Page:Sushruta Samhita Vol 3.djvu/419

Chap. LXII.] weep. (These are the symptoms of Śokaja insanity). Redness of the eyes, dulness of complexion and of the perceptive faculties, diminution of bodi'y strength, extreme dejection, blush on face and loss of consciousness are the symptoms which mark a case of insanity due to the effects of poisoning. 9-10.

General Treatment:— A patient suffering from insanity should be first treated with Sneha and Sveda and then subjected to a course of emetics, purgatives and head-purgatives (Śiro-Virechana). Powders of various sorts of (drugs used in) Avapida snuffing should be mixed with mustard oil and employed for the purpose of snuffing). Fumigation with burnt putrid beef or dog's flesh should be constantly employed. Snuffing and unguents of mustard oil are also efficacious in all cases. The patient should be surprised with wonderful sights and the news of the death of any of his dear ones should be related to him. He should be constantly frightened with sights of fierce-looking men, well-trained elephants or non-venomous snakes. The patient should be threatened with being fastened with ropes or being flogged, or frightened with bundles of blazing hay, after being fastened, while asleep. He should also be pierced in his body with pointed instruments, avoiding, however, the vulnerable parts*, or he should be made to reside constantly in a dry well with a cover over it. Barley gruel, powders of parched barley mixed with water alone should be given to him on every third day by an intelligent physician. The diet of the patient should consist also of palatable and appetising articles. 11.