Month: December 2017

The simplest  definition of Lumbar spondylosis is low back pain.  Although  the definition sounds  simple, it is  actually a serious disorder  relating  to the back.  Medical  professionals relate  this term  to common  age  related  degeneration in the lower back where the lumbar  spine  vertebra and lumbar disc are involved.

Definition

It is the arthritis of the lumbar vertebra, where there is degeneration of the inter vertebral disk with advancing age and with passage of time. Here the space between the two adjacent vertebra narrows.

Prevalence

• Affects 60-80% of adults
• Affects women more than men

Causes

1. Over weight
2. Aging – causes bone degeneration

Loss of bone density causing the exposure of nerves which may cause inflammation.

3. Genetic cause – if inherited from family
4. Life style – use of tobacco, riding bike for a longer period can increase the risk of lumbar spondylosis
5. Occupation – sitting in front of a computer for long hours, labors having hard work, lifting heavy objects.
6. Injury – In gymnastics, athletics

Clinical features

1. Low back pain : Pain can range from mild to chronic pain. Mild pain subside on their own. Sometimes this can act as an indication of any abdominal condition.  Pain may radiate from back to buttock then to  thigh to the lower leg.
2. Stiffness and numbness of limbs and toes
3. Loss of touch sensation
4. Weakness and sometimes tingling in lower part of the body.
5. Constipation
6. Pain may increase by changing positions and movements
7. Difficulty in walking
8. Loss of bladder or bowel control in rare cases.

Ayurvedic concept

Ayurveda describes L. S. under 2 headings. As kateegraha or Gridrasi.

• Kateegraham – is the stiffness of the low back area. It is due to increase in vata dosha here.
• Gridrasi – It is due to the increase of vata or vata and kapha together causing pain along the low back area which may radiate along the thigh (left or right) and reach the ankle and toes.

Treatment

Aim of treatment – Aims at reducing vata and kapha dosha and inducing  brimhana treatment.

Medicines

Internally

1. Rasna saptakam kashayam
2. Rasnairandadi kashayam
3. Dhanwantharam kashayam
4. Balarishtam
5. Punarvasavam
6. Kankayana gulika
7. Trayodasanga guggulu
8. Marma sevyam

Panchakarma treatment

• Abhyangam & Sudation – using dhanwanthara tailam
• Kateevasti
• Patrapotali swedam
• Pizhichil
• Kashayavasti
• Anuvasanavasti

Exercise and yoga

• Surya namaskaram
• Bhujangasanam
• Dhanurasanam
• Shavasanam
• Vajrasanam

Panchakarma is a globally known term today, and it has grown into a super specialty of Ayurveda. Panchakarma aims at the complete  cure of the disease  from its root so that any chance of reoccurrence does not occur.

According to Acharya Susrutha the 5 karmas are Vamana (Emetic), Virechanam (purgative),  Vasti (Enema), Nasyam (Instilling medicines through nose) and rakthamoshana (bloodletting).

Among these five, that involved with the renewal of dushta raktha (bad blood) ie. Rakthamoksha (Bloodletting).

Rakthamoksha is divided into two.

1)         Those using shastra (ie. Using surgical instruments)

2)         Those without using shastra (ie. Without surgical instruments)

According to the 3 doshas it is classified as

1. For vata dosha – Remove blood using horns of deer or bull
2. For pitta dosha – Remove blood using leeches
3. For kapha doshas – Remove blood using  ghatiyanthram (an instrument prepared using fruit of cucurbit variety)

The practice of Raktamoksha later back to ancient  time, and it is still practiced  today. The remarkable  outcome from this has actually  given a boost to the ayuvedic system of medicine.

Jaluka or Leech Therapy

Jaluka or leeches are found in cold and damp places. They are of cold potency organisms (Sheeta veerya), so used to pittaja vikara (diseases).

Types of leeches :  Devided in to two main groups.

Savisha – that with visha   and  Nirvisha – that without visha

Savisham is of 6 types  (Poisonous leeches)

1. Krishna: It is black with long head
2. Karbura: It is similar to rohita matsya
3. Alagarda: This has hair and small tumors all over the body
4. Indrayudha: Withmany colours, like a rainbow
5. Samudrika: It is yellow and black colour. Its body is covered with many spots.
6. Gochandana: Similar to cow’s male organ.

Savisha (poisonous) leeches have poison in them. They are not used. If these bites they cause raktha ashudhi (impurities to blood), itching and wounds which do not heal very fast.

Nirvisha (Non poisonous leeches)

It is of 6 types

1. Kapila: Brown colour
2. Pingala: Red colour of round shape
3. Shankamukhi: Similar to colour of liver. It can drink blood fast.
4. Mushika: Colour and smell of rats
5. Pundarikamukhi: face similar to lotus
6. Savarika : 18 finger breadth (18 angulam)

Specialty of leeches

Leeches  have the ability  to  suck blood  through  its special  orifices  present  in the front and back of its body.  Its mouth has 3 sharp teeth.  A leech  can  suck  blood  for about  30 minutes to 6 hrs.  And it  can  suck from  5ml. to 50 ml.  The sucked blood can  be stored in its digestive system for months and months.  To digest this sucked blood, it takes about 6 months to 1 year.

Process of blood digestion by leeches

Like all animals the saliva of leeches have many enzymes.  One such enzyme is hirudin.  The special quality  of hirudin  is that  it can  prevent blood coagulation, ie. Acts as an anti-coagulant.

Leech biting

The process of leech therapy  is done under 3 headings

1. Pre operative procedure (Poorvakarma)
2. Operative procedure (Pradhana karma)
3. Post-operative procedure (Paschat karma)

Pre operative procedure (Poorvakarma)

• Good leeches should be collected from fields and marshy areas.
• The leech should be  kept in water  containing paste of turmeric for a while.
• This cleanses the digestive tract of the leech.
• The place to be bitten by leach should also be washed with turmeric.

Operative procedure (Pradhana karma)

• Place the leech over the place to be bitten.
• If it is not biting that area – apply honey or butter or prick the area with a small sterilized needle.
• When the leech  has started sucking blood, place a wet cotton over its body.
• Simultaneously drop a few beads of water frequently  over its mouth.  This process  increases the blood sucking speed of the leech.
• Once the patient feels itching or pain at the site of bite, then the leech should be removed.
• This can help us understand that the bad blood is sucked fully and the leech  is sucking the good blood, so leeches removed from the area.

Post operative (Paschat karma)

• The leeches are made to vomit the drunken blood by dropping turmeric powder over its mouth.
• Sometimes it should be made to vomit manually by rubbing leeches body from its tail side to head side (ie. In opposite direction of sucking) this removes the sucked blood.

Care of site of bite

• The area bitten by the leech should be cleaned and washed.
• It should be bandaged with shatadhauta ghrita or with honey and turmeric.

Cure of leech after bite

• The leech should be checked if proper vomiting of blood is done, or else it will become weak or even may die.
• If proper vomiting by the leech, it regains its early mobility and strength.
• It should then be transferred to separate jars filled with good water (avoid chlorinated water) and stored for further use.

Disease where Leech therapy is done

1. Arthritis
2. Vascular and venous diseases
3. Varicose vein ulcer
4. Heart and lungs problems
5. Skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema etc.
6. Disease of the eye
7. Genitourinary diseases
8. Gynecological disorders

Partying out is a common trend seen among the young generation nowadays. The result of eating out usually end in flatulence, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea. Little do we know that it has triggered an IBS reaction.

IBS is not a disease as such. It is a group of symptoms that occur together. By definition, IBS is a gastro intestinal disease when its functions are altered distributing the normal working of the GI system.

How is IBS diagnosed?

It is diagnosed when a person is having abdominal pain and discomfort  for about 3 times a day for 3 months continuously without  any other disease or injury intervening.

Causes

• No specific causes
• Infection or food poisoning
• Stressful life events
• Psychiatric complaints like – depression, anxiety, physical or psychological abuse during childhood.
• Foods which increase pitha like junk food, masala food, cereals, excess of non vegetarian foods etc.

Symptoms

• Pain and discomfort around abdomen
• Alteration of bowel habits.
• Diarrhea – loose or watery stools, 3 or more times in a day.
• Constipation – less than 3 bowel movements in a week.
• Bowel is not satisfied, feel incompleteness.
• Mucous may pass through stool.
• Enlargement of abdomen due to gas bloating.
• May cause sexual dysfunction to some.
• Feels to pass motion whenever get anxious when planning to go somewhere.

Although these are difficult signs and symptoms. IBS does not alter or damage the bowel tissues unlike other hazardous diseases of the bowel.

Ayurvedic concept

IBS in ayurveda is about equalized in to grahani. The  study of grahani meaning  duodenal disorder in vast.

In short grahani is considered as a complication of diarrhea.  A person who does not cure diarrhea is likely to develop grahani. Grahani is mainly and agni related disorder. The alteration of agni leads to grahani.

Causes

• Grahani is mainly caused due to food and activities (ahara and vihara) which cause disturbances in the digestive activity or Agni (digestive fire.)

Clinical features

• Cause excessive elimination of feces.
• The elimination is either before the digestion or after digestion.
• Feces eliminated is either solid, some other times loose without any particular reason.
• It causes stasis of undigested food in the stomach
• General symptoms include feeling of hot through mouth, dyspnoea, fever, fainting and head ache.
• Also may cause swelling of hands and feet.

Treatment

• The treatment is completely based on the Prakruthi (nature) of the patient.
• It may be differ for stout person and lean person.
• The dosha predominance is also important when considering treatment.

Medicines

• The medicines which increase agni (that which increases digestive fire)
• Anuloma medicines
• Grahani aushada
• Like chiruvilwadi kashayam, ashtavargam kashayam, ashtachurnam, hinguvashtaka churnam, Mustharishtam, kutajarishtam etc.

Panchakarma

• The best Panchakarma is Takradhara.
• Vasti & virechana can be given
• For some cases vamana can also be done.
• IBS is directly related to the mind, so considering the mental condition, psychological treatment is also done.

Minimize or avoid 

• Potato containing dishes or fast food
• Pulses, fried rice
• Beverages like tea, coffee, soft drinks
• Biscuits, cakes and other bakery food
• Reduce the use of food containing high fat calories like burgers, fast food, potato chips.
• Avoid alcohol completely
• Minimize the use of coconut oil

Advice

• Follow good eating habits giving importance to food intake time, quality and quantity of food.
• Avoid talking during meals
• Eat food in a relaxed, stress free environment
• Eat meals regularly, do not skip any meals
• Do not eat too fast or too slow, take food at proper pace
• Drink plenty of water
• IBS is not a life threatening disorder, but may disturb our life style with its complications mainly diarrhea and constipation. By modulating our diet, bowel, activities, and mind IBS can be put to rest.

 

Haridra is a solution to todays various diseases. It is one spice that is found in all kitchens thus branding it as ‘kitchen queen’. Our grand mothers and their mothers have used haridra around the clock. Their belief is haridra has provided them with health and longevity.

Haridra is considered as an auspicious drug. It was a compulsory plant in all homes during the time of our forefathers. They used to sprinkle water containing haridra inside and outside of house. Haridra   was used to fumigate inside house, where there is a new born. Its paste was used to heal wounds, improve complexion.  Haridra is an important part in the spiritual and cultural occasions of India ie. During marriage, any pooja, house warming, naming ceremony etc. Haridra powder was added in water while cleaning chicken, meat & vegetables.  All this was done as a tradition from generation to generation. Little did our forefathers know that haridra has an antimicrobial   action.

It is true, haridra can protect ourselves from a series of diseases. Today it is proved to be anti cancerous, so it is useful in this yuga (era) where we are continuously exposed carcinogenic substances everywhere, all the time.

Description of haridra plant

It is a rhizomatous herb, with a cluster of tilted leaves. Its  botanical name is  Curcuma longa. It’s useful part is its rhizomes which is golden yellow colour.

It is either used in fresh or dry form. It can be used orally, nasally, over skin etc.  Its active ingredient (chemical constituent) is  curcumin which is both preventive and curative property. Locally it is known as ‘manjal’ in almost all south Indian states.  In Hindi it is known as Haldhi.

Haridra as an immunity booster

What beautifies haridra is its ability to prevent diseases by enhancing the immunity system, so becoming anti-allergic. One should never wait for a disease to occur to take care of ourselves rather it is necessary to promot  health.

Some people have got good ability to fight against allergic substances making them less resistance to diseases while some have very less immunity making them suitable to allergic disorders relating to respiratory and skin conditions.

Haridra thus avoids frequent cold and cough,  respiratory ailments during seasonal changes, cures sore throats, relieve hiccups.

Haridra for skin

It is a blood purifier. The internal purification of the blood  enhances  its effect  on the skin. So curing exema, itching, skin eruptions, prurities, urticaria and also enhance complexion by making skin brighter.

Haridra  for blood

It stimulates blood formation and circulation. Treats anemia by increasing the hemoglobin concentration.  Treats blood and bleeding disorder. It is a haemostatic (stops blooding from the wound and heal it)

Haridra to reduce Diabetes melitus and cholesterol

Curcumin can lower the blood sugar level. It is mentioned in Ayurvedic texts – ‘prameham dhatri nishi’. [For diabetes the main two drugs are amalaki (dhatri) & haridra (Nishi)]. Here it is used as decoction or as powder form.

It also lower the cholesterol level. It has a lekhana property (scraping action) which removes unwanted fat in body and promotes proper metabolic activity.

Haridra is anti-inflammatory – So helps in relieving joint and rheumatic pain.

Haridra for brain function

Curcumin promotes normal brain functioning. Promotes  cell growth, so effective towards Alzheimer. People consuming this have less chance of developing Alzheimer.

Haridra as a home medicine

It is used as a home remedy for many minor ailments. For removing chicken pox scars, in common cold and acute bronchitis, in jaundice, in small ulcer and wounds, in small swellings and abscesses.

It is used during post  delivery period – since it has a purifying effect on uterus and breast milk.

This simple kitchen drug can bring wonders to our body ranging from small ailments to major diseases. So we should not ignore this divine drug by keeping it closed in a jar kept in the kitchen.

Now a days every another woman is suffering from one or the other gynaecological problems like painful menstruation, irregular menstruation, over bleeding, PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease), Uterine prolapse, Fibroids, Cancer etc.

So we have to think what is the cause for all these problems. If collectively we see according to Ayurvedic classics the following etiological factors emerge out.

 

1. Mithyachara:

The heading includes mithya ahara (abnormal diet) and mithya vihara (abnormal mode of life) both.

Abnormal diet:  It refers  to excessive, mal or inadequate diet along with noncongenial, unwholesome, unhygienic and incompatible food. Over eating may cause various gynecological disorders by producing over body weight, obesity and diabetes etc. while in adequate or mal intake may cause nutritional deficiency like weakness and emaciation resulting into menstrual problems.

Abnormal mode of life:  Coitus in abnormal body postures or with a weak or young woman by a strong man, use of artificial organ for sexual orgasms etc. come under this group. These may produce local ulceration, hyperemia and infections etc. responsible for various gynecological disorders. Besides these also reflects abnormal psychology of individuals, these psychosomatic abnormalities are causes of gynecological disorders.

 

2.Pradusta Artava : The word artava refers to ovarian hormones, ovum and menstrual blood. Ovum is the egg, menstrual blood is a result of endometrial changes brought about by hormones and reflects the status of reproductive system as well as hormones. It is never a cause of disease. Thus here artava refers to hormones. Ovarian hormones are causative factor for a good number of gynecological disorders.

 

3. Beejadosha (abnormalities of sperm or ovum): Various chromosomal or genetic abnormalities come under this group.

 

4. Daiva (God) : Unknown or idiopathic factors come under this category.

 

Rasayana Therapy

Rasayana is an important and an unique concept in Ayurveda.  Rasayana therapy increases ayu (span of life), smriti (memory), medha (Intellect), health, glow, complexion, strengthens body and indriyas (sense organs) and gives healthy glow to the body. The important principle behind rasayana karma is to make man healthy both physically and mentally which is reflected on the face, giving natural beauty to an individual.

The definition of health in Ayurveda stresses the need for the happy state of atma (soul), indriyas (sense organs) and mana (mind) apart from the disease free condition. Basic concepts in Ayurveda look at nurturing the natural inner/outer beauty. We also attain these benefits by adopting the Panchakarma therapies.

Shodhana Therapy is an important unique   remedial therapy adopted to cleanse the system of vitiates doshas. Shodhana therapy aims not only at the rejuvenation of the  cells of the body but also makes the mind calm, gives healthy glow to the body and skin. Shodhana therapies like  vasti, vamana and virechana are being practiced popularly to cleanse the body of its toxins. So Ayurvedic therapies play multiple role of internal and external purification and enhancing mental and physical health.

 

Eleven tips to stay young

1. Eat up to 3/4 of your capacity. This helps your digestive machinery to work better.
2. Exercise or take a brisk walk for 30-40 minutes regularly for at least 6days a week.
3. Drinking plenty of fresh, pure water is one of the simplest and least expensive ways to reverse the aging process.
4. Sleep for at least six to eight hours restfully in the night without the aid of meditation.
5. Massage your body with Ayurvedic oil. A slow, calming massage releases natural relaxing chemicals. A brisk, invigorating massage releases natural energizing chemicals.
6. Drink a glass of vegetable juice every day,. Raw vegetable juice is full of known and unknown anti-oxidants, which in turn help in reducing free radical activity.
7. Drink green tea, as it has lot of antioxidants.
8. Avoid sugar and refined flour for the same reason.
9. Stop smoking. It ages the skin and brings on wrinkles around the mouth and eyes.
10. Eat less oil. Excessive fat intake increases free radical activity, Recycling the used oil is another harmful habit practiced by most home makers. It is a dangerous practice.
11. Be positive. Stay involved with family and friends. Being loved and a sense of belonging work as shock absorbs and help to boost immunity. Meditate every day for at least 20 minutes.

If you practice these tips regularly,  you will lot at least ten years younger than your age. Don’t  expects  miracles or overnight results. Patience and discipline in following these tips will get you to the ultimate goal.

• Gokshura is a wonderful healing plant. This wonder drug has a wider range of properties with systemic benefits to kidneys, reproductive system, the heart etc.
• Gokshura is a medicine used ages before the alternative system of medicine especially in ayurvedic science. This is also widely used in Chinese traditional medicine.
• It is effective in promoting muscle strength and is also an anti oxidant so very popular among body builders.
• Scientifically it is called Tribulus terrestris tree. In ayurveda it is the best medicine for kidneys.

Energy gives: 

• Like said earlier, it is used among body builders, as it can produce energy and vitality. It promotes muscle strength and body composition.

In urinary system:

• Best herb to normalize the functions of urine. Promotes free flow of urine. Cools and soothen the membrane of this urinary tract, cleanses and strengthens the urinary system organs – kidneys, urinary bladder, gall bladder etc.
• Cures kidney and gall bladder stones. Treats painful urinatrox (dyeuria), haematuria ( bleeding with urine), nephritis.

Reproductive system:

• Used in different ailments of the reproductive system especially male reproductive system.
• Enhances energy and boosts vitality and libido. Promotes sperm production and ovulation.
• Given in male impotency and low sperm count. Can improve the quality of sperm.
• Cures spermaturia. Improves the synthesis of male sex hormones. Also good for  hypertrophy of  prostate gland in males.
• Good for erectile dysfunctions – helps in strengthening the penile tissue and enhances penile erector.

Acts as an aphrodisiac

• Stimulates the sexual power in men. Increase the sexual drive and libido in men.
• Present as an ingredient in herbal formulas which is used to increase sexual drive in men.

For female reproductive system

• Used to calm down premenstrual syndromes and reduce the symptoms of menopause.
• In PCOS (Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome) – it helps to reduce the size of cyst and strengthens the body muscles.

For reducing weight

• Since a natural diuretic herb, it increases the strength for exercising. This has a tremendous ability of anti-obesity action.

For the heart

• It is a good tonic for the heart. It increases the activity of heart. Helps to lower the blood pressure and high cholesterol level.

In diabetes

• It helps to reduce the tendency of separated urination in UTI, cystitis and diabetes.

For respiratory system

• Helps to control wheezing, cough and other respiratory disorders.

For the eyes

• It is found in many herbal formulae used to treat headache, vision problems, eye clearangements, conjunctivitis etc.

• Ghee one among the many products of milk stands unique, with its tremendous quality of producing benefits either when used in its natural true form or when used after processing with herbal medicines.
• The use of ghee reminds back to the ancient period when it was feasted for its nutritional gain, medicinal value and immunity enhance.
• The traditional practice revolving the use of ghee is still practiced today ignorant of the value it has. Little we do know about this eternal blessing of nature.

Ayurvedic books have clearly discussed about the properties of ghee

1. It is considered friendly to both the young and old, so considered auspicious to all ages from different walks of life.
2. The plus point of ghee is its palatability. It is sweet and cold. So easy to consume especially in snehapana (drinking of fats).
3. It is considered best among the snehadravyas because of the ability to be altered under samskaram.
4. It gives bala (strength) and immunity, thus preventing illness.
5. It’s action on mental functions – It enhances almost all mental functions. It improves the dhi (intellect), increases smriti (memory), power of retention, and enhances medha (knowledge for discriminative ability).
6. Action on digestive system – It increases the agni (digestion or metabolism). Good for disorders like sprue syndrome, diarrhoea, peptic ulcer, hemorrhoids.
7. Action on reproductive system – it enhances sukra, ie. Purify and improve the quality of the sperm and egg.
   • It is good for those who wish to have pregnancy, almost solving infertility problems.
   • Can cure almost all gyneacological disorders.
8. Action on muscular system
   • Speeds muscle recovery so benefits those injured after trauma and after surgical operations.
   • Good for emaciation (sosha) since it improve body mass and there for acts as a rejuvenator.
9. It acts as a beauty product
   • Ghee enhances complexion, beautifies the skin texture, improves the quality of voice and is good for the eyes.

Ghee on curing diseases

• It has tremendous curing power. So formulized by processing it with herbal medicines it cures a number of disease like unmada (insanity), apasmara (epilepsy), long standing fever, septecemic
• Helps in curing newly formed clean ulcers (suddha vruna) and chronic ulcer (dushta vruna).
• It cure the disease affecting the head, eyes and ear.

Ayurvedic products with ghee

1. Svarnaprasham

• It is a tradition done specially for children. This means licking of gold. Usually done during the kaumara period (between 1-16 years).
• Ash of gold (swarna bhasma) with ghee, honey and herbal medicines are given to children in a specific dose, either in liquid or semi solid form for a specific period of time. Studies have showed this tradition improves the immunity of the child, making him restrict minor disease and infections, so avoiding frequent visits to the hospital. If svarnaprasham is practiced today it can guarantee sound health to the child.

2. Snehapanam

• It is a method of drinking fats. Since ghee is sweet in taste it is the best form of all fat to consume orally.
• Drinking fats can either be alone or with other drugs. It is usually started with small doses and then slowly increased to the maximum level. It has the power to cross the brain barriers so has an effect directly or higher mental functions.
• Snehapanam is usually followed by swedana (sudation) and then vamana (emetic process) and virechana (purgative process) is done.
• Snehapana is done in diseases of skin, respiratory disorders, disease of the eye, diseases of vata dosha origin, hemiplegic, in the case of poisoning , rheumatoid arthritis, TB etc.

3. Tarpanam

• This is a special procedure done to the eyes and is uniquely done with ghee. It is the holding ghee inside compound walls made from of flour around the eyes for a specific period of time. Time period usually starts from 5 to 7 minutes or mere depending on the condition.
• Ghee normally  used for this procedure is thriphalaghritam or mahatriphalaghritam.
• Procedure – Inside the flour built compound walls, lukewarm ghee is poured and the eyes are blinked  (opened and closed) for a specific period of time. After the time period of holding, it is slowly  wiped away.
• It is done in the diseases of the eyelids, eyeball which includes the disease of sclera & pupil. Also done in diabetic complications ie. Retinopathy (diseases involving the retina)
• There is sound proof that it has cured almost all diseases requiring laser or surgery treatment.
• It is also done to normal eyes, which have become tired and  therefore  nourishing the eyes and enhancing vision and power.

The term ‘Arthritis’ is a loose term.  Any joint pain with swelling, redness of overlying skin, restriction of movement comes under arthritis. The term has become so common that there is nobody who does not mention it.

Arthritis is actually many symptoms which   causes more than 80 diseases. These include, Rheumatoid arthritis, Osteo arthritis, gout etc.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

It is the second most common rheumatic disease. An incredibly painful disease which affects mainly the joints.  It can shorten the life span  from around 6-10 years and can have a major impact on a person’s life as well as on the rest of the family. 42% of RA patients registered disabled within 3 years and many people have to give up work within one year of diagnosis.

Coming to its definition – RA is a chronic systemic inflammatory disorder of unknown cause involving the joints.

Causes

• Remains unknown
• Family studies indicate a genetic cause
• Experimental observations in animals suggest an ‘autoimmune phenomena’, which means when the body  fails to differentiate between self and non self so react to one’s own tissues causing damage.
• Clinical features
• Fatigue and weakness
• Joint stiffness
• Pain and swelling of joint. Usually in symmetric function especially in joints of hands, wrist and feet.
• Cardinal features in hand – Swan- neck & button hole, deformity of fingers during later stage.
• Cardinal features in foot – Lateral deviation of toes
• Presence rheumatoid nodules.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of RA is based in 7 criteria. Of this  a patient having RA will be having five of seven criteria.

The criteria are,

1. Morning stiffness :- It lasting for more than 1 hour for more than 6 weeks
2. Arthritis (inflammation of joints) of 3 or more joint areas
3. Arthritis of head joint
4. Symmetric arthritis – involvement of same joint on either side of the body
5. Rheumatoid nodules – A solid raised area over body part of hand or feet seen by physician
6. Presence of RA factors in blood, diagnosed by blood test.
7. X-ray changes – shows erosion or decalcification of bones & joints.

Treatment & Management

Ayurveda does not consider RA simply as one particular roga (disease). Instead based on the different manifestations  of the clinical signs it can be called as vatashonitha, Amavata or sandigata  vata, avarana vata etc.

According to modern medicine there is no such cure for RA but progression of disease can be slowed.

Treatment in Ayurveda mainly focuses on the following criteria.

I       Nidana thyaga (Avoid the causative factor)

1. food articles
   • Avoid curd, fried oily foods
   • Red meat
   • Black grain, peanuts
   • Avoiding food that causes digestive imbalance like indigestion, burning seansation
   • Virudhahara (Incompatible foods)

2. Liquid articles         –    Avoid tea, coffee, soft drink, alcohol
3. Avoid smoking
4. Activities                  –

• Avoid keeping awake at night
• Riding two wheelers for long hours
• Rough handling

5. Avoid sedentary life style & improper dietary habits

II     Aushadha (Medicines)

Use of,  1)  Kashaya     –    Kokilasksha kashayam

Guggulutikthaka kashayam

Maharasanadi kashayam

Sahacharadi kashayam

2)    Arishtas                    –    Aswagandharishtam, Dasamoolarishtam

3)    Gulika (Tablets)    –    Kaishora guggulu, Abha guggulu, Simhanada guggulu

4)    Lepas (Application of powders) – Nagaradi churna  Jatamayadi churna,  Grihadhoomadi churna

III    Panchakarma

1. Abhyangam (with sahacharadi tailam, pindathailam etc.)
2. Pizhichil (with sahacharadi tailam, pindathailam etc.)
3. Vasti (enema)  with Sahacharadi anuvasana tailam
4. An important one is Raktamoshana using  Jalauka (leeches), Siravyadha (vein cutting) etc.

IV    Rasayanas (Rejuvenation Therapy)

Using  Vardamana pipaly rasayanam,  Sukumara rasayanam,  narasimha rasayana,  chyavana prasham etc.

V     Physiotherapy and rest   – to improve joint movements  & strengthen muscles.

VI    Occupational therapy

Includes training, advice, counseling which help people do daily activities more with less pain.

VII  Meditation – Relaxation – Yoga

To relieve from stress and mental impact affecting the patient and his family. Yogasanas like Vajrasana, Shirshasana  etc. and other asanas according to condition.

VIII Rehabilitation

• Educating the patient and his family about the disease and its consequences
• Non-pharmacological measure to reduce reduce the impact of the disese.

Pink eye or Madras eye is the common name of conductivities. It is  a condition  where the white part of eye becomes pink or reddish. It is highly contagious and spreads fast to all. In Malayalam it is known as ‘chenkann’.

Common causes of conjunctivitis

1. Due to viral infection
2. Due to reaction to allergic substances
3. Exposure to chemicals
4. Due to use of cosmetics – eye marks, facial powder, creams, these cause allergic conjunctivitis.
5. Due to UV rays and other polluting substances.

Ayurveda describes it as  netra – abhishyanda, which is due to the vitiation of vata,  pitta and kapha doshas. The causes according to Ayurveda is – exposure to hot sun for a long time, remaining awake at night, sleeping in afternoon, injury to head, alcohol consumption.

Symptoms

1. Whitish part of eye becomes red and puffy. Gives its name pink eyes.
2. Burning sensation of eyes.
3. Heaviness of head
4. Sticky discharge from eyes, sometimes watery eyes.
5. Eyes getting full
6. Difficult to open eyes after waking.

Treatment

1. Netradhara – Pouring of medicated liquid over eyes

• With triphala decoction
• With rose water
• Water with borax is also beneficial.

2. Moringa leaves boiled in water – washing eyes will reduce the infection.
3. Tulasi leaves grinded with gomutra (cow’s urine) and filtered, this liquid poured into eye to reduce redness.
4. Internally take – Triphala guggulu, Triphala churnam, Amalaki juice with honey.
5. Stanyam (breastmilk) – best to compact the redness of eyes.

Since very contagious the following should be kept in mind

1. Wear dark glasses or goggles to prevent spreading.
2. Wash hands with antiseptics.
3. Use of separate bath towel and soap for that person.
4. Avoid rubbing of eyes with finger.
5. Frequently wash eyes with cold water.
6. Do not use contact lenses.
7. Avoid make up until the infection is cleared.

A patient  named Mr. Arshad 35 years male with the following complaints.

1. Difficulty in michuration
2. Visited allopathic doctor who suggested USG Abdomen which shows presence of kidney stones.

H/O  Presenting complaints

The patients symptoms of difficulty in michuration, pain around abdomen, vomiting started 8 months back. He is a non alcoholic and non smoker. He consulted an allopathic physician who suspected kidney stone and suggested a USG scan.

The following is the USG scan of abdomen taken on 21/8/2014.

USG Features are constituent with:

• Grade II Fatty Liver
• Bilateral Renal Calculi
• Right Lower Ureteric Calculus with mild

Hydroureteronephrosis

Now the patient came to know that he has Grade II fatty liver also along with a calculi as large a 9mm in the right kidney, similar calculi of 3mm seen in left kidney.

The allopathic physician prescribed him medicines and asked him to do a rescan after a week.

On 29/8/14 USG

• Right Lower ureteric ans calculus persisting
• Right mild HUN seen
• Other finding similar

The scan report showed no particular positive changes, instead the symptoms remained the same as it is.  The physician suggested surgery and further medicines.

Since the patient Mr. Arshad did not find any relief to his symptoms he comes  for Ayurvedic treatment at our hospital. After examining his scan report , the patient was soon given some  internal medications. No Panchakarma treatment was taken. The patient took medicines for 1 month.

The medicines are

1. Kashaya –             Varunadi Kashayam

Punarnavadi kashayam

2. Gulika –              Kanchanara guggulu

Chandraprabha vatika

3. Sweta parpati
4. Some Liver tonics
5. He was advised to take medicated water  prepared out of Moringa bark

After  medicinal  intake for 1 month a repeat scan was done on 30^th October 2014.

The following changes were seen on the scan.

• NO SIGNIFICANT ABNORMALITY SEEN IN THE KUB REGION LIVER, PANCREAS, SPLEEN, KIDNEYS AND URINARY BLADDER NORMAL.
• PARA AORTIC AREA, PSOAS, RIF, LIF AND VISUALISED BOWEL LOOPS ARE NORMAL.
• NO ASCITES/PLEURAL EFFUSION.

Conclusion

This is  just one clinical picture of many successful treatments done over here which prove the efficacy and authenticity of Ayurvedic internal medicines to cure the condition like this.  In this case the patient is not only cured from the condition which he  came for the treatment but also got relieved from number of other conditions which may go to a serious illness in future.  When treating through Ayurveda we are looking for the total wellness of the patient, not only to heal a single disease.  Only important thing that patients should know to act immediately on knowing that they are suffering from diseases  like kidney  stone

Here the patient Mr. Arshad was cured with Kidney stone of size 9 mm in right kidneys and 3 mm calculi seen in left kidney.  Cured of calculi (stone)  of 5mm seen in right lower ureter . Along with this he was cured with Grade II fatty liver also. Thus showing a miraculous change  in his new scan report.