Background: Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease, which is characterized by well-circumscribed erythematous dry plaques of various sizes, covered with mica-like scales; according to its clinical features, it can be correlated with Ekakushta. The lifetime prevalence of psoriasis is 2%–3%. In India, the prevalence of psoriasis varies from 0.44% to 2.88% worldwide. Many treatment modalities have been adopted in medical sciences, but it has quite expensive and various side effects. Hence, it is necessary to find out an economical, effective, and an easily available medicine to treat psoriasis. Objectives: The objective of this study was to study the efficacy of Nitya Virechana and Shaman Chikitsa in the management of Ekakushta with respect to plaque psoriasis. Materials and Methods: A single case study: a 74-year-old man was already diagnosed with plaque psoriasis before 15 years. Symptoms such as redness of skin, silvery scaly skin, itching along with burning sensation was gradually emerging so for that he was advised for Nitya Virechana and Shamana Chikitsa.Result: Symptomatic assessment of patient was carried out after three months and satisfactory outcome was there and overall quality of life of patient was significantly improved. Conclusion: Nitya Virechana and Shaman Chikitsa, brought about satisfactory relief in symptoms in patients with Ekakushta.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF] [CITATIONS]

Food regimen during pregnancy is a unique contribution of Ayurveda, aiming at wholesome prenatal care of the pregnant lady and the growing fetus. This aids in proper fetal nutrition and prevents the ill effects of maternal diseases. Thus, it aims at the production of a healthy progeny, which is superior in all the aspects than its predecessors. Basic information was collected from Ayurveda texts and interpretations based on the cross-references and research updates available in print as well as online versions. The diet and regimen of Garbhini (pregnant lady) needs to be Madhura Rasa Praya (predominantly sweet), Sheethaveerya (cold potency), Brihmana (nourishing), Ojovardhana (improves vitality), and Anulomana (gut clearing). The regimen of first trimester focuses mainly on the maintenance of balanced diet in the mother, second trimester focuses to promote physical growth and nutrition of the baby, whereas in the third trimester, main focus is on the enhancement of fetal nutrition and facilitation of easy and natural process of delivery.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin ailment described by thickened, silvery-scaled patches. It has been related with inflammatory and immune mechanisms, probably associated with a genetic predisposition that can be triggered by stress. Psoriasis can badly influence the quality of life of patients. Various medicines are available, which may permit transient improvement and long-haul control of the sickness; however, these measures do not completely cure psoriasis. This study reports the case of a 58-year-old married male patient who presented at the skin outpatient department (OPD), All India Institute of Ayurveda, with severe palmoplantar psoriasis (PPP), and had been managed with Ayurveda medicines and three times of Virechana Karma (medicated purgation) along with control diet and yoga since the last 16 months. After adherence to prescribed treatment for the last 16 months, the patient responded with complete resolution of psoriatic patches on his body. The efficacy of treatment was measured by “Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI)” scale. Total two assessments were carried out before starting Ayurveda treatment and after completion of 16 months of treatment based on the scoring of PASI, and it was found that the score reduced by 95.5%, from 9.1 to 0.4. Virechana Karma (medicated purgation) is very effective in providing relief in the signs and symptoms of chronic PPP. Hence, it may be concluded that classical Ayurveda measures are helpful to the patients with chronic PPP to achieve complete cure. Present findings can only be generalized when large sample study is undertaken.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Nicotine and alcohol are the most widely consumed psychotropic drugs worldwide. The common use of both, increases the risk of noncommunicable diseases to many folds. Ayurveda has widely described Sadvritta (good conduct) and Satvavajay Chikitsa (Ayurveda psychotherapy), which can be applied in this context along with replacement therapy with medicines described in Madatyaya chapter of Charaksamhita Chikitsasthana. The aim of this study was to highlight the concepts of prevention and management of addiction by various principles of Ayurveda. Major causes of addiction in younger age include genetic predisposition, environmental factors, parental negligence, Pragyaparadh (intellectual blasphemy), Dushita Ahara (unhealthy diet regimen), and search of pleasure or stress reliever. If there is a delay in tackling these problems at early stages, these may turn into menace to health later. Achar Rasayan, Sadvritta, and Satvavajay Chikitsa are the preventive as well as curative measures of de-addiction. Ayurveda also advocates medicated smoke/Dhumpan and alcohol, that is, Drakshasav, Shrikhandasav, and so on, as replacement therapy; use of daily and seasonal regimen and Doshashodhan (elimination of vitiated humors) in day-to-day life is essential to prevent or treat addiction problems. In a nutshell, change in lifestyle, adoption of Ayurveda treatment principles, control on intellectual blasphemy, and environmental issues are directly concerned to deal with addiction problems. The measures adopted for the management of addiction ailments at initial stage also require strong willpower, meditation with counseling, and family–friends support.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]

Background: Yuvanpidika can be correlated with acne vulgaris of modern medicine due to the resemblance of symptoms. It is not a serious health problem, but it affects the social and emotional health of an individual. It is self-limiting but requires treatment to avoid scarring and relapse. Aim and Objectives: This comparative research was carried out with the aim to evaluate the efficacy of Lodhradi Lepa with and without Arogyavardhini Vati in the management of Yuvanpidika. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 patients between the ages of 16 and 36 years of both sexes with typical symptoms of Yuvanpidika were selected from Kayachikitsa outpatient department. They were divided equally into two groups by lottery method. Lodhradi Lepa was topically applied with rose water to patients in Group A twice daily, whereas Group B was given Arogyavardhini Vati (500mg) twice a day along with Lodhradi Lepa for 30 days. Pain, itching, burning sensation, swelling, redness, and the number of papules were assessed before and after treatment in both groups. Results: In this study, moderate, mild, and poor improvements were observed in five (33.33%), two (13.33%), and eight (53.33%) patients of Group A, respectively, whereas in Group B, moderate, mild, and poor improvements were observed in eight (53.33%), four (26.66%), and three (20%) patients, respectively. Marked improvement and complete remission were not observed in this study. This might be due to a short duration of treatment. Conclusion: This study proved that the use of Lodhradi Lepa and Arogyavardhini Vati is effective in the treatment of Yuvanpidika. But combined treatment is more beneficial and combination of various protocols and formulations need to be adopted for better results.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Ethics is the branch of philosophy, which involves systematizing, defending, and recommending concepts of right and wrong conducts for the individual and for the society. It establishes the nature of obligations, or the duties that people are obliged to themselves and to one another. Sushrut Samhita is considered to be the oldest literature available for surgery, wherein Acharya Sushrut has emphasized various surgical ethics in the form of Sadvrutta. This study was aimed to explore the ethics of surgery (Shalyakriya) mentioned by Acharya Sushrut. The method followed for this was thorough analysis of Sushrut Samhita and Internet surfing from various research articles. It was found that in Sushrut Samhita, the maximum information pertaining to ethics of surgery was mentioned in Sutrasthan, and the main concern of Sushrut behind explaining all the ethics was utmost care of the patient by creating efficient surgeons. The ethical concept described by Sushruta includes general ethics; professional and academic ethics; preoperative, operative, and postoperative ethics; ethics of experimental surgery; and ethics in emergency. The concepts described by him are valid even in current clinical practice today.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Background: Body mass index (BMI) is used for defining anthropometric weight/height characteristics in adults and for classifying (categorizing) them into groups. The common interpretation is that it represents an index of an individual’s physical health. It is also widely used as a risk factor for the development of or the prevalence of several health issues. Aims: The aim of this work was to study the BMI of college students of age group 18-25 years in Ayurveda College; a screening of underweight, overweight, normalcy, and obesity was carried out according to the “Body Mass Index cutoff.”Materials and Methods: BMI was calculated in hundred participants using the weight and height of the each student. They were categorized based on BMI cutoff according to Asian criteria for classification. Two groups were formed as overweight and underweight and separate questions were asked. Observation and Results: It represents that 38% participants have underweight BMI, whereas 34% participants are having normal BMI, 12% participants are overweight, 13% are pre-obese, and 3% are of type 1 obese. The screening of underweight rate is comparatively low in men. The overweight rate and underweight rate show a gender difference with the former favors male group and the latter favors female group. Conclusion: Underweight (Karshya) and obesity (Sthoulya) are very prevalent among medical students, which is quite alarming considering their role as future physicians. Hence, the study reinforces the need to make them aware about maintaining healthy lifestyle, healthy balanced diet, proper eating habits, stress management, and a physically active daily routine targeting the students at the beginning of their college career to prevent the risks of developing chronic degenerative diseases.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Background: It is estimated that 5500 adolescents started using tobacco every day in India, joining the 4 million, younger than 15 years of age, who are regularly using tobacco. There is an urgent need for good, scientifically sound data about tobacco use pattern to design preventive strategies, and to create awareness about its hazards and deaddiction. Aims and Objectives: This survey was aimed to assess the physical–mental health impact and psychosocial behavior of tobacco users and to make the children aware about its harmful effects on body, mind, and social impact; also, to search the psychosocial reasons of accepting the addictions in early ages. Materials and Methods: The questionnaire-based survey study was conducted upon 100 children in the age-group 6–16 years of Zilla Parishad schools of Salod and Sawangi, Wardha, Maharashtra, India. An interview-based interaction was conducted with children consuming tobacco in any form. Observations and Results: Tobacco addiction is emerging as a big threat among children in developing countries. The early age of initiation emphasizes the urgent need to intervene and protect this vulnerable group from falling prey to this addiction. Of 300 students, one-third, that is, 33.33% were affected with addiction and this number may increase due to environment and peer pressure with easy availability and imitating/copying habit of children. Tobacco products mainly Masala Supari, Pan Masala, and tobacco with lime were prevalent in Zilla Parishad schools of Sawangi and Salod, Wardha, Maharashtra, India. As parents beaten and abuse to the addictive children and denied (them) to give money for tobacco purchase still they are so much addicted that they could not live without it. Conclusion: In this survey, tobacco addiction was affecting physical–mental health of 19% participants. No one had developed any major side effects due to addiction. Tobacco use awareness program was undertaken, and schoolchildren were educated regarding the bad effects on the body and mind, with sincere efforts to demotivate them against the addiction of tobacco products.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Menstruation and menstrual practices in rural areas are still a matter of concern. Knowledge and awareness about menstrual hygiene is lacking among rural adolescent girls. Increase in knowledge in their early childhood may help to mitigate sufferings of many women. With this background, this study was conducted in a small village of Wardha district. Aims and Objectives: The aims of this work were to study awareness and practices regarding menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls residing in a village of Wardha district, to assess the awareness about menarche, to find out the prevailing practices for menstrual hygiene, and to ascertain the association of awareness of menstruation before menarche and practices for menstruation hygiene with educational status of respondents and their mothers. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescent girls in the age group 12–19 years, who were personally interviewed based on a predesigned structured questionnaire. Data for this survey were collected by house-to-house visits using a structured questionnaire through interviewing and observation during Community Health Check Program from Mahatma Gandhi Ayurveda College, Hospital & Research Centre. Results: Age of menarche of most of the girls was between 12 and 16 years. 63% girls were unaware about knowledge of menstruation before menarche. In this study, mothers were found to be the source of knowledge of 71% girls. 74% girls knew that menstruation is a physiological process. 79% girls used sanitary napkins. Conclusion: Many are still unaware about knowledge of menstruation before menarche and source of bleeding. There is a need to create awareness among young girls about menstruation hygiene and its process.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]