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Agni: Agnihas a role in the creation and maintenance of TYPES OF SHOSHA:

Dhatus. Agni governs our immune system. Affected Susrutacharya has specially described a seventh type i.e.
metabolism compromised immunity and lowered body Upavasa11 and others Samhitakara included the Urahakshata
resistance resultsin impaired Agni. It will not initiate the chain as a seventh type of Shosha. According to Charakacharya
formation of Dhatus (from rasa to Shukra)in a proper way. Rajyakshma and Shosha are synonyms of each other.

Nidan Sevana
|
Alpabala Ati-Vyayama,Shoka,Upavasa,Jara Vrana Ativyavaya
| | | |
Sharira Kshina Rasa-Raktadi Dhatu Nirmana Prabhavita Raktasrava Shukra Kshaya
| | | |
Agnimandya Vata-Prakopa Vata-Prakopa Vata-Prakopa
| | |
Vata-Prakopa Uttarottar Dhatukshaya Poorvavati Dhatu Kshaya
| |
Shosha (Anuloma gati) Shosha (Pratiloma gati)

Table 1: Showing types of Shosha according to different Samhita

Sr.No Samhita Vyavay Shoka Jara Vyayam Adwa Vrana Urahkshta
1 C. S. + - - - - - +
2 Su. S. + + + + + + Upavasa
3 AH.S. + - - - - - +
4 M.N. + + + + + + +
5 BP.S. + + + + + + +
6 Y.R. + + + + + + +
7 Vg.S. + + + + + + +
8 G.N. + + + + + + +
9 Sh.S. + + + + + + +
10 H.S. + + + + + + +

PURVARUPA: Rasa, Mansa and Medadhatu Kshaya are the ejaculation), Pradhyanshil (Anxiety), Strastanga (Flaccidity
specific characteristic of Shosha, as the body becomes of limbs and Depression), IndriyaDaurbalyata (Vital and
Atikrisha, probably due to Dhatukashaya i.e. exertion of Sensorial weakness), Kampana (Tremors), Shuskakasa (Dry
elements through urine e.g. Albumin, ketone and calcium etc. cough), Shuska-Rukshamala (Constipation), Daurbalyata
Their buttocks, abdomen and neck are emaciated, the joints (weakness), Prasuptagatravayava (Numbness of body and
are prominently seen and the man appears to have bone and Organs), Discharges from Eye, Mouth, Nose, Shuskaanana
skin only. The over lean (Atikrisha) patient often becomes a (Dry faces), Raktakshaya (Blood loss), Parshwashula (Lat.
victim of spleen enlargement, Kasa (Cough), Kshaya chest pain), Urahshula (Chest pain), Krushata (Cachexia),
(Wasting), Shwasa (Dyspnoea) so a person have low Prusthakatishula (Backache), Klama (Fatigue),loss of appetite
immunity. (Anorexia), Significant weight loss, Mansa-Shaithilya
RUPA: The classical symptoms of Shosha are: (Flabbiness of muscle), and Uttarottar Dhatukshaya etc.
Panduta (Pallor), Hridspandan (Palpitation), Ashakti- 1. VYAVAYASHOSHA (Emaciation and consumption due to
Maithune (Coital inability), Alpaprashek (Scanty/delayed excessive indulgence in sex):

Table 2: Showing lakshnas of Vyavayshosha according to different Samhita12

Lakshanas Su.S BP.S M.N Vg.S G.N. Y.R
MaithuneAshakti (Coital inability) - + - - - +
Shukrakshaya Lakshnas (Scanty semen) + - + + - -
Chiratprashek (Delayed ejaculation) + + + + + +
Alpaprashek (Scanty ejaculation) + + + - - +
Raktashukradarshanam (Semen with blood) + - + - - +
Pandudehi (Pallor) + + + + + +
Vrushan & ShisnaSula (Pain in testis &scrotum) + + - + - +
Dhatupratilomkshya Lakshane (Decay of Dhatu) + + + + + +
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On excess sex the depletion of Shukra (semen) and vitiated By aggravated Vata, there were severe weakness, deficiency
Vata would enter into the blood. The blood being vitiated by of (semen) Shukra and subsequent of the other tissue takes
Vata, would enter in the Shukravahasrotas, which is one of place. Joint would become loose and dry up (reduces) muscle
the important cause for Pratiloma Shosha, i.e. Dhatus get tissues with grinding pain in body.
depleted in preceding order13. This produces anorexia, 2. SHOKSHOSHA (Emaciation and consumption due to
palpitation, cardiac pain etc. These complications cause anxiety):
emaciation, developing weight loss, wasting of muscle,
general debility and results into the compromised immunity.

Table 3: Showing lakshnas of Shokashosha according to different Samhita14

Lakshanas Su.S BP.S M.N. Vg.S G.N. Y.R.
Pradhyanshil (Anxiety) + + + + + +
Strastanga (Flaccidity of limbs and depression) + + + + + +
Panduta (Pallor) + - - + + +
Every DhatuKshaya Lakshna without Sukrakshaya Lakshnas. + + + + + +

This type of Shosha is due to excessive worry, stress, strain as thirst and hunger sensation are lost. The digestion and
well as grief. The affected person is depressed and developed absorption of food hampered and a person emaciates. Body
symptoms mainly from Majja Kshaya viz. Bhrama, Kampa, appears yellow as hemoglobin falls. This causes Anuloma and
Tamah-Pravesh etc. gradual Kshaya of Dhatus, hence sometimes labeled as
Chinta (Anxiety and Worry) and Shoka (Grief) causes Anuloma Shosha also.
impaired secretions of exocrine and endocrine glands. So the 3. JARASHOSHA: (Emaciation due to old age):

Table 4: Showing lakshnas of Jarashosha according to different Samhita15

Lakshanas Su.S BP.S M.N. Vg.S G.N. Y.R.
Krushata (Emaciation) + + + + + +
Virya, Buddhi, Bala, Indriyamandya&
+ + + + + +
Daurbalyalata (vital & sensorial weakness)
Kampana (Tremors) + + + + + +
Aruchi (Anorexia) + + + + + +
Shuska Kasa (Dry cough) - - + + + +
Arati (Depressive feelings) + + + + + +
Netra, Mukha, Nasasrava + + + + + +
Shuska-Ruksha mala (Constipation) + + + + + +
Shuska-Ruksha Chhavi (Dry rough faces) + + + + + +

In old age, senility emaciation occurred by Vatavriddhi and chronic constipation and dehydration occurred, his muscle
Dhatukshaya. The person feels that, he not required for the tissue gets depleted, skin becomes dry and rough, fluid oozes
society or family. He loses his strength and mental functions, from mouth and eyes, joints are exposed and prominent, and
sense organs decline gradually, due to depression and decrease sexual capacity17.
16
irritation . 4. ADHWASHOSHA (Consumption due to excessive
Inadequate diet, poor digestion, impaired absorption and traveling):
utilization can cause of disease. Symptoms like anorexia,
Table 5: Showing lakshnas of Adhwashosha according to different Samhita18
Lakshanas Su.S BP.S M.N. Vg.S G.N. Y.R.
Strastanga (Flaccidity of limbs) + + + + + +
Sambhusta Purushachhavi (loss of facial luster)/ ShuskaAanan (Dry faces) + + + - + +
Prasuptagatravayava (Numbness of body and organs) + + + + + +
Shuska -kloma and Talu (Dryness of palate) + + + + + +

This result due to the toils of journey for a long time, when there were no enough sources for travelling and people
symptoms as flabbiness of the muscles, scorched of had to walk several miles a day without sufficient diet and
complexion a haggard loss of sensation, dryness of Kloma, water, results in Adhwa Shosha. But now a day this is
experiences tingling and absence of natural gloss of the body. disappeared.
The affected persons are called as Adwashoshi19. 5. VYAYAMASHOSHA (Consumption due to excessive
The Adhwashoshi were commonly seen in ancient period exercise):

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Table 6: Showing lakshnas of Vyayamshosha according to different Samhita20.

Lakshanas Su.S BP.S M.N. Vg.S G.N. Y.R.
Adhwa Shosha Lakshnas + + + + + +
Ativyayam (excessive exercise) + + + + + +
Daurbalyata(Weakness) + + + + + +
Lakshne as like Urah-Kshata without kshata + + + - - +
Raktasthivan(Blood in sputum) + - + - - -

Excessive exercise or physical exertion leads to muscles is During Aivyayama or Bharavan (weight lifting) and Adhwa
wasting; they have gone feeling of limbs with flabbiness of (walking) Vasa (fat) has been utilized and there were instances
muscles, exhibits a laxity of the musculature, lethargy, a of Virdhavata leads to Karshya that continuous towards
roasted tanned dry complexion and dryness of Kloma. The Shosha21.
Udakavahasrotodusti, due to over exertion takes place. In 6. VRANASHOSHA (Emaciation of the wounded):
severe cases there can be blood in sputum.

Table 7: Showing lakshnas of Vranashosha According to different Samhita22

Lakshanas Su.S BP.S M.N. Vg.S G.N. Y.R.
Raktakshay due to vrana(Blood loss) + + + + + +
AharNiyantrana + + + + + +
AlpaAahar(Bhojan)
+ + + + + +
&PoshanabhavvranaShoshaLakshna
Vranavedana (Pain in wound) + + + - + -
Asadhyata (Intractability) - - - + + -

Wasting occurs in surgery i.e. blood loss, and restrictions in Vata which will further lead to Srotorodha. The loss of Rasa-
diet. Bleeding from non-healing ulcers with poor nutritional Rakta and vitiated Vata produces severe pain with wasting23,
status causes Shosha i.e. Vranashosha. thisgraduallykshaya of next Dhatus and ultimately results in
There were bleeding may be internal or external e.g. Diabetic Shosha.
wounds, peptic ulcers or external body ulcers. Persistent and 7. UPAVASASHOSHA (Consumption due to excessive
continuous or episodic bleeding will keep on losing the whole fasting):
blood (i.e. Rasa -Rakta), producing Dhatukshaya and vitiating

Table 8: Showing lakshnas of Upavasashosha according to different Samhita24

Lakshanas Su.S BP.S M.N. Vg.S G.N. Y.R.
Daurbalyata (Weakness) + + + + + +
Shuskaaoshta (Dryness of lips) + + + + + +
Raukshyam + + + + +
Shramaswasha (breathlessness) + + + + + +
Glani (Vetigo) + + + + + +
Shabdasahishuta– All rasadhatukshaya Lakshanas. + + + + + +

This is due to fasting for long time or insufficient diet such Due to Rasakshaya and vitiated Vata, muscles and fatty
person becomes weak with having all the symptoms of tissues become depleted i.e. weakness of muscle; person loses
Rasakshaya, vertigo, malaise, yellowish white discoloration of vital power, structure and body growth was decreased or even
the skin and subsequent wasting of the other tissues. On loss of weight seen. Basal metabolism of tissue was reduced
fasting Adya-rasadhatu cannot provide nourishment to body and bulk of the muscle also reduced; this followed by
and if this condition is not neutralized, it leads to Shosha.25. emaciation26.
8. URAH-KSHATA (Exertional chest (lung) trauma):

Table 9: Showing lakshnas of Ura-kshata Shosha according to different Samhita27

Lakshanas Su.S BP.S M.N. Vg.S G.N. Y.R.
Urah-Shula (Pin in chest) + + + + + +
Kloma Shosha (Dryness of palate) + + + + + +
Kasacchardi (Cough and vomiting) + + + - + +
Raktasthivan (Sputum with blood) + + + + + +
RaktamutraPravrutti(Urine mixed with blood) + + + + + +
Parshvaprusthakatigraha (Backache) + + + + + +
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The cause of urah-kshata is injury to chest wall with lungs, of any wasting in the system by the physical urging, or
presents with haemoptysis, haematomesis, syncope and irregular diet, there is loss of other Dhatus or the principal
convulsions. elements of the organism there by producing a cachexia
Rupture or ulceration in the lungs (Urah-kshata) is caused by condition of body. Starvation retards growth of the body and
physical work viz. lifts and throws heavy loads, excessive sex, destroys the body in the end. Thus, this theory of Dhatus must
exerts excessively, swims across river flow, suddenly jumps have arrived from these observations. Dhatus protect our body
from heights, and such other acts that require the active co- from external encounters. They are responsible for our
operation and entail excessive straining of the chest (urah- immune mechanism. If there is wasting (Kshaya to Dhatus
pradesh). then the body construction collapses and ultimately life ends
Symptoms like labored or difficult breathing, cutting or At first the person does not show any particular deficient
prickling pain in the chest and flanks, followed by emaciation, disease, but generalized retarded growth will be seen with loss
tremors, loss of vigor, fever, indigestion, cough with yellowish of weight.
pellets of sputum in large quantity often mixed with blood. Main causes of Shosha sexual excess, old age, over fatiguing
This condition known as urah-kshata and leads to severe physical exercise, toils of journey, fasting, ulcers and
emaciation.Pain in the chest, vomiting of blood, cough are ulceration of Urah (lungs) are induced by certain authorities
prominent if trauma (tear) is present, while urine mixed with within the exciting factors of this disease Shosha. Shosha is
blood, catching pain in the flanks28. caused by single Doshas separately but, in fact consumption is
only one. At first the person does not show any particular
DISCUSSION deficient disease, but generalized retarded growth will be seen
Initially, there is kshaya of Rasa Dhatu, Which results with loss of weight.
subsequently kshaya of each dhatu in series, ultimately A general cachexia condition of the body or the disease under
causing Sapta-dhatukshaya. Ativyavaya over engaged in discussion is named Shosha from the fact of its consuming or
sexual activity is the principal reason for this type. drying up (Shoshana i.e. withering) the vital principals of the
Shukrakshya produces Vataprakopaand dries Majja with body such as Rasadidhatu30.
gradual involvement of all Dhatus. The kshaya of
CONCLUSION
Shukradhatu, results into Majjakshaya. Subsequently all the
dhatus fall victim to kshaya in a reverse (Pratiloma) manner. The deficiency of the essential fats, minerals, vitamins and
Thus the body dries up and emaciated. proteins, strenuous and all etiological factors with exhausting
While according to Ayurveda in the pathogenesis of Shosha, mental activities are all major factors, which may give rise to
predominance of Vata and relating to other Dosha vitiated. Shosha. Equally, frequent and excessive sex causing
There is Dhatukashya which is related to any etiological cause Shukrakshya (loss of semen) results into Majjakshaya.
of Shosha, caused by excessive Yogatiokriya and vitiated Subsequently all Dhatus fall victim to Kshaya in a
Vata. Whenever the body gets under nourishment (Krisha) or Pratilomagati, means due to Shukrakshaya Vata vitiated and
grossly malnourished the degree of activity is reduced. dries up Majja with gradual involvement of all Dhatus. In this
Consuming on inadequate diet (Langhana, Alpaashana) way, the Rasadhatu dries up and body undergo in deficiency,
develops signs of Krishata or Shosha more rapidly29. making the person too much emaciated. The dhatukshaya is
The Dhatus become atropic if their nourishment is affected by prominent in Shosha.
Rasa. This is better termed as “Sam-Shoshana” in Sushrut Shosha disease has its own entity, characterized mainly with
Samhita. This gives rise to various kinds of Kshaya. Vitiation Vyavaya, Shoka, Jara, yayama, Vrana, Upavasa and Urah-
of Vata from Dhatukshaya and vice versa causes impaired kshata, considering its features. It is known as Shosha because
nourishment of all body parts i.e. dries up Rasadidhatu and it dries up Rasadidhatu in Anulomagati, it causes loss of
goes on to Shosha. Vata has Shoshan property. Shoshan is the functions and such is called as kshaya, and goes on to Shosha.
major mechanism of Shosha, hence the term Krishta and The said disease is of global description with increasing trend.
Shosha are the features produced by the vitiated Vata. It is needed to evaluate that, Upavasa Shosha are strongly
Since a wasting process is found to accompany all the increasing now a days, due to malnutrition and economic
functional activities of the body during its attack. The process conditions and so other causes.

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