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Your
monthly health e-newsletter
Volume:
1- Diseases
of - Above Shoulder region
SERIES URDHWAJATRUGAT XII –AUG 2005 |
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We
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serve humanity from health aspect by natural means.
FEATURED
HEALTH ARTICLE:
EYE
DISEASES –
Continued from July issue. Cataract
For
most people, cataracts are a natural result of aging.
This is usually seen in those people who are above 50 years of age. A
cataract
is a clouding of a part of the eye known as the crystalline lens. The
lens is a clear tissue located behind the pupil - the dark circular
opening in the middle of the iris or colored part of the eye. The lens
works with the transparent cornea,
which covers the eye's surface, to focus light on the retina
at the back of the eye. When the lens becomes cloudy, or cataractous,
light cannot pass to the retina properly, and vision is blurred and
decreased. The
lens is contained in a sealed bag or capsule. As old cells die they
become trapped within the capsule. Over time, the cells accumulate
causing the lens to cloud, making images look blurred or fuzzy. In
Ayurveda this condition is known as "timira" or 'linga nasha'.
Aggravated 'vayu' is said to be responsible for the manifestation of
this disease.In old age vata is increased which effects other doshas to
affect various layers of eye.When aggravated dosha reaches the fourth
layer, they effect nucleus of the lens resulting in the diminished
vision. Sunlight and malnutrition are also the two main causes of this
disease. In
lingnasha(mature cataract) the circle is reddish , unstable and rough
due to vata;due ton pitta it is bluish or pale yellow or yellow; due to
kapha it is thick,glossy,pale white resembling moon; it is like white
drop of water placed on a moving lotus leaf. The circle caused by Rakta
is lustrous like coral and lotus leaf. Herbs
recommend for treatment of Cataracts: Dusty
miller (Cineraria maritima succus),Lavang
(Cloves),Bilberry
(Vaccinium myrtillus), Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba),
Lal chandan (Pterocarpus santalinus), Pundrika(Lotus),Draksha(Grapes),
Nimbu(Lemon) Tulsi(Basil), Shunthi(Dry ginger),Yashtimadhu(Glycerrhiza
glabra), Daruharidra(Berberis aristata), Manjishtha(Rubia cordifolia),
Rason(Garlic), Punarnava(Boerhavia diffusa), Nirmali(Strychnos
potatorum),Mamira(Coptis teeta). Diabetic
Retinopathy Patients
with diabetes are more likely to develop eye problems such as cataracts
and glaucoma, but the disease’s affect on the retina is the main
threat to vision. Most
patients develop diabetic changes in the retina after approximately 20
years. The effect of
diabetes on the eye is called diabetic retinopathy.
Over
time, diabetes affects the circulatory system of the retina.
The earliest phase of the disease is known as background diabetic
retinopathy. In this phase,
the arteries in the retina become weakened and leak, forming small,
dot-like hemorrhages. These
leaking vessels often lead to swelling or edema in the retina and
decreased vision. The
next stage is known as proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
In this stage, circulation problems cause areas of the retina to
become oxygen-deprived or ischemic. New, fragile, vessels develop as the
circulatory system attempts to maintain adequate oxygen levels within
the retina. This is called
neovascularization. Unfortunately,
these delicate vessels hemorrhage easily.
Blood may leak into the retina and vitreous, causing spots or
floaters, along with decreased vision.
In
the later phases of the disease, continued abnormal vessel growth and
scar tissue may cause serious problems such as retinal detachment and
glaucoma. Signs
and Symptoms The
affect of diabetic retinopathy on vision varies widely, depending on the
stage of the disease. Some
common symptoms of diabetic retinopathy are listed below, however,
diabetes may cause other eye symptoms. ·
Blurred
vision (this is often linked to blood sugar levels ·
Floaters
and flashes ·
Sudden
loss of vision Useful
herbs –
Mamira (Coptis teeta / Golden thread root) for external application ,Katak
or Nirmali seds for external use;Chakshushya or Chaksu seeds powder for
external application;Grape seed extract,Bilberry Dry
eye syndrome
is one of the most common problems treated by eye physicians. It
is usually caused by a problem with the quality of the tear film
(lubricates the eyes) maintained by Tarpaka kapha. It
comprises of symptoms occurring due to excessive vata absorbing the
water and lubrication of eye making it dry and itchy.. Tears
are comprised of three layers after the outermost mucus layer. The
mucus layer (shleshma kala) coats the cornea, the eye’s clear outer
window, forming a foundation so the tear film can adhere to the eye.
The first aqueous layer provides moisture and supplies oxygen and other
important nutrients to the cornea. This layer is made of 98
percent water along with small amounts of salt, proteins and other
compounds. It is said to be supported by tejas(Rakta) and jala(rasa) .The
second one consist of muscles. The third layer is an oily film that
seals the tear film on the eye and helps to prevent evaporation. This is
fatty tissue (medas) layer. And the fourth one is of bones. Tears
are formed in several glands around the eye. The water layer is
produced in the lacrimal gland, located under the upper eyelid.
Several smaller glands in the lids make the oil and mucus layers.
With each blink, the eyelids spread the tears over the eye. Excess
tears flow into two tiny drainage ducts in the corner of the eye by the
nose. These ducts lead to tiny canals that connect to the nasal
passage. In
addition to lubricating the eye, tears are also produced as a reflex
response to outside stimulus such as an injury or emotion.
However, reflex tears do little to soothe a dry eye, which is why
someone with watery eyes may still complain of irritation. Dry
eye syndrome has many causes. One of the most common reasons for dryness
is simply the normal aging process when vata is generally raised.
As we grow older, our bodies produce less oil – 60% less at age 65
then at age 18. The oil deficiency also affects the tear film.
Without as much oil to seal the watery layer, the tear film evaporates
much faster, leaving dry areas on the cornea. Many
other factors that brings you in direct contact with vata and makes the
eyes dry are driving, hot, dry or windy climates, high altitudes,
air-conditioning and cigarette smoke . Many people also find their eyes
become irritated when reading or working on a computer. Stopping
periodically to rest and blink keeps the eyes more comfortable. Symptoms
Cleansing
the eyes with Triphla water and putting up the Maha-Triphladya ghrita is
beneficial in this. Chalazion
(stye)
is a small lump in the eyelid caused by obstruction of an oil producing
or meibomian gland. Chalazia may occur in the upper or lower lids,
causing redness, swelling and soreness in some cases. It is similar
to Anjananamika which is coppery,soft and small boil with burning
and pricking pain with mild distress appearing on lid.It is caused by
Rakta. Signs
and Symptoms
Common
home remedy is rub your index finger over the other hand’s palm till
its quite hot and apply that finger over the stye – do it 10 times and
it should be repeated 3-4 times a day. It really works. Putting and
cleansing the eye area with Rose water also helps. MANAGEMENT
OF EYE DISEASES - The
treatment for eye diseases in Ayurveda can be divided into two:
The
'vata' prakriti among the three prakritis 'vata', 'pitta' and 'kapha'
are said to be the cause of certain eye diseases. The symptomatology of
vata diseases clarifies the point that it focuses not only the tissues
but also the nerve function of the eye. So these diseases have a
schedule of treatments of 'vathabhishyanda' which includes 'snehana', 'swedhana',
'sneha vicharana', 'vasti', 'snehaseka', 'snehenanasya', 'snaihika
doomapana', 'sirovasthi' etc which in no way can be stated as to focus
on the vatakopa alone. Netrakarmas Aschyotana Seka Anjana Vidalaka Akshi
Tarpan-
Holding medicated ghee over eyes and surrounding areas for particular
period. BENEFICIAL
SUBSTANCES FOR EYES White
butter,Cow’s ghee,Buffalo and Goat ghee,Gomutra,Mustard oil,Karanj
oil, Wheat germ oil ,She horse milk,Goat milk,Honey,
Glucose,Hirak(Diamond) bhasma, Manikya (Ruby) bhasma, Mukta (Pearl) ,
Prawal(Coral), Chalk powder, Abhrak bhasma with honey and Triphla
powder, Sphatika(Alum), Karpoor(Camphor),Intake of White pepper soaked
in cow’s ghee,Black cumin seeds,Rock salt, Hingu,Jal neti,Regular
intake of Saptamrit lauha tablets. You
may consult our Ayurveda experts through on
line consultation
or personally.
Thanks
to Dr.Kartar Singh Dhiman,MD(Ayu.Shalakya) for his views in this issue. HERB
OF THE MONTH:
GUDUCHI Guduchi
or Tinospora cordifolia is a large, climbing shrub. Guduchi is an
important part of the Ayurvedic category of Rasayanas, or rejuvenative
tonics. Human studies conducted on Guduchi's immune-boosting ability
show it to be linked to enhancing the function of protective cells
called macrophages. The plant is used to improve the immune system and
the body's resistance to infections. The stem is used in dyspepsia,
fevers, and urinary diseases. The
active principles and juice of the fresh plant possess a number of
pharmacological activities. It is bitter, stomachic, antiperiodic,
aphrodisiac. Guduchi is useful in chronic diarrhoea, to remove urinary
stones (Calculi),as a diuretic, CNS depressant, hypoglycemic,
antibacterial, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic,
antiallergic, analgesic, hepatoprotective, and to reduce blood urea. The
plant is used in Ayurvedic rasayanas to improve the immune system and
the body's resistance against infections. It is used as an
immunomodulator in immunosuppression of obstructive jaundice, hepatic
fibrosis, peritonitis and sepsis. The plant has been found effective in
preventing fibrous changes and promotes regeneration of the liver
against CCl4 induced hepato-toxicity. Guduchi
has been proven to be effective in inhibiting the growth of bacteria and
enhancing the buildup of immune resistance. Scientific research is now
providing clues to Guduchi's immune-boosting ability to fight diseases.
In a study using human white blood cells, Guduchi increased the killing
ability of macrophages, the immune cells responsible for fighting
invaders. Guna:
- Guru, Snigdha ACTION -
Helps increase the effectiveness of protective white blood cells and
builds up the body's own defense mechanism (immune system) -
Enhances the functioning of protective cells, macrophages, and improves
body's resistance to infections. -
Useful as a diuretic, helps removes urinary stones and reduce blood urea -
Inhibits growth of bacteria and enhances the buildup of immune
resistance -
Possesses antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, and
anti-allergic properties BEAUTY
TIP – FOR DARK
CIRCLES ·
Place
cotton wool swabs dipped in cold milk on closed eyes for removing dark
circles and massage a few drops of Almond oil around the eyes. For
personalized beauty related queries mail to:beauty@ayurplanet.com
FORTHCOMING
EVENT:
Event
Name :INTERNATIONAL
HEALTH CARE 2005
Date(s):
11 to 13 August
Venue:
Pragati maidan , New Delhi Organizer:
NAM
trade service centre
Contact:
NAM trade service center Pvt.Ltd.
9, Pratap Singh Bldg, Janpath lane, New Delhi
Ph :23321364,23321327; Email : namtrade@rediffmail.com
News:
Some
Ayurvedic medicinal products reported to contain high levels of heavy
metals
http://hc-sc.gc.ca/english/protection/warnings/2005/2005_09.html AYURVEDA
INDIA An
International Herbal Treatment and Panchakarma Centre, Our
European Centre: AGN 2521
ZL; Thijsse straat 16;Denhaag;The Netherlands. Website: www.agn-ayurveda.com Email: info@agn-ayurveda.com
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