AH-Su-Chapter 25: Yantra Vidhi यन्त्र विधि / Uses of Blunt Instruments

Definition of Yantra – Yantra Nirvachana –

नानाविधानं शल्यानां नानादेश प्रबाधिनाम्
आहर्तुमभ्युपायो यस्तत् यन्त्रं यच्च दर्शने १
अर्शो भगन्दरादीनां शस्त्रक्षाराग्नियोजने 
शेषाङ्गपरिरक्षायां तथा बस्त्यादिकर्मणि- २
घटिकालाबुशृङ्गं च जाम्बवौष्टादिकानि

Equipments which are useful to
extract the different types of foreign bodies causing pain in different parts of the body,
to look into hemorrhoids, rectal fistula etc.
to apply sharp instruments, Alkalies (Kshara) and fire (Agni Karma);
to protect the remaining parts other than the diseased in therapies like enema etc,
and the pot (Ghatika), ground horn (Alabu) of animal, Jambavaustha- cylindrical smooth stone etc. are all known as yantra (medical instruments). 1-2 ½

अनेकरूपकार्याणि यन्त्राणि विविधान्यतः
विकल्प्य कल्पयेद्बुद्धया

Yantras (instruments) are of many shapes, functions, types, hence they are to be fabricated and to be prepared with intelligence. 3

यथास्थूलं तु वक्ष्यते 
तुल्यानि कङ्कसिंहर्क्षकाकादिमृगपक्षिणाम्
मुखैर्मुखानि यन्त्राणां कुर्यात् तत्संज्ञकानि च

Yantras are described in brief, as follows;
Those which have their mouth resembling the mouth of
Kanka (heron), Simha (lion), Ruksha (bear), Kaka (crow) and other animals and  birds should be prepared under the respective names of animals and birds;

1. Swastika Yantra – Cruciform instruments – 

अष्टादशाङ्गुलायामान्यायसानि च भूरिशः
मसूराकार-पर्यन्तैः कण्ठे बद्धानि कीलकेः
विद्यात्स्वस्तिकत्रयाणि मूले अङ्कुशनतानि च
तैर्द्दृढैरस्थिसंलग्रशल्याहरणमिष्यते

Swsatika Yantras should be generally 18 Angula- fingers breadth –in length,
They are made chiefly from iron;
They are shaped like a Masura dala (cotyledon of a lentil) at its edges, held  by a rivet bolt at their neck, slightly bent like an Ankusha (goad of the elephant) at its handle are known as Swastika yantra- Cruci from instruments.
These are useful to pull out foreign  bodies stuck hard in the bones. 4-6

2. Samdamsha yantra – forceps are of two types –

कीलकद्धविमुक्ताग्रौ सन्दंषौ षोडश अङ्गुलौ
त्वक् शिरास्नायु पिशित लग्न शल्यापकर्षणौ
षडङ्गुलोअन्यो हरणे सूक्ष्मशल्योपपक्ष्मणाम्

one with a catch at its tip and the other without a catch.
The one with a catch is 16 Angula length, used for extracting foreign bodies stuck up in the skin, veins, tendons and muscles.;
The one without a catch is 6 Angula in length and useful for extracting small foreign bodies and eye lashes. 7-8

3. Muchundi Yantra – forceps with teeth 

मुचुण्डी सूक्ष्मदन्तर्जुमूले रुचकभूषणा 
गम्भीरव्रण मांसानां अर्मणःशोषितस्य च

Muchundi Yantra – forceps with teeth has small teeth, straight, with tooth catch , hook at its root; useful for pulling out the fleshy parts from deep wounds and remnants of flesh from the Arma (pterygium), which has been cut. 9

4. Talayantra- instruments with flat arms

द्वे दशाङ्गुले मत्स्यतालवत् द्वयेकतालके
तालयन्त्रे स्मृते कर्णनाडीशल्यापहारिणी

Talayantra- instruments with flat arms are of two types- 12 Angula length, resembling the palate (fin) of the fish in shape,
- with one flat  disc at its mouth;
- with two flat disc;
Both are useful for removing foreign bodies from the orifice of the ear. 10

5. Nadiyantra - Tubular instruments (probe) 

नाडीयन्त्राणि सुषिराणि एकानेकमुखानि च
स्रोतोगतानां शल्यानां आमयानां च दर्शने
क्रियाणां सुकरत्वाय कुर्यात् आचूषणाय च
तद्धिस्तार परिणाह दैर्घ्यं स्रोतोनुरोधतः

Nadiyantra - Tubular instruments (probe) are hollow, with one or more opening, useful for looking into body parts, recognizing foreign bodies and diseases localized in the channels of the tissues, for facilitating treatments and for sucking out. Their width, perimeter vary as per size, shape etc. of the channels. 11-12

दशाङ्गुला अर्धनाहा अन्तः कण्ठशल्यावलोकिनीनाडी

Nadi Yantra for seeing inside throat shall be 10 Angula in length and ½ Angula in thickness diameter.

पञ्चमुखच्छिद्रा चतुष्कर्णस्य सङ्ग्रहे
वारङ्गस्य, द्विकर्णस्य त्रिच्छिद्रा तत्प्रमाणतः

Nadi Yantra comes with many openings (4 – 5) with different size, length, thickness etc.

वारङ्गकर्णसंस्थानानाह्दैर्ष्यानुरोधतः
नादिरेवंविधाश्चान्या दृष्टं शल्यानि कारयेत्

Many other tubular instruments may be prepared to observe the foreign bodies, depending  on the shape, thickness and length of the  part to be observed.14

Padma Karnika

पद्मकर्णिकया मूर्ध्नि सदृशी द्वादशाङ्गुला
चतुर्थसुषिरा नाडी शल्यनिर्घातिनी मता

The tubular instrument  having  the shape of Padma Karnika – the round, flat central part of the lotus studded with  small holes- at its top, twelve Angula  – finger breath in length , with a hollow  area of one fourth – it length is useful  for catching and removing the foreign body.15

6. Arsho Yantra

अर्शसां गोस्तनाकारं यन्त्रकं चतुरङ्गुलम्
नाहे पञ्चाङ्गुलं पुंसां प्रमदानां षडङ्गुलम्
द्विच्छिद्रं दर्शने व्याधेरेकच्छिद्रं तु कर्मणि 
मध्येअस्य त्रयङ्गुलं छिद्रमङ्गुष्टोदरविस्तृतम्
अर्धाङ्गुलो च्छ्रितोद्धत्तकर्णिकं च तदूर्ध्वतः

The Arsho Yantra- the instrument to  view the  hemorrhoid inside the rectum. It has cylindrical shape.
Its circumference is 5 Angula in men and 6 Angula for women;
with two orifices- one at each end,  useful  for seeing  the pile masses and
with one slit shall be at its centre three Angula  in  length and of the size of the middle portion of the thumb in widths, about half Angula above the slit three shall be a karnuka – edge, (rim) 16-18

7. Samiyantra

शम्याख्यं ताद्रुगच्छिद्रं यन्त्रमर्शः प्रपीडनम्

The instrument known as Samiyantra is similar- to the above but without the offices and useful for squeezing the pile masses. 19

The Nadiyantra to see the malignant tumor and piles, polyp of the nose shall be with one orifice,  two Angula in length,

सर्वथा अपनयेदोष्ठं छिद्रादूर्ध्वं भगन्दरे

of the size of the index finger in thickness and resembling the instrument meant for rectal fistula. 20

Nadi Yantra to See Nasal Polyps, Piles etc

घ्राणार्बुदार्शसामेकच्छिद्रा  नाङ्ग्यङ्गुलद्वया
प्रदेशिनीपरीणाहा स्याद्भगन्दरयन्त्रवत्

shall be with one orifice, two angula in length, of the size of the index finger in thickness, and resembling the instrument meant for rectal fistula.

8. Anguli Tranaka- finger protector

अङ्गुलित्राणकं दान्तं वार्क्षं वा चतुरङ्गुलम्
द्विच्छिद्रं गोस्तनाकारं तद्वक्त्रविवृतौ सुखम्

Anguli Tranaka- finger protector – is made from ivory / wood, 4 Angula in length, with 2 orifices- one at each end; shaped like the nipple of the cow and suitable to extend the finger (when in use). 21

9. Instrument to look into Vagina and Wounds

योनिव्रणेक्षणं मध्ये सुषिरं षोडशाङ्गुलम्
मुद्राभद्धं चतुर्भित्तमम्भोजमुकुलाननम्
चतुः शलाकामाक्रान्तं मूले तद्विकसेन्मुखे

The instrument to look into the vagina and wounds shall be hollow in the middle, 16 Angula in length, with four flaps held tight by a ring, resembling the bud of a lotus  in shape, fixed with four rods at its root – handling place and its mouth- opening like of the bud,. 22

Instruments to (10) oil sinus and (11) to wash it

यन्त्रे नाडीव्रणाभ्यङ्गक्षालनाय षडङ्गुले
बस्तियन्त्राकृती मूले मुखे अङ्गुष्ठकलायखे
अग्रतो अकर्णिके मूले निबद्धमृदुचर्मणी

Two instrument- one for oiling the sinus ulcer and the other for washing it shall be 6 Angula in length, having the shape of a Bastiyantra (enema nozzle) with an orifice at its root allowing the entry of the thumb and the orifice at its tip allowing round pea; without any edge, Rim at its tip and fixed with soft leather bag at its root. 23-24 ½

12. Nadi Yantra for Udakodar/Ascies

द्विदवारा नलिका पिच्छनलिका वोदकोदरे
धूमबस्त्यादियन्त्राणि निर्दिष्टानि यथायथम्

Nadiyantra for use in Udakodara- ascites shall have two orifices- one at each end or it can be even the tube of a peacocks feather. 25

13. Shringa Yantra – Animal Horn

त्रयङ्गुलास्यं भवेच्छ्रुङ्गं चूषणे अष्टादशाङ्गुलम्
अग्रं सिद्धार्थकच्छिद्रं सुनन्द्धं चुचुकाकृति

The Shringa- animal horn useful to suck shall have the orifice of three Angula at its root and that of mustard seed at the tip, eighteen Angula in length. The tip resembles the shape of nipple. 26

14. Alabu- the hollowed gourd

त्रयङ्गुलास्यं भवेच्छ्रुङ्गं चूषणे अष्टादशाङ्गुलम्
अग्रं सिद्धार्थकच्छिद्रं सुनन्द्धं चुचुकाकृति

Alabu- the hollowed gourd will be twelve Angula in length and eighteen Angula in diameter with a round orifice of four Angula – in which, with a burning wick placed in its interior, useful for extracting Kapha and Raktha- blood. 27

Note – The procedure explained in Alabu yantra is called as cupping. Whenever vitiated blood or pus is to be extracted from a wound / ulcer, Alabu yantra is placed over the affected area and heated from outside. It expands, causing vacuum inside. This causes sucking action and the pus / vitiated blood gets sucked out.

15. Ghati – pot

तद्वद्घटी हिता गुल्मविलयोन्नमने च सा

Ghati- pot is similar and useful for making the tumors of the abdomen soft and raise it above from its low level. 27 ½

16. Shalaka Yantra - set of instruments with rod like shape

शलाकाख्यानि यन्त्राणि नानाकर्माकृतीनि च
यथायोगप्रमाणानि तेषामेषणकर्मणि

Shalaka yantra – set of instruments with rod like shape
Rod like instruments are of many functions and shapes and size suitable to be purpose for which they are used. 28

उभे गण्डूपदमुखे स्रोतोभ्यः शल्यहारिणी
मसूरदलवक्त्रे द्वे स्यात्तामष्टनवाङ्गुले

Of them, two are for probing, both having their mouth resembling that of an earth worm;
two for removing foreign bodies from the channels having their mouths resembling a lentil, one of eight and the other of nine Angula in length. 29

17. Shanku Yantra – Hooks

शङ्कवः षट् उभौ तेषां षोडशद्वादशाङ्गुलौ
व्यूहने अहिफणावक्त्रौ द्वौ दशद्वादशाङ्गुलौ
चालने शरपुङ्खास्यौ आहार्ये बडिशाकृती

Shanku Yantra – hooks are six, among them two, (16 and 12 Angula in length), their mouth shaped like the hood of a serpent, are meant for joining (the edges of wounds etc);
Two more- one of twelve and the other of ten Angula in length, having the mouth resembling a Sharapunkha (bottom of arrow) meant for loosening the hard objects that are to be extracted. The size resembles a fish hook. 30-31

नतो अग्रे शङ्कुना तुल्यो गर्भशङ्कुरीति स्मृतः
अष्टाङ्गुलायतस्तेन मूढगर्भं हरेत्स्त्रियाः

The hook known as Garbhashanku, is bent in its tip resembling a conch, 18 Angula in length and meant for pulling the impacted foetus in women. 32

18. Instrument for extracting the stone from the urinary bladder

अश्मर्यहरणं सर्पफणाबद्धकमग्रतः

Instrument for extracting the stone from the urinary bladder, shall be shaped like the hood of a snake and bent inwards at its tip.

19. Instrument for extracting the tooth

शरपुङ्खमुखं  दन्तपातनं चतुरङ्गुलम्

Instrument for extracting the tooth should have the shape of Sharapunkha (base of arrow) and is of four Angula – in length. 33

20. The rod- like instruments meant for clearing sinuses etc

कार्पासविहितोष्णीषाः शालाकाः षट् प्रमार्जने

The rod- like instruments meant for clearing sinuses etc. shall have their tip covered with a cap of cotton wool.

21.

पायावासन्नदुरार्थे द्वे दशाद्वादशाङ्गुले

Two others Nadi yantra (rod like instruments)- one of 10 and other of12 Angula- in length  meant for drawing the rectum near – by closing the things and extending it farther. 34

द्वे षट्सप्ताङ्गुले घ्राणे, द्वे कर्णे अष्टनवाङ्गुले

Two other instruments, of six and seven Angula respectively for use in the nose; two of eight and nine Angula for use in the ears.

22. That meant for clearing the ear

कर्णशोधनमश्वत्थपत्रप्रान्तं स्रुवाननम्

That meant for clearing the ear, with its edge like the leaf of the Ashwattha tree and face resembling a ladle. 35

23. Jambauvoshta- Cylindrical smooth stones

शलाकाजाम्बवौष्ठानां क्षारे अग्नौ च प्रथक् त्रयम्
युञ्ज्यात् स्थूलाणुदीर्घाणां

Jambauvoshta- Cylindrical smooth stones- each three in number, thick, thin and long in shape be used for the application of caustic Alkalies and branding by fire – therapies.

24. That meant for use in international Hernia- in the scrotum

शलाकामन्त्रवर्ध्मनि
मध्योर्ध्ववृत्तदण्डां च मूले चार्धेन्दुसन्निभाम्

That meant for use in international Hernia- in the scrotum shall have a round rod, bigger at its middle and upper portion and its root shaped like the half moon- 36.

25. Instrument meant for cauterizing the polyp

कोलास्थिदलतुल्यास्या नासार्शेर्बुददाहकृत्

Instrument meant for cauterizing the polyp and tumors of the nose shall have its mouth similar to the cotyledon of the stone of Kola- Jujube fruit. 36

अष्टाङ्गुला निम्नमुभास्तिस्रः  क्षारौषधक्रमे
कनीनीमध्यमानामीनखमानसमैर्मुखैः

The tree for applying caustic Alkali therapy shall be eight Angula- in length, their mouths –tips resembling the nails of the index, middle and ring finger- in size respectively. 38

स्वंस्वमुक्तानि यन्त्राणि मेढ्रशुद्ध्यञ्जनादिषु

those meant for clearing the penis / urethra and applying eye salve has been described at relevant places to be continued

26. Anu yantra- Accessory instruments:-

अनुयन्त्राण्ययस्कान्तरज्जुवस्त्राश्ममुद्गराः
वध्नाश्वजिह्वाबालाश्च शाखानखमुखद्विजाः
कालः पाकः करः पदो भयं हर्षश्च, तत्क्रियाः
उपायवित्प्रविभजेदालोच्य निपुणं धिया

Accessory instruments are – the magnet, rope/ thread , cloth, stone, hammer, leather strap, intensive- of animals, tongue, hair, branches of trees, nails mouth, teeth, time, digestion hands, feet, fear and pleasure.

They are used judiciously based on the assessment of disease and the patient. 39-40

Different functions of Yantra –

निर्घातनोन्मथनपूरणमार्गशुद्धिसंव्यूह्नाहरणबन्धनपीडनानि
आचूषणोन्नमननाममचालमङ्गव्यावर्तनर्जुकरणानि च यन्त्रकर्मे

Nirghatana- pulling out after crushing,
unmathana- pulling out after twisting,
Poorana- filling,
Marga shuddhi- clearing the passage,
Vyuhana- bringing together,
Aharana – extracting,
Bandhana- binding,
Peedana- Rubbing,
Achushana – sucking,
Unnamana- lifting up,
Namana- pushing down, bending down
Chalana- shaking,
Bhanga- breaking,
Vyavartana- overturning,
Rujukarana- straightening etc. are the functions of the Yantras- blunt instruments. 41

विवर्तते साध्ववगाहते च ग्राह्यं गृहीत्वोद्धरते च यस्मात् ।
यग्त्रेष्वतः कङ्कमुखं प्रधानं स्थानेषु सर्वष्वधिकारि यच्च ॥४२ १/२॥

Among the blunt instruments Kankamukha Yantra, is the best as it can  be twisted easily, dipped deep, can be held firmly, catches the objects firmly and is the authority in all places. It is indispensable. 42

Thus ends the twenty fifth chapter called Yantravidhi in sutrasthana of Astanga hrudaya composed by Vaghata.