AYURVEDIC TREATMENT PROTOCOL FOR MIGRAINE

MODERN DISEASE EXPLANATION

Migraine is a primary headache disorder characterized by recurrent headaches that are moderate to severe.Typically, the headaches affect one half of the head, are pulsating in nature, and last from two to 72 hours. Associated symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sound, or smell. The pain is generally made worse by physical activity. Up to one-third of people have an aura: typically a short period of visual disturbance which signals that the headache will soon occur. Occasionally, an aura can occur with little or no headache following it.

Migraines are believed to be due to a mixture of environmental and genetic factors.  About two-thirds of cases run in families. Changing hormone levels may also play a role, as migraines affect slightly more boys than girls before puberty and two to three times more women than men. The risk of migraines usually decreases during pregnancy. The underlying mechanisms are not fully known. It is, however, believed to involve the nerves and blood vessels of the brain.

STAGES OF MIGRAINE

Migraine can be divided into five distinct phases:

1. Early Warning Symptoms (prodromol)

A significant number of migraineurs experience warning symptoms for up to 24 hours before the attacks start but may not recognise these signs until they know what to look for.  These symptoms include:changes in mood, varying from feeling elated, on top of the world and full of energy, flying through the day’s work and accomplishing twice as much as usual, to feeling depressed and irritablegut symptoms, nausea, changes in appetite (intense hunger or sugar craving: may consume a whole packet of biscuits or chocolates), lack of appetite, constipation, diarrhoeaneurological changes, drowsiness, incessant yawning, difficulty finding the right words (dysphasia), dislike of light and sound, difficulty in eye focuschanges in behaviour, hyperactive, obsessional, clumsy, lethargicmuscular symptoms, general aches and painsfluid balance changes, thirst, passing more fluid, fluid retention. All these symptoms arise in the hypothalamus, the deep-seated part of the brain.

2. Aura 

Aura accompanies migraine attacks for about 20 – 30% of migraineurs.  The most common aura symptoms are visual disturbances such as bright zigzag lines, flashing lights, difficulty in focusing or blind spots.  Aura affects the visual field of both eyes despite often seeming to affect one only and lasts 5-60 minutes then the vision normally restores itself.  Less commonly aura affects sensation or speech.  When several aura symptoms are present, they usually follow in succession.

3. Headache

Those experiencing classical migraine (migraine with aura) may or may not have a gap of up to an hour between the end of the aura and the onset of the head pain and may feel a bit ‘spaced out’ during the gap.  Regardless of whether one experiences migraine with aura, or common migraine (migraine without aura), the headaches are similar. The headache phase can last up to three days.  It is often throbbing and on one side of the head, but can affect both.  It can be on the same or opposite side to the aura.  Movement makes it worse.  The most common accompanying symptoms in this phase are nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light, sound and smell.  Eating can help especially starchy foods.  The symptoms can be more distressing than the headache itself.

4. Resolution

The way an attack ends varies greatly.   Sleep is restorative for some.  Being sick can make children feel much better.  For others effective medication can improve attacks.  For a few nothing works except the headache burning itself out.

5. Recovery (postdromol)

A feeling of being drained may exist for about 24 hours, others may feel energetic or even euphoric.

There are several types of migraine, including:-

o migraine with aura – where there are specific warning signs just before the migraine begins, such as seeing flashing lights

o migraine without aura – the most common type, where the migraine occurs without the specific warning signs

o migraine aura without headache, also known as silent migraine – where an aura or other migraine symptoms are experienced, but a headache doesn't develop

DISEASE- AYURVEDA CONCEPT

In Ayurveda this condition is referred as ‘Sooryavarta’ . Soorya means ‘Sun’ and avarta means ‘affliction’ or ‘blockage’. The headache gets worsened on sunrise, peaks during noon hours and reduces after evening. Even though this is the typical feature of this illness, it may not be true in all cases. Symptoms may vary based on body types and habits.The traditional science of Ayurveda does not regard Migraine as a case of prolonged headaches. On the contrary, it considers this condition to be caused by deep-rooted problems, including a sensitive nervous system and impaired digestion. Improper diet and lifestyle causes aggravation of Pitta (Ayurvedic humor representing Fire) in the body. In an aggravated state, Pitta impairs digestion, leading to production of digestive impurities (known as ama). This ama gets stored in the manovahi strotas (mind channels), thereby becoming the cause for pains in migraine.

TREATMENT PROTOCOL

Ayurvedic therapies for migraine: 

1. Shirolepa – Application of herbal pastes which pacify Pitta Dosha like Sandalwood, camphor, Jatamansi.

2. Shiro Dhara – pouring of thin stream of liquid over scalp.

3. Taila dhara with oils like ksheerabala taila, chandanadi taila is carried out where Vata involvement is high.

4. ksheera dhara (cow milk) is done when Pitta involvement is more

5. Takra Dhara (buttermilk) is done when there is obstruction to Vata passage is to be removed.

6. Kavala graha – Oil pulling, with chandanadi taila, mahanarayana taila

7. Shirovasti – Retaining the medicated oils over the leather cap fitted over the scalp. Any vata-pitta pacifying oils are beneficial for this purpose.

8. Sneha nasya – Instillation of medicated oils can be carried to the nostrils. Shadbindu taila or Anu taila yield significant benefits in this condition.

CLASSICAL MEDICINES

• PATHYAKSHADATHRYADHI KASHAYM

• GUGGULUTIKTHAKAM KASHAYAM AND GRITHAM

• KAISHORA GUGGULU

• HINGUVACHADI CHOORNAM

• ANU THAILAM 

• SHADBINDU TAILAM

• VARANADI KASHAYAM

• VARANADI GRITHAM

• AROGYAVARDHINI VADI

AHARA VIHARAM

A number of factors may trigger migraines including:-

• Hormonal changes in women. Fluctuations in estrogen seem to trigger headaches in many women. Women with a history of migraines often report headaches immediately before or during their periods, when they have a major drop in estrogen.

• Others have an increased tendency to develop migraines during pregnancy or menopause.

• Hormonal medications, such as oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy, also may worsen migraines. Some women, however, find their migraines occur less often when taking these medications.

• Foods. Aged cheeses, salty foods and processed foods may trigger migraines. Skipping meals or fasting also can trigger attacks.

• Food additives. The sweetener aspartame and the preservative monosodium glutamate (MSG), found in many foods, may trigger migraines.

• Drinks. Alcohol, especially wine, and highly caffeinated beverages may trigger migraines.

• Stress. Stress at work or home can cause migraines.

• Sensory stimuli. Bright lights and sun glare can induce migraines, as can loud sounds. Strong smells — including perfume, paint thinner, secondhand smoke and others — can trigger migraines in some people.

• Changes in wake-sleep pattern. Missing sleep or getting too much sleep may trigger migraines in some people, as can jet lag.

• Physical factors. Intense physical exertion, including sexual activity, may provoke migraines.

• Changes in the environment. A change of weather or barometric pressure can prompt a migraine.

LIPOMA AND ITS AYURVEDIC TREATMENT PROTOCOL

MODERN DISEASE EXPLANATION

A lipoma is a growth of fat cells in a thin, fibrous capsule usually found just below the skin. Lipomas aren't cancer and don't turn into cancer. They are found most often on the torso, neck, upper thighs, upper arms, and armpits, but they can occur almost anywhere in the body. One or more lipomas may be present at the same time. Lipomas are single or multiple, benign subcutaneous tumours that are easily recognized because they are soft, rounded, or lobulated and movable against the overlying skin. Many lipomas are small but may also enlarge to 6 cm. They occur especially on the neck, trunk, and on the extremities but can occur anywhere on the body. Lipomas are composed of fat cells that have the same morphology as normal fat cells, and there is a connective tissue framework. 

Lipomas are single or multiple, benign subcutaneous tumors that are easily recognized because they are soft, rounded, or lobulated and movable against the overlying skin. Many lipomas are small but may also enlarge to 6 cm. They occur especially on the neck, trunk, and on the extremities but can occur anywhere on the body. Lipomas are composed of fat cells that have the same morphology as normal fat cells, and there is a connective tissue framework. 

A lipoma isn't cancer and usually is harmless. Treatment generally isn't necessary, but if the lipoma bothers you, is painful or is growing, you may want to have it removed.

What are the symptoms of a lipoma?

There are many types of skin tumors, but a lipoma usually has distinct characteristics. If you suspect that you have a lipoma it will generally:

• Be soft to the touch

• Move easily if prodded with your finger

• Be just under the skin

• Be pale

• Be colorless

• Grow slowly

Lipomas are most commonly located in the neck, back, and shoulders, but they can also occur on the stomach, thighs, and arms. The lipoma is only painful if it grows into nerves underneath the skin.

You should call your doctor if you notice any changes in your skin. Lipomas can look very similar to a cancerous condition called liposarcoma.

CAUSES

The tendency to develop a lipoma is not necessarily hereditary although hereditary conditions, such as familial multiple lipomatosis, may include lipoma development. Genetic studies in mice have shown a correlation between the HMG I-C gene (previously identified as a gene related to obesity) and lipoma development. These studies support prior epidemiologic data in humans showing a correlation between HMG I-C and mesenchymal tumors.

Cases have been reported where minor injuries are alleged to have triggered the growth of a lipoma, called "post-traumatic lipomas." However, the link between trauma and the development of lipomas is controversial.

DISEASE- AYURVEDA CONCEPT

Since the bulging or the mass is formed due to Fat deposition, there is significant Kapha derangement in the body.Since there is faulty fat metabolism, correction of metabolism with Ayurvedic treatment is required. Lipoma is a fat mass collection in soft body tissues, such as underneath the skin. They are non cancerous in nature. Usually harmless, in few cases, it may cause pain due to pressure over the structure below the lipoma. There are no known medicines to cure it as of now. Surgery is opted for cosmetic purposes, or if the pain and discomfort is severe.

TREATMENT PROTOCOL

Ayurvedic Medicines to cure Lipoma

There is still no known ayurvedic medicine to treat lipoma. Here are some of the ayurvedic treatments that can be tried for this condition.

Udwartana: This ayurvedic remedy controls the size of lipoma. Udwartana is a deep penetrating herbal lymphatic massage that helps to prevent further accumulation of fat. Udwartana eliminates the lymphatic toxins from body, improves blood circulation and digestion by balancing kapha dosha.

Vamana Therapy: Vamana therapy is given to people with high imbalance of kapha.Since lipoma is caused due to deposition of fat, kapha derangements of person needs to be worked upon. The person with lipoma must undergo Vamana, one of the five purification therapies of panchkarma. Here vitiated dosha or waste products are eliminated through upper gastrointestinal track i.e. by vomiting.

According to ayurveda copper is helpful to cure extra growth. Take water in copper container, leave it overnight and drink it the next morning. In case you experience vomiting sensation after drinking this water then just keep it for two hours.

Surgery

Even though lipoma is mostly painless but in some cases constant pain is reported. When there is severe pain that can’t be treated by medicines then ayurvedic surgery is opted for. Ayurvedic surgery for lipoma is done after local fomentation. Lipoma is surgically removed and the wound is sutured immediately after the bleeding stops. After this the wound is cleaned with fine powder made from turmeric, red sandalwood, manasshila, lodhra and hartal in honey. Later on karnja oil must be applied for quick healing.

CLASSICAL MEDICINES

KANCHANARA GUGGULU

TRIPHALA CHOOENAM

VARANADI KASHAYAM

SHADHARANAM CHORNAM

AROGHYAVARDHINI VADI

GUGGULUTIKTHKAM KASHAYAM AND GRITHAM

SAPTHAVIMSADHI GUGGULU

VATHARI GUGGULU

AHARA VIHARAM

1. Flesh foods like chicken, mutton, pork, beef, turkey etc should be strictly avoided. (whatever may be the case, not even once in a month)

2. Avoid eggs and milk products such as paneer, curd, cheese etc.

3. Exercise regularly (Jogging, running or brisk walking) such that high amount of sweat is produced. Toxins get eliminated in sweat.

4. Wake up in the morning early and drink two glasses of luke warm water after brushing. This helps in cleansing of system toxins by allowing for better bowel movement and urination.

HEMIPLEGIA AND ITS AYURVEDIC TREATMENT PROTOCOL

MODERN DISEASE EXPLANATION

Hemiparesis, or unilateral paresis, is weakness of one entire side of the body (hemi- means "half"). Hemiplegia is, in its most severe form, complete paralysis of half of the body. Hemiplegia is a form of paralysis that affects just one side of the body, often just one arm and one leg, but occasionally with symptoms extending partially into the torso. A related condition, hemiparesis, is significant loss of strength and mobility on one side of the body, but without full paralysis. Some people with hemiplegia develop the condition after a bout of hemiparesis. Others may alternate between times of hemiparesis and hemiplegia.

What is Hemiplegia?

The brain is divided into two hemispheres, separated by a bundle of fibers called the corpus callosum. Generally speaking, the right side of the brain controls muscles and other functions on the left side of the body, while the left side of the brain controls much of the right side of the body. Thus hemiplegia and hemiparesis almost always indicate a problem with one side of the brain.

Hemiplegia may come on suddenly, or develop slowly over time. A condition related to hemiplegia, spastic hemiplegia, causes the muscles to get stuck in a contraction, resulting in little muscle control, chronic muscle pain, and unpredictable movements. People with hemiplegia often show other signs of brain damage or head injury, and may experience issues with other areas of their bodies.

Hemiplegia, like other forms of paralysis, is characterized by significant loss of sensation and control in the affected area. People with hemiplegia may experience intermittent pain, and may be better able to control their limbs at some times than at others.

What Causes Hemiplegia?

Though the arms, legs, and possibly torso are the regions of the body most obviously affected by hemiplegia, in most cases of hemiplegia these body regions are actually perfectly healthy. Instead, the problem resides in the brain, which is unable to produce, send, or interpret signals due to disease or trauma-related damage. Less frequently, hemiplegia results from damage to one side of the spinal cord, but these sorts of injuries more typically produce global problems, not just paralysis on one side of the body.

What’s the Difference Between Hemiparesis and Hemiplegia?

Hemiparesis is characterized by weakness on one side of the body. A person with hemiparesis might not be able to move their arm, or may feel tingling or other odd sensations on just one side. Hemiplegia is paralysis on one side of the body. Though stereotypes of paralysis suggest that paralysis completely removes the ability to move, the reality is a bit more complicated. People with paralysis may retain some sensation, and the degree to which they are paralyzed can change over time. Thus it can be hard to establish a clear line of demarcation between hemiparesis and hemiplegia, particularly in the case of mild hemiplegia and severe hemiparesis.

SYMPTOMS OF HEMIPLEGIA

Paralysis can change over time, and not all people with hemiplegia are completely immobilized or suffer a complete loss of sensation on the affected side. Nevertheless, if paralysis is not extensive, a doctor will likely diagnose hemiparesis instead of hemiplegia. Symptoms of hemiplegia include:

• Difficulty moving, or the inability to move, one side of the body.
• Difficulty with bowel or bladder control.
• Changes or loss in sensation on one side of the body.
• Keeping one hand in a fist.
• Difficulty swallowing or with speech.
• Breathing difficulties.

SOME COMMON CAUSES OF HEMIPLEGIA INCLUDE:

• Traumatic brain injuries to one side of the brain only. These may be caused by car accidents, falls, acts of violence, and other factors.
• Cardiovascular problems, particularly aneurysms and hemorrhages in the brain.
• Strokes and transient ischemic attacks (better known as TIA or mini-strokes).
• Infections, particularly encephalitis and meningitis. Some serious infections, particularly sepsis and abscesses in the neck, may spread to the brain if left untreated.
• Conditions that cause demyelination of the brain, including multiple sclerosis and some other autoimmune diseases.
• Reactions to surgery, medication, or anesthesia.
• Loss of oxygen to the brain due to choking or anaphylactic shock.
• Brain cancers.
• Lesions in the brain, even if non-cancerous, since these lesions can impede function on one side of the brain.
• Congenital abnormalities, including cerebral palsy and neonatal-onset multi-inflammatory disease.
• Rarely, psychological causes; some states of catatonia can cause hemiplegia, and people with parasomnia—a sleep disorder leading to unusual nighttime behavior—may experience nighttime episodes of hemiplegia.


DISEASE- AYURVEDA CONCEPT

Pakshaghata [ Hemiplegia ] : -The disease has been discussed in Ayurveda under Vatavyadhi neurological disorder. The terms Paksaghata, Paksha Vadha and Ekanga Vata have been used to describe hemiplegia in Ayurveda. The term paksha means half of the body and loss of function of paksha is seen in Pakshaghata. It is mainly a vata vyadhi and pitta and kapha doshas also associate vata in the causation of the disease. Charaka observes that sira snayu vishoshana( arteries and ligaments degeneration) leads to pakshaghata, but sushruta notes the involvement of dhamani (veins)in the pathogenesis of Pakshaghata. Chakrapani says that without understanding the prakruti (physiology) correct knowledge of vikruti (pathology) is not possible. The implications of sira, dhamani and srotas are very essential to understand the pathogeness of pakshaghata.Pakshaghata, is a vatavyadhi. It can be correlated to the biomedical ceribrovascular condition called ‘stroke’. The lakshanas include, ruja, vakstambha, etc. It's types are kaphanubandha and pittanubandha. Even though pakshaghata is a vata vyadhi, and mentioned in the nanatmaja vataja vikaras of charaka, it is not a shuddha vataja condition. There is samsarga of Pitta and kapha, clearly mentioned by Susrutha and Madhava nidana. In all the above explanations it is clear that raktadushti leading to vata prakopa is the underlying cause of the disease.In this light, it has been clearly stated that ‘Nidana Parivarjanam’ is one type of Chikitsa. With the review of Ayurvedic literature it is evident that no specific aetiological factor has been described separately for Pakshaghata. Vata in the body are likely to be the root cause of Pakshaghata. Hence, the general causative factors of Vata Vyadhi or factors vitiating Vata Dosha in the body may be regarded as the aetiological factors of Pakshaghata as well.

TREATMENT PROTOCOL

Line of treatment (Charaka. Chikitsa sthana. 28/100)

TREATMENT ACCORDING TO AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE : TREATMENT ACCORDING TO AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE “SNEHANAM SWEDASAYAKUTAM PAKSHAGHATE TU VIRECHANAM” CHARAKA SUSRUTHA GENERAL LINE
1. Nidana parivarjana (avoidance of aetiological factors) - Management of treatable risk factors and diseases like hypertension, acute encephalitis, heart disease etc. and avoid trauma.

2. Samshodhana chikitsa - (Bio-cleansing therapies) followed by aamana chikitsa

(Palliative therapy) should be advocated.

i. Snehana (Oleation): massage with medicated oils such as

• Maha narayana taila

• Sahacharadi taila

• Dhanvantara taila 

• Karpasasthyadi taila

• Prabhanjana vimardana taila

• Kshirabala taila

• Mahamsha taila

• Bala taila

 ii. Svedana (Medicated fomentation)

•Shashtika shali panda sveda (made from shashtika  shali(Navara Rice), Bala mula, Ashvagandha mula and milk)/Patra pind sweda for 7-14 days

• Sarvanga sveda for 7 - 14 days

iii. Virechana (Purgation) 

iv. Vasti (medicated enema) • Matra vasti with Narayana taila 50 ml daily for 7 - 14 days 

• Kashaya vasti for 15 days (Kala vasti krama) Eranda mula  kvatha - 480 ml,Taila - 240 ml,Honey - 240 ml, Kalka - 30 gm,Saindhava lavana - 15 gm                                                                                           

• Kshira vasti 350 - 500 ml for 7 - 14 days

v. Nasya karma/ Brinhana nasya with Purana ghrita (old ghee) / Narayana taila /Ksheera bala taila 8-8 drops in both nostrils for 7 days

vi. Shirovasti with medicated oils (Narayana taila / Ksheera bala taila / Chandana bala lakshadi taila) daily 45 minutes for 7 days

vii. shirodhara with medicated liquids (Narayana taila / Ksheera bala taila / Chandana bala lakshadi taila / decoctions etc.) daily 45 minutes for 21 days


CLASSICAL MEDICINES
1. Maha narayana taila
2. Sahacharadi taila
3. Dhanwantara taila 
4. Karpasasthyadi taila
5. Prabhanjana vimardana taila
6. Ksharabala taila
7. Mahamsha taila
8. Bala taila
9. Dhanadhanayanadi kashayam
10. kseerabala(101)
11. Dhanwantharam (101)

ETC....

AHARA VIHARAM

1.Add masha (black gram), kulattha (horse gram), palandu(onion), rasona (garlic),Shunthi/Ardraka (ginger), mulaka (radish), kushmanda (ash gourd), mudga (green gram) in regular diet
2. Use fruits like dadima (pomegranate),Amra (mango), draksha (grape) etc.
3. Consume low fat and high fiber diet and Rasayana drugs
4. Control the treatable risk factors like diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and heart diseases
5. Take neccessry treatment of hypertension (if any)
6. Control cholesterol level and weight
7. Practice regular exercises
8. Avoid excessive use of pungent, astringent and/ or salty, oily/ fatty food and incompatible diet, chana (bengal gram), peas, barley etc.
9. Avoid excessive starvation, excess exercises, suppressing of natural urges and awakening in the nights
10. Avoid alcohol consumption, smoking
11. Avoid discontinuation of any regular medication without medical advice

HEADACHES AND ITS AYURVEDIC TREATMENT PROTOCOL

MODERN DISEASE EXPLANATION

Headaches are one of the most common medical complaints; most people experience them at some point in their life. They can affect anyone regardless of age, race, and gender.The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that almost half of all adults worldwide will experience a headache in any given year.

Headaches can occur as a result of many conditions whether serious or not. There are a number of different classification systems for headaches. Causes of headaches may include fatigue, sleep deprivation, stress, the effects of medications, the effects of recreational drugs, viral infections, loud noises, common colds, head injury, rapid ingestion of a very cold food or beverage, and dental or sinus issues.

A headache can be a sign of stress or emotional distress, or it can result from a medical disorder, such as migraine or high blood pressure, anxiety, or depression. It can lead to other problems. People with chronic migraine headaches, for example, may find it hard to attend work or school regularly.

Headache types

The symptoms of a headache can depend on the type.

TENSION HEADACHES

Tension headaches are the most common form of primary headache. Such headaches normally begin slowly and gradually in the middle of the day.

The person can feel:

• as if they have a tight band around the head

• a constant, dull ache on both sides

• pain spread to or from the neck

Tension-type headaches can be either episodic or chronic. Episodic attacks are usually a few hours in duration, but can last for several days. Chronic headaches occur for 15 or more days a month for a period of at least 3 months.

MIGRAINES

A migraine headache may cause a pulsating, throbbing pain usually only on one side of the head. The aching may be accompanied by:

• blurred vision

• light-headedness

• nausea

• sensory disturbances known as auras

Migraine is the second most common form of primary headache and can have a significant impact on the life of an individual. According to the WHO, migraine is the sixth highest cause of days lost due to disability worldwide. A migraine can last from a few hours to between 2 and 3 days.

Rebound headaches

Rebound or medication-overuse headaches stem from an excessive use of medication to treat headache symptoms. They are the most common cause of secondary headaches. They usually begin early in the day and persist throughout the day. They may improve with pain medication, but worsen when its effects wear off.

Along with the headache itself, rebound headaches can cause:

• neck pain

• restlessness

• a feeling of nasal congestion

• reduced sleep quality

Rebound headaches can cause a range of symptoms, and the pain can be different each day.

CLUSTER HEADACHES

Cluster headaches usually last between 15 minutes and 3 hours, and they occur suddenly once per day up to eight times per day for a period of weeks to months. In between clusters, there may be no headache symptoms, and this headache-free period can last months to years.

The pain caused by cluster headaches is:

• one-sided

• severe

• often described as sharp or burning

• typically located in or around one eye

The affected area may become red and swollen, the eyelid may droop, and the nasal passage on the affected side may become stuffy and runny.

THUNDERCLAP HEADACHES

These are sudden, severe headaches that are often described as the "worst headache of my life." They reach maximum intensity in less than one minute and last longer than 5 minutes.

A thunderclap headache is often secondary to life-threatening conditions, such as intracerebral hemmorhage, cerebral venous thrombosis, ruptured or unruptured aneurysms, reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RVS), meningitis, and pituitary apoplexy. Therefore, people who experience these sudden, severe headaches should seek medical evaluation immediately.

DISEASE- AYURVEDA CONCEPT

The traditional science of Ayurveda considers headache to be caused because of two primary reasons – a sensitive nervous system and impaired digestion. Improper diet and lifestyle causes aggravation of Pitta (Ayurvedic humor representing Fire) in the body. In an aggravated state, Pitta impairs digestion, leading to production of digestive impurities (known as ama). This ama gets stored in the manovahi strotas (mind channels), thereby becoming the cause for headaches.

1. Vata type of Headache - If you have throbbing, pulsating, migrating pain in the back of your head, you have a vata headache. Neck and shoulder tension, back stiffness, and signs of toxicity in the colon (like constipation), and unresolved fear and anxiety can contribute to this type of pain.

2. Pitta type of Headache - If your headache starts in your temples and spreads to the central part of your head, you can trace your problem back to pitta-related imbalances in the stomach and intestines (such as acid indigestion, hyperacidity, or heartburn) and/ or unresolved anger or irritability. Pitta headaches are characterized by shooting, burning, piercing, or penetrating pain, and may be associated with nausea, dizziness, and/or a burning sensation in the eyes. These symptoms are worsened by bright light, hot sun, or high temperatures, or by eating sour fruits, pickles, or spicy food.

3.Kapha Headache- If your headache occurs in winter or spring, strikes in the morning or evening, is accompanied by a cough or a runny nose, or gets worse when you bend down, you have a kapha headache. Usually dull and deep-seated, the pain starts in the upper frontal area of the skull, moves down to the forehead, and can creep into the sinuses. Sinus congestion, colds, flus, hay fever, and other allergies cause kapha headaches.

Caraka, one of the great triors of Ayurveda classified ‘SiraSoola’ or headache into 5, namely:-

a) Vaataja SiraSoola - Predominance of Vaata dosha

b) Pittaja SiraSoola - Predominance of Pitta dosha

c) Kaphaja SiraSoola - Predominance of Kapha dosha

d) Tridoshaja SiraSoola - Combination of all 3 doshas

e) Krimija SiraSoola - Due to worms

TREATMENT PROTOCOL

Ayurvedic therapies for migraine: 

1. Shirolepa – Application of herbal pastes which pacify Pitta Dosha like Sandalwood, camphor, Jatamansi.

2. Shiro Dhara – pouring of thin stream of liquid over scalp.

3. Taila dhara with oils like ksheerabala taila, chandanadi taila is carried out where Vata involvement is high.

4. ksheera dhara (cow milk) is done when Pitta involvement is more

5. Takra Dhara (buttermilk) is done when there is obstruction to Vata passage is to be removed.

6. Kavala graha – Oil pulling, with chandanadi taila, mahanarayana taila

7. Shirovasti – Retaining the medicated oils over the leather cap fitted over the scalp. Any vata-pitta pacifying oils are beneficial for this purpose.

8. Sneha nasya – Instillation of medicated oils can be carried to the nostrils. Shadbindu taila or Anu taila yield significant benefits in this condition.

CLASSICAL MEDICINES

PATHYAKSHADATHRYADHI KASHAYAM

KSRUTHA VATTU

SHADBINDHU TAILAM

GUGGULUTIKTHAKAM KASHAYAM

VARANADI KASHAYAM

VARANADI GRITHAM

PATHYAKSHADATHRYADHI KASHAYAM

SAPTHAMRUTHA LOHAM

AHARA VIHARAM

Diet & Lifestyle Advice

• Have warm and easily digestible foods, boiled and steamed vegetables, soups, vegetable juices, porridge, brown rice and whole-wheat flour.

• Eat fruits like apples, papayas, mangoes, grapes and pears.

• Also, 5-6 almonds or walnuts and some raisins can be eaten each day.

• Avoid refined, oily, spicy, cold and stale food.

• Avoid yogurt, especially at night.

• Avoid working for long hours continuously; take short breaks. Have a good night’s sleep in a dark room.

• Avoid overexposure to cold or hot weather. Cover your head with an umbrella, or wear a hat or cap when you go out.

GENERAL DEBILITY AND ITS AYURVEDIC TREATMENT

MODERN DISEASE EXPLANATION

Weakness is the feeling of body fatigue, or tiredness. A person experiencing weakness may not be able to move a certain part of their body properly. They may also experience tremors, which are uncontrollable movements, or twitches in the area of weakness. Some people experience weakness in a certain area of their body, such as the arms or legs. Others may experience full-body weakness

WEAKNESS AND FATIGUE

Weakness is a lack of physical or muscle strength and the feeling that extra effort is required to move your arms, legs, or other muscles. If muscle weakness is the result of pain, the person may be able to make muscles work, but it will hurt.

Fatigue is a feeling of tiredness or exhaustion or a need to rest because of lack of energy or strength. Fatigue may result from overwork, poor sleep, worry, boredom, or lack of exercise. It is a symptom that may be caused by illness, medicine. Anxiety or depression can also cause fatigue.

In rare cases, generalized muscle weakness may be caused by another health problem, such as:

1. A problem with the minerals (electrolytes) found naturally in the body, such as low levels of potassium or sodium.

2. Infections, such as a urinary tract infection or a respiratory infection.

3. Problems with the thyroid gland, which regulates the way the body uses energy.

4. A low thyroid level (hypothyroidism) can cause fatigue, weakness, lethargy, weight gain, depression, memory problems, constipation, dry skin, intolerance to cold, coarse and thinning hair, brittle nails, or a yellowish tint to the skin.

5. A high thyroid level (hyperthyroidism) can cause fatigue, weight loss, increased heart rate, intolerance to heat, sweating, irritability, anxiety, muscle weakness, and thyroid enlargement.

6. Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare nerve disorder that causes weakness in the legs, arms, and other muscles and that can progress to complete paralysis.

7. Myasthenia gravis, a rare, chronic disorder that causes weakness and rapid muscle fatigue.

8. Muscle weakness that is slowly getting worse requires a visit to a doctor.

Sudden muscle weakness and loss of function in one area of the body can indicate a serious problem within the brain (such as a stroke or transient ischemic attack) or spinal cord 

DISEASE- AYURVEDA CONCEPT

General Debility means the lack of strength of the human beings. In ayurveda strength is “Balam”. Balam is described as Immunities. Charaka has used the word Vyadhi and “Avyadhi kshamatwa” in this reference. Those who are capable to tolerating diseases are called “Vyadhi Kshamatwa “ resistance to disease. Those who cannot tolerate diseases measurable and immediate affected by them are called “Vayadhi Akham” which is symptoms to general debility or general weakness lack of strength. Ayurveda attributes the disease to aggravated vata dosha. Aggravated vata generates negative effects at the physical and mental levels. Feelings of intense fatigue, muscle cramps and pains are signs of aggravated vata dosha, as also are weakness of nervous system, disturbed sleep patterns, mental fogginess and forgetfulness.

TREATMENT PROTOCOL

Treatment has to be done according to the diagnosis and condition of the patient different types of ayurvedic treatment are available. In the beginning stages we can manage it by samana treatnt using different ayurvedic classical medicines in the later stages of the disease be Ayurveda panchakarma treatment.

CLASSICAL MEDICINES

1. ASHWAGANDHA LEHYA

2. ASHWAGANDHARISHTAM

3. CHAYANAPRASA

4. KUSHMANDAVA LEHA

5. DASAMOOLATRISHTAM

6. NAVAYASAM LOHAM

7. CHYANAPRASAM

8. THENGINPOOKULA LEHYAM

AHARA VIHARAM

1. Include more of fresh, organic vegetables; sweet, juicy fruits; whole grains such as couscous, barley (jau), amaranth (chauli), millet (bajra) and rice; and easily digested proteins such as lentil soup in your diet.

2. Increase intake of boiled or steamed vegetables, bitter foods, vegetable soup, vegetable and fruit juices and buttermilk.

3. Avoid fried foods, heavy foods such as aged cheese, meat, rich desserts and all other items that are difficult to digest. Avoid eating or drinking anything cold.

4. Drinking warm water throughout the day is a good way to flush out ama from the body.

5. Don't snack between meals unless you are actually hungry, and wait until your previous meal is digested.

6. In cooking, use spices such as turmeric (haldi), cumin (jeera), asafetida (hing) and coriander (dhania) as they assist the process of digestion.

7. Occasional fasting (once every two weeks) contributes to maintaining the strength of the digestive system. On days of fasting, have fruits and light vegetable soup and drink juices, herbal tea and water to cleanse the system.

8. Go to sleep before 10pm as Pitta time starts after that. If you stay up, you'll probably feel hungry about midnight and will want to eat, which will tax the digestive process and create ama.

9. Wake up before 6am. Sleeping late into the Kapha time (6-10am) clogs the body's channels with ama and makes you feel fatigued.Eat all three meals at the same time every day. If your body gets used to a regular routine, the digestive system will become more efficient.

COUGH AND ITS AYURVEDIC TREATMENT

MODERN DISEASE EXPLANATION

A cough is an action the body takes to get rid of substances that are irritating to the air passages, which carry the air a person breathes in from the nose and mouth to the lungs.A cough occurs when cells along the air passages get irritated and trigger a chain of events.The result is air in the lungs is forced out under high pressure.A person can choose to cough (a voluntary process), or the body may cough on its own (an involuntary process).

CLASSIFICATION

Acute coughs can be divided into infectious (caused by an infection) and non-infectious causes.

Infectious causes of acute cough include viral upper respiratory infections (the common cold), sinus infections, acute bronchitis, pneumonia, and whooping cough.

Noninfectious causes of cough include flare-ups of chronic conditions such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, and environmental allergies.

Classification of coughs

Acute cough - has a sudden onset and lasts up to 3 weeks

Subacute cough - persists for 3-8 weeks

Chronic cough - persists for over 8 weeks

Productive cough - a cough that brings stuff up, such as sputum

Dry cough - a cough that brings nothing up

Nocturnal cough - only occurs at night

DISEASE- AYURVEDA CONCEPT

Kasa is a disease explained in Ayurveda which involves most of the presentations of a respiratory tract disease. In the pathogenesis of disease Kasa, vitiated Kapha obstructs the free flow of Prana Vata in Kantha and Uras.When aggravated ‘Vata’ forcefully comes out from the mouth with typical sound like broken tin vessel then it is called as ‘Kasa’.

1. Vataja kasa: Cough due to aggravation of vata is called vataja kasa. Vataja kasa present as a dry cough with negligible production of the mucous. Small quantity of hard mucous occasionally accompanies the cough. Mucous is gray in color and not very sticky. Vataja kasa may be accompanied by severe chest pain and loss of voice. The frequency of vataja kasa is episodic in nature.

2. Pittaja kasa: Cough due to aggravation of pitta is called pittaja kasa. Pittaja kasa present with a large amount of mucous. Mucous is of yellow color and may be contaminated with blood giving it a rusty appearance. Pittaja kasa is usually accompanied by fever.

3. Kaphaja kasa: Cough due to aggravation of kapha is called kaphaja kasa. Kaphaja kasa is characterised by the greatest amount of mucous production. Mucous is white color, cloudy, sticky and thick. Kaphaja kasa is often accompanied by a nasal coryza, and vomiting. Fever is absent in kaphaja kasa and coughing is continuous affair.

4. Ksataja kasa: Coughs due to injury is termed as ksataja kasa. Ksataja kasa reveals a combination of symptoms allied to vata and pitta. Mucus is either of red, yellow or black colour, indicative of infection and hemorrhage. Fever is common and may be associated with joint pains. Due to injury, one can see hematuria.

5. Ksayaja kasa: Cough due to Ksaya is seen in wasting disease like tuberculosis. Ksayaja kasa results in a drying up and depletion of the tissue. While the biological air, vata plays vital role in ksayaja kasa, but the condition is sannipataja in nature as there is vitiation of all three biological humours.

TREATMENT PROTOCOL

Ayurvedic treatment for Cough:

Palliative Treatment: With ayurvedic classical medicines

Panchkarma Therapy:

For the treatment of Kasa the following categories of therapies are described to be administered:

1. Bhojya (food preparation)

2. Pana (drinks)

3. Sarpis (medicated ghee)

4. Leha (recipes of linctus) along with post- pradial drinks

5. Ksira (milk boiled with medicines)

6. Sarpirguda (preparation containing ghee, jaggery, etc) , which are used either in linctus from or in the form of pills and

7. Dhuma (recipes for smoking).

8.When Kapha Dosha is associated with Pitta, medicated emesis (Vamana Karma) should be done after proper oleation with the used of medicated grita (medicated clarified butter) and virechena have to be done if necessary.

Below mentioned are some of the highly effective home remedies for Kasa (Cough):

1. Amalaki powder (Emblica officinalis) – 1 spoon boiled with milk and added with ghee

2. Ardraka (Ginger) juice + Madhu (organic and pure honey)

3. Haridra (Turmeric) powder + Vasa (Adhathoda vasica) juice + Cream of milk

4. Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) + Shunti (Ginger)

5. Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica) + Pippali (Piper longum)

6. Bibhitaki + Honey

7. Maricha (Pepper) + Khanda Sharkara (Sugarcandy) + Ghrita (Ghee) + Madhu (Honey)

8. Pepper (Maricha) + Honey

9. Badara Patra (Leaves of Zizyphus jujube) fried in ghee and made into paste + Saindhava Lavana (Rock Salt)

CLASSICAL MEDICINES

1. KANDAKARI GRITHA

2. RASNA GRITHA

3. VIDARYADI GRITHAM

4. SITHOPALADI CHOORNAM

5. AGASTHYA RASAYANAM

6. VIDARYADI KASHAYAM

7. DASAMOOLAKADUTHRAYAM KASHAYAM

8. SWASANANDAM GULIKA

ETC....

AHARA VIHARAM

Care should be taken to avoid cold weather conditions. Bath in cold water is contraindicated, particularly when bronchitis is in acute phase. Curds and sour substances need to be avoided, and banana and guava are also fruits that are contraindicated in this disease. Proper care and attention is a ‘must’ for treatment of the disease.

ASTHMA AND ITS AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT

MODERN DISEASE EXPLANATION

Asthma is a common long-term inflammatory disease of the airways of the lungs. It is characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction, and bronchospasm. Symptoms include episodes of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.
Asthma is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.Environmental factors include exposure to air pollution and allergens
Signs and symptoms
Asthma is characterized by recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. Sputum may be produced from the lung by coughing but is often hard to bring up.During recovery from an attack, it may appear pus-like due to high levels of white blood cells called eosinophils.Symptoms are usually worse at night and in the early morning or in response to exercise or cold air.

DISEASE- AYURVEDA CONCEPT
Ayurveda theory says the cause of asthma is in the stomach. It describes how toxins created by improperly digested food are carried through channels directly into the chest and lung area. The resulting toxin accumulation imbalances the lung and airway tissues through several mechanisms.

According to Ayurveda causes of Swasa rog are.
1. Vata propak(vitiating) aahar (diet) vihar(activities)

Ruksha(dry),guru(heavy) diet,excessive intake of cold water and cold drinks,intake of meals much more than the digesting capacity, exposure to dust,smoke and cold air ,living in cold areas,excess of sex,having bath with cold water.

2. Kapha prakopak(vitiating) Aahar(diet) Vihar(activities)
Diet including urad (black grams),til,guru(heavy),abhishandi(kapha producing) food,living in cold areas, exposure to cold air,bathing with cold water.

TYPES OF SWASA ROGA

In Ayurveda five types of Swasa Roga have been described:

1]Maha-shwasa

2]Urdhava-shwasa

3]Chinna-shwasa

4]Tamak-shwasa

5]Kshudra-shwasa

TREATMENT PROTOCOL

TREATABLE OR NOT

According to Ayurveda out of five types first three are not curable. ‘Tamak-swasa is yapya’(Controllable) and is difficult to cure. The last one(KSHUDRA SWASA) is curable. More than 75% of the cases of swasa roga belong to last two catagories.

TREATMENT OF SWASA ROGA

All types of swasa roga are not described according to doshas infact they have been differentiated according to symptoms.All types of swasa roga are vatakaphaj so all of them are treated in same manner.

1. Find reasons and eliminate them

2. Diet, liquids and medicines should have properties of reducing vataj and kaphaj doshas.

3. If patient is healthy then sodhan chikitsa should be done with vaman, virechan and then sham chikitsa should be done with advised diet and medicines.

4. In weak and lean patients vata nashak Ayurvedic preprations should be given with suitable anupan.

5. In healthy patients sanehan and swedan(oleation and sudation)should be done.



Other strategies of treatment –

Shwasa can be treated on the lines of treatment of –
Pranavah sroto dushti chikitsa – Shwasa or dyspnoea is a symptom of vitiation of Pranavaha Srotas

Pandu Roga Chikitsa (Anaemia and liver disorders) – Since shortness of breath is an essential part of anaemia most of the times, prompt treatment of anaemia would address the issue.

Shotha Chikitsa (swelling and inflammation) – Swelling and inflammation or airways is one of the chief causes of dyspnoea. Treatment and medicines advised in Shota chikitsa would reduce the swelling (inflammation or oedema) in the airways and relieve dyspnoea.

CLASSICAL MEDICINES
• VYAKRADHI KASHAYAM
• DASAMOLAKADUTHRAYAM KASHAYAM
• VASARISHTAM
• KANAKASAVAM
• TALEESAPATHRADI CHOORNAM
• VILWADI LEHYAM
• DASAMOOLARASAYANAAM
• AGASTHYA RASAYANAM
• TWAGELADI LEHYAM

AHARA VIHARAM:-

• Avoid cold and damp places.
• Go for morning or evening walk, do yoga mainly 'Pranayama'
• Avoid over eating . Take light dinner one hour before going to bed
• Avoid Tobacco, wine and smoking
• Keep rooms well ventilated . Avoid air conditioners, coolers and direct air of fan
• Avoid perfumes , Agarbatti. Mosquito repellents
• Drink boiled water in plenty
• Avoid over exercise and over indulgence in sex

FACTORS RELATED TO DIET:-

Excessive indulgence in lablab beans ,black grams, raw milk, soar curd, excess salt, flesh of aquatic and wet land animals.
Excessive use of 'Ruksha'(dry) and 'Guru'(heavy) diet, excessive use of cold water and cold drinks.
Excessive use of 'Abhishandi'(Kapha producing) diet, Excessive use of not easily digestible and irritant food.

FACTORS RELATED TO WORK :-

Excessive exposure to dust and smoke.
Excessive wind, cold, cold bath or excessive heat, sun bath.
Exhaustive exercise, walking, excessive sexual activities.
Supression of natural urges
Psychological factors

ANEMIA AND ITS AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT

MODERN DISEASE EXPLANATION

ANEMIA

Anemia is a condition that develops when your blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a main part of red blood cells and binds oxygen. If you have too few or abnormal red blood cells, or your hemoglobin is abnormal or low, the cells in your body will not get enough oxygen.

SYMPTOMS

Anemia signs and symptoms vary depending on the cause of your anemia. They may include:

Fatigue
Weakness
Pale or yellowish skin
Irregular heartbeats
Shortness of breath
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Chest pain
Cold hands and feet
Headache

CAUSES

Anemia occurs when your blood doesn't have enough red blood cells. This can happen if:

• Your body doesn't make enough red blood cells
• Bleeding causes you to lose red blood cells more quickly than they can be replaced
• Your body destroys red blood cells

DIFFERENT TYPES OF ANEMIA

• Iron deficiency anemia. This is the most common type of anemia worldwide. Iron deficiency anemia is caused by a shortage of iron in your body. Your bone marrow needs iron to make hemoglobin. Without adequate iron, your body can't produce enough hemoglobin for red blood cells.

• Without iron supplementation, this type of anemia occurs in many pregnant women. It is also caused by blood loss, such as from heavy menstrual bleeding, an ulcer, cancer and regular use of some over-the-counter pain relievers, especially aspirin.

• Vitamin deficiency anemia. In addition to iron, your body needs folate and vitamin B-12 to produce enough healthy red blood cells. A diet lacking in these and other key nutrients can cause decreased red blood cell production.

• Additionally, some people may consume enough B-12, but their bodies aren't able to process the vitamin. This can lead to vitamin deficiency anemia, also known as pernicious anemia.

• Anemia of chronic disease. Certain diseases — such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney disease, Crohn's disease and other chronic inflammatory diseases — can interfere with the production of red blood cells.
• Aplastic anemia. This rare, life-threatening anemia occurs when your body doesn't produce enough red blood cells. Causes of aplastic anemia include infections, certain medicines, autoimmune diseases and exposure to toxic chemicals.
• Anemias associated with bone marrow disease. A variety of diseases, such as leukemia and myelofibrosis, can cause anemia by affecting blood production in your bone marrow. The effects of these types of cancer and cancer-like disorders vary from mild to life-threatening.
• Hemolytic anemias. This group of anemias develops when red blood cells are destroyed faster than bone marrow can replace them. Certain blood diseases increase red blood cell destruction. You can inherit a hemolytic anemia, or you can develop it later in life.
• Sickle cell anemia. This inherited and sometimes serious condition is an inherited hemolytic anemia. It's caused by a defective form of hemoglobin that forces red blood cells to assume an abnormal crescent (sickle) shape. These irregular blood cells die prematurely, resulting in a chronic shortage of red blood cells.
• Other anemias. There are several other forms of anemia, such as thalassemia and malarial anemia.

RISK FACTORS

These factors place you at increased risk of anemia:

• A diet lacking in certain vitamins. Having a diet that is consistently low in iron, vitamin b-12 and folate increases your risk of anemia.
• Intestinal disorders. Having an intestinal disorder that affects the absorption of nutrients in your small intestine — such as crohn's disease and celiac disease — puts you at risk of anemia.
• Menstruation. In general, women who haven't experienced menopause have a greater risk of iron deficiency anemia than do men and postmenopausal women. That's because menstruation causes the loss of red blood cells.
• Pregnancy. If you're pregnant and aren't taking a multivitamin with folic acid, you're at an increased risk of anemia.
• Chronic conditions. If you have cancer, kidney failure or another chronic condition, you may be at risk of anemia of chronic disease. These conditions can lead to a shortage of red blood cells.

• Slow, chronic blood loss from an ulcer or other source within your body can deplete your body's store of iron, leading to iron deficiency anemia.

• Family history. If your family has a history of an inherited anemia, such as sickle cell anemia, you also may be at increased risk of the condition.
• Other factors. A history of certain infections, blood diseases and autoimmune disorders, alcoholism, exposure to toxic chemicals, and the use of some medications can affect red blood cell production and lead to anemia.

DISEASE- AYURVEDA CONCEPT

In Sanskrit 'panduta' means whitish colouration. Since anaemia is characterized by whitish tint on skin, eyes & nails, it is called Pandurog in Ayurveda. It is caused by improper diet, weak gastric fire, malnutrition, worms, loss of blood and eating soil. All such factors cause production of ama (toxins) in stomach which then blocks the channels of rasa dhatu. This results in paleness and other symptoms of pandurog. Depending upon which particular Dosha is vitiated, pandurog has been classified into Vataj, Pittaj, Kaphaj and Sannipatik types in Ayurveda.
• Vataj pandurog (caused mainly by vitiated Vayu) is marked by pale, blackish, dry skin, bodyache and constipation.
• Pittaj pandurog (caused mainly by vitiated Pitta) causes pale, yellowish skin, fever, giddiness, thirst, excess sweating and sour belching.
• Kaphaj pandurog (caused mainly by vitiated Kapha) displays itself through pale, whitish skin, heavines & swelling in body, vomitting, and breathlessness. Sannipatik pandurog is caused by vitiation of all three Doshas and therefore have mixed characteristics.

TREATMENT PROTOCOL

Anaemia is called as panduroga in Ayurveda. The word pandu means white. In anaemia, the skin and the mucous membranes lose their red colour and appear whitish. Firstly, Agni (the digestive fire) must be kindled in order to support proper digestion, absorption and metabolism. This is done by ensuring a proper diet that is light, yet nourishing to the tissues. In the severe conditions, after purification(by Vamana-emesis and Virechana-purgation) varoius medicines are administered along with honey, ghee and sources of loha (iron resources like loha bhasma, lohasava etc), Based upon the severity of the illness, stage of the disease and one’s body constitution the apt formulation is selected. It is very essential to take suitable wormicidal medicine (krimighna yoga) before starting the medication for pandu (anemia).

CLASSICAL MEDICINES

• DRAKSHADI KASHAYMA
• VASAGULOOCHYADI KASHAYAM
• LOHASAVAM
• NAVAYASAM GULIKA
• KRIMIGHNA GULIKA
• DRAKSHARISHTTAM
• ANNABEDI SINDOORAM
• MANDOORA VADAKAM
• KOUDJA TRIPHALA

AHARA VIHARAM

Dietary changes

• If the anemia is caused by nutritional deficiencies, a change to an iron-rich diet can help alleviate the symptoms. The following foods are high in iron:
• Attention should be paid to gastric fire in anaemia to avoid indigestion. Heavy, spicy, fried food is prohibited. Non-veg items, eggs are also not allowed.
• Light meals, rice, lentils, soups, vegetables and fruits like pomegranate and melons are perticularly recommended.
• Food articles cooked in iron pots are good in iron deficiency anaemia.
• Problems like bleeding piles and excessive menstruation should be attended immediately as they often lead to anaemia.

ALLERGIC RHINITIS AND ITS AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT

MODERN DISEASE EXPLANATION

Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, is a type of inflammation in the nose which occurs when the immune system overreacts to allergens in the air. Signs and symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, red, itchy, and watery eyes, and swelling around the eyes. The fluid from the nose is usually clear.

Hay Fever Triggers

Outdoor allergens, such as pollens from grass, trees and weeds
Indoor allergens, such as pet hair or dander, dust mites and mold
Irritants, such as cigarette smoke, perfume and diesel exhaust

Symptoms of allergic rhinitis
• sneezing
• a runny nose
• a stuffy nose
• an itchy nose
• coughing
• a sore or scratchy throat
• itchy eyes
• watery eyes
• dark circles under the eyes
• frequent headaches

Hay Fever Management and Treatment

• Avoid triggers by making changes to your home and to your behavior.
• Keep windows closed during high pollen periods; use air conditioning in your home and car.
• Wear glasses or sunglasses when outdoors to keep pollen out of your eyes.
• Use “mite-proof” bedding covers to limit exposure to dust mites and a dehumidifier to control mold (if you smell mildew, you likely have mold).
• Wash your hands after petting any animal and have a nonallergic person help with pet grooming, preferably in a well-ventilated area or outside.

DISEASE- AYURVEDA CONCEPT
Allergic Rhinitis from an Ayurvedic perspective is caused due to the ama (toxins) present in the body and due to low immunity. Accumulated ama aggravates the levels of Kapha (Water) in the body, giving rise to different symptoms of allergies.Ayurveda believes in balancing the three doshas present in the human body, thus treating the disease on the whole. Treatment involves clearing the sinuses and expelling phlegm, alleviating the relevant dosha and detoxification. To permanently resolve this disorder, dietary and lifestyle adjustments may be necessary in addition to the strengthening of the immune system. The term Ama means uncooked, unripe, undigested and immature material. Ama of an type produced at anystage and in any Dhatu stimulates intrinsic factor which are responsible for allergic disorders. Asatmya to an individual in the form of aahara and vihara when consumed may lead to an altered response in the body of that individual. These manifestation in the form of altered response of the body towards that particular Asatmya substance are that of allergy. Viruddha aahara means combination of two or more food material having antagonist properties which may lead to allergic response.
TREATMENT PROTOCOL

Panchakarma is an effective means of treating Allergic Rhinitis. Allergic Rhinitis is well known for its recurrence & chronicity. Recurrance of disease happens only when the vitiate dosha have not been eradicated completely. This doshas reside in the body in their latent stage & when they come in contact with aggravating factors give rise to same disease again. Viewing to this concept the Ayurvedic line of treatment of Allergic Rhinitis includes, avoid allergens causing reaction (Nandan Parivarjan). Detoxification (Shodhan), Pacification (Shaman) & rejuvenation (Rasayana).


CLASSICAL MEDICINES

VYAKRADHI KASHAYAM
HARIDHRA KHANDAM
TALEESAPATHRADI CHOORNAM
VYOSHADI VADAKAM
VILWADI LEHYAM
AGASTHYA RASAYANAM
TWAKELADI LEHYAM
DASAMOOLAM COUGH SYRUP

AHARA VIHARAM

Pathya:

Use of Kaphanashaka Dravyas i.e. Ahara and Vihara such as yusha of Mungakullatha, Saindhava salt, luke warm water, green leafy vegetables, pranayam light exercises and various Aasanas may help in improving the immunity of individuals and thereby preventing various disorders including Allergic Rhinitis.

Apathaya:

Snana, Kroadh suppression of natural urges, shoka etc. are some of apthyas for Allergic Rhinitis.

CANCER AND ITS AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT

MODERN DISEASE EXPLANATION

Cancer, also called malignancy, is an abnormal growth of cells. There are more than 200 types of cancer, including breast cancer, skin cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, and lymphoma. Symptoms vary depending on the type. Cancer is a group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body. Not all tumours are cancerous; benign tumors do not spread to other parts of the body. Possible signs and symptoms include a lump, abnormal bleeding, prolonged cough, unexplained weight loss and a change in bowel movements. While these symptoms may indicate cancer, they may have other causes.


Cancers are a large family of diseases that involve abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body. They form a subset of neoplasms. A neoplasm or tumor is a group of cells that have undergone unregulated growth and will often form a mass or lump, but may be distributed diffusely.

Tumors can be benign or malignant. Benign tumors aren't cancer while malignant ones are. Cells from malignant tumors can invade nearby tissues. They can also break away and spread to other parts of the body. Cancer starts when gene changes make one cell or a few cells begin to grow and multiply too much. This may cause a growth called a tumour.

All tumor cells show the six hallmarks of cancer. These characteristics are required to produce a malignant tumor. They include:

1. Cell growth and division absent the proper signals

2. Continuous growth and division even given contrary signals

3. Avoidance of programmed cell death

4. Limitless number of cell divisions

5. Promoting blood vessel construction .

6. Invasion of tissue and formation of metastases


DISEASE- AYURVEDA CONCEPT



Cancer originates due to metabolic changes. Vata dosha is responsible for cell division. Aggravation of vata dosha and suppression of kapha doshas or both the doshas interacting with one another may result in proliferation of cells. The classics clearly describes about bothgranthi (tumour) and arbuda (cancer). Theclassification of neoplasm depends on variouslakshanas (symptoms) in relation to tridoshas(vata, pitha, kapha) in Ayurveda.


The condition that can be named as malignant includes both arbuda and granthi, for example the raktarbuda mentioned in the classics can be correlated with leukemia, mamsarbuda as melnoma and mukharbuda (oral cancer), etc. Screning the classics it is easy to analyze cerain asadhya lakshanas (incurable) mentioned for certain diseases may be correlated as malignancy. For example tridosaja gulmas (abdominal Tumours) may be correlated with carcinomas of the stomach and liver or lymphomas and asadhya kamala (incurable jaundice) may be considered as malignant.



PATHOGENESIS OF ARBUDA (CANCER)





Cancer originates due to metabolic changes.Vata dosha is responsible for cell division. Aggravation of vata dosha and suppression of kapha doshas or both the doshas interacting with one another may result in proliferation of cells. However, the Ekadesavriddhi (growth at a specific part) is a part of abnormal cell division resulting in benign or malignant tumours. Acharya Susruta has explained about six stages in the pathogenesis of all diseases. They are Sanchaya, the early stages of localized neoplastic changes; Prakopa is transformation of primary growths into metastatic tumours; Prasara is metastasis; Sthana samsraya is complete metastasis and secondary growth. Vyakti is the clinical signs and symptoms observed. Bheda is the stage where differentiation of growth is understood on the basis of histopathology.


TREATMENT PROTOCOL

As a first line of treatment, internal medication will be prescribed and is termed as samana chikitsa. Later Sodhana chikitsa (purification treatment) to eliminate the vitiated doshas are practiced in the management of cancer. Certain poisonous plants, minerals and animal products are rendered non-toxic and are used as rejuvenating drugs (immunotherapy) in the treatment of cancer.


When the treatment does not show any good prognosis, then surgical management is followed in Ayurveda which include the principles of fomentation by means of external application, opening the tumour surgically for evacuation of its contents, cauterization to avoid recurrence and post-operative care for healing the wound.


Cauterization with ksharas (alkalis) and other surgical procedures are performed with herbal and mineral medicines. Arbuda (cancerous tumour) is excised completely from its deep root and cauterization is done to destroy any of the remnants of carcinoma.

CLASSICAL MEDICINES

1. KANCHANARA GUGGULU GULIKA

2. VARANADI KASHAYAM

3. VARANADI GRITHAM

4. GUGGULUTIKTHAKAM KASHAYAM

5. GUGGULUTIKTHAKAM GRITHAM

6.AROGYAVARDHINI VADI

7.SHANKARA VADI

           8.SAPTHASARAM KASHAYAM ETC...

AHARA VIHARAM


Many cancers can be prevented by not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, not drinking too much alcohol, eating plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole grains, vaccination against certain infectious diseases, not eating too much processed and red meat, and avoiding too much sunlight exposure.

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF PCOD AND PCOS

PCOD & PCOS

Introduction

l  Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) and Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age associated with ovaries , that wreaks havoc on hormones and causes physical and psychological damage.

l  Ovarian follicle

u  Fluid filled sac found in ovaries, containing an immature egg or oozyte.

u  Women begin puberty with about 400,000 follicles, each with a potential to release an egg cell (Ovum) at ovulation for fertilization.

u  While several follicles begin to develop each cycle, normally only one will ovulate egg.

u  These ovarian follicles secrete hormone which influences the stages of the menstrual cycle.

u  Functions of ovarian follicle

l  It provides for the maturation and release of fertilized oocyte.

l  It also forms corpus luteum which promotes and maintains implantation of the embryo.

l  PCOD

u  Condition characterized by an Enlarged ovary and small follicular cysts, which have 0.5—1.0 cm diameter.

u  Hormonal imbalance affects the follicular growth during ovarian cycle leading to collection of mature eggs in the ovary, as they cannot be discharged. Thereby causing the affected follicles to remain in the ovary.

u  The retained follicles (immature follicles) forms a cyst with each ovarian cycle, a new cyst is formed leading to multiple ovarian cyst.

u  These immature follicles are called as cysts. This is a vicious cycle, some cysts leads to more cysts and this cycle goes on.

u  Although reasons were from person to person, but insulin, diet, hormonal disturbances and stress are some cause, which leads to PCOD.

u  Sing and symptoms

l  Irregular periods

l  Hair pattern which resembles male patterns

l  Storage of fat at abdominal area

l  Infertility.

u  FSH and LH levels are important for the diagnosis of disease along with pelvic ultrasound.

u   PCOD does not exactly mean infertility, many women can bear child even with this disease. For the treatment of PCOD, patients are given progesterone pills, which help in balancing the hormones.

l  PCOS

u  PCOS is another condition of ovaries, when patient is affected in more than one ways. In this condition, more than twelve follicles are produced every month, but as they all are, immature so no ovum is released and as a result, ovaries starts producing higher level of testosterones, which leads to hormonal imbalance.

u  Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a condition in which a woman's levels of the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone are out of balance. This leads to the growth of ovarian cysts (benign masses on the ovaries). PCOS can affect a women's menstrual cycle, fertility, cardiac function, and appearance.

u  One forth population of women are having multiple follicles in ovaries, but only 10% women suffer from PCOS.

u 

u  Symptoms for this syndrome include 

u  It is associated with enlarged polycystic ovaries.

u  Androgen levels are often elevated, increasing the risk of metabolic syndrome and causing hirsuitism. Over long term androgen excess increases the risk of cardiovascular disorders including hypertension.

u  Estrogen levels are elevated, increasing risk of endometrial hyperplasia and eventually endometrial cancer

u  It is one of the leading causes of infertility in women.

l  Symptoms usually begin during puberty but worsens with time.

l  Typical symptoms are,

l  Mild obesity

l  Irregular periods or Amenorrhoea

l  Some women have other signs of virilization such as Acne and Temporal balding,

l  Difficulties in pregnancy

l   Thinning of hair

l  Areas of thickened, darkened skin (Acanthosis nigricans) may appear in the axillae, on the nape of the neck and in skin folds, the cause is high insulin levels due to insulin resistance.

u  But symptom vary from person to person which usually develop in late twenties.

u  Blood tests and ultrasound scan are the two methods to diagnose the disease.

u  Examination usually detects abundant cervical mucus, reflecting high estrogen levels.

Differences and Similarities

u  PCOD and PCOS are the conditions associated with malfunctioning of ovaries.

u  Symptoms like irregular periods are common in both cases, but PCOS leads to thinning of hair whereas in PCOD a female develop hair pattern like males.

u   Both are caused by hormonal imbalance but for PCOS there is no exact known reason for this disease but we can link it with inheritance, like PCOD.

u  PCOD is not very serious if we compare it with PCOS, which is more severe form of this syndrome.

u   Both contribute to the infertility.

Diagnosis

u  Clinical criteria

u  Serum testosterone , Follicle stimulating hormone , prolactin and Thyroid stimulating hormone levels.

u  Pelvic ultrasonography.

Ayurvedic view of PCOD and PCOS

v  Not explained as a single disease entity

v  Can be considered as a Yoni Vyapat

v  Also as a Pushphagni Revati - Charakacharya

v  Now correlating the signs and symptoms of PCOD and PCOS with that of the Yoni Vyapat or Artava Vyapat,

l  Menstrual irregularities eg Ammenorrhoea condition ( Described under Arthava Vyapat)

l  Annovulation is included under Vandhya (Infertility)

l  Obesity - sthoulya - Santarpanajanya Vikaras

l  Acne - Mukha dushika

l  Baldness - Khalithya

l  Hyperinsulinemia - Type 2 Diabetes mellitus - described under Prameham - also manifested as a complication of Sthoulya.

Scriptures speak of two conditions in relation to PCOS

ü  In the first, menstruation does not appear in the proper time and it s delayed (Prolonged inter menstrual period)

ü  There is scanty menstruation and it does not last for 3 days.

ü  It is associated with the pain in the vagina.

ü  In the second, the doshas like Vata and Kapha obstructs the passages or orifices carrying the menstrual blood (Arthava)

Samprapti:

²   Apana Vata Dushti happen

l  Apana Vayu does “Vata Vit Mutra Sukra Garba NISHKRAMANADI kriya”.

²  Kaphavruta Vata condition happens

l   Kapha Dosha is cold and dense. With its Guru and Sheeta Guna Kapha dosha nourishes the development of the tissues that forms and support the reproductive system.

l  This Kapha Dosha also supports the growth of the follicles during the ovarian cycle.

²  PCOS occurs when Kapha blocks the other two doshas Vata and Pitta.

²  Hormonal Dishormony caused by Kapha

l  Pitta is responsible for the hormonal play. When pitts gets blocked the hormones that carry the energy of transformation are unable to function.

l  The energy transformation here, refers to the power of function of Pitta which helps to shift from the menstrual cycle to the ovarian cycle which is governed by hormones.

l  Thus the movement of ( release of) the mature ovum and the menstrual blood is obstructed, due to the sticky kapha and the transformation process is suppressed.

l  This deranged Vata mixed up with Kapha vitiates the Mamsa Shonitha and Medas.

l  The accumulated Kapha is thus expressed in the formation of cysts in the ovary. I.e they likely to prioduce circular, raised and knotted inflammatory swellings called Granthi.

l  This type of glandular swelling has been compared with the modern terminology ‘cyst’ which means an abnormal closed epithelium- lined cavity in the body, containing liquid or semisolid material.

²  In PCOS, development of follicles has been arrested at one or any level and  remained as it is. The cysts are follicles at varying stages of maturation and  atresia. So, these cysts are not destined to ovum. Thus, this pathology is compared with granthibhuta artava dushti  i.e. cyst, as in PCOS, the follicles becomes cysts instead of developing up to mature ovum.

²  The different symptoms of PCOS including obesity, insulin resistance, irregular periods, acne, hirsuitism, are the expressions of the different factors occuring inside the body due to the aggrevation of the Kapha Dosha.

Line of Treatment

²  Vata Kaphahara Chikits - Apanavatanulomana chikitsa

²  Sthoulya Chikitsa - Medhohara Chikitsa

²  Vandhya Chikits - Rajah and Stri Beeja Poshana Chikitsa.

²  AvaranaHara Chikitsa - Correcting the Ama Dosha, Acheving Koshta Shuddhi and Tridosha balance.

²  Agnivardhaka Chikits - for treating Agnimandhya - Deepana Pachana Chikitsa - improving the Jataragni and Dhatwagni

²  Srothoshodhana Chikitsa - Panchakarma and Rasayana prayogam

²  Artava Chikitsa - Vishamarthava Chikitsa, Arajaska Chikitsa, Ksheena Arthava Chikitsa, Granti Artava Chikitsa, Pushpagni Chikitsa

²  Overall treatment is based on -

Atipravrutti - Rakta pittahara Chikitsa

Stambhana Chikitsa

Brimhana Chikitsa

Apavrutti - Deepana, Pachana and srothoshodhana.

List of Medicines

Kashaya Kalpana

l  Chitraka Grantyadi kashayam

l  Trayantyadi Kashayam

l  Gandharvahastyadi Kashayam

l  Chiruvilwadi Kashayam

l  Patolamuladi Kashayam

l  Saptasaram Kashayam

l  Guggulu tiktaka Kashayam

l  ASmruthotharam Kashatyam

l  Nisaamalakyadi Kashayam

l  Varadi Kashayam

l  Varunadi Kashayam

l  Kaudaja Triphala

Gulika/Vati Kalpana

l  Chandraprabha vati

l  Kanchanara Guggulu

l  Hinguvachadi pills

l  Vyoshadhi vatakam

l  Dushivishari gulika

l  Kankayana Vati

l  TA Tab

l  Vilwadi gulika

Lehya Kalpanas

l  Dasamula Hareetaki Lehyam

l  Kalyanaka Gudam

l  Sukumara Rasayanam

Choorna Kalpanas

l  Hinguvachadi Choornam

l  Avipathi Choornam

Arishta Asava Kalpana

l  Dantyarishtam

l  Abhyarishtam

l  Kumaryasavam

l  Lodharasavam

l  Puthikasavam

l  Helmolite syrup

Gritha Kaplana

l  Varunadi Gritam

Taila Kalpana

l  Sukumara Eranda Tailam

l  Ghandarvahastyadi eranda tailam

Kriyakramam

l  Udwarthanam

l  Swedam

l  Nasyam

l  Mrudu Vamanam

l  Matra Vasti

l  Doshahara Vasti

l  Anuvasana Vasti

l  Yoga

l  Physiotherapy

Pathyapathyam

  Guluchyadi toyam + nisha kathakadi toyam

 Wheat + cheru payaru + methi - kanji 3 times /day

  Avoidance of kaphkara ahara and vihara