Ayurvedic Procedures Research Articles

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PROPERTIES OF UNEXPLORED PLANTS – CUSCUTA REFLEXA AND COCCULUS HIRSUTUS – AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Objective: The study aimed to document the rarely explored plants, namely, Cuscuta reflexa (CRA) and Cocculus hirsutus (CHP) used by the ethnic people of a specific region. The anti-inflammatory (AI) property of kwath of CRA (KCRA), kwath of CHP (KCHP), and their blend (kwath blend [KB]) was also assessed.
 Methods: The KCRA and KCHP were prepared following standard Ayurvedic procedures. The AI property was determined by carrageenan-induced paw edema at doses; 250, 125, and 62.5 mg/kg. The KB (500 mg/kg) was prepared using equal parts of KCRA and KCHP in view of the potential AI property as compared to the individual plants. Ibuprofen (100 mg/kg) was used as the standard AI drug standard drug (SD).
 Results: The carrageenan-induced paw inflammation was highest and doubled at 3 h. The oral administration of SD (100 mg/kg) produced a high reduction of edema (78.47%) at 3 h. Both KCRA and KCHP had reduced edema and were equally potent (EC50; 139.8 and 147.3 mg/kg, respectively) at the early phase. However, the efficacy of KCRA was greater than KCHP at the second phase of inflammation (EC50=313.6 and 2760 mg/kg, respectively). KCRA was efficacious and potent as an AI agent. Unlike SD, KB had effectively inhibited paw edema from the 6th h onward. The AI activity of KB was superior compared to individual plant groups.
 Conclusions: The study demonstrated that the traditional formulation – kwath of rarely explored plants, namely, CRA, CHP, and KB has AI property and can be explored to develop them as AI agents.

A REVIEW ON THE PROBABLE MODE OF ACTION OF HINGUVACHADI CHURNA (POWDER)- AN AYURVEDIC FORMULATION WITH MULTIFACETED ACTION

Since time immemorial, a wide variety of various formulations have been used by Ayurvedic physicians to treat different gastro intestinal disorders which includes Churna (powder), Kwatha (decoctions), fermented preparations like Asava and Arishta, Lehya (linctus), Vati/ Gutika (tablets) etc. Agnimandya (slow digestive power) is considered as the root cause of all disorders in Ayurveda, especially gastrointestinal disorders. Hinguvachadi Churna is a time tested formulation widely used by Ayurvedic practitioners for correcting the digestive power of our body. There are 24 constituents in this formulation and is indicated in the management of certain specific disease conditions originated because of Vata and Kapha humour. Modern scientific world always need explanations and logic behind the mode of action of various Ayurvedic procedures. This review is an attempt to explain the mode of action of this formulation. On analysing the properties of the ingredients, it was found that it is predominant of Katu rasa (pungent taste), Ruksha (dry) Teekshna (sharp) Guna (property), Ushna veerya (hot potency), Katu vipaka (pungent taste after bio transformation). These properties are responsible for the various pharmacological action of the formulation in Ayurvedic terms. As per modern pharmacology, phytoconstituents of many herbs are having action concerned with motility and secretions of Gastrointestinal tract, ultimately resulting in improved digestive capacity of our body. Analysis of mode of action gives a deep insight about the usage of formulations with a better understanding. The physician can apply his logic to use the medicine in contexts other than indicated.

Evaluation of wound healing potential of Bhallatakadi Ghrita - cow ghee based polyherbal formulation: in-vivo excision and incision wound model.

Ghee is widely considered as the Indian name for clarified butterfat and processing of ghee with therapeutic herbs i.e., ghrita is renowned for augmenting their medicinal properties. The wound is considered as a challenging clinical problem with early and late complications. To reduce the burden of wounds with the shortest period and minimum scaring, an attempt was made to prepare and evaluate the wound healing potential of ghee based polyherbal formulation. Based on local ethnic tribal claims, Semecarpus anacardium L., Argemone mexicana L., Cocculus hirsutus L., and Woodfordia fruticosa K. were collected from Western Ghats of India. The polyherbal Bhallatakadi Ghrita (BG) formulation was prepared as per Ayurvedic procedure and assessed for its wound healing potential using incision and excision wound animal models. BG treated group showed a complete contraction of wounds (99.82±0.10%) (p<0.001) with 15.17±0.40 days re-epithelization time and breaking strength (531.50±5.89) (p<0.05). The hydroxyproline content of BG was found to be significantly higher i.e., 4.23±0.21 (p<0.05). Quantitative estimation of BG exhibited 54.7±3.7mg100g-1 of polyphenols and 42.3±5.4mg.100g-1 flavonoids in terms of gallic acid and quercetin respectively. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of gallic acid and quercetin whereas the presence of fatty acids was confirmed by GC-MS analysis. It may conclude that the presence of quercetin, gallic acid, and fatty acids could have accelerated the healing rate of the ghrita formulation, as they have already been known for their potential wound healing properties.

KSHEERA DHOOMA: A TRADITIONAL PRACTICE WITH MULTIFOLD APPLICATION

Ksheera Dhooma is an effective and popular Ayurvedic procedure in which decoction of herbal medicines and cow’s milk are mixed, heated and the emitted vapours are directed through a rubber tube. The steam coming out of the tube is applied to the whole body or the affected part of the patient’s body. It is used in the treatment of facial paralysis, lock jaw and disorders of head and neck, with Vata Dosha imbalance. Though Ksheera Dhooma is considered as a type of Sweda, it is termed as Dhooma because steam is inhaled with gaping mouth. Ksheera Dhooma has multi-fold benefits like facilitating proper blood circulation of the body and relaxation of the mind, lubrication of the joints, relief from pain, spasms and stiffness of the muscles and joints. This study was performed with an aim to review the procedure of Ksheera Dhooma or Palpuka Swedam, understand the standard operating procedure and its efficacy.

MANAGEMENT OF FEMALE INFERTILITY DUE TO TUBAL BLOCKAGE BY AYURVEDIC TREATMENT PROTOCOL: A CASE REPORT

Motherhood is one of those transforming experience which can’t quite put into words. Infertility represents a major crisis for most couples, with both partners experiencing loss in ways that affect them as individu-als, as family members and as members of society as a whole. Tubal factor is second major cause of fe-male infertility. In Tubal factor, modern management are dependent on Tubal Surgery or IVF or Embryo Transfer. All these methods are the solution only for the anatomical aspect of the tube and no success in establishing the tubal function. The present case report revealed effect of Virechana and Uttarbasti karma in a known case of secondary infertility due to Fallopian Tube Blockage. Virechana is indicated in Vandhyatva and Yonivyapada chikitsa. Uttarabasti is a very important and unique Ayurvedic procedure, which is mentioned for the genito–urinary problems. Successful conception occurs after this treatment.

WILSON’S DISEASE WITH AYURVEDIC APPROACH - A CASE STUDY

Wilson disease is a rare, inherited autosomal recessive disease of copper metabolism. Loss of ATP7B func-tion leads various grades of reduced biliary excretion of copper accumulation and toxicity of copper in the liver, brain and other tissues results in liver toxicity and other myriad manifestations of the disease. In clas-sics there is no exact description of the disease entity which exactly matches the feature of Wilson disease, but it can be correlated with Sahaja Vyadhi or Janamjata Vyadhi. A 16-year-old female child diagnosed with Wilson disease complaints of improper gait, altered speech, chronic constipation and altered mental level etc. Investigation shows S. Ceruloplasmin- 0.4mg/dl, S. copper- within normal limit, slit lamp study for KF ring was positive. This patient was treated with Ayurvedic procedures i.e. Abhyanga, Swedana, Bas-ti and Nasya along with oral medication. After two treatment protocol patient got symptomatic relief in clin-ical features. So, it can be concluded that quality of life (QOL) of patients with chronic disease can be im-proved with the help of internal Ayurvedic medication along with Panchkarma procedure.

EFFECT OF A MULTIMODALITY AYURVEDA TREATMENT IN A CASE OF GRUDRASI W.S.R TO LUMBAR VERTEBRAL DISC PROLAPSE

Grudhrasi as mentioned in Ayurveda explains a disorder where in pain starts from Sphik Pradesha and radiates downwards to Kati, Prusta, Uru, Janu, Jangha and the patient is unable to walk properly. The case reported here showed similar features that of lumbar vertebral disc prolapsed. After following a specific treatment protocol of Ayurvedic treatments, significant regression in the condition was observed and patient could completely stop the use of analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs which were used by the patient priory. A 32 year old male, presented with complains of severe low back ache radiating to left lower limb and inability to walk since 15 days. On the basis of symptoms, thorough examination and evidence of imaging technique, the case was diagnosed as Grudrasi. A specific treatment protocol of Ayurvedic procedures were followed after thorough examination of the patient. The pain completely resolved and patient was able to walk without support. Photographs of the patient were captured before and after the treatment for records. The outcome was a combined effect of Shamana and Shodhana Chikitsa as well as Yogasanas. The scope of a new treatment protocol is discussed in this paper which can give a considerable relief to those patients suffering from Grudrasi.

Bhallatakadi Ghrita: Development and evaluation with reference to Murcchana and Shata-Dhauta process

BackgroundAyurveda is primarily based upon use of herbs either singly or in combination (polyherbal). The cow ghee (clarified butterfat) is considered as a precious base for preparing medicines in Ayurveda. Processing of ghee with plant ingredients is renowned for enhancing their therapeutic efficacy. ObjectiveIn present research work, the attempt was made to develop cow ghee based Polyherbal Bhallatakadi Ghrita formulations and evaluate them with reference to ‘Murcchana’ and ‘Shata-Dhauta’ process. Materials and methodsThe research plants were identified, procured, authenticated and processed. The extracts of plant materials were prepared and used for development of Polyherbal Bhallatakadi Ghrita (PHBG), Polyherbal Bhallatakadi Murcchita Ghrita and Polyherbal Bhallatakadi Shata-Dhauta Ghrita formulations as per Ayurvedic procedures. The prepared ghrita formulations were subjected to organoleptic (colour, odour, taste, appearance and touch), physicochemical (pH, viscosity, moisture content, specific gravity, refractive index, acid value, saponification value, iodine value, peroxide value, Rechert Meissl value and Polenske value) evaluation, in-vitro antioxidant and GC-MS analysis. The accelerated and real time stability studies were carried out to determine shelf life of ghrita formulations. ResultsThe results of evaluations indicate that, developed PHBG formulations retained the organoleptic and physicochemical characteristics of ghee. The shelf life of formulations was found to be in the range of 1.6 to 3.3 years at accelerated and 2.2 to 3.8 years at real time stability conditions. All ghrita formulations exhibited antioxidant activity in dose dependent manner. ConclusionThe standardization or evaluation of Polyherbal Bhallatakadi Ghrita formulations was found to be crucial for the establishment of a steady biological, chemical or simply a quality assurance profile of the drugs.

Adenoids – a review of kantha shalook

Nasal obstruction &amp; mouth breathing frequently caused by multiple factors, one of them being hypertrophied adenoid and tonsils. It is perhaps one of the usually discussed reasons for partial airway obstruction &amp; related respiratory abnormalities.&#x0D; The aim of this article is to provide a lucid illustration of issues pertaining to obstructive breathing and its implication on craniofacial growth.&#x0D; Inefficient medical management and reluctance to surgery necessitates an alternative and novel non-surgical approach to deal this condition. With the very aim of fulfilling the same this case study was taken which involved intake of Ayurvedic medicines and an adoption of Ayurvedic procedure.

Impact force measurement in Shirodhara

BackgroundShirodhara is an ayurvedic procedure usually administered to alleviate mental stress. The process involves impact on the forehead by a free fall of a continuous stream of temperature controlled fluid. ObjectiveIn this study, the impact force generated on the forehead due to fluid falling from dhara pot held at a standard height of 4 angulas is measured passing through a traditional wick. Materials and methodsThe variation of this impact force for different medicinal oils such as Ksheerabala oil, Mahanarayana oil and water is studied. The measurements are made using an Integrated Circuit Piezoelectric force sensor designed to measure low loads. ResultsThe impact force is found to be order of 10−2 N and is observed to marginally vary with the type of liquid used in the experiment. The force was found to build up an average duration of 7.2 ms linearly over a time. ConclusionIt was observed that the impact force generated on the human forehead due to Shirodhara treatment was low and is invariant to the medicinal oils used in the treatment. The measured forces correlate closely with the force estimates made from simple fluid mechanics. These forces have an important role in the estimate of stresses, displacements and voltage generated due to the impact associated with Shirodhara.

Physiochemical Characterization of Herbo-Metallic NanoMedicine-Abhrak Bhasma by Ayurvedic and Novel Techniques

The Ideal Physicochemical nature of the Bhasma preparation in the Indian System of medicine (ISM) is not as clear required as per the regulatory conditions, hence the analytical studies are one of the significant parts of drug standardization in ISM, such as Siddha, Ayurveda and Unani. The Metallic medicine used in the treatment of disease in human need scientific community for its Authentication, potential development and regulatory aspects. The Present investigation deals with the Physio-chemical evaluation of the ayurvedic medicine Abhrak bhasma by various traditional and novel techniques. In ayurvedic procedure the nature of the bhasmahad been studied by various techniques to determine the quantitative and qualitative level for standardization purpose. In the Present study the Bhasma scrutinized for Physical nature by Varna (Colour), Varitara (Floating), Rekhapurva (furrow filling), Anjana sannibha (softness), Nischandra (Lusterless), Sukshmatva (fineness) and novel techniques such as Nature, Hardness, Solubility, Ash (Acid insoluble), LOD, Assay for determination of percentage silicon dioxide, Heavy metals and arsenic content. The chemical nature is determined by Amla pareeksha (bitter taste), Gatarasatva (absence of taste), Aksharatwa (absence of alkaline taste), Nirdhuma (absence of smoke) and by novel technique such as SEM, Raman spectroscopy, NMR and EDAX. The Abhrak bhasma fulfilled the traditional and novel standardization technique and confirm the presence of Metal oxides of Si, Ca, Fe, Al. NMR studies show the presence of characteristic peak. Therefore the quality of the Abhrak bhasma was customary by both traditional and novel standardization technique.

Validation of therapeutic anti-inflammatory potential of Arjuna Ksheera Paka – A traditional Ayurvedic formulation of Terminalia arjuna

Arjuna Ksheera Paka (AKP), a traditional Ayurvedic formulation of Terminalia arjuna (T. arjuna) bark powder is used for its cardioprotective effects. However, its anti-inflammatory efficacy remained unexplored. In the present study, AKP was prepared in cow milk (as per standard Ayurvedic procedure) and compared with standard hydroalcoholic extract (HA) of T. arjuna. The extracts were analyzed for gross phytoconstituents levels, and their antioxidant activity was assayed by DPPH free radical scavenging activity and inhibition of lipid peroxidation. The in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of AKP and HA was studied in carrageenan-induced hind paw biphasic edema in C57BL/6 mice (at 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg BW).The percentage extraction yield of AKP was two folds higher than HA implying that the phytoconstituents in AKP were diluted by a factor of 0.5. The total polyphenol content of HA was (3.8 times) higher than AKP and the antioxidant activity of HA was also higher compared to AKP. Both the extracts, however, showed significant (p < 0.05) anti-inflammatory activity in reducing paw edema in mice. The efficacy of HA was more than AKP at early phase of inflammation, whereas, in the late phase of inflammation AKP was more efficacious and equipotent to HA. Thus, regardless of low in vitro antioxidant activity, AKP exhibited potential in vivo anti-inflammatory activity. The higher efficacy of AKP could be due to the presence of milk solids. These milk solids may act as adjuvants to T. arjuna's phytoconstituents, contributing to their sustained bioavailability, leading to higher in vivo anti-inflammatory efficacy at lower drug concentrations.

Critical review of Parikartika as a disease

Anal fissure is very painful anorectal disease. The parallel word of anal fissure as per Ayurveda terminology is Parikartika mentioned in Ayurvedic text. The Parikartika, also not has any separate disease entity. It is mentioned as sign and symptom of other diseases or complication of Ayurvedic procedure (like Vasti, Virecana). It may also originate due to the some instrumentation, like enema nozzle etc. Here one attempt is made to introduce Parikarita as a disease itself. The main objectives are to introduce Parikarita as a disease by detailing of Pancha Nidana, specially the Rupa, Samprapti, etc. as well as to estabilish missing link between them.

Critical review of Parikartika (Anal Fissure) as a disease

Anal fissure is very painful anorectal disease. The parallel word of anal fissure as per Ayurveda terminology is Parikartika mentioned in ayurvedic text. The Parikartika, also not has any separate disease entity. It is mention as sign and symptom of other diseases or complication of Ayurvedic procedure (like Vasti, Virecana). It may also originate due to the some instrumentation, like enema nozzleetc. In here one attempt is made to introduce Parikarita as a disease itself. In here the main objectives are to introduce Parikarita as a disease by detailing of pancha nidan, specially the rupa, samprapti, etc as well as estabilish missing link between them.

Toxicological study of arsenic containing Ayurvedic drug Haratal Bhasma

Background: Drug standardization is the need of the era for proper validation of Ayurvedic medicines, specially the Ayurvedic bhasmas due to their herbo-mineral nature. There are several poisonous drugs used in Ayurveda which are used in practice without proper documentation. Haratal Bhasma is an important arsenic containing Ayurvedic drug used in Ayurveda for the treatment of several ailments. They are prepared from raw Haratal by the distinct Ayurvedic procedure. Objective: The raw Haratal is purified and converted to its bhasma form and was subjected to histopathological and toxicological study to evaluate the safety of this arsenic containing Ayurvedic medicine. Materials and Methods: 40 Adult Charles Foster Albino Rats of either sex, among them are grouped (Haratal, Haratal Bhasma) for the whole study. Toxicological and histo-pathological study of brain, liver, kidney etc were performed after 28 days in a maintained dose. Results: Haratal Bhasma and Raw Haratal exhibited nearly non toxicological profile, when administered in the dose of 60-65 mg of the drug/kg body wt. of the rats except minute inflammation and tubular dilatation in the vital organs. Conclusion: Haratal Bhasma is non toxic and safe, which may be attributed to compound form of arsenic in Haratal which is insoluble in nature in human body.

Comparative physico-chemical validation between Arsenic-based Indian traditional drugs Haratal Bhasma and Rasamanikya

Background: Arsenic containing drugs Rasamanikya (RM) and Haratal Bhasma (HB) are used in Ayurveda for the treatment of several ailments. They are prepared from raw Haratal (RH) by the distinct Ayurvedic procedure. Hence, proper scientific validation by physico-chemical studies is needed for their acceptability to the modern scientific community. Methods: RM and HB were prepared from RH. Namburi Phased spot test (NST) study was done to check the quality of prepared drugs. Loss on drying, extractive values, ash values was performed over the said two arsenic containing drugs. Sophisticated instrumental analysis like XRD, TEM, TGA, DTA, EDAX, AAS, etc. were studied to understand the crystal profiles, particle size, thermo stability, chemical microanalysis, trace elemental analysis of the drugs respectively. Results: XRD analysis of both RM and RH showed that they were comparatively amorphous in their structure. RH contains trace amount of lead which was confirmed by AAS analysis. TEM Image of HB showed that average particle size is 100nm. It is highly irregular in shape and is homogeneously distributed. While in the case of RM, images revealed that it is highly agglomerated to form small globules. Particles size is about 200nm. EDAX analysis revealed that RH contains Arsenic and Sulphur with wt% of Arsenic is 72.04% and sulphur is 27.96%. In HB wt % of Arsenic is 58.69% and sulphur is 11.69%. RM contains 41.77% wt % of Arsenic and 15.81% of sulphur. Both RM and HB also contain oxygen, carbon, silicon, etc. The DTA plot showed two endothermic peaks in the range of 300 to 600oc in the three samples of RH, HB and RM. Conclusion: Thus an attempt has been made for creating a comparative database of two such drugs by the incorporating modern analytical methods. It can be concluded that there were minimal comparative differences found in the HB and RM but HB showed better results from the standardization point of view.

Toxicity study of Lauha Bhasma (calcined iron) in albino rats.

Background:Lauha Bhasma (LB) is a complex herbomineral preparation widely used as an Ayurvedic hematinic agent. It is an effective remedy for chronic fever (jīrṇa jvara), phthisis (kṣaya), Breathlessness (śvāsa) etc., and possesses vitality enhancing (vājīkara), strength promoting and anti aging (rasāyana) properties.Objectives:The present work was conducted to establish the safety aspects of the use of Lauha bhasma.Setting and Design:LB was prepared by Ayurvedic procedures of purification (śodhana), sun drying (bhānupāka), sthālīpāka, followed by repeated calcination (māraṇa) and “nectarization” (amṛtīkaraṇa). The resultant product was subjected to acute and sub acute toxicity studies.Materials and Methods:Acute and subacute toxicity study of LB was conducted in albino rats. Criteria for assessment included ponderal changes, change in biochemical parameters viz., LFT and KFT and hematological parameters. Histopathological studies of different organs including liver, kidney, spleen, testis etc., were also conducted to observe pathological changes if any.Results:In the acute toxicity study, the animal group did not manifest any signs of toxicity and no mortality was observed up to 100 times the therapeutic dose (TD). Significant increase in blood urea (27.83%, P < 0.01), serum creatinine (30.92%, P < 0.05), Aspartate aminotransferase (15.09%, P < 0.05), and serum alkaline phosphatase (27.5%, P < 0.01) was evident in group IV (10 TD). A significant increase in serum total protein (6.04%, P < 0.05) level was observed in group III (5 TD). Histopathological examination of livers in group IV (10 TD) showed mild inflammation in terms of bile stasis, peri-portal hepatic inflammation and sinusoidal congestion; lymphocyte infiltration in kidney and intracellular deposits in the splenic tissue.Conclusion:Lauha Bhasma was found to be safe at the therapeutic dose and also at five times the therapeutic dose levels. However, alteration in some of the biochemical and haematological parameters along with histopathological findings were evident at the highest dose level.

A review study on Uttarabasti of Kumari Taila in the management of Vandhyatva w.s.r. Fallopian Tubal blockage

      Tubal blockage is one of the most essential causative factors for female infertility. It is the need of the era that a secure, more expenditure effectual and absolute therapy of this sensitive problem should be developed. This review study is an attempt to evaluate the efficacy of Kumari Taila Uttarabasti in tubal blockage. Patients of child bearing age with active marital life of 1 year or more having complaint of failure to conceive with at least one fallopian tube blocked diagnosed by Hysterosalpingography (HSG) were selected. The data of Total four studies of different scholars has been taken for review is being presented here. Out of total 67 registered patients, 61 patients completed the course of treatment, with 53.73% unilateral and 46.27% bilateral tubal blockage. Kumari Taila (5 ml) Intrauterine Uttarabasti was given for 6 days (with interval of three days in between), after completion of menses for two consecutive cycles. The tubal patency was found in 62.69% of patients and conception was achieved in 20.90% without any complication. Uttarabasti is an imperative and an exclusive Ayurvedic procedure stated in classics particularly for the management of Vandhyatva and other gynecological disorders. Kumari Taila Uttarabasti is a highly effective procedure for treating tubal blockage with no apparent evidence of complication.Â

CLINICAL STUDY TO ASSESS THE ROLE OF AN AYURVEDIC PROCEDURE IN CHILDHOOD COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME

Computer Vision Syndrome is the complex of eye and visio n problems caused by computer use. I n present scenario children are equally being affected with computer vision syndrome because of excessive exposure to video display terminals. Therefore considering these prospects a clinical trial was carried with 1 0 clinically diagnosed children of compu ter Vision Syndrome. An Ayurvedic procedure (akshitarpana) was carried out on up to 20 min for 7 days. It was observed that a kshitarpana procedure was highly effe ctive in the complaints of computer vision syndrome exclusively related to eyes viz. red eyes, burning eyes, dry eyes, teary eyes, itching eyes, eyestrain and also in headache.

Shirodhara : A psycho-physiological profile in healthy volunteers

Background:Shirodhara is a classical and a well-established ayurvedic procedure of slowly and steadily dripping medicated oil or other liquids on the forehead. This procedure induces a relaxed state of awareness that results in a dynamic psycho-somatic balance.Objectives:The objective of the study is to evaluate the psychological and physiological effects of Shirodhara in healthy volunteers by monitoring the rating of mood and levels of stress, electrocardiogram (ECG), electroencephalogram (EEG), and selected biochemical markers of stress.Materials and Methods:The study was conducted in the human pharmacology laboratory. The study design was open labeled, comparing the baseline variables with values after Shirodhara. The subjects (n = 16) chosen were healthy human volunteers who gave an informed consent. Shirodhara was preceded by Abhyanga – whole body massage. The Shirodhara method was standardized for rate of dripping with peristaltic pump and temperature was controlled with a thermostat. Mood and stress levels were assessed by validated rating scales. The pre- and post-Shirodhara ECG and EEG records were evaluated.Results:Student's paired “t” test was applied to the means + SE of the variables to calculate statistical significance at P <0.05. There was a significant improvement in mood scores and the level of stress (P <0.001). These changes were accompanied by significant decrease in rate of breathing and reduction in diastolic blood pressure along with reduction in heart rate. The relaxed alert state, after Shirodhara, was co-related with an increase in alfa rhythm in EEG.Conclusion:A standardized Shirodhara leads to a state of alert calmness similar to the relaxation response observed in meditation. The clinical benefits observed with Shirodhara in anxiety neurosis, hypertension, and stress aggravation due to chronic degenerative diseases could be mediated through these adaptive physiological effects.