Indian Journal of Ancient Medicine and Yoga

 The number of major samskaras fluctuates between 12 and 18. Later, it became 16 in number, generally known as “Shodasha Samskaras”. Among these post natal samskaras are six in number as, Jatakarma, Namakarana, Nishakramana, anna prashana, chuda karana and karma veda, A number of works that occupy by far the most prominent place among the literary productions of the sûtra-period are Srauta sûtras and Smarta sûtras. The performer of these sacraments receives a higher holiness not only these these performances brings cultural gains, removes impurities. During historical period various references of sacraments can be traced. Postnatal samskarasa helps to gain a healthy progeny and makes balanced progress in all the four great eternal human pursuit.

Keywords: Samskras; Sacraments; Rites; Jatakarma; Namakarana; Nishakramana etc.

 Attention deficit disorder (ADD) is one of the most common neurobehavioral disorders. It is first diagnosed in childhood and its symptoms often last in to adulthood. A person with ADD often avoids, dislikes, or does not want to do things that take plenty of mental effort for a long period of time. Till date there is no clear understanding about etiopathology, symptomatology and management of ADD in terms of Ayurveda. There is scarcity of literature on this topic in Ayurveda. The present article aims at better understanding of an Ayurvedic view of ADD. According to Ayurveda and Yoga, it is a well established fact that, vata influences the mind. Vata disturbance can cause instability of mind / wandering mind. Anavasthita chittata is a psychiatric condition caused by vata prakopa which resembles with ADD. Dhriti vibhramsha is the underlying pathological process of Anavasthita chittata which resembles with inattention of ADD. According to Hatha yoga pradipika, movement of praana leads to instability of mind. When praana is without movement, mind will also become steady. By this (steadiness of praana) the yogi attains steadiness of mind and should thus restrain the vayu (air)’. Vata shamana chikitsa of Ayurveda and meditation techniques of Yoga individually or together may provide satisfactory results in the management of ADD. There is a similarity found between ADD and Anavasthita chittatvam.

Keywords: Attention Deficit Disorder; ADD; Anavasthita Chittata; Meditation; Ayurveda; Yoga.

 Background: Food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) are the most common dietary assessment tools across the world to evaluate the long-term customary dietary intake in a population. FFQ developed in India lack easy scoring standardized methods, correlating commonly used measures (e.g., a bowl) with the amount of nutrients in them. Objective: The objective of this study was to develop a quantitative, intervieweradministered, easily scored food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to assess the nutrient intake of individuals in northern India except the north-east and upper most part of the northern region. Methods: The present FFQ was developed with a simplified scoring method specifically for use in the north Indian population. The nutrient value of the food items was calculated using standard food conversion tables for ingredients mentioned in the guidelines provided by the National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, India. Conclusion: This study presents the development of a FFQ and the related nutrient composition for north Indian populations.

Keywords: Food Frequency Questionnaire; Dietary Intake; North India.

 Introduction: In Ayurveda, Bhagandara (Fistula-in-ano) is considered under the heading of Ashtomahagada (eight major diseases) due to its notorious nature. Ksharasootra is a medicated thread, indicated in anorectal disorders, particularly for management of Bhagandara (Fistula-in-ano). Now a days in some research institute different Ksharasootra are being tried like Guggulu based, Udumbar ksheera based, etc. In this study Shallaki based Ksharasootra was tried in the management of Bhagandara. It was prepared with Shallaki Niryas (Boswellia serrata Roxb), Apamarga Kshara (alkali of Achyranthus aspera Linn.) and Haridra powder (Curcuma longa Linn.) as per the guidelines of Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia of India (API). Methodology: 15 patients of Bhagandara were enrolled from OPD of Shalya Tantra and partial fistulectomy followed by Shallaki Niryas based Ksharasootra application in remaining part of the tract was done under spinal anaesthesia. From next day of surgery sitz bath with Panchavalkala Kwatha, dressing with Shatadhauta Ghrita and per rectal instillation of 10 ml Jatyaditaila was done daily. Ksharasootra was changed with a new one by rail-road technique on weekly interval. Length of thread as well as the condition of wound was noted to assess the unit cutting time (UCT) and healing till the complete healing of fistulous tract. Result: After 5 days of operation, healthy granulation tissue was seen in the fistulectomy wound. Average unit cutting time (UCT) of fistulous tract was 8.43 days / cm. complete cutting and healing of fistulous tract was observed within one and half month in 7 patients. In 3 patients time required for complete healing was 2 months while in 2 patients it was 4 months and in 3 patients it was 5 months. Discussion: Management of a long fistulous track by Ksharasootra is very tedious job. In this study fistulous tract was partially excised so early healing of fistulous tract was observed. Shallaki based Ksharasootra have shown less burning pain during the course of treatment.. The cutting and healing of fistulous tract was early as compare to simple Ksharasootra application. Conclusion: This pilot study demonstrated that early healing with mild pain by partial fistulectomy and Shallaki based Ksharasootra in management of Bhagandara (Fistula-in-ano).

Keywords: Bhagandara; Fistula-in-ano; Ksharasootra; Partial Fistulectomy; Shallaki.