Impact of Shirodhara on biological markers of stress: A case study.

The unforgiving pace and complexity of modern life has greatly challenged our ability to live healthier and fully in the present moment. Industrialization, globalization, and competition in each sector lead to emotional stress and strain in life which is dangerous at the physical and mental levels. As per the classics of Ayurveda, chinta (stress) and atichintan (overthinking) are the causes of Rasavaha srotodushti which lead to many diseases. Shirodhara is an important healing technique of Ayurveda that has neuro-immuno-physio-psychological effects on the human body. Several studies have been carried out to evaluate the efficacy of Shirodhara in many diseases. A 35-yearold female patient with sleep deprivation, loss of concentration, and irritable mood symptoms was admitted to the hospital. She was assessed on the basis of the Profile Of Mood Score (POMS) questionnaire, Serum Cortisol (Sr. Cortisol), Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). The patient was treated by Shirodhara with sesame oil for 14 days continuously. Results were assessed by biomarkers of stress and by POMS score. At the end of Shiroadhara, there was significant improvement found in presenting complaints as well as on the POMS Score and Stress biomarkers. During or after the treatment, no adverse events were observed.

Prakriti Analysis of COVID 19 Patients: An Observational Study.

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE: The concept of Prakriti is unique to Ayurveda, which is used for deciding the preventive and curative strategy to be adopted in the treatment of patients. It is the total of anatomical, physiological, and psychological domains of an individual. The diseases often manifest by susceptibility that depends upon Prakriti of individuals. COVID 19 is a new disease, where the status of the susceptibility of its victim in terms of Prakriti is not known. This study has been undertaken to determine the Prakriti of COVID 19 positive patients. METHOD: The validated instrument CCRAS Prakriti assessment scale has been applied to the COVID 19 positive patients admitted between 16 May 2020 to 10 June 2020 at COVID hospital. RESULT: Data of 117 patients aged 10 to 80 years have been analyzed. The ratio of male-female patients was 1.8:1. Most patients belonged to Vata-KaphaPrakriti (27%).Individuals with their Prakriti found in order of frequency were Pitta-Kapha (21%), Kapha (20%), Vata (13%), Vata-Pitta (11%), Sama (4%) and Pitta (3%). CONCLUSION: Patients with Vata-Kapha, Pitta-Kapha, and Kapha dominant Prakriti have been found more in COVID19. The treatment strategies can be accordingly decided in respect of each patient.

Importance of Rookshana Karma (dehydrating therapy) in the management of transverse myelitis.

In Charak Samhita, all the treatment modalities have been classified broadly into six types, i.e., Langhana (depleting therapy), Brimhana (nourishing therapy), Rookshana (dehydrating therapy), Snehana (oleation therapy), Swedana (sudation therapy) and Stambhana (astringent therapy). Out of these six types, Rookshana is of the same importance as others but is used less frequently as main line of treatment. Since decades, Ayurveda treatment is considered most promising treatment for neurological disorders. Most of the neurological disorders are generally considered to be Vata Vyadhis in which Snehana Karma is recommended. In case of neurological disorders if symptoms are suggestive of Kapha dominance, then Rookshana must be done initially. Transverse myelitis is a neurological disease, which has an autoimmune process involved in its pathology. It is an acute, subacute, generally monophasic inflammatory disease of the spinal cord. In the present case of transverse myelitis, the patient was found having Kapha dominant symptoms such as coldness of feet, loss of appetite etc., and so the patient was subjected to Rookshana Karma in various forms. Just after 15 days, all these symptoms were subsided and tremendous improvement was found thereafter. The paraplegic patient under study was able to walk independently in just two and half months of treatment. All other typical features related to the disease were also improved. This particular case has proved the importance of Rookshana therapy in neurological disorders.

Efficacy of Ayurvedic treatment using Pañcakarma combined with balance exercises for disability and balance in progressive supranuclear palsy.

A 55-year-old female presented at Department of Pañcakarma with diagnosis of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). For assessing disability, progressive supranuclear palsy rating scale (PSPRS) was used and balance was assessed by using Tetrax Interactive Balance System (IBS) posturography. Ayurvedic treatment was given along with Pañcakarma and balance exercises for 3 months. As part of Ayurvedic treatment, first Virecana karma was done with classical method and then Matra basti, Sirobasti, and other palliative treatment was given for 3 months. Amanatidine was not continued during Virecana karma but started thereafter. On comparison with pre-intervention scores, there was a significant improvement in the patient post-treatment. The features which mainly showed improvement were: Eye movements, spontaneous episodes of laughing, dysphagia, dysarthria, double vision, and neck rigidity. Balance showed significant improvement and there was a remarkable decrease in the postural sway. This case study may present new possibilities for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases by Ayurveda.