In ancient times, Shalya Tantra played a crucial role in the treatment of traumatic injuries, wounds, fractures, and various surgical conditions. Today, while modern medicine has taken the forefront in surgical interventions, Shalya Tantra remains an essential and specialized branch of Ayurveda, preserving and promoting traditional surgical techniques and knowledge.

The objectives of Shalya Tantra include:

i. Diagnosis and Management of Surgical Conditions: Shalya Tantra is involved in diagnosing and treating various surgical diseases and conditions. This includes abscesses, cysts, fistulas, hemorrhoids, tumors, and other surgical problems.

ii. Trauma Management: In the past, Shalya Tantra was particularly significant in the treatment of traumatic injuries, fractures, dislocations, and wound management. While modern medicine has taken over in these areas, Ayurvedic principles are still employed to aid in the healing process and rehabilitation.

iii. Surgical Techniques: Shalya Tantra encompasses various surgical procedures that are specific to Ayurvedic principles. These procedures may involve incisions, drainage, suturing, and wound management using herbal and natural materials.

iv. Post-operative Care: Shalya Tantra emphasizes post-operative care, including wound healing, infection prevention, and the use of specific medications and therapies to aid recovery.

It is important to note that Shalya Tantra is generally practiced in conjunction with other branches of Ayurveda. For instance, pre-operative and post-operative care may involve Panchakarma therapies to prepare the body for surgery and aid in the healing process after the procedure.

While modern medicine has evolved to handle complex surgical cases, Shalya Tantra continues to be appreciated for its traditional surgical wisdom, which has been passed down through generations. Ayurvedic surgeons are trained to use both ancient knowledge and contemporary medical advancements to provide holistic surgical care.

As with any medical treatment, surgical procedures should be performed by qualified and skilled practitioners, and the decision to undergo surgery should be made after thorough consultation and evaluation of the patient's condition and health status.