Ancient Healing Art Research Articles

A glimpse into the multifaceted life of Pandit Kabiraj Dr. Ananta Tripathy Sharma

Abstract The life and contributions of Pandit Kabiraj Dr. Ananta Tripathy Sharma, a luminary in the field of Ayurveda, unfold in a multifaceted narrative that encompasses his ancestral roots, educational journey, professional achievements, political endeavors, and enduring legacy. Born on February 10, 1905, in Jagannathapur Sasana, Odisha, Pandit Kabiraj Dr. Ananta Tripathy Sharma’s family lineage, deeply entrenched in Ayurvedic traditions, guided him toward a career dedicated to ancient healing art. In his early years, influenced by his grandfather, Pandit Kabiraj Dr. Ananta Tripathy Sharma’s commitment to Ayurveda became the cornerstone of his professional journey. His academic pursuits began in Sanskrit and culminated in the prestigious “Sahitya Shiromani” degree in 1925. However, it was his later immersion in Ayurveda that defined the trajectory of his life. Beyond academic achievements, Pandit Kabiraj Dr. Ananta Tripathy Sharma ventured into social reform, notably challenging the prevalent practice of child marriage. His collaboration with like-minded individuals led to the formation of the Sanskaraka group, advocating against early marriage for girls. Post-independence, their efforts bore fruit, contributing to the repeal of the Sarada Act 1929. His commitment to making Ayurveda accessible led to the establishment of dispensaries in different parts of Odisha and the expansion of the “Bheshaja Mandir,” a pharmacy established by him. His foray into politics, driven by a commitment to Ayurveda, saw him elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly and later as a Member of Parliament, where he championed the cause of Ayurveda at both state and national levels. A significant chapter in his legacy unfolded with the establishment of the Kaviraj Ananta Tripathy Sharma Ayurveda College and Hospital in Brahmapur. Driven by his unwavering commitment, he overcame challenges to realize his vision and the institution stands as a living tribute to his dedication to Ayurveda. His literary pursuits included impactful books in both Sanskrit and Odia, reflecting his versatile talents. Awards and distinctions adorned his illustrious career, recognizing his expertise in Ayurveda and literature. His principles, deeply rooted in Dharma, guided his approach to healing, emphasizing the importance of treating rich and poor patients alike. In his later years, despite his poor vision, Pandit Kabiraj Dr. Ananta Tripathy Sharma persisted in translating Ayurvedic texts for the benefit of future generations.

A Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Acupressure on Dysmenorrhea among Nursing Students at Shri Vinoba Bhave College of Nursing, Silvassa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION Menstruation is the normal process that occurs in all healthy adult. Menstrual pain or dysmenorrhea is the pain in the lower abdomen before or during menstruation. India has one of the fastest growing youth populations in the world, with an estimated 190 million adolescents. Girls below 19 years of age comprising 21% of India’s total population. In India 67.2% adolescent girls suffer from dysmenorrhea and 60% of them have disrupted daily routines.The incidence of menstrual pain to women in the world is relatively high on the average of more than 50% in every country.Acupressure is an ancient healing art that uses fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate body’s natural self-curative abilities. Acupressure release tension, increases circulation, reduces pain, and develops vibrant health, with a view to this; the study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of acupressure on dysmenorrhea among nursing student at Shri Vinoba Bhave College of Nursing, Silvassa. AIM Aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of acupressure on reduction of pain during menstruation among nursing students at Shri Vinoba Bhave College of Nursing, Silvassa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli. METHODOLOGY Quasi experimental, time series non-equivalent control group design with Non probability purposive sampling technique was used to select 60 nursing students, 30 experimental and 30 control group. Dysmenorrhea is assessed by WaLIDD scale. Tool was used for data collection were Numerical pain intensity scale, socio-demographic variable, baseline clinical data. Pretest was done before intervention in experimental group and control group. Acupressure therapy was given to experimental group and pain was assessed after 30 min, 60 min, and 120 min in both groups. RESULT Result shown that the mean score (8.10±0.84, 6.88±0.68, 6.49±0.69, 5.82±0.65) of experimental group is apparently lower than the mean score (8±0.83, 4.78±0.52, 3.83±0.47, 3.06±0.49) of control group except for the mean pretest score. The level of pain score status between the different time intervals pre and post observations in experimental group shows that the obtained F Value 207.2968(df=9) and the p value was 0.0001. the p value is <0.05 level of significance so it shows that statistical significance was very high in the experimental group respectively, compare than control group, hence research hypothesis (H1) is accepted and inferred that acupressure therapy is very effective in reducing the pain during menstruation and providing comfort. CONCLUSION Study proved that SP6 acupressure can be used as an effective intervention to decrease menstrual pain. Acupressure is a very effective means of decreasing dysmenorrhea. It can be assumed that applying acupressure with the same intensity for a shorter time is effective in reducing menstrual pain. KEY WORDS Acupressure, dysmenorrhea, complimentary and alternative therapy.

Assessment of Doshpaka and Dhatupaka Lakshana in Evaluation of Sadhyasadhyatava (Prognosis) of Diseases as Diagnostic Methodology

Ayurveda is an ancient art of healing which is accepted worldwide. It has its own principals and unique diagnostic treatise. Ayurveda describes four types of disease on the basis of prognosis and emphasizes the importance of knowledge of prognosis for successful management of diseases. Before initiating any treatment in a patient the assessment of prognosis of disease is very important. There are many basic principles for evaluation of Sadhyasadhyatva one of them is Doshpaka and Dhatupaka. It is described by Madhavacharya in Jwara Nidan Adhyaya. The knowledge of Pakwa Doshas and symptoms of Doshapaka will help the physician to make appropriate choices in treatment and follow the chronology of treatment. The Doshapaka is an indicator for reversal of disease process. Similarly, it is very important for the physician to know about Dhatupaka i.e., tissue/cellular destruction and its role in formation of diseases. The knowledge of tissue/cellular destruction and its symptoms would be helpful for physician to plan a proper protocol of treatment and to control destruction and suppuration of tissues/cells. This critical review insight on how the evaluation of Doshapaka and Dhatupaka Lakshana helps in assessment of Sadhya-asadhyatva of disease.

A Historical Review on Literature of Marma Science – An Ancient Healing Technique

Marma science is one of the hidden sciences of Ayurveda which was practiced in Vedic era. Marma science is an ancient art of healing based on re-energizing vital points in the body for revamping the Prana which is hidden status as Gupta Vidya (occult science). After stimulating the Marma points, many transformations in the body’s biochemistry might occur, resulting in a revolutionary chemical change in one’s make-up. Stimulation of these inner pharmacy pathways causes the body to produce therapeutic neurochemicals which allow the body and mind to heal. There are only a few scattered references in Vedic literature which indicate that this science has flourished since the beginning of humanity. In this review article, a modest attempt is made to gather historical details of Marma science, which might be used to re-explore Ayurveda’s new realms.

A STUDY TO ASSESS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ACUPRESSURE IN REDUCING DYSMENORRHOEA AMONG NURSING STUDENTS OF A SELECTED COLLEGE OF NURSING AT MANGALURU.

Background Acupressure is an ancient healing art that uses fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate body’s natural self-curative abilities. When these points are pressed, they release muscular tension and promote the circulation of blood and body’s life force to aid healing. It has been reported that dysmenorrhoea can be successfully relieved by acupressure at Qihai (CV6), Guanyuan (CV4), Taichong (LIV3), Xuehai(SP10), Sanyinjiao (SP6). The sanyinjio acupoint is commonly used to induce labour and relieve pain during dysmenorrhoea. Dysmenorrhoea is a common problem among girls and acupressure is an effective non-invasive procedure to relieve pain. Acupoint Sanyinjiao (SP6) was selected for the study because it is the acupoint of choice in gynaecology and easy for girls to locate and apply pressure to without medical assistance. The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of acupressure in reducing dysmenorrhoea among nursing students. Materials and Method A quasi experimental time series non-equivalent control group time series design was used for the present study. Forty nursing students who met the inclusion criteria was selected by using purposive sampling technique. Baseline proforma and numeric pain scale was used to assess the level of pain. Data analysis was done by using descriptive and inferential statistics such as frequency, range, mean, median, standard deviation, uppaired “t” tet and ANOVA for repeated measures. Result There was significant difference in pain between the two group soon after, after 30 minutes and after 1 hour. The mean score of dysmenorrhoea among students before acupressure (7.95) was higher than immediately after the intervention (6.35). After 30 minutes the mean score was 4.25 and after 1 hour the mean score was (1.25). The computed value of ANOVA (F= 344.881) was found to be significant (p<0.05) in reducing dysmenorrhoea. Unpaired‘t’ test was done comparing the experimental and control group at different time series was higher than the table value (t38 = 1.69) at p< 0.05 level of significant, hence research hypothesis was accepted i.e. acupressure was effective in reducing dysmenorrhoea.

A peach (Prunus persica [L.] Batsch.) in Ancient and Early Byzantine Medicine According to Selected Sources (1st – 7th c. AD.)

The peach (Prunus persica [L.] Batsch) is a tree native to the region known today as Northwest China, where its fruits were known around 2000 BC. Inhabitants of the Mediterranean Area came into contact with the peach probably between the 6th and 4th century BC thanks to the contacts with Persian Empire. In the western part of the Mediterranean Region the peach appeared later (ca. 1st c. AD). In the period under study there were many varieties of the peach, and they were eaten in many different ways – e.g. raw, dried, boiled etc. They could be consumed without any other ingredients, or as an element of more complicated dishes. Ancient and early Byzantine authors, who wrote their treatises between the 1st and 7th c. AD, and dealt with medicine (Dioscorides, Pliny the Elder, Galen, Oribasius, Aetius of Amida, Paul of Aegina, Athimus and others), described dietetic properties of a peach with details. Moreover, they left some information about a medical use of this fruit. This aspect of their works is an element of a wider and well-known phenomenon, i.e. an important role of all groups of aliments in the ancient art of healing.

Thai Massage and Commercial Sex Work: A Phenomenological Study

IntroductionMany researchers have suggested that commercial sex work in Thailand has gone into massage establishments. The paper explores how the experience of receiving massage in Thailand differs by four types of establishment (street front, massage schools, spas, and high-end resorts) and whether or not unsolicited sexual services are offered. First, we look at the history of massage, then the nature of sex work in Thailand, and finally Thai massage.Massage therapy is an ancient healing art. The first references to massage appeared 2000 B.C. Forms of massage therapy, bodywork, or somatic therapy were part of the ancient civilizations of Greece, Rome, China, Japan, and India (Field, Diego, & Hernandez-Reif, 2007). In 1850, two physicians introduced massage in the United States; however, it was not until the mid-1980's that massage emerged as a popular healing modality. Athletes were among the first, in the United States, to appreciate the healing benefits of massage therapy (Ayers & Kronenfeld, 2010).There are more than 80 types of massage therapy. Massage typically involves the application of various techniques to the muscular structure and soft tissues of the body. Types of massage include Swedish, deep tissue, trigger point, Shiatsu, and Thai massage to name a few. Therapists use their hands, fingers, forearms, elbows, and feet to manipulate the soft tissue of the body. Massage therapy helps treat chronic disease, neurological disorders, injuries, and alleviates tension and stress in the human body. Given that 80-90% of disease is thought to be stress related, the benefits of massage are notable in any wellness program (Ayers & Kronenfeld, 2010; Smith, Sullivan & Baxter, 2009). Still, a 2002 survey of American's who used Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) revealed that only 5% reported that they received a massage in the past year (Field et al, 2007).While the benefits of touch have been widely documented, few individuals receive touch in their adult lives (Lund, 2000; Sharpe, Williams, Granner & Hussey, 2007; Donoyama, Munakata & Shibasaki, 2010). The growth of massage therapy, as a legitimate healing modality, has been adversely affected by an association between touch and sex (Wahnschafft, 1982; Nicholls & Cheek, 2006).There is a lingering wonder about nonsexual therapeutic touch. Around the world, perhaps this problem is most apparent in Thailand.Commercial Sex WorkA critical issue facing Thai massage therapists is the link many place between massage and the selling of sexual services. For example, Rojanapithayakorn (2006) maintains that sex work in Thailand was establishment based, or in direct sex establishments, like brothels and inexpensive hotels (see Farley 2009). However, since the onset of the AIDS epidemic, Tharawan et al. (2003) argue that sex workers moved into non-establishment (or indirect sex establishments) spaces such as bars, nightclubs, cafes or restaurants, and massage parlors (emphasis ours). In indirect sex establishments, clients negotiate for sexual services that will take place at another location. In Thailand, many associate massage with sex (Wahnschafft, 1982; Cohen, 1988; Taylor, 2005).As Taylor (2005) notes commercial sex work is a lucrative business in Thailand fueled by poverty, especially in Thailand's northern rural provinces, as well as economic disparities between Thailand and other Asian nations. Women and girls from poor provinces, oftentimes with the active support of their families, opt for sex work as a way to economically contribute to their families. Further, the benefit of being a good daughter, bringing in money for the good of the family, outweighs the stigma of sex work (Taylor, 2005; Wawer, Podhista, Pramualratana & McNamara, 1996; Peracca, Knodel, & Saengtienchai, 1998). The history of bonded labor, where Thai families are economically indentured to another, also drives Thai daughters into sex work to pay off debt (Giri, 2012). …

Temari Reiki: A new hands‐off approach to traditional Reiki

This paper encapsulates the history of Reiki, an ancient healing art, from its origins in Japan to current practice in the United States. It defines Reiki therapy and discusses the development of a new Reiki method called Temari Reiki and the use of two additional chakras. Lastly, sample clients scenarios are provided. Because of the success of Temari Reiki in my practice, recommendations include that it be integrated as therapy to augment traditional Western medicine-based patient care plans for patients with cancer, pain, stress and other disabling health issues. Also, additional research using randomized clinical trials is recommended to examine the benefits of Temari Reiki for improving patients' well-being in mind, body and spirit.

Part one: The ancient healing art of reflexology

Linda Anderson introduces the series by giving an overview of this increasingly popular non-invasive pressure therapy, highlighting the benefits for older people.

Reiki: The Re-Emergence of an Ancient Healing Art in Modern Times

Reiki has experienced a tremendous rebirth and expansion since its rediscovery by Dr. Mikao Usui in the early 1900s. The number of Reiki practitioners has grown to several hundred thousand worldwide. After Reiki instruction and attunements by a Reiki master/teacher, the practitioners, through intention alone, pull concentrated life force into their bodies and pass it through the hands to the client. The Reiki session places the client into a deep state of relaxation and peace, allowing the body to rebalance and heal. Reiki is not a religion, dogma, or creed, nor can it create or cause anyone harm. In fact, Reiki is beneficial to the practitioner and the client. Anyone can learn Reiki. There are no special skills or education necessary to learn this ancient healing art—only an open mind and heart.

Reiki. A complementary therapy for nursing practice.

1. Reiki is an ancient healing art involving the gentle laying on of hands. It can be practiced anytime and anywhere. 2. Reiki can be used as a complementary treatment to medical protocols. 3. Hand positions customarily correspond to the body's endocrine and lymphatic systems and major organs, focusing on seven main chakras. 4. More research investigating the effects of Reiki on persons with psychiatric and medical disorders is necessary.

Orthopaedic Surgeons

Bonesetting, a most ancient healing art, was absorbed into orthopaedic surgery approximately 120 years ago when Hugh Owen Thomas, a medical doctor specializing in pediatric deformities, assumed his father's nonmedical bonesetting practice. In many nonWestern nations, however, traditional bonesetters continue to treat large numbers of patients. Current market forces in the United States threaten to reduce the role of orthopaedic surgeons in the management of fractures not requiring surgery, leading to the possible reemergence of bonesetting as a separate and independent discipline.

Veterinary Acupuncture—The Ancient Art of Healing

Acupuncture is the placing of needles into the body to obtain a painkilling and/or therapeutic effect. It is based on the fact that stimulating the skin has an effect on the internal organs and on other parts of the body, a relatively simple reflex which has largely been ignored in Western medicine. However, every mother carries out ‘acupressure’ every time her child falls over and bangs a knee. Her immediate reaction is to ‘rub it better’. Acupressure is pressure applied to an acupuncture point with a painkilling effect. Here, Trixie Williams aims to dispel some myths surrounding this ancient art.

Root images of healing in dance therapy

Dance therapy is both a modern and an ancient art of healing. For modern dance therapists, the understanding and practice of healing practices is enriched with echoes of ancient images and practices. These echoes provide both humility and perspective on practices carried out in mental health clinics, nursing homes, schools, and other settings today. “Root images” in this paper will be used to refer to those ancient practices which prefigure and continue to echo in contemporary dance therapy work. By listening to the echo of these images, dance therapists can increase their sensitivity to the cultural and historical contexts of their own profound work.

Healing and health care of the whole person

What happened to the ancient art of healing when the modern science of medicine came into being? Recent alternatives of treating the body to keep it well are intrinsically linked to the social and religious development of our society. Holistic medicine may involve the rediscovery of many old ways that have been lost or forgotten. This article attempts to introduce healing as an aspect of all health care and particularly of the holistic model of health care. This model certainly includes biomedicine, but its parameters may be very much greater.