Concept of Otorrohea and its Management in Ancient India: An Overview

Atul Kumar Ahirwar, Ruby Kumar

Abstract: Otorrhoea i. e., discharge from the ear is a common clinical feature of ear diseases and remains a major public health issue with high healthcare utilization, associated costs, and a reason of serious concern, particularly in children, because it may have long - term effects on early communication, language development, auditory processing, educational process, and physiological and cognitive development. The conventional treatment modalities for otorrhoea have their drawbacks and limitations and also, they do not cure the disease permanently in all cases. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine describes otorrhoea as Karnasrava and treats it successfully since antiquity. The various management strategies used to treat Karnasrava are explained in classical Ayurvedic texts. This article presents the conceptual analysis of Karnasrava and its management in ancient India. An integrative disease management strategy, combining Ayurveda and conventional medicine, would be the prerogative for the successful management of otorrhoea.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Karnasrava, Karnaprakshalana, Karnapichu, Otorrhoea