Krimi Roga Chikitsa in Ayurveda – A Review

Abstract

The Ayurvedic system of medicine, one of the oldest in existence, holds a vast repository of knowledge on health and disease management. In Ayurveda, all ancient scholars (Acharyas) have mentioned the term “Krimi,” and most have elaborated on its classification, causes, symptoms, and treatment. Ayurvedic physicians possessed a deep understanding of Krimi and Krimiroga, which broadly refers to worms and microorganisms in modern scientific terms. The concept of Krimi dates back to the Vedic period. Krimis are primarily categorized into two types – Bahya (external) and Abhyantara (internal). The internal Krimis are further divided into Raktaja, Kaphaja (or Shleshmaja), and Purishaja types. Acharya Charaka proposed a threefold approach to the treatment of Krimiroga, namely Apakarshana (removal of the parasites), Prakritivighata (restoration of the balance of body constituents), and Nidanparivarjana (avoidance of causative factors). Among the therapeutic procedures, Samshodhana (purification therapy) is regarded as the fundamental treatment modality for Krimiroga in Ayurveda.