Concept of Yapan Basti and importance of Rajyapan Basti in Ayurvedic Chikitsa

Panchakarma therapy is one of the vital branch of Ayurveda, which deals mainly with purification of the provoked Doshas (physiological/pathological) from the body. These Doshas (toxins and waste material) should be purified from the body. Basti is vital Panchakarma, Yapana Basti promotes the longivity of life. Basti is effective treatment in Avaran Avastha. Rajayapana Basti having Sadhya Balajanana (increase strength), Brimhana (nourishment to Dhatu), Rasayana (rejuvenation) properties and can be used for all the causes of vitiation of Vata viz. Dhatukshaya (decrease in various tissues) and Avarana

AYURVEDIC APPROACH IN NUTRACEUTICALS W. S. R. TO RASAYANA

The roots of the concept of Nutraceuticals and functional foods can be traced to the ancient Ayurvedic system of health care. The concept of Rasayana or Rejuvenation therapy is a part of eight clinical specialities of Ayurveda. The concept of promotion of health through Rasayana is based on Ayurveda pathophysiology and its understanding of health and physiological system imbalances that lead to disease development. The word Rasayana is composed of two words ‘Ras’ + ‘Ayan’. The means by which one gets the excellence of Rasa (the nourishing fluid which is produced immediately after digestion) is Rasayana. These Rasa nourishes our body and stimulates the immunity of the body and keeps us healthy. The Ayurvedic texts describe a set of rejuvenative measures i.e. Rasayana which are claimed to act as micronutrients offering protection from external and internal stressors. This ancient understanding is being reintroduced as Nutraceuticals. Nutraceuticals are natural, bioactive materials that provide demonstrated physiological benefits or reduce the risk of chronic diseases, above and beyond their basic nutritional function. This concept of promoting health and preventing disease through nutrition and special nutritional preparations has been used for millennia in Ayurveda.The term ‘Nutraceutical’ was coined by Stephen L. De. Felice, in 1989. The word is a portmanteau of ‘Nutrition’ and ‘Pharmaceutical’ and refers to extracts of foods claimed to have a medicinal effect on human health. Consumers’ demand for quality of life has fueled the nutraceutical revolution and seeking complementary or alternative beneficial products. The association of nutraceuticals with traditional medicine brings the long standing consumer acceptance. In this review article Nutraceuticals and Rasayana in Ayurveda have been correlated and discussed

REVIEW ON CHAKRADATTA - A GREAT TREATISE BY CHAKRAPANIDATTA

Rasashastra (Indian Alchemy) forms the basis of Ayurvedic pharmaceutics. In ancient Ayurveda, the emphasis has been over the herbs and their therapeutic usages. Later on the animal products, metals and minerals started to find favor of the Ayurvedic practitioners. Ample of literature is available on Rasashastra. Chakradatta is one of the great treatise composed by Shri Chakrapanidatta, the well known Tikakarta of Charak Samhita. Chakradatta holds an important place amongst academicians, researchers and students of Rasashastra. Many verses of Chakradatta are derived from 50 sources. The principle source of this book as stated by the author himself at the end of the work is Vrndss Siddhayoga. Chakradattas main aim was to present it as an up to date text of Ayurveda medicine for the benefit of ailing mankind. The uniqueness of Chakradatta is in the description of several metallic and mercurial preparations for the purpose of internal use as medications. Therapeutic principles specific for the disease recommended by Chakradatta are beneficial even today for the practitioners of Ayurveda. Present paper will highlight the framework of Chakradatta, providing information about the author, text, characteristics & innovations. It will also throw a light towards the contribution of Chakradatta in the field of Ayurveda.

ADULTERATION AND NEED OF SUBSTITUTION OF RAW MATERIALS – A REVIEW

Experiencing challenges of modern medicine, globe is shifting towards the Ayurvedic theory of health management. In the treatment of disease use of medicine is practiced rampantly. This increased the demand of raw material exponentially. But, growth in production is still linear in nature. Fast depletion of resources is creating the major trouble. To meet the deficit, practices of adulteration and substitution are going on wildly. This adulteration and substitution became burning problem in industry threatening the integrity of Ayurveda. The deforestation, extinction or evolution of many species, insufficient knowledge, unauthenticated practices about identification, collection, storage and transport of raw material collectively resulted in adulteration. Strategic planning and integrated approach towards mass production, supply chain management, IEC, proper advocacy and knowledge sharing is needed to trim down the gravity of adulteration. “Prevention of Food Adulteration act 1954” describes technical definitions and guidelines for quality maintenance. Government is enforcing quality maintenance by implementation of “The Drug and Cosmetics Act 1940” For quality assurance, proper pharmacovigillance monitoring of raw materials and processes is very necessary. The concept of substitution is known in Ayurveda as it is enlightened prominently in Bhavprakash and Yogratnakar. However in scenario of crises, selection of substitute drugs may have upper edge over adulteration of the raw material. Scope of this article advocates that how adulteration and substitution are creating problems with respect to production of inferior quality medicines

REVIEW OF ASHTAVIDHA PARIKSHA W.S.R. TO NADI PARIKSHA

Ayurveda is the science of health and diseases free life. It is the knowledge that is abundantly supplied with guidelines which, if followed scrupulously and regularly, would spare the agony of diseases. Ayurveda is based on sound of principles of diagnosis. It is not requires clinical or costly investigations. Which are beyond reach of common and less privileged person.Asthavidha Pariksha (eight fold examination) in Ayurveda is one of the important examinations to find the various causes behind the diseases. In Ashtavidha Pariksha there are eight factors which are taken into consideration during the examination and tests carried out with the patients. Also, Nadi Pariskha is one the most important examination part for diagnosis the diseases of patients.Ashtavidha pariksha: Nadi (Pulse), Mootra (Urine), Malam (Fecal matter), Jihwa (Tongue), Sabdam (Voice of patients), Sparsham (Touch), Druk (Eyes & Vision), Akriti (General body build). Nadi Pariksha plays very important role in diagnosis of the disease. According to Ayurveda, the presence of disease in our system indicates an imbalance in our “Doshas†bringing our system back into balance is the key to the cure & with the help of Nadi Pariksha & Ayurveda doctor can detect the imbalance in the body & prescribe an effective treatment. In this article an attempt has been made to focus on Ashtavidha Pariksha with special reference to Nadi Pariksha. Hence Ahstavidha Pariskha with Nadi Pariksha plays an unique role in Ayurvedic Chikitsa

ROLE OF LEPAKALPANA FOR IMPROVING BEAUTY OF SKIN W. S. R. TO MUKHALEPA

Skin (Twacha) is the largest organ of the body and has a great cosmetic value. It is one of the five Jnanendriyas (sense organs) i.e., Sparsha jnyaan (touch sensation) gets from it. So it has ample of importance in physical and mental well being of an individual. It is most vulnerable to disease as it exposes to external environment. There are lots of reasons behind the skin problems and most striking is the todays busy and stressful life. Skin disorders affects all ages from the neonates to the elderly persons.Ayurveda an ancient science has vast description of the topical applications in the name of Lepa kalpana described both as the Chikitsa (treatment) of various skin diseases and for beauty. The medicines that are in the form of a paste and used for external application are called as Lepas. A great demand from Ayurveda in the field of cosmetology has been established due to its unique concept about beauty and effective, cheaper and long lasting therapy without any side effects. The herbal paste which is applied on face to treat acne, pimples, scars, marks and pigments are known as Mukha Lepa (face pack) in Ayurveda. Mukhalepa is a simple and effective skin care treatment in Ayurveda, which is done using variety of herbal pastes. The herbal face pack mainly consists of different rejuvenating herbs that help in nourishment of the skin and also aid in skin cleansing and make it soft and clear. Mukhalepas also helps to increase the elasticity of the skin and thereby prevents the ageing of the skin, avoids wrinkles on the face, and gives a good skin tone.The present article is aimed to provide the details about the Lepa kalpana from the classics of Ayurveda, the concept of Mukha lepa and the drugs mentioned in classics which are useful for improving complexion and for the common skin ailments.