Conceptual review of asepsis, antisepsis & sterilization in Ayurveda

Abstract

Sterilization is the process of freeing an article, a surface or a medium of all microorganisms. Asepsis is the state of being\xa0 free from or keeping away disease-producing microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, etc. For the success of any surgical treatment Sterilization and Aseptic precautions are of prime importance. Lack of sterilization and aseptic precautions leads to complications, infection, delayed wound healing, etc. Now a days in modern era there are various chemical & physical methods of sterilization. But the concept of ancient Sterilization and Asepsis is same, cost effective, having medicinal values also. The ancient Acharyas used Agni (Fire), Kwath (Decoction) & various medicated fumigating yogs to protect Atur (patient) from different organisms. The ancient Acharyas mentioned various Dhoopan with Rkashoghanyadravyas for sterilization of OT rooms with that explain some aseptic precautions. So, an effort is made to establish an Ayurvedic sterilization and Aseptic Technique in this era.