TYPES OF YANTRA (BLUNT INSTRUMENTS) & THEIR UTILIZATION

TYPES OF YANTRA (BLUNT INSTRUMENTS) AND THEIR UTILIZATION

• In Ayurvedic surgical practices, Yantras are the primary tools used in various diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

• Yantras are broadly categorized into blunt (Anushastra) and sharp (Shastra) instruments.

• Blunt Yantras are primarily used for probing, supporting, pushing, stabilizing, pressing, evacuating, and constricting without cutting tissues.

• Utilization of Yantras is vital in Prasuti Tantra (Obstetrics) and Striroga (Gynecology) for various therapeutic and surgical interventions.

• Reference:
  "सर्वेषु रोगेष्वधिको यन्त्राणां प्रयोगः।"
  (Suśruta Saṃhitā, Sūtrasthāna 8/3)
  Meaning: Yantras are more useful than any other instruments in treating various diseases.

CLASSIFICATION OF YANTRAS (BLUNT INSTRUMENTS)

• Suśruta has described 24 types of Yantras which are primarily blunt in nature.

• These are further subdivided based on shape, usage, and site of application.

MAIN TYPES OF BLUNT YANTRAS

1. SWASTIKA YANTRA

• Swastika-shaped instrument.

• Used for pressing and bandaging purposes.

• Utility: Applying uniform pressure on wounds, helpful in vaginal prolapse repositioning.

2. SANDANKA YANTRA

• Resembles forceps or clamps.

• Used for holding and extracting foreign bodies.

• Modern correlation: Similar to obstetric forceps used in assisted delivery.

3. TALYANTRA

• Shaped like a plate or disc.

• Used in procedures requiring compression.

• Utility: Provides uniform pressure, like during uterine packing in PPH (Postpartum Hemorrhage).

4. NANDI YANTRA

• Used for opening cavities or passages.

• Modern correlation: Analogous to vaginal speculums used for visual inspection of cervix and vagina.

5. VETA YANTRA

• Spoon-like shape.

• Used for evacuation or extraction.

• Utility: Similar to curettes or scoops for removing retained products of conception.

6. KANKA YANTRA

• Hook-like shape.

• Used for grasping tough tissues.

• Modern correlation: Similar to vulsellum or tenaculum used in cervical procedures.

7. ESHANI YANTRA

• Probe-shaped.

• Used for exploring wounds or body cavities.

• Modern correlation: Similar to uterine sound or diagnostic probe in gynecology.

8. UTKSHIPANI YANTRA

• Lifter-shaped tool.

• Utilized to elevate tissues or organs.

• Utility: Helpful during vaginal manipulations or repositioning of uterine structures.

9. TRIKURCHAKA YANTRA

• Trident-shaped blunt instrument.

• Utilized for stabilization or repositioning.

10. ARSHA YANTRA

• Specifically used for pile masses, but adapted for gynecological swellings or tumors.

• Utility: Pressure application and gentle maneuvering.

UTILITY OF YANTRAS IN PRASUTITANTRA AND STRIROGA

IN OBSTETRICS (PRASUTITANTRA)

• During Labour:

  • Sandanka Yantra – like obstetric forceps – used in obstructed labour or delayed second stage.

  • Utkshipani Yantra – assists in fetal repositioning.

• Postpartum Management:

  • Talyantra – for uterine packing to arrest bleeding.

  • Swastika Yantra – for applying firm pressure on abdominal wall or perineum.

• Exploration and Evacuation:

  • Veta Yantra – for evacuation of retained placenta.

  • Eshani Yantra – used for per-vaginal or per-rectal examination.

IN GYNAECOLOGY (STRIROGA)

• Diagnosis:

  • Nandi Yantra – comparable to vaginal speculum.

  • Eshani Yantra – like a uterine sound, helps assess uterine depth and shape.

• Therapy & Surgery:

  • Kanka Yantra – traction or cervical holding in procedures like D&C.

  • Swastika/Talyantra – used for applying pressure in abnormal uterine bleeding.

• Uterine Disorders:

  • Used to manipulate and stabilize displaced uterus (e.g., uterine prolapse or retroversion).

SANSKRIT SHLOKAS ON YANTRA
(from classical texts)

1. "शस्त्राण्यनुपयोग्यानि यन्त्राण्युपयोजयेत्।"
   (Suśruta Saṃhitā, Sūtrasthāna 8/5)
   When sharp instruments are not suitable, blunt instruments (Yantras) should be used.

2. "शस्त्रं च तत्र नीयन्ते नित्यं यन्त्रं च साधनम्।"
   (Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdaya, Sūtrasthāna 26/4)
   Both sharp and blunt instruments are necessary in surgical procedures.

MODERN CORRELATION OF YANTRAS IN GYNECOLOGY & OBSTETRICS