Agnikarma in Ayurveda- A review article

Ayurveda is the everlasting supreme science of medicine because it deals with promotion of health and curing diseases. Sushruta known as father of surgery has described various surgical and para surgical measures. Sushruta has mentioned different methods of management of diseases, such as Bheshaja karma, Ksharkarma, Agnikarma and Shastrakarma. In this fast lifestyle patients need instant result on all pain. Agnikarma is one such procedure and it is believed that disease treayed with this never reoccurs. This Agnikarma is original idea of modern cauterization procedure. This review deals with various aspects of Agnikarma

Current updates on Anguli Pramana, an ancient tool of measurements

Introduction: Anguli Pramana is an ancient form of anthropometry. Though it is an age old technique of measurement, it is one of the unique hypothetical concepts put forth by acharyas. It is included in the syllabus of Rachana Sharir and students are studying over years. There is a need of updating the existing knowledge. Hence, the present study was a small step in this direction. Materials and Methods: Along with ethical clearance, the study was conducted on 770 healthy participants of age group 18-50 years in Ahmednagar and Nashik Region. Considering middle finger width of the right hand at proximal interphalangeal joint as Swa-anguli Pramana, measurements were taken for selected body parts related to the lower limb. Data obtained was analysed applying Z score test. Results: In the present study, measured values for selected parameters when compared with the standard values stated by acharya found statistically different. Discussion: Result of the present study reveal that the anthropometric values stated in ancient time are not valid in the present era. This may be due to evolutionary changes and changes in life style. The present study gives tentative information regarding the same. The result obtained is confined to the selected sample size and for selected parameters. The research can be extended further to arrive at a proper conclusion

Critical review on Haritaki w.s.r. to Sthaulya (obesity)

Obesity is a major risk factor for a number of chronic diseases, including Diabetes, Cardiovascular disease & Cancer etc. In 2013, the American Medical Association (AMA) declared Obesity a disease that requires a range of interventions to advance treatment & prevention.  So, it is the need of the hour to develop better treatment protocol to treat & prevent the condition. Ayurveda has the potential in the prevention, management & improvement of the quality of life in obese patient. Haritaki having properties like Kaphaghna, Medoghna, Deepana, Pachana, Ruksha, Laghu Guna, Katu, Tikta Rasa and Ushna Veerya, it does the Sthaulya Samprapti Vighatana. Various studies also suggested that Haritaki possesses an antiobesity and hypolipidemic effects based on Kaphanashak and Medoghna properties and presence of its biologically active components like saponins, phytosterols, chebulinic acid and corilagin. Therefore, Haritaki can be useful as an adjuvant therapy for Obesity

Narrative review to unravel the link between symptoms and components of pathogenesis (Samprapti Ghatak) of Tamak Swasa (bronchial asthma)

Tamak Swasa is a disorder of Pranavaha Srotas. It highly correlates with the clinical picture of bronchial asthma. The non-recognition of Tamak Swasa in the early stages may lead to worsening of symptoms, frequent attacks of Swasa, and decreased quality of life. It is highly essential to recognize the underlining pathology and related Samprapti Ghataka (components of pathogenesis) based on clinical signs and symptoms of asthma. This understanding helps a physician to choose the most appropriate therapeutic approach. This review aims to explain the underlying pathology of symptoms of Tamak Swasa. A literature search was performed referring Bruhatrayee, Laghutrayee, and all other available classical texts of Ayurveda. Published articles were referred to using PubMed and google scholar search. This review analyzed that Vegavastha (exacerbation) and Avegavastha are important milestones of treatment. Identification of involvement of Vata and or Kapha Dosha, Aavaranajanya Samprapti (obstructed pathology), types of Srotodushti (Srotasas are the channels of transportation), deteriorated status of Jatharagni and functionality of Apan Vayu (a subtype of Vata Dosha) found to be vital components of pathogenesis linked with the major symptoms responsible for the manifestation of serious exacerbation stage of Tamak Swasa.  &nbsp

Ayurvedic management of Shwitra (vitiligo) - A Case Study

Introduction: In Ayurveda all skin diseases are classified under heading Kushta Roga. Shwitra is one among them. Shwitra is a condition characterized by whitish discolored patches on the body, it is caused due to involvement of Sapta Dravyas i.e., Vata, Pitta, Kapha, Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa and Meda. The fourth layer of Twacha (Tamra) mainly considered as prime location of Shwitra. It can be can be correlated to Vitiligo. Vitiligo is a hypopigmentation dermatological disorder, affecting 1% of the population worldwide. Methodology: The present case report is of 63 years old male, came with complaints of whitish discolored patches over bilateral legs (shin aspect) with mild itching and no burning sensation; was effectively treated with Shamana Aushadis initially, followed by repeated Shodhana i.e., with Virechana and Jaloukacharana. Result: Patient showed encouraging result after Virechana, Jaloukacharana and followed by Shamana Aushadis, where subjective criteria evaluated using scoring method & objective criteria evaluated using VETI scoring method. Discussion: Patient was Initially treated with Shamana Aushadis, where white discolored patches turned to pinkish, later treated with repeated course of Virechana followed by Jaloukacharana in regular intervals, where subject was observed with 85% improvement in subjective criteria & VETI scoring improved from 12 to 4. Hence, the present case study highlights the importance of efficacy of Ayurvedic treatment in Shwitra, as mentioned in classics

Clinical review on comparative study of two different formulations Amritadi Kwatha and Kandughna Mahakashaya Ghan Vati on the basis of clinical efficacy in patients of Udarda

Present study deals with study and comparison of two ayurveda formulations in the patients of Udarda. Amritadi Kwath and Kandughna Mahakashaya Ghan Vati were used in separate groups of patients and their effect was compared. Kandughna Mahakashaya Ghan Vati was found to be more effective in the patients of Udarda

Randomized comparative study on Ekangavir Rasa, Vaitarana Basti, Shirobasti in combination on Barthel Index and NIH Stroke Scale in Pakshavadh with special reference to Cerebral Infarction

Introduction: Stroke also called CVA (cerebrovascular accident) is a medical emergency. It is defined as rapid onset of focal neurological deficit, resulting from diseases of the cerebral vasculature and its contents. This disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. It occurs when blood vessels that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or burst. Symptoms of stroke include trouble walking, speaking and understanding as well as paralysis or numbness of the face. Methodology: In this study, patients were treated with combination of Ekangavir Rasa, Vaitarana Basti and Shirobasti in trial group and Ekangavir Rasa with Vaitarana Basti in control group on Barthel Index and NIH Stroke Scale of Pakshavadh, after that after treatment assessment was done. Result: 60 cases were recorded and treated. Observation & results showed significant improvement in patients. Conclusion: The results obtained from this study were encouraging. details are explained in full paper.                            &nbsp

Successful management and withdrawal of conventional medicine in Amavata patient (Seropositive Rheumatoid Arthritis) with an Ayurvedic intervention: A Case Report : Withdrawal of conventional medication by Ayurvedic management in Amavata (rheumatoid arthritis)

Amavata (~Rheumatoid arthritis) is the most common condition among chronic inflammatory joint diseases. It occurs due to impairment of Agni (digestive fire), formation of Ama (bio-toxin) and vitiation of Vata Dosha. The produced Ama is carried by the aggravated Vata which gets deposited in the Shleshmasthana (Asthi - sandhi) and produces “Amavata”. The clinical features of Amavata are identical to Rheumatoid arthritis. In Conventional medicines NSAIDs, DMARDs, JAK inhibitors and corticosteroids plays a major role in the treatment of this condition; but they have serious adverse effects and have limitations for long-term therapy. Conventional drugs only provide temporary control to the pain but the possibility of further damage to joints remains the same because the root cause of the disorder remains unattended. This issue increases the urge to research the new possibilities of drugs that have predictable efficacy and a low toxic profile in this debilitating disorder. Ayurveda focuses on treating the root cause and breakdown of pathogenesis with the help of modalities like Langhana, Swedana, and use of drugs having Tikta, Katu Rasa and Deepana property, Virechana, Snehapana and Vasti. These procedures help in Amapachana, Vatashamana, and Strotoshodhana and have lesser side effects. Present case study was done on the female patient of Amavata in which the successful withdrawal of the DMARDs and NSAIDs were done with the help of Ayurvedic medicine

Vaman Karma in Yauvan Pidika (Mukhdushika) w.s.r. to Acne Vulgaris : A Case Study

Face is considered as an important part of the body as far as beauty and look is concerned. Hence, everyone in general and youngsters in particular are very cautious about beauty of their face. Acne vulgaris (A.V) is a disease of the pilosebaceous origin that causes non-inflammatory lesions (papules, pustules and nodules) and varying degrees of scarring. In Ayurveda Yauvanapidika (Acne vulgaris) is such a condition that disfigures the face during adolescent to younger age. If the condition remains untreated, it leaves permanent scars over the face. According to Ayurveda, vitiation of Kapha Dosha, Vata Dosha and Rakta Dhatu lead to development of Mukhadushika or Yauvanapidika which have resemblance with acne vulgaris in modern texts. Both modern and Ayurvedic sciences have considered the use of topical as well as oral medicines and their combination for the management of acne vulgaris. No doubt modern medication provides quick relief from acne vulgaris but cause noticeable side effects. Nowadays herbal formulations and Ayurvedic therapy are the superior choices for cosmetic purposes among the most of the population. So, the aim and objectives of this article is to minimize the side effects of Allopathic medicine in Acne vulgaris (A.V) as well as to popularized the Vamana therapy (one of the procedures of Panchakarma therapy) by a case study of 25 yrs old female patient having complaints of recurrent erythematic papules and pustules along with dark spots on her face. She was given Shodhana Therapy (Vamana therapy) and then Shaman Chikitsa (Panchkol Phanta, Chitrakadi Vati, Liv 52 DS). She got good result in Yauvanapidika (Acne vulgaris)

Revisiting and recreating plastic surgery concepts of Acharya Sushruta through Torn Ear Lobulue Repair vis-à-vis Karnasandhana w.s.r. to Lobuloplasty - A Single Case Study

Plastic surgery is one of the oldest forms of surgery which was expounded to the world by Ayurveda through Acharya Sushruta in his treatise Sushruta Samhita. Reconstructive plastic surgical procedures were performed in ancient India. The plastic surgery of ear (Otoplasty) and Nose (Rhinoplasty) are described in the Sushruta Sutrastana 16th chapter. First methods are described for piercing the ear lobes of an infant which is still a wide spread practice in India. Often these ear lobes; due to the use of heavy Ornaments; gets considerably expanded - split and tear as time passes. Sushruta has described 15 methods of joining these cup-up ear lobes through basic concepts of plastic surgery under the broad heading of Karnasandana. For correcting ear lobe tear, people demand good cosmetically appealing surgery which comes with minimal scar formation. All these types of Sandana Karma with due consideration to its finest details were explained in detail, represent the school of surgery of Acharya Sushruta, who made significant contribution to the principles and techniques of plastic surgery which are surprisingly applicable even in todays modern surgical era. It highlights the status and sophistication of ancient Indian surgery. Here, A brief review on a patient suffering from split ear lobules, was operated on the lines of Karnasandhana as described by Acharya Sushruta,which can be compared with Lobuloplasty, is detailed below