Treatments In Ayurveda

TREATMENTS IN AYURVEDA

Ayurveda is not only a science only to treat patients but also it is a wast science that taught people to meaning of nature,life etc.so it is considered as the science of life or science of nature.In Ayurveda treatment is mainly divided into shodhana and Samana chikitsa.

Treatment concepts:

The Ayurveda medicines are for the prevention and therapeutic purposes.its main aim is preservation of health for Swastha/healthy peoples and treat to cure the diseased people using method that suitable to nature.basically Ayurveda and its treatments depend upon some principles or theories like Panchamahabhootha theory, tri-dosha theory etc. it is probably the only branch of medicine that lays more stress on preventive rather than curative medicines.According to Ayurveda another main concept about treatment is the removal of causative factors and stoppage of manifestation of disease is considered as treatment.
 there are many approaches to diseases in Ayurveda as there are lots of disease exist.even though Ayurveda mainly categorized treatments into

• Preventive Medicine
• Curative medicine(Samana therapy and sodhana therapy)
• Rasayana and vajeekarana therapy(rejuvenation therapy).

Preventive:

Here give more importance to the physical,mental and spiritual well being of an individual.their are certain life style modifications and food habits that help to person to maintain the health.these modifications are laid down according to the season and condition of the individual as all the human being are different according to tri dosha concept and prakriti of that particular person.As the season is one of the factor that changes the human body normalcy, so in Ayurveda by bringing about some modifications like periodic cleansing(shodhana) of the body through panchakarma,and some other methods like yoga and other seasonal therapies,can cure any diseases and also can prevent from disease.these will help the body to detoxify and prevent any illness.

Curative Therapy:

it mainly focuses about treat existing problems and give long lasting relieve without any complications and negative effect.here we consider the above mentioned Shodhana and Samana chikitsa.

Samana Chikitsa/Treatment:(Curative)
This method is considered when the derangement of dosha,and disease is mild to moderate.it includes various drugs that are administered to patients to bring down the deranged doshas.these is the choice of the patient where panchakarma is not advised,or persons who cannot follow strict rules of diet and lifestyle that need to be followed for few days during and after Shodhana chikitsa/panchakarma treatment.When the samana is done recurrence of chances are more.this type of disease are advised for the patients that re weak,child,old,psychologically unwell.

Shodhana Chikitsa/Treatments:(Purification)
When the doshas are in highly provoked stage and the patient is physically and mentally fit it shall be done.It means removal of excess doshas in the body that causes diseases by means of Panchakarma.(Pancha means five,karma means therapies)they are

1. Vamana (Artificially induced vomiting to cure diseases excess kapha)
2. Virechana (purgation to cure pitta aggravated diseases)
3. Vasthi (medicated enema used predominantly to treat diseases caused  by vaata)
4. Nasyam (medicines administered through nasal roots for diseases above shoulder)
5. Raktha detoxification of the blood (blood letting done either with the help of leches or with other methods)

While doing these type of therapy it is mandatory to do POORVA KARMA(pre operative) and PASCHAT KARMA(post operative)while doing these need to be undertaken with lots of care.If it is done correctly it will give fast relieve from the symptoms but would provide hazardous if done incorrectly.and before and after Panchakarma patient has to follow strict diet and lifestyle advised by the physician for few days before and after the therapy.

Rejuvenation treatments:

It is a type of diseases mainly indicates for the mind health and body health.this type of treatments used for the conditions like after diseases,after purification therapy,because after all these the Satwaguna or strength of the body and mind of the patient reduced.so this treatment help to regain the power.it also advice for weak patients etc.it also include Rasayana (rejuvenation) and vajeekarana(fertility treatment) etc..

Other treatment types:

• Santarpana and Apatarpana Chikitsa.
• Rasayana-Vajikarana type
• Daiva vyapasraya,Yuktivyapasraya,Satvavajaya,etc

By: Dr.Rimin Razak

Plantar Fascitis and its Ayurveda Management

PLANTAR FASCIITIS AND ITS AYURVEDA MANAGEMENT

Plantar Fasciitis is a painful inflammatory process of the plantar fascia ,the connective tissue on the sole of the foot. The plantar fascia is a thick fibrous band of connective tissue originating on the bottom surface of the calcaneus (heel bone) and extending along the sole of the foot towards the toes. It supports the arch of the foot.  The most common causes of the heel pain is the inflammation of this area. Main causes are overuse of the plantar fascia or arch tendon of the foot.by the over strain of the plantar fascia, it gets weak ,swollen and inflamed. Sometimes small tears may also be occur and this will causes the severe pain. The pain is mainly seen in the anterior part of the calcaneous. Commonly seen in middle aged peoples however pain also occur in younger people whose are on their feet a lot. It can also be termed as "policeman's heel".

Causes of Plantar Fasciitis: 

It is mainly caused by over straining of the Plantar Fascia. The straining may occur in different ways and its finally lead to inflammation, pain, swelling etc.

• Flat foot.
• calcaneal spur.
• Over straining like long walk, running etc. especially on hard surface.
• Bare foot walk.
• Feet roll inward too much while walking.
• Over weight.
• Improper shoes,
• High heeled foot wears.
• Weak calf muscles etc.

Panchamahabhootha concepts in Ayurveda

PANCHA-MAHABHOOTHA THEORY OR CONCEPT OF PANCHA-MAHABHOOTHA IN AYURVEDA

In Ayurveda it is said that component and functioning of the nature is similar to human body components and its functions.Ayurveda is based on the principle that the human body is made up of five basic element such as “Panchamahabhootha”, namely, Prithvi (earth),Aap (water), Theja (fire), Vayu (air) and Akasha (space). According to Ayurveda not the human body itself,but the whole creatures in the world(living or non-living) are brought into existence with composition of Panchamahabhootha or these five elements such as prithvi,aap etc.all these materials are composed of panchamahabhootha not in a same proportion.These Panchamahabhoothas are the establishment materiel of all the existing material in the universe.not the materials itself tridoshas also made up of these panchamahabhootha.
The ancient Ayurveda text, charaka says that ,"man is the epitome of the universe.within the man.there is as much diversity as in the world out side.similarly the out side world is as diverse as human beings themselves."

Origin of Panchamahabhootha??

these five elements originates from the concept of Pancha(five) tanmatra according to Ayurveda. these five tanmatra unite to form pancha mahabhootha.each element is a combination of all the five tanmatra,but shows predominance of any one Tanmatra because the combination of these five tanmatra in panchamahabhootha are different.These Pancha Tanmatra are

• Sabda(Sound)-Aakasha mahabhootha
• Sparsha(Touch)- Vayu mahabhootha
• Roopa (Vision)- Tejo mahabhootha
• Rasa (Taste)- Aap mahabhootha
• Gandha(Smell)-Prithvi mahabhootha

these are related to each sense organs.the equivalents shown in brackets may not the correct and full implication of these terms.Eg: ordinary water does not contain jala mahabhootha alone.it is composed of all the five.these five elements are  to be understood in material sense as well as a subtle sense.
in Ayurveda/veda it is clearly mentioned the origin of the universe and so panchamahabhootha also. According to these the universe originates first from AVYAKTHA(may be god or some power as from Veda)gradually it brought in to existence to MAHAN(soul),then AHANKARA (ego)and step by step PANCHATANMATRA, and then PANCHAMAHABHOOTHA.the group of all these creations is known as life.All living are came into their existence in this order but the ration of these things differs creature to creature.

Panchamahabhootha concept in treatment:

According to Ayurveda all doshas,medicines,instruments,human body,food items,are made up of panchamahabhootha.so they are all the substitute for each other.the proportion of mahabhootha fluctuate in these things.so maintaining the normalcy in human body with materials like food,medicine etc are the treatment principle.

Materials and there Qualities like shape,taste etc may vary.but the the overall panchamhabhootha quality will not vary for a substance in any circumstances.this also helps in treatments.

 The panchamahabhootha theory may sound simplistic,but actually it is a very sophisticated method for classifying thing and understanding them.it helps to classifying the things,season,diseases,etc.fro example the human life cycle is divided into childhood,where physical growth takes place (water and earth predominant-kappa),adulthood where activity and change occur(fore-pitta dosha),and old age where body begins to weak (space and air_vata dosha)the year is divided into four seasons Winter (cold and rainy Water and earth predominant),Spring(new growth occurs(water and fir),Summer(hot and dry-for and air),Autumn when it is windy and cool(air and space.)
understood and Applied correctly,about panchamahabhootha concept help as a powerful analytical tool provide for internal (mind) and external assessment.

Characteristics of Panchamahabhootha:

1.Prithvi Mahabhootha (Earth):

represent the solid state of matter in the planet and living things.it related to all solid and hard structures that show shape.The human body consist of bones ,teeth,ceells,etc as the manifestation of the earth.it is  regareded as a stable substances.it is responsible for giving structure,shape and strength to the body.

it is eternal,tanmatra of prithvi is Gandha(smell).the small particles of the earth are scattered to environment and give the sense of smell.

sensory organ: Nose.

Features: heavy,dull,dense,hard etc

Examples: fried foods,chees,etc

intake:increase heaviness,stability,obesity,and solidity in the body.

2.Akaasha Mahabhootha (Ether/Space):

Qualities:soft,light,subtle and abundant.

Action:provides room,looseness,etc.

Facilitates:Sound and nonresistence

substances:anything that is light,profuse and ethereal.

Example:hollow and light foods.

Intake:increase softness and lightness in the body.

tanmatra of the element:Sabda(sound).

 the sense organ predominant of aakasha bhootha is EAR.

it is described as space,in which everything happens.All matter exist in space.it is the distance that separates matter.it is everything and touches every thing.it is receptivity and non-resistance to what-is true.talking about the human body,space is considered as the vessel that receive all impressions.in the heart it is believed that space accepts love.

3.Vayu Mahabhootha(Air):

Qualities:Weightless,mobile,cool,dry,porous etc.

Action:motion or movement,evaporation and dryness.

Facilitates:touch and vibration.

Substances:dry and airy,or that creates gas.

Example:toast,cookies,etc

Intake:increase cool,dryness,movement and circulation.

Tanmatra of Vayu bhootha: Sparsha(Touch)

the sensory organ related to Vayu is Skin.

 Air element keeps the body in constant motion.

it is mobile and dynamic.within the human body it is represent as oxygen.existent without form,air is the per-requisites to fire to burn.talking about the human body air is indirectly required to produce energy

4.Tejo Mahabhootha (fire):

it has the power to change state of any substances.in human body fire is present in the form of energy that binds together ,converts food etc.it creates impulses of nervous reaction,brain functions and hormonal functions.

 Qualities:hot,sharp,dry,subtle,weightless and rough.

Action:radiation of heat and light.

Facilitates: form,colour,and temperature.

Substance:anything combustible and spicy.

Example:chillies,pepper etc.

Tanmatra of Tejo bhootha: Rupa(Vision).

Sense organ: Eye.

5.Aap (water):

Qualities:oily,moist,cool,soft,and sticky.

Attribute:cohesion,lubrication.

Facilitates:fluidity and taste.

Substance:anything liquid,fluid or watery.

Example:drinks,water 

Tanmatra of Aap bhootha: Rasa (Taste).

Sense organ:tongue.

water shows important Quality of binding.this element is a constructive force.

about 70% of the body combined of water,it is important to function all the processes.in human body also included in blood,lymph.cells etc.has functions like temperature regulation.

By Dr.Rimin Razak

Ref:Ayurveda medical books,etc.

KAPHA DOSHA ACCORDING TO TRI-DOSHA CONCEPTS IN AYURVEDA

KAPHA DOSHA ACCORDING TO TRI-DOSHA CONCEPTS IN AYURVEDA

Kapha dosha is a combination of aap(water) and Prithvi (earth) according to Ayurveda panchamahabhootha concepts.it provides stability,strength and Resistance to diseases.it is the basis for the structural integrity of human body.it has the meaning in Ayurveda like to embrace or to keep together.

Physical Properties:

Colour- whitish and transparent.

Taste- madhura when it is well formed and lavana not well formed.

Touch-soft,Snigdhata or unctuousness etc.

Consistency- sthira and sandra.

other-guru manda etc

Location:

it is present in chest, throat, head, sinuses,joints,cytoplasm,rasa dhathu,mamsa dhathu,medo,majja and sukra dhathu, heart,amasaya,jihwa etc.

Special seat:

Uras/ chest.

amasaya/stomach according to susurtha.

Normal Functions:

Physiological-

confess softness to the body.

binds or keeps together various structures of the body including joins and jiva paramanus. confers stability ,firmness and steadiness through weight and bulk. confess strength to perform weight and resistance to increase and decrease.confers sexual stamina and productivity including growth.promotes healing process and tissue building.

Psychological:

memory,intelligence,interest(utsaha),etc

Types of Kapha dhathu:

they are subdivided into 5-

1. Avalambaka kapha
2. Kledaka kapha
3. Tarpaka kapha
4. Bodhaka kapha
5. Sleshaka kapha

1-Avalambaka Kapha:

Location- chest,
functions-supports Trika by its inherent power supports hrdaya.by its power of anna rasa supports other kapha sthanas/locations by virtue of the ambu rasa.

2-Kledaka kapha:

Location-Amasayaa/ stomach
Functions- Disintegration and liquefaction of food in amasaya.Benefits the remaining kapha sthanas. cooling property countering the heat of pitta dosha,protecting amasaya.

3-Bodhaka kapha:

Location -jihwa(tongue) and kanda (throat)
Functions- taste perception.

4-Tarpaka kapha:

Location-head
Functions-nourishes and smooth ens the sense organs situated in brain.

5-Sleshaka kapha:

Location-in joints
Functions-keep joints firm and lubricated.

Abnormal Functions of Kapha Dosha:

Abnormal functions arise due to derangement of normal functions of kapha by use of mityahara/improper food habits and other activities.
some of they are Whiteness,coldness,itching,heaviness,stiffness,oiliness,hardness,numbness,feeling of being sweetness, laziness etc.

Pathopysiology of Kaphaja Diseases:

in all the kaphaja type of diseases enumerated or implied,the inherent natural qualities and actions of kapha are  quite obviously manifested fully or partially.Unctuousness, coolness,whiteness,heaviness,sweetness,steadiness,etc are the inherent qualities of kapha.the natural actions of kapha moving from one part of the body to the other are whiteness,upadeha(act of being covered with bodily excreta),stickiness etc.
Numbness is described as the both action of kapha and vata..

General principles of treatments for kaphaja diseases:

it should be treated with drugs having pungent,bitter,astringent,sharp,hot and unctuous qualities and by such Ayurveda treatments like fomentation,ememsis,elimination of doshas from the head,nasya,exercise ,etc.which should all contain materials like having anti-kapha properties.this is of course to be done with due regard to the dosage and seasons.of all the therapies stated above ,emetic therapy is treatment par excellence for the cure of diseases due to kapha because immediately after entering the stomach,it strike at every root causes of the vitiation of kapha and when it is overcome in the stomach ,even the entire vitiated kapha dwelling in other parts of the body is automatically alleviated.this can be likened to the withering away of paddy,barley etc. for want of barriers of the cornfield (full of water)being broken.{ref-C.S}

Kapha prakriti people:

according to Ayurveda some the living being are categorized under kapha prakriti people as like vata prakriti and pitta prakriti with some particular characteristics.

kapha predominant people are calm and steady,but once they get angry it will be difficult to calm down.these peoples are considered as relaxed ,slow [laced affectionate and living,forgiving,compassionate,reliable,and faithful and they strive to maintain harmony and peace in their surroundings.they may have soft hair and skin.their voice may be low and soft.the have poor appetite.due to low agni.they have slow learning quality and once they learned something will not forget easily.and will have out standing long term memory.

they have well developed body parts.chests are expanded and broad.the veins tendons of these people are not oblivious.have fair and bright complexion with soft lustrous and oily skin.hair is thick,soft,eyes are dense black or blue in colour.neck is solid type.nose is large and rounded,attractive.they crave for pungent,bitter and astringent foods.

 

by Dr.Rimin Razak
ref:some of Ayurveda ref

HEEL PAIN OR CALCANEAL SPUR AND ITS AYURVEDA TREATMENTS IN KERALA

CALCANEAL SPUR/ HEEL PAIN (VATAKANTAKA) AND ITS AYURVEDA TREATMENTS in KERALA

The most common form of heel pain is mainly due to calcaneal spur. it is one of the most troublesome common health complaint usually affects badly peoples routine work, and once it is manifested very difficult

for the body to heal. a large percentage of people suffer from this disease.this is most often seen in the patients over the age of 35 years. Many surveys tell that women are the common sufferer. it may be due to the use of high heeled foot wear and over weight.
Calcaneum is the name for the heel bone, and spur means tiny projections.pain caused by this thickness at the heel is called as heel spur. actually the pain is not caused by the deranged bone but the inflamed soft tissue causes the pain. Calcaneal spur is as small osteophyte projections located on the calcaneum.it is not an acute disease that manifest suddenly. it occurs due to gradual changes on that region.
Calcaneal spur is mainly seen in two region inferior calcaneal spur and posterior one.Inferior one is located on the inferior aspect of the calcaneum and is typically a response to Plantar Fascitis over a period but may also be associated with Ankylosing spondylitis.An inferior spur consist of a calcification of the calcaneum,which lies superior to the plantar fascia at the insertion of  plantar fascia.it something like an hook shaped one.

Eight main causes of Heel Pain

EIGHT CAUSES OF HEEL PAIN

There are many form of foot pain experienced in my clinical practice, from these heel can be one of the most troubling one. usually pain in the heel is a common symptoms found in clinical practice especially for the patients who had age over 40yrs more on females.

pain in the heel can be classified into 3 according to the location of the pain.1.pain within the heel,2.pain behind the heel, 3-pain beneath the heel.

cause of these three types of pain are different.while a patient coming with a pain over heel,then should understand the exact location and cause, then only a physician can manage the disease.