APPLICATIONS OF SHIROABHYANGA (HEAD MASSAGE) AND IT’S ROLE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF DARUNAKA (DANDRUFF) – A SCIENTIFIC REVIEW

Darunaka, considered as dandruff is a Kapalagata and a Shirogata roga that commonly affects today’s young generation because of their modified lifestyles, improper dietary habits, improper maintenance of hair, use of various chemical included hair products and due to high stress at the workplace. Due to the advancement of many new hair products, people hardly remember the application of hair oil, also called as Shiroabhyanga, ancient practice for maintaining the hair and keeping the mind cool. Modernization has lead to lack of these practices and a rise in the disorders of hair including stress. There are many studies are available on the scalp disease Darunaka and the application of Shiroabhyanga with specific oils. In this study an effort has been made to review all such studies that involve the Darunaka and Shiroabhyanga or the head massage or the application of oil and to evaluate the probable mode of action of the same which would be very helpful for the researchers, practitioners and Ayurvedic fraternity to validate the procedure of Shiroabhyanga and its applicability in the present health disorders that are caused due to excessive stress. This study might also give an idea to the novice researchers for incorporating an Ayurvedic therapy like Shiroabhyanga along with Yoga and other systems of medicine in reducing the complaints of the patient and serving the society for the better

PARANASAL SINUSITIS (APEENASA/PEENASA) AND ITS MANAGEMENT IN AYURVEDA

Sinusitis is defined as the inflammation of the mucosa either of any one or all of the paranasal sinuses. In humans, there are four paired sinuses which are termed as paranasal sinuses and they are maxillary, frontal, ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses. Ayurveda being an ancient holistic science aims at alleviating the disease and protection and prevention of the positive health. Shalakya Tantra is one of the Astangas of Ayurveda that deals with the Uttamanga and the diseases related to Urdhvajatru. Paranasal sinusitis, the most common disease in Shalakya tantra can be correlated to the disease Apeenasa, Peenasa, Dusta Pratishyaya etc in Ayurveda based on its signs and symptoms. Apeenasa and Peenasa are used interchangeably for paranasal sinusitis in Ayurveda and they are managed with Deepana Pachana, Vamana, Virechana, Dhumapana, Nasya Karma or Shirovirechana. Nasya Karma, one of the Panchakarma therapy and the best therapy for the Urdhwajatrugata Rogas plays a vital role in the successful management of the sinusitis. In this therapy, the medicine is administered through nose either in the form of ghee, oil, powder, liquid or smoke. It is particularly useful in the treatment of diseases occurring in the organs situated above the clavicle but indirectly it works on the whole body by improving the functioning of the endocrine glands and nervous system

PRASAVA (LABOUR) IN AYURVEDA- A LESS KNOWN CONCEPT

Childbirth is a physiologic and natural process has been undertaken by women over the years with professional assistance in which most of the women experience labour pain and childbirth as most severe and agonising event of a woman’s existence. Labour is linked with a painful experience, though there are no underlying pathological processes, a lot of women are worried about labour pain and how they can be relieved of pain. Pharmacological agents such as pethidine (Meperidine) and other analgesics are used to effectively control labour pain. Both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches are necessary to relief labour pain effectively. Some women employ other non- pharmacological pain relief measures during labour such as breathing exercises, taking showers, and assuming specific positions and moving about to control their pain. In addition, the use of herbal medicine has been reported to relieve labour pain. Description of labour in Ayurvedic science, though found since 5000yrs ago is a very less known concept to many people as they are not much in practice. Currently the labour is managed only by the conventional medicine with some interventions with addition of Yoga and Ayurveda in the Antenatal care. By evaluating the complete knowledge of Prasava or the labour explained in Ayurvedic science, the same may be incorporated as an add-on in the future studies to make it evidence based and also to corroborate the authenticity of the science through research

A PILOT STUDY OF PIPPALYADI TAILA YONIPICHU IN THE MANAGEMENT OF KAPHAJA YONIYVAPAD (NON-SPECIFIC VAGINITIS)

Background: Vaginitis is an inflammatory process involving the vagina, expanding often to the contiguous anatomical structures (cervix and vulva). Non-specific vaginitis is usually caused by an alteration (disruption) of the normal vaginal microflora, usually represented by the presence of Lactobacilli. Nonspecific vaginitis can be correlated to Kaphaja Yonivyapad based on its Lakshanas. Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of Pippalyadi taila yoni Pichu in management of Kaphaja yoni vyapad. Design: This was a pilot study that included twenty female patients of Kaphaja yonivyapad (non specific vaginitis) from the Dept. of Prasooti tantra and Stree roga OPD of Rajiv Gandhi educational society’s Ayurvedic Medical College, Ron. Patients were administered Pippalyadi taila yonipichu for 7 days and were assessed before and after the treatment and followed up on the 14th day. Results: This pilot study showed statistically significant changes in reduction of Katishoola (p<0.001), Kandu (p<0.001), consistency of the srava (p<0.001) and Srava pramana (quantity of the discharge) (p<0.001) showing the effectiveness of Pippalyadi taila yoni Pichu in the management of Kaphaja yonivyapad. Conclusions: Pippalyadi taila yonipichu showed significant changes in the management of Kaphaja yoni Vyapad with the reduction of Katishoola, Kandu, consistency of the Srava and Srava pramana after the treatment

ROLE OF KAALA (TIME) IN KAYASHODHANA (DETOXIFICATION OF BODY)

The principles and practices in relation to human health as described in Ayurveda signify the moulding techniques of inculcating healthy personality in dependence of Kala or the time. The Kala is accepted as one of the important environmental phenomena from the health and disease point of view. The life style prescribed in Ayurveda according to Kala plays a vital role in maintaining and promoting the positive health as well as to prevent and cure the diseases. Dosha, Agni, Bala, Ahara, Vyadhi, Oushadha and Chikitsa etc various factors are influenced by Kala. Ageing also depends upon the Kaala which helps us to ascertain the Sharira Avastha, Sharira bala and Roga bala etc of the person according to which the treatment can be planned to reduce the sufferings of the patient. So here, an effort is made to elucidate the therapeutic application of Kaala or the time in reference to Panchakarma therapies that does the Kaya Shodhana which can be considered as the detoxification or purification of the body

STANDARDIZATION OF VARNYA DRAVYA (COMPLEXION PROMOTERS) WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO YASHTIMADHU AND MANJISHTA CHURNA – AN ANALYTICAL STUDY

Standardization of drugs refers to the confirmation of its identity and determination of the quality and purity. Herbal drug technology is used for converting botanical materials into medicines, where standardization and quality control with proper integration of modern scientific techniques and traditional knowledge are important. However, the quality control and quality assurance still remains a challenge because of the high variability of chemical components involved. Most of the pharmaceutical industries are using substitute drugs in place of authentic drugs. So to manufacture and deliver the best quality drugs, it is essential to authenticate the raw drugs. Keeping the current inclination in mind, Varnyadravya or the complexion promoting drugs such as Yashtimadhu (Glycirrhizia glabra) and Manjishtha (Rubia Cordifolia) churna were subjected for standardization procedures. From the current study, genuinity indicating parameters for both Yashtimadhu churna (powder) and Manjishthachurna were derived

ROLE OF POTAKI MOOLA KALKA LEPANA IN PRASAVA (1ST STAGE OF LABOUR): A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Pregnancy, parturition and puerperium are the three main stages occurring during active reproductive period of a woman’s life. Among them, parturition is the stage that needs highest attention. Labour is a nature’s process. Very often it requires minimal assistance. However, due to altered anatomy and physiology a perfectly normal labour may suddenly become abnormal and even fatal. Objectives: To evaluate the effect of Potaki Moola Kalka Yoni Lepana in Prasava (First stage of labour) Design: This was a randomized controlled study with thirty patients divided into two groups, 15 in each. In Group A, Prostaglandin E2 (Dinoprostone gel) was administered vaginally for maximum of 3 doses with a gap of 6hrs and in Group B, Pothaki moola kalka application was done was vaginally for maximum of 3 Lepa application with a gap of 6hrs. Results: Statistically significant results were seen in cervical dilatation, cervical effacement, cervical position, cervical consistency and head station components of Bishop’s score in the first stage of labor with p < 0.05. Conclusions: Group B showed statistically significant results in cervical dilatation, cervical effacement, cervical position, cervical consistency, head station etc, components of Bishop’s score in the first stage of labor compared to Group A

ROLE OF GANDUSHA IN PITTAJA MUKHAPAKA (APHTHOUS ULCER) - A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Background: Pittaja Mukhapaka or the Aphthous ulcer is a painful and often recurrent inflammatory process of the oral mucosa that can appear secondary to various well-defined disease processes. Idiopathic recurrent aphthous stomatitis is referred to as recurrent aphthous stomatitis. Objectives: To evaluate the effect of Patoladi kashaya gandusha in Toda, Daha, Asyavairasyata and the pH of Pittaja mukhapaka (Aphthous ulcer) and to standardize the frequency of Gandusha (An Ayurvedic intervention). Design: This was a randomized controlled study with thirty patients divided into two groups, 15 in each. In Group A, Patoladi kashaya gandusha (gargling) was given once a day for 7 days and in Group B, Patoladi kashaya gandusha (gargling) was carried out twice a day for 7 days. After the completion of treatment, follow up was done once in fifteen days for a period of 2 months. Results: Statistically significant results were seen in reduction of Toda with p<0.001, Group A (61.53%) compared to Group B (81.81%), Daha with p<0.001 Group A (73.07%) compared to Group B (81.81%), Asyavairasyata with p<0.001 Group A (73.91%) compared to Group B (100%) and also in relieving the pH of saliva with p<0.001 and Group A (100%) compared to Group B (100%). Conclusions: Group B (Patoladi kashaya gandusha given twice a day) showed statistically significant results compared to Group A (Patoladi kashaya gandusha given once a day) in reduction of Toda, Daha, Asya vairasyata and the pH of Pittaja Mukhapaka (Aphthous ulcer)

EFFICACY OF ASCHYOTANA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF VATAJA ABHISHYANDA (ALLERGIC CONJUNCTIVITIS): AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Background: Inflammation of the conjunctiva due to allergy is known as allergic conjunctiva. It is also seen in the people suffering from allergic rhinitis and is affected by all age groups at least once in their lifetime. But older population and children are more prone for allergic conjunctivitis. Objectives: To evaluate the effect of Aschyotana karma or the therapy with Bilvadi eye drops in the management of Vataja abhishyanda (allergic conjunctivitis). Design: This was an observational study with random sampling. Forty subjects who fulfilled the eligibility criteria were included for the study. Patients with complaints of Allergic Conjunctivitis were selected from OPD of Department of Shalakya Tantra (Netra-Roga), R.G.G.P.G. Ayu. Hospital Paprola, Himachal Pradesh. These patients were administered Bilvadi aschyotana 2 eye drops 4to 5 times for 15 days and were assessed for itching, redness, burning sensation and photophobia before the treatment, on the 3rd day, once in a week and after the treatment.  Results: Aschyotana with Bilvadi eye drops in Vataja abhishyanda provided significant relief in itching 70.09%, redness 41.7%, burning sensation 47.6% and photophobia 53.3%. &nbsp

A CLINICAL STUDY OF DRAKSHA GRITHA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ANAEMIA IN PREGNANCY (GARBHINI PANDU)

A woman requires more nutrition during pregnancy, which is a physiological condition. When compared to non-pregnant women, a pregnant woman needs 2-3 times the amount of iron than usual. Pandu means pallor of body which can be correlated with 'Anemia' of modern science. Many references in Ayurvedic classics denote that Garbhini Pandu is available. Design: 30 patients of Garbhini Pandu were selected from OPD and IPD of Prasuti Tantra and Stree Roga department from Dr. BRKR GAMC, Hyderabad and were administered 15ml of Drakshaghrita twice daily (morning and evening) on empty stomach orally along with Anupana of Sukoshnadugdha consecutively for 90 days. Results: Statistically highly significant results were seen in Pallor, Glossitis, Bhrama, Hrudrava, Hb% and edema of the lower extremity with p< 0.001. Conclusions: The study showed that Draksha Gritha is effective in the management of Garbhini Pandu