NATIONALCONFERENCE ON“PANCHAKARMA”

JOINTLY ORGANISED BY
Ayu Plus Hospital Dr. Yadaiah Institute of Medical Sciences
&
National Academy of Panchakarma & Research

Panchakarma Workshop : 9th - 13th SEPT.2013
Main Conference : 14th & 15th Sept. 2013

Leech Therapy or Jaloukavacharana--Part 1

                         We get the references  of  Leech therapy(Jaloukavacharana) in  Vedic period - Jalouka or Leech is mentioned in Athervanaveda.  In koushika sutra of atharvana veda references of rakta mokshana(blood letting) by jaloukavacharana are found.  In skanda purana and in mahabharatha we get the references of the word Jalouka.Samhita period:  Charaka, Sushrutha, Vagbhata, HaritaSangraha period:  Bhavamishra, sharangadhara have Bhaishajya rathnavali, Yogarathnakara, Chakradatta

                          Leech therapy has a long history. Records indicates that Greek medicine used leech therapy 3,500 years ago.In Europe Hirudinea mediacinalis was commonly used for phlebotomy in olden times the procedure was called as ‘leeechery’.

                        The famous english poet william words ,In1802 wrote a poem ‘The Leech Gatherer’ based on medicinal use of leech.In the 1980, medicinal leech therapy got a big boost by plastic surgeons that used leeches to relieve venous congestion, especially in transplant surgery.

Ancient Greek paintings showing physicians( Iatros) doing phlebotomy

INTRODUCTION

• Jalaukaavacharana ------ application of leeches.
• Used in Rakta vitiated by Pitta ------Jalauka
• Anushastra ------- Sushruta and Vagbhata
• Shastra pranidhanas ---------- Charaka

§ DEFINITION

                     The word jalauka is a compound word with two components jala (water) + oka (Housing place) ie; Animals having water as its residing place

                         Leeches are specialised annelids with suckers.

Common Indian Species are

•  Hirudinaria granulosa                                            
•  Hirudinaria viridis 
•  Hirudinaria javanica                                               
•  Hirudinaria manillensis 

Systematic position of leech by zoological knowledge

                       Phyllum        -   Annelida

                       Class            -   Hirudinea

                       Order            - Gnathobdellida

                       Family           -   Hirudinae

                       Genus           -   Hirudinaria

                       Species         -   Granulosa 

CLASSIFICATION OF JALAUKA or LEECHES acc. To AYURVEDA

Savisha(Poisonous)                      Nirvisha(Non Poisonous)

• Krishna                                   Kapila
• Karbura                                   Pingala
• Algarda                                    Shankhmukhi
• Indrayudha                              Mooshika
• Samudrika                                Pundreekha
• Gochandana                            Savarika  

DESCRIPTION OF JALOUKA

Savisha Jalouka (Poisonous Leeches)

·         Which live in impure water.

·         Which is originated from dead fishes, frogs, snakes, and their excreta which are red.

·         White or very black in Colour. 

·         They are thick very active and slimy with thick hairs in moderate quantity and have different kinds of coloured lines resembling the rainbow on their body are savisha. 

·         Their bite will produce daha, shopha, paka, kandu, pitika, visarpa, jwara, murcha, swithra.

Savisha Jalouka

• Krishna Jalouka:  That which is black in colour like that of anjana, where head is large.
• Karbura Jalouka: It resembles the fish of vermin type.  Dalhana has described it like snake type, these type of jaloukas will have stripped abdomen, which is concave or convex.
• Algarda Jalouka:  These have the markings on the body surface and they resembles the hairs with large abdomen.  Head will be black in colour.
• Indrayudha Jalouka:  It resembles Indrayudha having different colours on the surface of its body.
• Samudrika Jalouka:  Slightly blackish and yellowish in colour.  It resembles various flowers.
• Gochandana Jalouka: It consists of two parts on its posterior aspect, and its face is very small.

Nirvisha Jalouka

·         Those which live in fresh water, which has lotus, lily and other fragrant flowers, large reservoirs having pure water and algae,

·         which are like algae,

·         which are blackish, green which have blue lines, over their body,

·         which are round

                   Nirvisha Jalouka

• Kapila Jalouka: Those having the colour of “Manashila” on both the sides snigdha, sometimes resembling the colour of mudga dhanya.
• Pingala Jalouka:  Its Colour is indicated by its name and its moves very fast.
• Shankhamukhi :  It have the colour of liver, which sucks the blood quickly and its face is long resembling Shanka mukha.
• Mooshika Jalouka:  These Jaloukas will have the shape, colour and foul smell of rats.
• Pundarika Jalouka : Those having the colour of mudga and shape of the face resembling lotus.
• Savarika Jalouka  :  These jaloukas will be oily in nature, colour resembling the leaves of lotus, having a body length of 18 angulas.  They are used to let the blood from cattles.

Jalouka Pramana(Length of Jalouka)

·         The maximum length of all kinds of Jalouka is 18 angulas. 

·         Jalouka  which are four, five or six angulas should be used.

Stree jalouka/ Pum jalouka(Female & Male Leeches)

·         Those which are slender of their skin small head and large lower part (hind part) are Stree Jaloukas. 

·         These Jaloukas are used in the mild diseases with mild vitiation of doshas.

·         These Jaloukas with the opposite features of Stree Jaloukas are Pum Jaloukas. The mouth part will be shaped like half moon.

·         These Jaloukas are used in profound increase of doshas and the diseases which are long standing

Jaloukavacharana Arha rogi(Indicated Patients for Leechtherapy)         

·         Raktajanya vikaras affecting the Children,aged persons,Timid,weak women and delicate persons.

Jaloukavacharana Anarha rogi(Contraindicated Patients)

·         Patients having edema all over the body

·         Emaciation

·         Bleeding hemorrhoids

·         during pregnancy

·         cold season

·         For one who is starving, unconscious, frightened, intoxicated, exhausted

·         who are having urges for defecation or micturition

Arha Jalouka(Leeches which can be used)

·         The Nirvisha Jaloukas

·         With good qualities

·         Proper size and measurement

Anarha Jalouka(Leeches which cant be used)

·         Savisha Jaloukas

·         Nirvisha Jaloukas which are seen tired with no active movements after putting in fresh water.

·         Those suffering from “Raktamada”, which is caused by improper vomiting of previously sucked blood.

·         The Jaloukas which looks fat in centre,

·         Very flat, less movements,

·         Which does not catch the part for sucking the blood

·         Which sucks very less blood than usual.

Contents of Leech Saliva

·         contains several bioactive substances including anti-coagulants, Vaso-dilators, and anesthetics.

·         Hirudin, a potent anticoagulant in leech saliva, inhibits the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin, preventing blood from clotting. Indeed, a wound may continue to bleed for many hours after the leech has already detached.

·         The benefits of leech therapy are due, in large part, to the anti-coagulant effects, vasodilator effects, and anesthetic effects of these biochemical, as well as the physical effects of blood letting (phlebotomy).

·         Therapeutic properties of Leechtherapy General Reflexogenic ,Hypotensive, Bloodletting ,Immunopotentiating, Internal Decongestion, Bacteriostatic, Anticoagulant, Anti-inflammatory, Protective Antithrombotic, Local Anti-edematous, Thrombolytic, Analgesic, Antiatherosclerotic,Anti-ischemic

Jalouka sadhya diseases

Gulma, Arshas, Vidradhi, Kanta rogas, Vata rakta, Netra roga, Visha dushta, Visarpa. Kshudra kusta VidradhiShiroroga, if jalokas applied on shankha pradesha there will be sudden relief of pain.  In all raktaja vikaras, where pitta dosha is predominant In avagada Rakta

Topic to be continued....Next topic about Jaloukvacharana Vidhi (Method of Application of leeches in the patient)

Prepared by 

Dr.Goutham .M

+919538369420

ASHTANGAS OF AYURVEDA-THE EIGHT BRANCHES OF AYURVEDA

Ayurveda has got 8 branches or the Ashtangas                                                                                             (Ashta means 8 and angas means branches or parts)

"Kaaya baala graha urdhvaanga shalya damshtra jara vrshan Ashtau angaani tasyaahuh chikitsa yeshu samsthitaah."

-Ashtanga hrdayam

They are as follows

·         Kayachikitsa

·         Bala Chikitsa

·         Grahachikitsa

·         Urdhvangachikitsa

·         Salyatantra

·         Visha Chikitsa

·         Rasayanachikitsa

·         Vajeekaranachikitsa

         Kaya Chikitsa (General Medicine)

                                  The term Kaya means body and Chikitsa means treatment. Refers to the treatment of diseases pertaining to Kaya or the body. The term Kaya  is derived from the Sanskrit word “chin-chayane”means to collect. Here collection refers to food. Kaya takes in food and metabolizes it. So it can be also considered that KayaChikitsa means treatment of diseases, which arise due to impaired metabolism. The treatment may be done internally or externally i.e., by medicines given orally or through Sodhana or eliminative procedures-Panchakarmas.

                 Panchakarmas means five treatments—Vamana (Emesis), Virechana(purgation), Vasthi (Enema), Nasya(Nasal Medications), Raktamoksha (Different forms of bloodletting)

      Bala Chikitsa or Kaumarabhritya (Pediatrics)

                                Kaumarabhritya or Bala Chikitsa deals with all diseases of the infants. According to Acharya Susruta it deals with diseases of Kumara or child, qualities of a wet nurse, causes of vitiation of breast milk and its mode of purification, diseases due to intake of this vitiated breast milk its treatment and the influence of grahas on the child which leads to diseases or can be said as the infections and its treatments and affections of childhood. According to Acharya Harita antenatal care and management of Puerperium also come under this branch.

       Grahachikitsa or Bhootavidya (Psychiatry)

                          It dictates the diagnosis and treatment of mental diseases. Management of psychiatric diseases like unmada and apasmara come under this branch.

       Urdhvangachikitsa or Salakyatantra (Ophthalmology & ENT)

                           According to Acharya Susruta it includes all the diseases pertaining to Urdhvanga – Area above the neck i.e., eyes, ears, nose, mouth, throat and head etc.. and its treatment.. It comprehends the faculties of Ophthalmology and Otorhinolaryngology.

        Salyatantra  (Surgery)

                    Salyatantra analogous to Surgery of Modern Medicine. Acharya Susruta is considered as the father of Surgery. This branch deals with various surgical and orthopedic procedures. Removing foreign bodies either of exogenous(Sand, wood, stone ,warfare materials etc..) or endogenous origin (pus, dead fetus, extravasated blood etc..)from the body . It also deals with the diagnosis and management of inflammatory swellings and description of various uses of surgical instruments. It also explains the mode of preparation, properties and applications of various cauteries (alkalies, fire etc..).

        Damshtra or Visha Chikitsa or Agadatantra (Clinical Toxicology)

                                Deals with diagnosis and treatment of bites of poisonous snakes, insects, spiders, mice etc.. and criminal administration of poison.

       Jara Chikitsa or Rasayanatantra (Rejuvenative therapy )

                                Deals with the methodology and medications to preserve youth or maintain lifespan even prolong it, promote intelligence and strength and give immunity to resist diseases.

        Vrisha Chikitsa or Vajikaranatantra (Reproductive Medicine/Aphrodisiacs)

                          Vaji actually means horse and karana means to follow. This part deals with remedies for increasing the quantity of Semen when its scanty, methods for purification when vitiated, replenishing its losses and methods for improving virility.

Picture Courtesy:- rawayurveda.com

Prepared by
Dr.Sanjay.M

Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth

National Scientific Seminar on Management of Psychosomatic disorders through Ayurveda on 18-19 March 2013 in New Delhi

National Scientific Seminar

’Management of Psychosomatic disorders through Ayurveda
18-19 March 2013 in New Delhi

FOR CIRCULAR IN ENGLISH - http://www.ravdelhi.nic.in/writereaddata/linkimages/8270604688.pdf

Milk of the indigenous Vechur cow beneficial to health

The milk of the indigenous, small-sized Vechur cow is more beneficial to health than the milk from cross-bred bovine varieties.

This has been revealed in a study conducted for a thesis at the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences in Trissur by EM Muhammed for his thesis for MVSc programme at the college.

Muhammed, who is on leave from the animal husbandry department to pursue his post graduate studies, has concluded in his study that beta casein A2, a milk protein that prevents diabetes, heart diseases, atherosclerosis, autism and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), is found in Vechur cattle in higher measure than in other breeds such as: Jersey, Holstein-Friesian and Brown Swiss which are Keralite’s favourites.

The study was conducted by Dr Muhammed under the guidance of Dr Stephen Mathew, Professor in the Department of Animal Breeding, Genetics and Biostatistics.

Beta casein is a major milk protein that imparts biological, technological and physical properties to milk. There has been a finding recently that beta casein yields biologically active peptides during digestion that takes place in the intestine.

Among 12 beta casein variants, two common types have been identified as A1 and A2. The former has been found to trigger releases of substances that cause various illnesses like diabetes, heart diseases, atherosclerosis, schizophrenia and SIDS. However A2 is found to be safe for human consumption.

Milk breeds such as Holstein Friesian and Ayrshire have a high frequency of A1 gene but most of the Indian breeds of animals have only the beneficial A2 gene.

For this thesis Muhammed has made a comparative study of presence of A2 in Vechur cows and cross -bred cows found in the State and found though cross-breeding of cattle may yield more milk , it may also increase presence of harmful A1 gene in the State’s bovine population.

Said Muhammed “ it is clear our efforts should be to increase cattle population capable of the beneficial A2 gene variant of beta casein which has a global demand.”.

Population of Vechur cows, a small –sized breed of cattle native to Vechur in Kottayam district and found in Kottayam-Ernakulam – Alapuzha belt, has dwindled to around 200. Nearly half of them are kept at the Veterinary College in Trissur.

Vechur cows yield less milk than exotic cross bresd varieties (about two to three kg daily which is nearly half of that from cross breeds) but needs almost no veterinary care at all. This variety almost became extinct because of aggressive cross breeding policies followed in the State by using exotic germplasm on local female cattle.

In 1986 a search launched by teachers and students of Veterinary College led to identification of a handful of Vechur cows and the launch of Conservation of Vechur cow programme.

Now owning a Vechur cow is not easy. An application has to be submitted to the Veterinary College Mannuthy at Trissur. The queues are long and it takes almost five years for an applicant to get one. The six month old calf that is released to the applicant from the veterinary college would cost Rs 5000.

This article is taken from The Hindu July 31-2010

DIET FOR LIVER DISEASES

Juices

• ·         Grape Juice
• ·         Sugar cane Juice
• ·         Sugar cane Juice mixed with Lime Juice
• ·         Water melon Juice
• ·         Coconut water
• ·         Carrot tomato Juice
• ·         Carrot Beetroot Juice
• ·         Barley Water
• ·         Orange Juice
• ·        Apple, Pineapple, Papaya and Mango are also good.
• ·        One pinch of black pepper mixed with buttermilk

Juices must be pure and preferably homemade. Resistance is low in jaundice and an infected juice will make things worse. It is important to make these juices fresh each time and avoid storing.

Food items

• ·         Take Porridge/Gruel 3 times a day without adding any salts and spicy items
• ·         Take Oats, Bread slices, Idli, Dosa , Rotis( No ghee and oils),
• ·         Take Cucumber and other Raw vegetable salads can be taken plenty.
• ·         Take One ripe banana with one tablespoon honey daily.
• ·         Take Skimmed milk.

Avoid

• ·         Avoid curries with masalas & spices
• ·         Avoid Non vegetarian foods of all kinds, fried foods and large meals,Saturated animal fats.( it  adds more stress to the liver)
• ·         Avoid all fatty foods ( Ghee,Creams, Butter, Fats And Oils)
• ·         Avoid totally alcohol consumption which is toxic to the liver.
• ·         Avoid Diet refined Sugar and anything containing caffeine.
• ·         Avoid curries which contain lots of masalas & spices
• ·         Avoid Potatoes and all tubers
• ·         Avoid Bottled fruit juices & other soft drinks.

Others

• ·         Have complete bed rest
• ·         Take plenty of pure water

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Ayurvedic Faculty / Ayurvedic Doctor Vacancy in DY Patil College of Ayurveda Mumbai Feb 2013

Dr D.Y Patil College of Ayurveda and Research Institute Navi Mumbai Maharashtra has advertised application for filling up the Ayurvedic Faculty / Ayurvedic Doctor vacancies.Interested candidates may apply for recruitment to these jobs as follows
PROFESSOR – 03 posts
Rasashastra – 01 post
Shalakya – 01 post
Streerog & PT – 01 post
READER – 05 posts
Swasthvritta – 01 post
Rognidan – 01 post
Shalaya – 01 post
Panchkarma – 01 post
Balrog – 01 post
LECTURER – 07 posts
Kriya – 01 post
Dravyaguna – 01 post
Agadtantra – 01 post
Rognidan – 01 post
Panchkarma – 01 post
Streerog & PT – 01 post
Balrog – 01 post

Qualification – MD/MS or equivalent PG Degree in the concerned subject
Pay Scale – As per UGC Norms
Selection Process – Selection of the candidates will be on the basis of performance in the interview
How to apply - Interested candidates can send their application along with all needed documents at the following address - Dr DY Patil College of Ayurveda and Research Institute,Sector-07,Nerul,Navi Mumbai-400706
Email ID – dypayurved@rediffmail.com
Last date of application submission – Within 15 days from the date of advertisement (ad was published in Newspaper The Indian Express dated on Feb 12,2013-so the last date should be Feb 26,2013)
Website Address - http://dypatil.in/collegehome.asp?colid=14

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) -Treatment applications

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum, Holy Basil) is a type of basil that has important medical properties that are useful in ayurvedic therapy. Tulsi is a many branched, erect stout and aromatic herb. It grows up to the height of about 75cms and is hairy all over. The plant has tender leaves, usually smooth, up to 2.5cm in length. The herb is bitter and pungent. This herb has been known from as early as Vedic period .Tulsi is also known as the holy basil and is native to India. It reached Western Europe in the 16th Century and has now widely grown throughout the world.

Tulsi has many medicinal properties. The leaves of tulsi are a nervine tonic and also sharpen memory. They promote the removal of the catarrhal matter and phlegm from the bronchial tube. Tulsi leaves strengthen the stomach and induce copious perspiration. The seed of the tulsi plant are mucilaginous. Below are some of the uses of tulsi.

1. Anxiety and Stress

Tulsi leaves are regarded as an adaptogen or anti-stress agent. Recent studies have shown that the tulsi leaves afford significant protection against stress. Even healthy persons can chew 12 leaves of the basil, twice a day, to prevent stress. It purifies blood and helps prevent several common elements.

2. Common Cold & Fever

The leaves of tulsi are specific for many fevers. During the rainy season, when malaria and dengue fever are widely prevalent, tender tulsileaves, boiled with tea, act as preventive against theses diseases. In case of acute fevers, a decoction of the tulsi leaves boiled with powdered cardamom in half a liter of water and mixed with sugar and milk brings down the temperature.

The juice of tulsi leaves can be used to bring down fever. Extract of tulsi leaves in fresh water should be given every 2 to 3 hours. In between one can keep giving sips of cold water. In children, it is every effective in bringing down the temperature.

Tulsi is also an important constituent of many Ayurvedic cough syrups and expectorants. It helps to mobilize mucus in bronchitis and asthma. Chewing tulsi leaves relieves cold and flu.

3. Sore Throat

Water boiled with tulsi leaves can be taken as drink in case of sore throat. This water can also be used as a gargle.

4. Respiratory disorder

The tulsi herb is useful in the treatment of respiratory system disorder. A decoction of the tulsi leaves, with honey and ginger is an effective remedy for bronchitis, asthma, influenza, cough and cold. A decoction of the tulsi leaves, cloves and common salt also gives immediate relief in case of influenza. They should be boiled in half a liter of water till only half the water is left and add then taken.

5. Kidney Stone

Tulsi can have a strengthening effect on the kidney. In case of renal stone, the juice of tulsi leaves and honey, if taken regularly for 6 months, can expel them via the urinary tract.

4. Heart disorder

Tulsi has a beneficial effect in cardiac disease and the weakness resulting from them. It reduces the level of blood cholesterol.

5. Children’s ailments

Common pediatric problems like cough cold, fever, diarrhea and vomiting respond favorably to the juice of tulsi basil leaves. If pustules of chicken pox delay their appearance, tulsi leaves taken with saffron will hasten them.

6. Mouth infections

The tulsi leaves are quit effective for the ulcer and infections in the mouth. A few leaves chewed will cure these conditions.

7. Insect Bites

The tulsi herb is a prophylactic; a preventive and curative for insect stings or bites. A teaspoonful of the juice of the tulsi leaves is taken and a repeated after a few hours. Fresh tulsi juice must also be applied to the affected parts. A paste of fresh roots is also effective in case of bites of insects and leeches.

8. Skin disorders

Applied locally, basil juice is beneficial in the treatment of ringworm and other skin diseases. It has also been tried successfully by some naturopaths I, the treatment of leucoderma.

9. Eye disorders

Tulsi basil juice is an effective remedy for sore eyes and night-blindness, which is generally caused by deficiency of vitamin A.

10. Teeth disorder

The tulsi herb is useful in teeth disorders. Its leaves, dried in the sun and powdered, can be used for brushing teeth. It can also be mixed with mustered oil to make a paste and used as toothpaste. This is very good for maintaining dental health, counter acting bad breath and for massaging the gums. It is also useful in pyorrhea and other teeth disorders.

11. Headaches

Tulsi makes a good medicine for headache. A decoction of the leaves can be given for this disorder. Pounded leaves mixed with sandalwood paste can also be applied on the forehead for getting relief from heat, headache, and for providing coolness in general.