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AYURPATRA Your
monthly health e-newsletter
Volume:
1- Diseases
of - Above Shoulder region
SERIES URDHWAJATRUGAT XI –JULY 2005 |
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We
are delighted to present to you our monthly e-feature about Ayurveda and health.
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and health supplements. The aim of this Newsletter is to serve humanity from
health aspect by natural means.
FEATURED
HEALTH ARTICLE :
EYE
DISEASES -To
be covered in July& Aug issue. Eye
is supposed to be the most important of the five sensory organs in the body "sarvendrium
nayanam pradhanam". There are altogether 72 eye diseases as described
by Sushruta in Ayurveda. Among them Cataract, Glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy,
conjunctivitis are the most common diseases which are found commonly today. The
Eye in the form of -eye bubble is born out of (i.e. it contains) all the five
elements (mahabhutas); the soft material of the Earth(Prithvi);blood of agni;
the black portion of the eye i.e. the iris, of the vata(a reference to its
obvious and easily visible movements); the white portion of the eye(i.e. the
cornea) of the water (Jala)reference to its glassy appearance and the passage of
tears of the Space(akasha). Sushruta in Uttarsthana
mentions that Doshas produces disorders in Eye by – Dipping in to water, when
the body/head is hot; gazing at distant objects, faulty sleep, constant
weeping,anger,grief,distress and trauma ,excessive sex,excessive intake of
vinegar,sour gruel,horse gram and black gram,suppression of
urges,sudation,smoking,excessive emesis,suppression of tears and seeing minute
objects. There are total 26
diseases of eyes.10 each from vata and pitta,13 from kapha,16 from Rakta,25 from
All combined and 2 exogenous. The outermost first layer
of the eyeball is supported by Tejas (Rakta) and Jala (Rasa) – this layer has
two parts Sclera and cornea also known as fibrous tunic; the second one consists
of muscles (mamsa) – it consist of blood capillaries, cilliary body and
choroids ,the third layer is of fatty tissue(medas) made up of lens, hyaloid
membrane, cilliary bodies the
fourth one of bone(Asthi) consisting of optic nerve, retina, macula leutea and
nucleus of lens. Thus their thickness is equal to one-fifth of
pupil.(Su.ut.1/18). Excellent essences
intermingled of blood-vessels,ligaments,fat and bone play important role in
supporting the eye ball particularly mucus along with blood
vessels.(su.ut.1/19). Aggravated doshas
circulating in blood vessels when go upwards and are located in parts of eye,
highly severe diseases take place there in.(su.ut1/20). Generally all disorders
of eye are produced by Abhishayanda (conjunctivitis) and its causes and as such
it should be treated quickly.(su.ut.6/5). Conjunctivitis,
commonly known as pink eye, is an infection of the conjunctiva
(the outer-most layer of the eye that covers the sclera). VATA –abhishyanda slows
the symptoms of pricking pain, rigidity, horripilation, rubbing, roughness,
headaches, dryness and cold tears. PITTA- abhishayanda
reflects as heat, suppuration, liking for cold, fuming, excessive lacrimation,
warm tears and yellow eyes. KAPHA –abhishyanda
reflects as liking for warm, heaviness, swelling in eyes, itching, excess of
dirt, whiteness, excessive coldness, frequent slimy lacrimation. RAKTAJ – redness in
eyes,deep red coppery streaks spread all over the eye. The
three most common types of conjunctivitis are: viral, allergic, and bacterial.
Each requires different treatments.
With the exception of the allergic type, conjunctivitis is typically
contagious.
The
viral type is often associated with an upper respiratory tract infection, cold,
or sore throat. The allergic type
occurs more frequently among those with allergic conditions.
When related to allergies, the symptoms are often seasonal.
Allergic conjunctivitis may also be caused by intolerance to substances
such as cosmetics, perfume, or drugs. Bacteria
such as staphylococcus and streptococcus often cause bacterial conjunctivitis.
The severity of the infection depends on the type of bacteria involved.
Signs
and Symptoms
Watery
discharge,Irritation ,Red eye,Itching ,Swollen eyelids ,Discharge
that may cause the lids to stick together,especially after sleeping,Swelling
of the conjunctiva
If proper treatment is
not done,these type of Abhishayanda advances further and give rise to
respective types of Adhimantha(Glaucoma). The general feature of
Adhimanth is the presence of severe tearing and churning pain in eyes and half
of the head along with sign and symptoms of respective doshas. (SU.ut.6/12-13) Out of these pittaja
adhimantha if not managed properly may destroy vision soon.(Su.ut. 6/20). Glaucoma
is a disease caused by increased intraocular pressure (IOP) resulting either
from a malformation or malfunction of the eye’s drainage structures.
Left untreated, an elevated IOP causes irreversible damage the optic nerve and
retinal fibers resulting in a progressive, permanent loss of vision.
However, early detection and treatment can slow, or even halt the progression of
the disease. IOP is measured by tonometer,Normal
is between 12-22 mm Hg. Causes of Glaucoma The eye constantly
produces aqueous, the clear fluid that fills the anterior chamber (the
space between the cornea and iris). The aqueous filters out
of the anterior chamber through a complex drainage system. The delicate
balance between the production and drainage of aqueous determines the eye’s
intraocular pressure (IOP). Most people’s IOPs fall between 8 and 21.
However, some eyes can tolerate higher pressures than others. That’s why it
may be normal for one person to have a higher pressure than another. Common types of
glaucoma Open Angle,Acute Angle
Closure,Secondary Glaucoma and Congenital.
·
Sudden
decrease of vision,Extreme eye pain,Headache,Nausea and vomiting,Glare and light
sensitivity,Tearing,Enlargement of the cornea Intake of Punarnawa
gugglu, Blood letting around eye area by Jalauka (Leech) is quite beneficial. To be
continued in next issue. You
may consult our Ayurveda experts through on
line consultation or personally.
HERB
OF THE MONTH:
YASHTIMADHU It
is a herb or a small shrub up to 1m high with pinnate leaves having 9-17
leaflets CHEMICAL
CONSTITUENTS Principle
constituent of liquorice is the sweet tasting Triterpenoid saponin glyccrrhizin
(2-9%), a mixture of potassium and calcium salts of glycyrrhizinic acid.
Include other triterpenoid saponins like glabranin A&B, glycyrrhetol,
glabrolide, isoglabrolide, isoflavones, coumarins, triterpene sterols. ACTION Rasa:
Madhura Yashtimadhu
is an excellent herb having many actions and as such it is listed in six of the
Mahakashaya in Caraka Samhita. It is a Rasayana herb and is used extensively in
Ayurvedic treatments. Today it forms part of many preparations not only for its
therapeutic effect but due to its sweet taste that helps mask some of the tastes
of other less palatable herbs. Yashtimadhu’s
action are seen across the whole body, however it has strong affinity for the
pranvaha srota – respirtory tract where it acts as an expectorant and is used
in the treatment of asthma and cough. Thus it supports the exchange of gases
across the alveoli in the lungs allowing the subtle essence of oxygen, prana to
enter its major path in the body.Thus the
drug posses potent demulcent, expectorant and anti-inflamattory properties,
attributed to the presence of glycyrrhizin Yashtimadhu
also promotes and strengthens the formation the sperm hence as stated in other
herbs that have the same action, is strengthening to ojas – immunity. Its
numerous actions in the body helps maintain the functions of life hence it is
also listed as a Jivaniya herb. Yashtimadhu
is listed in Kanthya – beneficial for the throat, Varnya – complexion
promoting, Kandughna – anti-pruritic, Mutra virajaniya – gives colour to the
urine and Sonita sthapana – stopping bleeding in therapeutic groups of the
Mahakashaya of Caraka. As
an anti-hepatotoxic licorice is effective in the treatment of chronic hepatitis
and cirrhosis. Much of the liver orientated research has focused upon the
triterpene glycyrrhizin. This inhibits hepatocyte injury caused by carbon
tetrachloride, benzene hexachloride and PCB. Antibody production is enhanced by
glycyrrhizin, possibly through the production of interleukin. Glycyrrhizin
inhibits the growth of several DNA and RNA viruses, inactivating Herpes simplex
virus particles irreversibly. It has a variety of uses in bronchial problems
such as catarrh, bronchitis and coughs in general. Liquorice is used in
allopathic medicine as a treatment for peptic ulceration, a similar use to its
herbal use in gastritis and ulcers. It can be used in the relief of abdominal
colic. It
nourishes the brain by increasing circulation of cranial and cerebrospinal
fluid. It also improves vision. Caution
: There is a small possibility of effecting electrolyte balance with extended
use of large doses of licorice. It has an ACTH like effect causing retention of
sodium thus raising BP. The whole herb has constituents that counter this but it
is best to avoid Licorice if the patient has hypertension, kidney disease or
during pregnancy. It may interfere with the calcium and potassium
absorption. Do not use if you are suffering from osteoporosis, hypertension
(increases water around heart). Take with boiled milk. BEAUTY
TIP – Honey
For Healthy Eyes TRIPHALA
FOR HEALTHY EYES. For
sparkling and healthy eyes put
a teaspoonful of Triphala powder in a glass of water, and let it stay
overnight. Strain the water and wash the eyes with it. It improves the vision
too and relieves eye strain. For
personalized beauty related queries mail to:beauty@ayurplanet.com
FORTHCOMING
EVENT:
Event
Name:
Exponatura
(International
Natural Life, Health & Wellness Exhibition)
Date(s)
:
25-28
August 2005
Venue
: Istanbul
World Trade Center (IWTC) -Yesilkoy
Details:
www.exponatura.net News:
Milk benefits women's
health The
Associated Press; 16 June 2005 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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Disclaimer:
All details, thoughts and opinions shared by the writers in this monthly, are
their own and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editor or management
of this monthly. This monthly is meant only for information purpose and it is
not intended to replace the services of a health practitioner licensed in the
diagnosis or treatment of illness or disease. Any application of the material in
this text is at the reader's discretion and sole responsibility. For all health
concerns you are advised to consult with a duly licensed health practitioner We
do not claim for any authenticity of the matter.
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