Chikitsaa Prakaara: Lepa / Aalepa

Prakaara Paribhaashaa:

• लिप्यते इति लेप:।  D`alhan`a
• External application of a medicine in a paste form is termed as Lepa.
• This is described as the Aadya (initial) Upakrama of Vran`a.

Types:

• First type of classification:

1. Lepa
2. Pralepa – Very thin coat of medicine having cold potency.
3. Aalepa – The thickness of medicine should be of moderate size.
4. Pradeha – The thickness of the medicineshould be twice that of Pralepa.
5. Kalka – Aalepa if used at the place of Vran`a it is termed as Kalka.

• Second type of classification:

1. Doshaghna – ¼ Anguli in thickness and indicated in S`hothaadi disease for Doshanaas`hana
2. Vishahara – 1/3 Anguli in thickness. It is indicated in allergic reactions of Bhallataka and swellings due to Keet`adams`ha (insect bite).
3. Varn`ya (Mukhalepa) – ½ Anguli in thickness. It is indicated in Vyanga, Nilikaa etc.

Description:Kaala/Vaya/Ahoraatra/Ritu/Bhukta

• Lepa should not be applied during night except in cases of Pittaja, Raktaja, Abhighaataja and Vishaja Vran`a. When it is to be applied over Vran`as`hotha and Peed`ana (Pressing) is required it can be applied at night.
• Fresh Lepa should be prepared each time.
• Lepa should not be appliedover the previously applied Lepa.

Pradhaanakarma:

• This is a main Upakrama of Vran`a Chikitsaa.
• The Lepa should always be S`hlakshn`a (non resistant, soft).
• It should be applied in Pratiloma direction i.e. in opposite direction of hair direction.
• The hair at the application site should be removed first.
• Lepa materialonce applied should not be used again for application after removing.
• The Lepa should be removed when it dries except when Peed`ana at that site is required.

Pas`hchaatkarma:

• The Lepa should be removed with the help of Luke warm water after it dries.

Other Description:

• Pralepa – Tanu, Avis`hoshi Or Vis`hoshi, S`heeta
• Pradeha – Ushn`a / S`heeta, Tanu / Thick, Avis`hoshi, Vaatakapha Pras`hamaka, Sandhaana, S`hodhana, Ropana, S`hothahara, Vedanaapaha
•  Aalepa – Madhyama Gun`a, Raktapitta Prasaadaka
• Kalka – Aalepa if used at the place of Vran`a is termed as Kalka. It reduces Raktaadisraava. Vran`a Maardava is achieved. Pootimaamsa S`hodhana, Vran`a S`hodhaka
• Aalepa should contain unctuous material

• For Pittaja Vikaara – 1/6 of the whole material.
• For Vaataja Vikaara – 1/ 4 of the whole material.
• For Kaphaja Vikaara – 1/8 of the whole material.

• For Raktaja Pratis`hyaaya, Pittaja Pratis`hyaaya and Pooyas`hon`ita associated with Paaka, Daaha and Rookshataa Lepa of S`heeta Dravya should be applied.
• Anulepana can be used in the condition where Snaana is contraindicated.

Last updated on May 26th, 2021 at 05:55 pm