Indian Journal of Ancient Medicine and Yoga

 Tinea infections are fungal infections of the skin which are the most common skin conditions worldwide. ‘Tinea cruris’ otherwise known as ‘Jock itch’ is an infection in the groin, perineal and peri-anal area. It can present unilaterally or bilaterally with a red, raised and active border. Trichophyton rubrum and Epidermophyton floccosum are the most common organisms causing ‘Tinea cruris’. The present report deals with a case of ‘Tinea cruris’ diagnosed as ‘Mandala kushta’ according to Ayurveda. Efficacy of treatment was assessed on the scoring of ‘Dermatology life quality index (DLQI)’ and. Total two assessments were done, before treatment and after follow-up. Virechana karma is done followed by internal Ayurvedic medicines with dietary restrictions along with life style changes. In present case, the patient got ‘clinical cure’ with good improvement in itching, dryness/scaling, redness/inflammation and also in discomfort after Virechana. Ayurvedic panchakarma treatment followed by internal medicines seems to prevent recurrence / relapse with high cure rate, short duration of action and without any adverse effects.

Keywords: Tinea Cruris; Ayurveda; DLQI; Dermatology Life Quality Index; Mandala Kushta; Fungal Infection.

 Dermatographism is a type of urticaria which literally means writing on the skin. Dermatographism can also be called as ‘Skin writing’ or ‘Dermographism’ or ‘Dermatographic urticaria’. Dermatographism is seen in 4-5% of the general population. It is more common in young adults but it can appear at any age. Dermatographism is characterized by symptoms of itching, rash and wheals which are induced by scratching, stroking, tight or abrasive clothing or other personal wear. Rubbing, minor pressure or any form of physical stress to the skin may also initiate lesions. No previous works are available regarding the efficacy of Ayurveda in the management of ‘Dermatographism’. The present report deals with a case of ‘Dermatographism’ diagnosed as ‘Udarda’ according to Ayurveda. Efficacy of treatment was assessed on the scoring of ‘Dermatology life quality index (DLQI)’ and. Total two assessments were done, before treatment and after two months completion of treatment. Internal Ayurvedic medicines like, ‘Aragwadha amritadi kashaya’, ‘Ayaskriti’, ‘Varanadi kashaya’ and ‘Dashamoola hareetaki’ were prescribed with dietary restrictions and life style changes. In present case, patient got 75% relief on DLQI within two months of Ayurvedic treatment in dermatographism. Ayurvedic treatment seems to be promising in the management of Dermatographism.

Keywords: Dermatographism; Ayurveda; DLQI; Dermatology Life Quality Index; Udarda; Urticaria.

 The Vyadhikshmatwa is bala which does the virodhatwa of vyadhi bala & pratibandha of vyadhi which interns built the immunity against the pathogens. In classics the vaya is classified into 3 types mainly bala yavvana and vriddha. Again in bala 3 sub classification viz. kshirap, ksheeraannada & annada upto the age of shodasha varsha. In them apakwadhatu will be there by which proper immunity is not developed, which further lands into the invading of infections easily. To avoid recurrent infections in bala Prakaradi yoga has been explained, in Arogya Raksha Kalpadrumah, which consists of different combination of drugs with different anupana, dose, kala, yoga & benefits. Those consists of medhya, rasayana, rakshoghana & balya type of drugs upto to 12years of age. Here an attempt has been made to explore Ayurvedic immunization modalities to built the immunity which has been explained in Arogya Raksha Kalpadrumah.

Keywords: Immunity; Vyadhikshamtwa; Prakaradi Yoga.

 According to WHO, about 15% of couples of childbearing age seek medical help for infertility, usually after 2 years of failing to conceive? After medical examinations, the causes of infertility remain unexplained in only 5-10% of couples. According to Ayurveda the management should be addressed mainly the underlying causative factors.Once the cause is corrected there will be ever likely chances of women regains fertility state. Infertility is a common condition effecting 1of 6 couples during their reproductive life time. Among these couples, problems with ovulation can be identified in 18 to 30% of cases. Treatment option for infertility are available, their large cost and frequency of adverse events have motivated the risk factors. Exercised performed in different amounts and frequencies has varying effect on female infertility. There is a strong evidence that age, weight, physical activity, dietary factors, such as intake of fatty acids, protein, carbohydrate, dairy food, are related to infertility and smoking impact on general health and on reproductive performance. Factors such as caffeine, alcohol consumption and exposure to environmental pollutants cause infertility. It is concluded that lifestyle modification can assist couples to conceive spontaneously.

Keywords: Infertility; Diet; Lifestyle.

 Diabetes mellitus has reached epidemic proportions worldwide as we enter the new millennium. WHO has commented there is ‘an apparent epidemic of diabetes, which is strongly related to lifestyle and economic change’. Diabetes represents a spectrum of metabolic disorders, which has become a major health challenge worldwide now-a-days. The unprecedented economic development and rapid urbanization in Asian countries, particularly in India, China and Sri Lanka has led to a shift in health problems from communicable to non-communicable diseases. Of all the non-communicable diseases, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases lead the list. Yoga being an ancient and eternal science, having its different approaches including spiritual, therapeutic and developmental. However, the underlying premise of mind–body exercise modalities like yoga is that the physiological state of the body can affect emotions, thoughts, and attitudes, which in turn have a reciprocal effect on the body. The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview of the situation regarding yoga for diabetes mellitus, and explore the possible strategies that could be effective in combating the spread and focus on human being for healthy life. Various Medical researches approve yoga therapy as effective complementary therapy for several common ailments. Hence it has been concluded that Yoga cannot “cure” diabetes, but there are several ways yoga can be beneficial in controlling diabetes. Due to the potential impact glucose levels, and overall body function, regular practice of yoga may prevent and control the status of diabetes mellitus and produce optimum healthy population.

Keywords: Yoga; Diabetes Mellitus; Ayurveda.

 Sushruta mentioned the application of Kshara and Ksharasutra in the management of Nadivrana. Nadivrana is nothing but a tract due to not being treated the Vranashopha as per Ayurveda. The nadivrana can be correlated with the sinus tract at any part of the body tissue. Pilonidal is one kind of sinus and that can be correlated with Nadivrana. Nadivrana is said to be Kricchrasadhya (difficult to treat) and in present era the pilonidal sinus is also complicated one and difficult to treat due to its recurrence nature. In this clinical study total 17 cases of pilonidal sinus were randomly divided into two groups. 10 patients in group-A, total excision of sinus and then applied the Apamarga Kshara plota (Kshara swab) locally, in group-B rest 7 cases were treated with partial erudition of tract and applied the Ksharasutra. In both the group post operative wounds healed and cured the patients. Total excision followed by local application group was better due to less pain as compared to Ksharasutra application. In both groups no recurrence was noted till two years follow up period. Hence the study is concluded that excision and Kshara karma in pilonidal sinus is one of the potential treatment options to avoid recurrence.

Keywords: Nadivrana; Kshara; Ksharasutra; Pilonidal Sinus.

 Prana is the universal principle of energy or force. The present study seeks to understand the experiences of participants when they perceived the pranic energy between their hands. Exploratory research design was used. 178 participants with a mean age of 26.8 years took part in this study. In Session One, participants were asked to view their hands and record their observations in an open-ended questionnaire. In session two, participants were guided to feel the prana between the hands and recorded their experiences using the same open-ended questionnaire as conceptualized by Master Choa Kok Sui. The results were analysed using Contingency Coefficient analysis and Chi Square tests. Results revealed that all the respondents felt the pranic energy between their hands and expressed their experiences. 60.7% of the respondents were feeling the prana in palm and finger tips. 55.6% of respondents felt warm sensation in their hands. Sensation of warmth was significantly more in post-session, compared to pre-session (CC=.573, p=.000). 78.1% of respondents felt magnetic force between hands, 42.7 % of them felt tingling / electric sensation, 31.5% felt energized. In addition, 52.8% of the respondents felt relaxed after the sensation of prana. Evidence from this study indicates that Prana which exists in the plasmic state can be felt by anybody with proper guidance and training.

Keywords: Prana; Palms; Relaxed; Temperature