Svayambuva Guggulu – Excellent herbal remedy for Amavata (Rheumatoid Arthritis), Sandhigata Vata (Osteoarthritis)

Svayambuva Guggulu / Svayambhuva Guggulu / Swayambhuvo Guggulu is one of the popular Guggulu Kalpa’s (Medicinal preparations with Guggulu – Commiphora mukul as the chief ingredient) used effectively in mitigating Amavata (Rheumatoid Arthritis) & Sandhigata Vata (Osteoarthritis). Svayambuva Guggulu is said to be appreciated and recommended by Svayambu or Shambu (Lord Shiva) himself and thus the name.

Svayambuva Guggulu

 व्योषं सग्रन्थिकं पथ्यां चित्रकं जीरकद्वयं।

अजमोद यवानी च वचा चव्यमवल्गुजम्॥

लवणत्रितयं क्षारौ समभागानि कारयेत्।

यावन्त्येतानि चूर्णानि तावन्तं गुग्गुलुं शुभम्।

पादार्द्ध संम्मितं चात्र योजयेदम्लवेतसं।

गुटिकैषा हिता वाते सामे सन्ध्यस्थिमज्जगे॥

दृढीकरोति भग्नञ्च जठरानलदीपनी।

पूजिना देवदेवेन कालपाशेन शम्भुना॥ {चि.सा.सं.वात.२२६-२२९}

 Ingredients:

• Pippali – Piper longum
• Maricha – Piper nigrum
• Shunti / Shunthi – Zingiber officinale
• Granthika / Pippalimula – Root of Piper longum
• Pathya / Haritaki – Terminalia chebula
• Chitraka – Plumbago zeylanica
• Jeeraka – Cuminum cyminum
• Krishna Jeeraka – Carum carvi
• Dipyaka / Ajamoda – Apium graveolens / Trachyspermum ammi / Carum roxburghianum
• Yavani – Carum capticum / Trachyspermum ammi
• Vacha – Acorus calamus
• Chavya – Piper retrofractum
• Avalguja / Bakuchi – Psoralea corylifolia
• Saindhava Lavana – Rock Salt
• Souvarchala Lavana – Sochal Salt / Black Salt
• Bida Lavana / Vida Lavana – Sodium sulphate, a type of black salt
• Sarja Kshara – Sodium bicarbonate
• Yava Kshara – Alkali obtained from barley (Hordeum vulgare) plant
• Guggulu – Commiphora Mukul – (Equal to the quantity of the sum of the powders of all the above said drugs put together)
• Amlavetasa – Garcinia pedunculata – 1/8 quantity of that of Guggulu

 

How to prepare?

• All the above said ingredients (other than Guggulu) are taken in equal proportions and made into fine powder. Their powders are individually calculated so as to measure in equal quantity. All the individual powders (Churna) are mixed in a mortar and made into a homogenous compound. To this equal quantity of Guggulu (Commiphora mukul) – (Equal to the quantity of the sum of the powders of all the above said drugs put together) is added and pounded to make a homogenous compound. Later Amlavetasa is added in 1/8 quantity as that of the quantity of Guggulu is added and mixed thoroughly. From this tablets are made.

Usable form:

• Vati – Tablets

Dose:

• 1-2 tablets or as directed by the Physician

Vehicle:

• Ushnodaka – Hot Water or as directed by the physician

Indications and Benefits:

Erandadi Guggulu is used to treat the below said conditions:

• Amavata – Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Sandhigata Vata – Osteoarthritis
• Asthigata Vata – Osteopenia, bone and soft tissue pain
• Majjagata Vata – Osteoporosis, Brittle bones

Other benefits of Erandadi Guggulu:

• Deepana – Kindles digestive fire, corrects metabolism
• Bhagna dhrudeekaranam – Fracture healing, Aids unification of bones in fracture and dislocation

Disclaimer:

• These blogs are written for informative purpose and not for self prescription
• Intake of any medicine without prescription of a qualified Ayurveda doctor is dangerous
• A thorough examination of the disease and the diseased by a qualified Ayurvedadoctor followed by diagnosis and prescription is mandatory
• Dietetic & Lifestyle advices, co-prescriptions, treatments etc may be essential and may prescribed by your doctor
• Ayurveda medicines are time tested and are not universal (all medicines do not suit everyone)

Pictures courtesy (with thanks):

http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/

http://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/ss/slideshow-osteoarthritis-overview

http://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/joints-often-affected-by-osteoarthritis

http://www.rayaclinic.com/Content/Osteoarthritis.asp

Dr Raghuram Y.S.

MD (Ay), Ayurvedic Rheumatology

Consultant Ayurvedic Physician

Speciality: Joint and Spine care

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Ph: +91-9480071422

Email: drraghuramys@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of Mental Disturbances on Digestive System and Metabolism, Ayurveda approach in dealing them – Part3

Part1 Recap: http://wp.me/puHAD-dE

Part2 Recap: http://wp.me/puHAD-dK

Part 3:

So we have seen the mental disturbances / disorders having a disturbing impact on the metabolism / Digestive system / GI system in the previous 2 articles. We have also learnt the most common disorders which get manifested due to the impact of disturbed mind on the digestive system and metabolism.

Now we shall see how to deal with these disorders…

Ayurvedic approach towards the metabolic disorders and digestive disorders caused due to mental disturbances

Since these physical conditions (http://wp.me/puHAD-dK) are manifested due to mental disturbances, trying treatment options with symptomatic approach will be of no use. Our primary target in such conditions will be the “MIND” factor. We need to attend the ailing brain and free it from its afflictions. Once the mind gets healthy the proper co-ordination between body and mind will be re-established and the functions of the body will come back to normalcy once again. The disease or disorder in question will also be attended and eradicated at the same time.

Ayurveda was always clear in demarcating the physical conditions from the disorders which have been predominantly manifested as an effect of mind disturbances. Ayurveda also has the expertise in dealing with such ailments effectively since time immemorial. We shall try to know some of the approaches the most ancient medical system on Earth has in terms of dealing such disorders.

Pre-Operative Procedures

Atura-Vyadhi Pareeksha (Thorough examination of the patient and case recording)

The clinical success in any physical, mental or psycho-somatic disorder depends on the depth of case taking and examination of the patient. Ayurveda uses an extensive methodology of examining the patient and nature of the disease.

The Roga Pareeksha or the examination of the disease is done by Nidana Panchaka method

The Atura Pareeksha or the examination of the patient is done by using one or more of the below mentioned methodologies:

• Trividha Pareeksha (3 fold examination)
• Panchavidha Pareeksha (5 fold examination)
• Shadvidha Pareeksha (6 fold examination)
• Ashtasthana Pareeksha (8 fold examination)
• Dashavidha Pareeksha (10 fold examination)

{I am not going into the depth of these examinations and the way in which they are conducted with a fear of elaboration and deviation of subject. These topics will be dealt in the forth-coming blogs}

With this elaborate exercise the physician would have got the details of the disease and diseased to the most minute and delicate aspect.

This helps the Ayurveda physician to classify the disease into the category which it fits into and also would give a clear idea of the prognosis of the disease and also the treatment and medicine protocol which could be planned for the subject in question.

Satvavajaya, Samalochana and Ashvasana (Counselling & Screening)

 

No disease, especially psychiatric disorders could be combated from the physician’s side without conducting a proper counselling, screening and providing words of comfort and assurance to the patient in question. Many patients will start feeling comfort if the response from the doctor is a compatible one. The counselling sets up a good relation and an opinion of trust from the patient towards the doctor and hospital staff. This plug-in is very essential for the success of the treatment. Screening definitely helps in categorizing the patient and to decide the protocol of treatment.

Treatment Approaches

Bahir-Parimarjana Chikitsa (External treatment)

• Abhyanga – Massage with medicated oils

• Swedana – Steaming, Sudation or Fomentation (when required)
• Dhara – Pouring the medicated liquids on the head (Shiro dhara) or body (Sarvanga Dhara). The liquids may be medicated oil, ghee, mixture of ghee and oil, buttermilk, milk or Dhanyamla (fermented liquid)
• Udwartana – Massage with medicated powders
• Moordni Taila – Application of oil to the head in the form of Shiro-Dhara (pouring in stream of oils over the head for a scheduled period), Shiro-Pichu (Tying the cotton swab dipped in medicated oils after placing them over the head and covering them with medicated leaves), Shiro-Vasti (Oil pooling over the head for a certain scheduled period of time) and Shiro-Abhyanga (Head massage with medicated oil)

• Shiro Lepa: Application of medicated pastes of leaves etc on the head followed by bandaging
• Karna-Poorana: Ear drops using medicated oil
• Nabhi Lepa / Poorana: Anointment of medicinal pastes over the navel region

Many of the above said also alleviates insomnia (sleeplessness and sleep disorders) which is one of the chief causes for many psycho-somatic disorders

Agni Chikitsa (metabolic correction)

This aims at basic correction of Agni (metabolic, enzymatic and hormonal functions) which according to Ayurveda is the most important cause for the manifestation of many psycho-somatic disorders

• Deepana: Appetizers
• Pachana: Digestants (to eradicate ama or metabolites in the cells)
• Nabhi Lepa / Poorana: Anointment of medicinal pastes over the navel region

Deepana and Pachana may be in the form of medicines or diet

Panchakarma / Shodhana (cleansing and detoxification of body and mind)

• Vamana: Therapeutic vomiting
• Virechana: Therapeutic Purgation
• Vasti: Medicated Enemas
• Shirovirechana / Nasya: Nasal medication

Rasayana and Vajikarana

• Rejuvenation and Aphrodisiac treatments and medications

Balya, Brimhana, Medhya and Hridhya Chikitsa

• Strength promoting, Bulk promoting, Brain tonics and Cardiac tonics

Manasika Rasayana

• Mind rejuvenators in the form of diet, medicine, behavioural patterns, activities, exercises etc

Dinacharya, Ritucharya, Ratricharya, Sadvritta, Sadaachara, Achara Rasayana

Advices regarding diurnal (daily), seasonal and night activities to be done (does and don’ts) and adaptations therein, Being in the circle of goodness, Adaptability to the community, Good behaviour, Activities which act as rejuvenators

Vyayama

• Physical and mental exercises

Corrections in the errors related to Trayopasthambas (3 supporting pillars)

• Ayurveda helps in helping the people to correct the imbalances in Trayopasthambas (3 supporting pillars) i.e. Aahara (Diet), Nidra (Sleep) and Brahmacharya (Celibacy)

Yoga and meditation

• Yoga, Pranayama, Asanas, meditation etc are effective tools to eradicate many psycho-somatic disorders. They basically bring the mind and senses to balance and a balanced mind can take care of the body in a better way

Balancing Shat-Chakras

• Shat-Chakras are the energy centres and protective auras operating our body, mind, spirituality, emotions and immunity. Various exercises and techniques of balancing the disturbed chakras will re-establish the psycho-somatic health

Ahara, Vihara, Achara, Vichara, Samalochana evam Samikarana

• Counselling, correcting and providing a compatible protocol related to Diet, Activities, Behavioural patterns, Thought processing and Adaptations

Shamana-oushadas

• Disease specific and symptom specific medication for systemic corrections and to eradicate many primary and secondary diseases as and when needed

Swarna Prashana in kids and adolescents (adults too)

• A specialized type of immunity programme carried out on Pushya Nakshatra day of Indian (Hindu calendar)

Others

• Daivavyapashraya Chikitsa (non-medicinal approach) was an important part of Ayurveda chikitsa (treatment protocol) in ancient days. In this, divine methods of approach towards a disease are followed according to religious practices and beliefs.
• This was and is predominantly carried out in idiopathic cases of psycho-somatic diseases where a cause for the disease cannot be tracked down or when the diseases are not responding to any form of treatment. Now a day’s a qualified Ayurveda doctor may not advice his clients to undergo these treatments viewing the problem with a scientific angle but they have become a part and parcel of belief in Indian custom and tradition.
• These include Pooja-bhajana (worship and offerings to the deity of belief), Daana (offerings to the poor), Havana-Homa (fire sacrifices), Mani-Mangala dharana (wearing of enchanted gems etc), Upavasa-Vrata (Fasting and other religious procedures) and many more. These rituals may differ geographically and religiously.
• There may be a scientific debate about their utility in healing the psycho-somatic diseases but if something is really benefitting the patient and helps him or her in recovering from their long-standing illness, they surely have a liberty to take a try as long as they are abiding within the circle of law, not hurting the sentiments of others and do not fall into the arena of social evil.

After all, all diseases are not relieved by medicines or medical systems…if so we would all have lived happily without the need of a doctor or medicine and the medical system and researches would have been saturated and have taken a static stand….

Some methods of preventing the stomach ailments (metabolic) governed by disturbed mind…

• Know your diet, Follow discipline on and off table w.r.t quality, quantity and timing of food
• Take and prefer home made fresh food, Eat in limits known and compatible to you
• Don’t try losing or gaining weight by self practise and prescriptions, Take opinion from specialists
• Relax and eat, chew food, don’t skip meals
• Take lot of fibres, Avoid fried food, fats, flour and junks
• Limit salt and sugar intake
• Use plenty of fruits and vegetables – raw if possible
• No alcohol, smoking, canned drinks, aerated drinks
• Limit coffee and tea
• Don’t withhold the natural urges or reflexes for hunger, thirst, defecation, urination, sleep etc
• Avoid stress, keep mind relaxed, have hold on negative emotions
• Think positive
• Love and keep yourself happy
• Control anger, fear, possessiveness, jealousy and hatredness
• Take breaks from routine works, go on a trip or holiday often, watch fun movies,
• Exercise and get involved in the loved hobbies
• Don’t be addicted to computer
• Respect your and others space
• Believe that “The best is yet to come”

Finally……..

Now after reading all these you know what to do if somebody in your good circles is suffering from a long-standing psycho-somatic illness, a mental disorder, a digestive disorder or any disease in fact, not responding to any sort of medication….!!!!

Yes…kindly refer them to a qualified Ayurveda doctor whom you know….It is better late than never…..!!!

Hope this series of articles helped you to understand a lot of things related to psycho-somatic digestive and metabolic problems….

Kindly forward this to your friends and family…..Someone may be benefitted with this….

Images courtesy (with thanks):

http://www.positiveayurveda.com/Panchakarma.html

http://mayurpankh.in/career-counselling

http://www.divyaayurveda.com/rejuvenationanddetox/

http://ayurhermitage.com/treatments.php

http://www.vedsumanayurved.com/panchkarma.html

http://www.geneticsandsociety.org/article.php?id=8274

http://www.bikramyogawimbledon.com/

http://yogaindiamumbai.org/pranayamas/pranayamas-subjects/yogic-shat-chakra/

Dr Raghuram Y.S.

MD(Ay), Ayurvedic Rheumatology

Consultant Ayurvedic Physician

Speciality: Joint and Spine care

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Ph: +91-9480071422

Email: drraghuramys@gmail.com

Ayurveda Basics: SHADOOSHANA – Its ingredients and uses

Shadooshana or Shadooshana Churna is a commonly used formulation in Ayurveda clinical practise. It is a slight modification over Panchakola Churna or Panchakola . Shadooshana is obtained by adding Maricha (Piper nigrum, Black Pepper) to Panchakola.

What is this Shadooshana?

• Shadooshana is a word made up of 2 words: Shad+Ooshana
• Shad means 6
• Ooshana means Pungent, hot, spicy
• Thus Shadooshana means a mixture (compound) of 6 pungent drugs (Panchakola+Maricha)

What constitutes Shadooshana?

पञ्चकोलं समरिचं षडूषणमुदीर्यते।

पञ्चकोलगुणं तत्तु विशेषाद्वह्निवर्धनम्॥ {यो.र}

As already mentioned, Panchakola is a compound prepared by mixing up the fine powders of 5 drugs in kola pramana (6 grams each) each. Shadooshana is obtained by adding equal amount of powder of Maricha (Piper nigrum) to Panchakola. The ingredients of Shadooshana are:

• Pippali – Piper longum
• Pippalimula – Root of Piper longum
• Chavya – Piper chaba
• Chitraka – Plumbago zeylanica
• Shunti / Nagara – Zingiber officinale
• Maricha – Piper nigrum

How to prepare?

• Each ingredient is taken in equal proportions and pounded individually so as to get their fine powder
• The individual powders are mixed in a mortar and made into homogenous compound
• The resultant mixture is called Shadooshana or Shadooshana Churna
• The powder is stored in air tight containers

Benefits:

Shadooshana is used in the form of its fine powder. It is extensively used to correct metabolic errors (agnidushti), as an appetizer, carminative and digestant. Its uses and properties are said to be similar to that of Panchakola.

Shadooshana is said to be superior to Panchakola in the role of enhancing the agni

Uses of Panchakola are:

• Tridoshagna – Panchakola is beneficial to combat all the 3 vitiated doshas i.e. Vata, Pitta and Kapha
• Ruchyam – Enhances taste and wards of tastelessness, anorexia and aversion towards food
• Deepana – Good appetizer, kindles digestive fire and sets right errors of digestion
• Pachana – To digest ama or removal of metabolites (intermediate products of digestion)
• Svaraharam – Destroys voice (on excessive consumption)
• Medaharam – Removes excess fat, lipids
• Shoolaghnam – Alleviates colic
• Gulmarti nashanam – Relieves pain in Gulma (abdominal tumors

Dose:

• 2-3 grams, once or twice daily or as directed by the physician

How to use?

• Mixed with hot or warm water, honey, ghee, or as directed by the physician

Disclaimer:

• These blogs are written for informative purpose and not for self prescription
• Intake of any medicine without prescription of a qualified Ayurveda doctor is dangerous
• A thorough examination of the disease and the diseased by a qualified Ayurveda doctor followed by diagnosis and prescription is mandatory
• Dietetic & Lifestyle advices, co-prescriptions, treatments etc may be essential and may prescribed by your doctor
• Ayurveda medicines are time tested and are not universal (all medicines do not suit everyone)

Dr Raghuram Y.S.

MD(Ay), Ayurvedic Rheumatology

Consultant Ayurvedic Physician

Speciality: Joint and Spine care

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Ph: +91-9480071422

Email: drraghuramys@gmail.com

Ayurveda Basics: CHATUROOSHANA – Its ingredients and uses

Chaturooshana or Chaturooshana Churna is a commonly used formulation in Ayurveda clinical practise. It is a modulation over Trikatu or Trikatu Churna. By adding Pippalimula (Root of Piper longum) to the Trikatu or Tryooshana we get Chaturooshana

What is this Chaturooshana?

• Chaturooshana is a word made up of 2 words: Chatuhu+Ooshana
• Chatuhu means 4
• Ooshana means Pungent, hot, spicy
• Thus Chaturoshana means a mixture (compound) of 4 pungent drugs

Synonyms:

• Tryooshana
• Vyosha
• Katutrika

What constitutes Chaturooshana?

त्र्यूषणं ग्रन्थिकयुक्तम् जायते चतुरूषणम्।

चतुरूषणमाख्यातं गुणैस्त्र्यूषनवद् बुधैः॥

कफाग्निमान्ध्यविष्टम्भारुचिपीनसकासनुत्॥ {यो.र}

As already mentioned, Chaturooshana is a compound prepared by mixing up the fine powders of 4 pungent drugs i.e. Trikatu+Pippalimula. They are:

• Pippali – Piper longum
• Maricha – Piper nigrum
• Shunti / Nagara – Zingiber officinale
• Pippalimula – Root of Long pepper

How to prepare?

• Each ingredient is taken in equal proportions and pounded individually so as to get their fine powder
• The individual powders are mixed in a mortar and made into homogenous compound
• The resultant mixture is called Chaturooshana or Chaturooshana Churna
• The powder is stored in air tight containers

Benefits:

Chaturooshana is used in the form of its fine powder. It is extensively used to correct metabolic errors (agnidushti). It is said to have all the properties and uses of Trikatu

Uses of Trikatu are:

• Deepana – Good appetizer, kindles digestive fire and sets right errors of digestion
• Ruchida – Enhances taste and wards of tastelessness, anorexia and aversion towards food
• Vatahara – Combats vitiated / contaminated Vata
• Kaphahara – Combats vitiated / contaminated Kapha
• Mandagninut – Corrects sluggish agni (metabolic fire / digestive capacity) and thus used as an effective medicine in indigestion and related conditions
• Shoolanut – Relieves colic

Additional uses of Chaturooshana:

• Vishtambhahara – It relieves constipation and blocks in the channels of the body
• Aruchinut – Alleviates tastelessness and thus is used in the treatment of anorexia
• Peenasanut – Highly effective in the treatment of Rhinitis, cold and congestion
• Kaasanut – Used to treat various types of cough

 

Dose:

• 2-3 grams, once or twice daily or as directed by the physician

How to use?

• Mixed with honey, ghee, honey and ghee, medicated decoctions (kashayam), medicated ghee (ghrita), gruel (manda), hot water or as directed by the physician

Disclaimer:

• These blogs are written for informative purpose and not for self prescription
• Intake of any medicine without prescription of a qualified Ayurveda doctor is dangerous
• A thorough examination of the disease and the diseased by a qualified Ayurveda doctor followed by diagnosis and prescription is mandatory
• Dietetic & Lifestyle advices, co-prescriptions, treatments etc may be essential and may prescribed by your doctor
• Ayurveda medicines are time tested and are not universal (all medicines do not suit everyone)

Dr Raghuram Y.S.

MD(Ay), Ayurvedic Rheumatology

Consultant Ayurvedic Physician

Speciality: Joint and Spine care

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Ph: +91-9480071422

Email: drraghuramys@gmail.com

Virechana – An excellent way to detoxify our cells and keep ourselves healthy

Virechana (Therapeutic Purgation) is one among the 5 main purifying or detoxifying therapies in Ayurveda which is also popularly addressed as PANCHAKARMA procedures. Virechana simply means throwing out of our body the unwanted toxins and metabolites which would otherwise interfere in the normal functioning of the system.

Types of Virechana:

As any other medication or treatments, Ayurveda indicates Virechana to be carried over in a holistic and religious way. Virechana is much beyond the regular normal day laxatives and purgatives which just alter the bowel movements and enhance excretion. Virechana is a complicated theory to understand, a reliable therapy which we can undertake both in healthy and diseased conditions and the best among many treatments to be experienced.

Virechana is of 2 types to be precise:

• Urdhwa Virechana: This is also called Vamana or therapeutic Vomiting (Emesis). This is done when the vitiated Kapha elements are in excess in the body and tissues and also is interfering with smooth body functions. Vamana is also given in Kapha related disorders.
• Adho Virechana: This is called Virechana. If not specified, Virechana generally means Adho Virechana or therapeutic Purgation. This is done when the vitiated Pitta (in association with Kapha or Vayu or individually) elements are in excess in the body and tissues and also is interfering with smooth body functions. VIrechana is also given in Pitta (Pitta-Vata) related disorders.

The term Virechana is also used in other treatments like Shiro Virechana (synonymous with Nasya – Infusing medicaments into the nose)

How is Virechana conducted?

Virechana whether Vamana or Adho Virechana, both are done aesthetically and as per protocol which is decided by a qualified and experienced Ayurveda Doctor after a thorough examination and assessment of the disease and diseased.

Virechana is mainly carried out in 3 schedules:

Poorvakarma (Pre-operative): Includes:

• Agra Sangrahana: Keeping the necessary medicines and equipments ready in good condition before starting the treatment
• Atura-Vyadhi Pareeksha: Examination and Preparation of the patient including counselling and elaboration of the treatment procedures and their utility in longer terms
• Deepana – Pachana: Medicines given to trim up the metabolism and keep the gut ready for receiving Vamana or Virechana. Deepana medicines are given to stimulate and motivate metabolism or ignite the interior fire. Pachana medicines are given to digest the ama or endotoxins or metabolites and remove their fluidity.

Deepana and Pachana are also done by non-medicinal measures like fasting etc

• Snehana: (Oleation or intake of medicated lipids): Medicated ghee or oil or ghee and oil mixed together is given in increasing dosages (varies with each physical constitution) on consecutive days until they reach a point of saturation in the cells.

Duration: 3-7 days depending on the quantity and quality of contamination of Doshas

• Swedana: (Sudation / steaming or medicinal fomentation): Massage is given using medicated oils followed by steaming for pre-fixed durations. This liquefies the Doshas (vitiated pitta or kapha) which are swollen up in the cells and ready to get mobilized. These doshas now move towards the gut.

Duration: Follows the duration of Snehana or left out to the discrimination of the doctor

Pradhana Karma: Operative Procedure:

• This includes of the main procedure of Vamana or Virechana
• On the day of Virechana the patient is once again examined thoroughly and decided once again about the fitness and eligibility of the patient for the procedure
• Massage and steaming is done
• Milk or sugarcane juice or gruel is given full stomach to exacerbate the Dosha (kapha) in case Vamana needs to be given
• Vamana or Virechana medicine is given in prescribed dosage (as per constitution)
• The number of Purgations (or vomiting) are counted and noted on a chart. General condition of the patient is evaluated every now and then

Paschat Karma: Post-operative procedure:

• Samsarjana Krama: Special Dietetic scheduling
• Dhoomapana: Therapeutic smoking (only after Vamana)
• Niyama: Rules and regulations, restrictions to be followed are detailed
• Shamana: Oral Medications are prescribed as follow up
• Rasayana / Balya: Rejuvenators or strength promoters are given to avoid recurrence and to build up a strong immunity

Clinical utility of Virechana:

In the modern day when man is so busy that he cannot concentrate on the diet, stress and lifestyle…he is prone to rent many disorders in his system. Most of these diseases are due to the endo-toxins i.e. the poisonous things which are left out as intermediate products of our metabolism causing cellular damage, decline of health and immunity and proneness to many diseases.

Thus our body gets converted into a dust-bin and we are happy living with it. If we let go these destructive procedures in our system or if we are ignore them telling that we have no time to attend them, they build and magnify getting stronger and stronger with time. The toxins start attacking our cells, weaken us, give origin to many diseases and lessen our life span. We start looking old and sick with zero interest and enthusiasm towards life and activities.

In order to protect ourselves from these hidden dangers and unknown enemies in the form of body toxins, we need to cleanse ourselves from within. We need to throw away these toxins regularly with the help of these time tested treatments.

Even if we consider ourselves to be very healthy we can still take a course of Vamana or Virechana as per the directions of an Ayurveda doctor and keep ourselves rejuvenated and healthy. This would be like guarding ourselves from impending dangers as none of us are exempted from the metabolic health issues.

Virechana is like servicing or over-oiling the vehicles and keeping them in a good condition. But we should not forget the maintenance part which lies in our hands. The better we maintain the lesser we would need further servicing.

Get to your Ayurveda doctor this holiday and know more about your needs….a Vamana or Virechana…. Your health is your asset and our responsibility….

Have you experienced Virechana yet??????????

Dr Raghuram Y.S.

MD(Ay), Ayurvedic Rheumatology

Consultant Ayurvedic Physician

Speciality: Joint and Spine care

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Ph: +91-9480071422

Email: drraghuramys@gmail.com

Skype: raghuramsastry1973

Straight from Samhita’s: Deepaneeya Mahakashaaya – The Natural Ayurvedic Herbal Digestives / Stomachics

What is Deepana?

पचेन्नामं वह्निकृञ्च दीपनं तद्यथा मिशिः।{शार्ङ्गधर}

दीपनाय वह्नेरुद्दीपनाय हितम्।{गङ्गाधर}

दीपनम् अन्तराग्नेः संधुक्षणं तस्मै हितं दीपनीयं।{यो.र}

’दीपनमग्निभूयिष्ठं तत्समानत्वात्” {र.वै.४}

Characteristics of a Deepana drug:

• Any drug or medicine which kindles the fire (agni) or the digestive fire is called Deepana
• Deepana drugs improves the digestion and are good for Stomach.
• While the Deepana drugs kindles the fire and initiates hunger and interest in taking food and also helps in digestion, they do not help in processing or digesting the ama (intermediated products of digestion or metabolites in the organs or tissues).
• Deepana drugs are predominant in Agni mahabhoota (fire element) and both have same characteristics.

Acharya Charaka has enumerated 10 such drugs which act like natural appetizers, digestants and stomachics under the heading Deepaneeya Mahaakashaaya….

पिप्पलीपिप्पलीमूलचव्यचित्रकश्रृङ्गवेराम्लवेतसमरिचाजमोदाभल्लतकास्थिहिङ्गुनिर्यासा इति दशेमानि दीपनीयानि भवन्ति॥{चरकसूत्रस्थानम् ४/८–६}

1. पिप्पली – Piper longum
2. पिप्पलीमूल – Roots of Piper longum
3. चव्य – Piper chaba
4. चित्रक – Plumbago zeylanica
5. श्रृङ्गवेर – Zingiber officinale
6. अम्लवेतस – Garcinia pedunculata / Rheum emodi
7. मरिच – Piper nigrum
8. अजमोदा – Carum roxburghianum
9. भल्लतकास्थि – Semecarpus anacardium
10. हिङ्गुनिर्यासा – Ferula foetida / Ferula narthex

According to Ayurvedic basics – All the systemic disorders have their origin from a disturbed agni or metabolism. This quote seems to be apt to todays lifestyle wherein we hire many of our diseases quickly and suddenly even without our knowledge because of our erratic food schedules. The quality, quantity and timing of food has been erratic in the modern run-run generation.

When your stomach is upset or whenever you suffer from mild to moderate anorexia / indigestion or tastelessness, try to combat them when they are still in an immature form. If they are allowed to develop, they will lower our immunity and cause many diseases or we will easily become susceptible for diseases.

When you think of getting rid of your digestive impairments…think natural….& when you think natural…..it needs to be Ayurveda……………

Prevention or interventions…when you think of handling things in a natural way…think of AYURVEDA

For Health Awareness

By: Dr Raghuram Y.S. 

MD(Ayurveda)

Bangalore, Karnataka, India

Ph: +91-9480071422

                                                                                                                                                                                               Email: drraghuramys@gmail.com