Lepas Mentioned Under Ritucharya – A Short Review

DOI: https://doi.org/10.47223/IRJAY.2021.41116

Abstract

Ayurveda is the science that provides knowledge about life and longevity. It is one of the traditional medical systems which are very close to nature. Ayurveda has two objectives:-alleviation of disorders in the diseased and maintenance of health. Prevention of diseases is one of the main principles of Ayurveda. Various healthy regimens, which people had practised once, are not in current practice and they are deflecting from nature leading to many lifestyle disorders. Skin, being largest organ, is exposed to various environmental factors like heat, sunlight, humidity etc plays a pivot role in protection and maintenance of health. According to Ayurveda, skin is Sparshanendriya Adhisthana (responsible for tactile sensation) and has the dominancy of Vata dosha .The prevalence of skin disease in general population in India varies from 10 to 12%.Skin disease the fourth leading cause of non-fatal disease burden worldwide. Ritucharya describes the guidelines about the dietary and behavioural regimen which should be adopted in different seasons. Lepas are those formulations meant for topical application. Based on their site of application, mode of application etc Lepas are classified in many ways. This review elaborately describes Lepas mentioned in Ayurvedic classical texts with special reference to seasons.