EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OF UNCONSCIOUSNESS IN AGAD TANTRA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO ASPHYXIAL CONDITIONS

Unconsciousness is a life-threatening emergency characterized by loss of awareness and inability to respond to external stimuli. In Ayurveda, such altered states are described under Murcha and Sanyasa, resulting from derangement of Doshas, vitiation of Prana Vayu, obstruction of channels (Srotorodha), and impairment of vital functions. Agad Tantra, the Ayurvedic branch dealing with toxicology and emergency management, describes several revival-oriented therapies for preservation of life and restoration of consciousness in critically ill individuals. Classical Ayurvedic texts explain emergency management in conditions resembling drowning and hanging, where respiratory obstruction and impairment of Prana lead to collapse of consciousness.[1] In the present era, increasing cases of near-drowning and near-hanging have become major medical and medico-legal emergencies. Survivors often develop complications such as hypoxic brain injury, paralysis, seizures, memory impairment, respiratory weakness, and prolonged neurological deficits due to cerebral oxygen deprivation. Ancient Ayurvedic scholars emphasized immediate revival measures including Nasya, Anjana, Dhoopana, sensory stimulation procedures, and administration of pungent and aromatic Agada formulations for restoration of consciousness and Prana. Though originally described for poisoning and asphyxial states, these therapies may have supportive applicability in present-day near-drowning and near-hanging survivors, particularly in managing post-hypoxic neurological and respiratory complications. The present article highlights the Ayurvedic understanding of unconsciousness and revival measures described in Agad Tantra with special reference to drowning and hanging, while correlating classical concepts with modern emergency and rehabilitative care.