Shaman Chikitsa Research Articles

Clinical Effectiveness of Viddha Karma in PCOS: A Case Report

ABSTRACT Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age. Ayurveda, an ancient Indian medical system, offers a comprehensive approach to addressing PCOS, including treatments like Viddha Karma. In the case of PCOS, Viddha Karma aims to relieve symptoms and enhance overall well-being. A 27 -year-old unmarried female patient came with complaints of irregular and scanty menses for the past 3-4 years, along with severe abdominal pain during the first 1-3 days of menstruation. She was treated with Shaman Chikitsa and Viddha Karma for 8 months. The patient’s menstrual cycle become regular, the volume of bleeding increased to a normal level, and she experienced a weight reduction of 5 kg. The examination of Viddha Karma principles in the management of PCOS emphasizes its potential as a supplementary treatment that tackles the underlying causes and promotes overall well-being. However, further research and clinical trials are necessary to gain a comprehensive understanding of its effectiveness.

Management of Spinocerebellar Ataxia through Ayurveda—A Case Report

ABSTRACT Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA) are neurodegenerative disorders marked by progressive cerebellar ataxia, impacting balance, motor coordination, and ocular function due to degeneration. This study evaluated Shodhana Chikitsa and Shaman Chikitsa (purification and symptomatic treatments) for SCA. A 27-year-old man with SCA, showing symptoms like swaying, poor balance, and slurred speech, was referred to the Panchakarma OPD at Ayurveda Hospital, Salod, Wardha. He underwent a comprehensive regimen, including full-body massage with herbal poultices (Patrapottali and Shashtishali Swedana), nasal instillation with medicated oil (Marsha Nasya), and a medicated enema with decoctions and oil, along with oral medications, such as Yogaraja Guggulu, Rasnasaptaka Qwath, Cap Neuron Plus, Agnitundi Vati, and Mahavatavidhwansa Rasa, for two months. Panchtikta Ksheer Vasti (medicated milk enema) was given for eight days. Significant improvements in symptoms and the Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) score were observed, suggesting that Ayurvedic treatments may be effective for SCA, warranting further research.

MANAGEMENT OF KITIBHA KUSTHA WITH SHODHAN SHAMAN – A CASE STUDY

All the skin diseases in Ayurveda have been discussed under the broad heading of “Kustha” and are mainly affected by altered lifestyles and improper food habits. Kitibh Kustha’s prevalence in society is increasing daily due to sedentary and stressed work. The signs & symptoms of the Kitibh Kustha are like psoriasis, and there is no definite curative treatment for psoriasis according to modern science. But following the classical reference of Kustha Chikitsa, which is ‘Tridoshaj Vyadhi’ from Charak Samhita was with ‘Shodhan chikitsa’ (body purification treatment) followed by ‘Shaman Chikitsa’ (alleviating treatment), this disease could be managed [1,2] . This paper highlights a case study of Kitibh Kustha where, a 31-year-old male with a chief complaint of Kandu (itching) and dry silvery white patches all over his body, taking steroids for four years. Vaman and Virechan were conducted after proper Poorva Karma, and afterwards, Sansarjan Karma was given to the patient according to Suddhi as mentioned in Charak Samhita. This was followed by three settings of Raktmoskhan and Shaman Chikitsa.

ROLE OF DIET, YOGA AND LIFESTYLE ALONG WITH KARMA BASTI IN OBE-SITY– A CASE STUDY

Obesity is regarded as a pandemic, with potentially disastrous consequences for human health.[1] Overweight and Obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health. A body mass index (BMI) over 25 is considered overweight, and over 30 is obese.[2] Obesity can be correlated to Medovah Srotas Dushti manifesting symptoms like Atisthoulya and Prameh Purvroop due to similarity in signs and symp-toms.[3] Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to study the efficacy of Ayurvediac Management including Shodhan , Shaman Chikitsa, diet, yoga and lifestyle modification. Materials and Methods: A case of Obesity was treated with Shodhan followed by Shaman chikitsa. For Shodhan Jaladhauti, Sarvang Snehan, Swedan, Karma Basti, Udwartan along with Diet, Yoga and Lifestyle is advised. Results: Patient was observed for Symptomatic improvements based on the Assessment done by the BMI and Waist Circumference Before and After treatment. The therapy provided marked relief in pain with remarkable decrease in weight. Conclusion: Ayurvedic management provides significant relief and improves the quality of life.

An Ayurvedic Management of Bandhyatva Associated with Bilateral Tubal Blockage

In Ayurveda, infertility is addressed under the concept known as "Bandhyatava," which is described in ancient texts such as Charak Samhita, Sushrut Samhita, Ras Ratna Samuchya, and Harit Samhita. Acharya Sushrut described four crucial factors for fertility: Ritu (menstruation), Kshetra (functioning reproductive organs), Ambu (digestive juices) and Beej (healthy sperm and ovum). It occurs due to the vitiation of Vata dosha where Kapha dosha also contributes to the formation of blockage. Beeja Grahana is unable due to Sanga Strotodushti of Artavavaha i.e., tubal blockage which leads to failure of conception. Fallopian tube is an essential part of the Artavavaha Srotas as the Beej Samagam (ovum and sperm) takes place here. In the current case scenario, Bandhyatva is due to Tubal Blockage. A 37-year-old female patient was reported to PTSR OPD with the complaints of irregular menses with decreased duration and wants to conceive irrespective of unprotected sexual intercourse since 3 years. Her HSG scan suggestive of B/L fallopian tube cornual blockage. Aims and Objectives: To maintain the balance between the four factors to conceive through Sanshodhan therapy. Patients has been treated with Sanshodhan Karma followed by 3 consecutive cycles of Sahacharadi Taila Uttarbasti and 3 cycles of Phalghrita Uttarbasti along with Shaman Chikitsa. Results: After completion of treatment Bilateral Tubes were patent observed in Sonohysterosalpingography. Conclusion: This case study found that the treatment administered was highly effective in addressing infertility caused by tubal blockage.

Role of Panchakarma in Gridhrasi with special reference to Peroneal Neuropathy

The collective meaning of Vatavyadhi indicates the specific disorder occurring due to Vata Dosha. Wherever, Vata Dosha get vitiated it first enters in all Srotas of the body and then creates different types of Vata Vyadhi describe in Classical Ayurvedic text. Objective: The aim of this study was to access the efficacy of Ayurvedic management including Shodhan and Shaman Chikitsa in Gridhrasi. Material and Method: A 45 year old male patient who is not a known case of diabetic mellitus and hypertension came to hospital with complain of pain low back radiating to bilateral lower limb (Rt.>Lt.) since 2 months associated with weakness, stiffness, heaviness of right lower limb and dragging type of gait due to right foot drop since 2 weeks which was diagnosed with Vata- Kahaja Gridhrasi and was treated with Dashamoola and Mahamanjistadi Qwatha Seka for 7 days, Churna Basti for 3 days, Patra Pinda Sweda for 7 days, Mustadhi Yapana Basti for 9 days, Shastika Shali Pinda Sweda for 15 days. Result: After completion of one month of total treatment, the patient as found significant relief in the back pain, numbness, heaviness, improvement in gait and gain in strength in bilateral lower limb Conclusion: Gridhrasi can occur due to Abhigataja and Dhatuksaya where Vatakaphaja Lakshana were predominantly seen in the case and treated with Seka, Basti, different types of Sweda. To combat the disease in minimum duration we have used multi treatment approach to get synergistic effect.

Effect of Virechana Karma Along with Japapatryadi Tail Local Application and Amritadi Kwath Orally in the Management of Vicharchika

In the present case report, a 58-year-old man consulted in the Outpatient department of Dayanand Ayurvedic College, Jalandhar. The complaint of the patient was recurrent skin rashes with redness, skin oedema, itching, flaking and discolouration in the skin. By examining the signs and symptoms, the patient was diagnosed with Eczema (Vicharchika), Shodhana and Shaman Chikitsa was given under the treatment of Vicharchika[1]. Vicharchika, according to Ayurveda, is a Raktapradoshaja Vyaadhi with the involvement of Tridoshas, and it is Kapha in predominance[2]. The patient was given Virechana Karma along with the local application of Japapatryadi tail and Amritadi kwath orally for a period of 2 months. After that, the condition of the patient was assessed on the basis of signs and symptoms of Vicharchika, which were cured after taking the treatment. This study shows that the cases of eczema (Vicharchika) can be successfully managed with Virechana Karma followed by Japapatryadi tail locally and Amritadi kwath given orally.

Single Drug Intervention in Treatment of Amlapitta with special reference to Bhavprakash Samhita

Bhavprakash Samhita deals with detailed description medicinal plants used in treatment of various disorders along with knowledge of other aspects of Ayurveda. Amongst them Acharya Bhavmishra in the Madhyam khanda has elaborated the Amlapitta disease. Bhrihatrayee has scattered description of Amlapitta disease whereas the elaboration of this disorder is explained in Madhav nidan, Kashyap Samhita, Bhavprakash Yogratnakar and Harit Samhita. In Bhavprakash Samhita, Amlapitta is explained along with Shleshmapitta. In both these types, Amlata is Vikruti and vitiated Dosha are Kaphapitta with difference in symptoms as per the dominant Dosha. Other Granthakars have mentioned Kaphapittaj as a type of Amlapitta according to its Dosha predominance. Whereas in Bhavprakash Samhita Shleshmapitta is described as a separate entity. The treatment mentioned in Bhavprakash Samhita comprises of Shodhan and Shaman Chikitsa. In Shaman Chikitsa Acharya Bhavmishra has used Single drugs in various combinations. This article deals with details of Shaman chikitsa and single Dravyas used in it.

A SYSTEMIC REVIEW ON THE MANAGEMENT OF ATTENTION-DEFICIT/HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER IN CHILDREN

ADHD, a tantalising neurodevelopmental disorder documented in the DSM-5, fascinates with its distinctive characteristics: persistent inattention and hyperactivity. Beyond the surface, it intertwines with cognitive, social, and behavioural domains and affects 5.29% globally. Ayurvedic hints like Mano Vibhrama and Raja-Tama guna alignment illuminate a path, offering tridosha-shaman therapy, Medhya rasayana, and Panchakarma. A fusion of modern understanding and ancient wisdom paves the way for unravelling ADHD's enigma, promising novel solutions. This study aims to systematically review the management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in Ayurveda. To conduct this study, Ayurveda research articles were obtained from PubMed, Google Scholar and AYUSH portal. A total of 40 studies were obtained, which underwent further screening processes to achieve the quality of inclusion criteria. A total of 14 articles were selected from different publications of the review. Out of 14 articles obtained, 7 studies (n=14) exclusively focused on shaman chikitsa with different single drugs and various drug formulations, 06 studies (n=14) focused on shaman and Panchakarma therapy, which includes shirodhara, abhyanga, matra basti, kashaya basti and nasya, 1 study (n=14) emphasised the importance of Panchakarma. Out of 14 clinical studies, 6 showed highly significant results, 1 showed comparatively insignificant results, and 7 showed moderately significant results. This study combines Ayurvedic insights with modern ADHD research, providing a promising opportunity for integrative treatment approaches. Further investigation of this intersection could reveal new dimensions in the fight against this complex neurodevelopmental disorder.

WOOLLY HAIR SYNDROME -AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT-A CASE REPORT

Woolly hair syndrome is most evident in childhood. No treatment for woolly hair is currently available. Physical & chemical cosmetic measures should be avoided per modern medical science guidelines. Hereditary woolly hair is autosomal dominant & familial woolly hair is autosomal recessive. It is a group of disorders involving structural defects in the hair shaft. This rare congenital abnormality of the structure of scalp hair is marked by extreme kinkiness of hair. In Ashtonindita adhyaya, Acharya Charak described Aatiloma & Aloma conditions of hair. A case study was conducted on an 11-year-old female patient diagnosed with short anagen syndrome woolly hair syndrome. In this case, Ayurvedic management, i.e. Panchakarma (tikta Kshirbasti) with shaman chikitsa, was essential in treating this kashtasadhya disease.

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF SHWITRA (VITILIGO)- A CASE STUDY.

The Sanskrit term Shweta, which meaning "white patch," is the root of the name Shwitra. Shwitra (Vitiligo) is a condition that is referenced in the classic Kushta Roga Chikitsa and affects a significant section of the pediatric population as a result of poor dietary and lifestyle choices. Shwitra "Shweta Bhava Michanti Shwitram" is what the Kashyapa Samhita says. Kilasa, Daruna, Aruna, and Shweta Kushta are some more names for it. In contemporary medicine, vitiligo is referred to as an auto immune illness and manifests as a white patch on the skin. A widespread, progressive, chronic skin illness called vitiligo is characterized by patches of skin with sharp, frequently hyperpigmented edges caused by a lack of melanin pigments. Approximately 1% of people worldwide suffer from this illness. This condition is included under the general topic of Shwitra in Ayurveda. Every Acharya has the same opinion that the two primary therapeutic modalities mentioned in the classics—Samshodhan Karma and Samshaman Karma—should be used to treat Shwitra or Kushtha first. In their various Samhitas, Acharyas have specified a variety of internal and external uses, as well as sun exposure, for Shaman Chikitsa in the Shwitra Roga. Samhitas discuss a wide range of single and combination medications; among them, Shwitrahar Kashaya and lepa are mentioned in detail. One of them is chosen and shown to be useful for the investigation.

Management of Ekkustha Through Shaman and Sodhana Therapy

A persistent inflammatory skin condition, psoriasis affects 2% to 4% of the population. About 10% of psoriasis patients develop inflammatory arthritis, which can significantly impair daily activities and life quality. It is also regarded as a psychosomatic illness for which there is no long-term treatment. According to Ayurveda, the patient was diagnosed as having Kapha-pitta dominance, or Ekkustha. The purpose of this case study is to assess the effectiveness of Shaman Chikitsa and Virechan in treating recurring psoriasis. PASI was used to measure symptoms both before and after therapy. There was improvement in the PASI score. The Ayurvedic psoriasis was effectively managed with Shodhan treatment, according to recognized measures.

A case study on Gridhasi w.s.r. to Sciatica

Gridhasi is one of the most common disease of Vata Vyadhi, which closely related with sciatica. This is characterised by low back pain and radiates towards posterior part of leg or discomfort associated with sciatic nerve. It has painful (Shoola Pradhan) condition which hampers the routine of life. In Gridhasi pain starts form Kati-Prushta (Pelvic & Lumbo-Sacral resion) radiating towards Jangha (Thigh), Pada (Legs) with impairment of lifting leg (Stiffness). The prevalence of sciatica varies considerably ranging from 3.8% in the working population to 7.9% in nonworking population. Contemporary medicine has limitations giving short term relief in pain or surgical intervention with side effect. The aim of this study was to access the effect of Ayurvedic management through Shodhan and Shaman Chikitsa. Here in this case study a 60 year female patient was suffering from sciatic pain (Low back Pain) radiating towards posterior part of leg due to herniation of L4-L5 and L5-S1 that is correlated with Gridhasi since 6 months approached to Ayurvedic Hospital and She was treated with Panchakarma treatment including Dashmooladi Niruha Basti, Merudand Basti, Patra Pinda Sweda and Raktmokshan along with Shaman Chikitsa. The treatment was continued for consecutive two months.

VITILIGO W.S.R TO SHWITRA - AN AYURVEDIC CASE STUDY

Vitiligo is a disease that causes loss of skin colour in patches. The discolored areas usually get more significant with time. Typically, the colour of hair and skin is determined by melanin. Vitiligo occurs when cells that produce melanin die or stop functioning. Vitiligo affects people of all skin types, but it may be more noticeable in people with brown and black skin. It can be linked to Shwitra based on clinical characteristics. Shwitra occurs when vitiated Doshas settle down in Rakta Dhatu. Rakta Dhatu further gets vitiated; Rakta Varna lesions are produced. When Doshas gets settled in Medho Dhatu, it leads to Shwitra Roga. 1 Medical scientists have developed treatment methods, but there are still a lot of side effects, and the probability of recurrence is also high in this disease condition. Hence, it is necessary to find an effective treatment for Shwitra. This study aims to assess the efficacy of Ayurvedic management in Shwitra based on Shaman chikitsa.

A CASE STUDY OF RAKTVAHA SROTAS DUSHTI LAKSHAN (PITIKA) AND ITS MANAGEMENT BY AYURVEDIC SHAMAN CHIKITSA

Pitika is the common problem faced by many females. In Ayurveda it is mentioned under the raktvaha stotas dusti lakshan. This case is an ideal example of raktvaha srotas dushti and and its management as mentioned in ayurvedic text. A 32 year old female was suffering from redish pitika all over the face with pain and pus inside them sinse last 1 year. Considering all symptoms and pathology of disease, patient was treated with shaman chikitsa i.e. oral administration of Ananta- Manjishta kwath, tapyadi loha ras, kamdudha vati, haritaki churna and dadimavleha. Result: Assessment of sign and symtoms of patient was done during each follow up, there was complete disppearnce of pitika, relief in pain, pus formation and all other sarwadaihik symptoms in 3 months

Management of Vyanga (Melasma) with Vyanganashak Lepa: A Case Report

Melasma is a widespread acquired symmetrical hypermelanosis characterised by irregularly shaped but clearly defined dark brownish maculae on photo-exposed areas, particularly the forehead, temples, nose, eyelids, chin, and upper lips. It is a major cosmetological issue that can also affect a person’s psychological well being. Melasma can be correlated with Vyanga in Ayurveda. Vyanga is one of many Kshudra Rogas and Raktapradoshaj Vikaras. According to modern medicine, local application of corticosteroids is preferred for the management of melasma. However, due to the relapse of the disease and the side effects of steroids, an Ayurvedic approach is beneficial. Ayurveda mentions Shaman Chikitsa in the form of Lepa, which has Vatapittahara, Varnya, Twachya, Kushthaghna, and Raktaprasadaka properties as the line of treatment. Hereby, the authors present a case report of a 46-year-old female who reported to the Outpatient Department (OPD) of Kayachikitsa, complained of brownish discolouration on her face for six months, which was diagnosed as Vyanga (melasma). Ayurvedic treatment was planned according to the classical principle of Shaman Chikitsa, with a local application of Lepa containing depigmenting and skin rejuvenating drugs, along with lifestyle modifications. Due to the recurring nature of the disease, a proficient treatment approach was required. Vyanganashak Lepa has skin resurfacing and revitalising properties that act efficiently on the disease. In present case, Vyanganashak Lepa was found to be highly effective and showed remarkable results with continuous usage in a short period.

Ayurvedic Management of Vicharchika vis-à-vis Atopic Dermatitis: A Case Report

In this fast-paced developing world, regular day-to-day activities like diet and sleep are neglected, leading to various skin disorders (Kushtha). Kushtha is a generalised term used for all skin diseases in Ayurveda. It is mainly divided into two types: Maha kushtha and Kshudra kushtha. Vicharchika is a type of Kshudra kushtha characterised by symptoms like blackish discolouration (Shyava varnata), vesicles (Pidika), discharge (Strava), and itching (Kandu), which can be correlated to atopic dermatitis/eczema. There is no adequate treatment to cure the root cause in contemporary medicine other than topical steroids and antihistaminic agents. The main treatment protocol according to Ayurveda involves the use of both purification (Shodhana) and palliative treatment (Shaman chikitsa). A 21-year-old female patient presented with small blackish papules on both upper limbs, oosing, and itching on the lesions. She was given medication for both internal use and external application, resulting in significant improvement in symptoms. The patches resolved, and the discharge, itching, and vesicles disappeared.

Management of Severe Asthenoteratozoospermia with Traditional Medicine: A Case Study

Infertility is a disease of the male or female reproductive system defined by the failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. Fertility issues may represent a stressful situation to the couple’s life with important negative psychosocial effects. Ayurveda as a branch of traditional medicine developed a separate specialty for sexual dysfunction, namely Aphrodisiac Therapy (Vajeekarana Chikitsa). It deals with preservation and augmentation of sexual potency and conception of healthy progeny as well as management of defective semen, spermatogenesis along with treatment of seminal related disorders. Sperm quality is affected by various biological and environmental factors. A male patient was diagnosed with asthenoteratozoospermia, which is a combination of two conditions namely, asthenozoospermia (low sperm motility) and teratozoospermia (abnormal sperm morphology). The study patient was treated with ayurvedic medicine (shaman chikitsa) and panchakarma therapy (shodhana chikitsa) for 5 months. After completing the treatment course a semen analysis was performed and improvement was observed in his abnormal condition. The condition changed from severe asthenoteratozoospermia to normozoospermia and finally his wife had conceived successfully.

AN AYURVEDIC APPROACH IN THE MANAGEMENT OF OSTEOMYELITIS TOES

Background – Osteomyelitis toe is commonly seen in patients who have peripheral neuropathy associated with diabetic mellitus. In Ayurveda, osteomyelitis can be correlated with Asthimajja Vidradhi1 or Dusta Vrana. Dusta vrana (infected wound) can cause loss of physical activity and it can produce a significant impact on the quality of life. This study mainly concentrates on Vrana Shodhan karma (surgical debridement) of dusta vrana (infected wound) and followed by application of Karanjadi Ghrita with Shaman Chikitsa which is performed to restore the function of toe and achieve adequate wound healing. Material and method- A Fifty-eight-year-old male pa-tient came to Shalya tantra OPD of our institute (GAC Raipur) with complaints of non-healing wounds on his great and second toe of left foot along with pain, swelling and discoloration of skin. Routine blood investigation and foot x-ray was taken and was diagnosed as osteomyelitis toe. Under all aseptic manner surgical debridement of necrotic tissue(slough) of wound was done by following classical guideline of Sushruta Samhita. Simultane-ously, wounds cleaned by lukewarm water and alcohol then after wounds was dressed in use of Karanjadi Ghri-ta and following internal medicine were given to the patient for three months like Triphala Guggulu, Kaishora Guggulu, Lakshadi Guggulu, Varunadi Kashayam. Result- Significant output were observed like pain, oedema is subsided, and wound was completely healed within 3 months. Conclusion- Multidisciplinary Ayurvedic ap-proach can play a good supportive role in managing critical conditions such as diabetic osteomyelitis toe and cosmetically preserve the body part and amputation can be avoided.

Ekal dravya chikitsa of Shwitra mentioned in Bhavprakash Nighantu

Shwitra is kind of skin disease which has serious cosmetic issue. It is skin disease with unknown etiology in which skin loses its color and develops white patches. Shwitra occurs when pigment producing cells in the skin stop functioning. It is considered as autoimmune disorder in which melanocytes gets destroyed and dies. Shwitra is Tridoshaj according to Ayurveda. Various Hetus which causes Shwitra leads to aggravation of Pitta dosha, which in turn vitiates the other Doshas. Ayurveda quotes Shwitra as Deergha rogha. According to Ayurveda, Shwitra comes under Kushta category. Shwitra is Kashtasadhya vyadhi, may not be cured completely or, it takes long time to cure. First Shodhan chikitsa is done followed by Shaman chikitsa. Hetus like Chardi nigrahana, Papkarma, Atisevan of Katu, Amla, Lavan rasa, Atimatra bhojan. Various drugs are mentioned in Bhavprakash Nighantu for Shaman chikitsa. These drugs are easily available, economical and highly efficacious. Drugs mentioned in Bhavprakash are Bhallatak, Ashwagandha, Khadir, Shinshapa, Kakanasa, Bakul, Kakudumbar, Bijak, Tinish Dravyas which are mentioned above in Bhavprakash Nighantu should be acting through its Rasa virya vipak and Prabhav. Drugs perform Sphotajanan activity, production of melanocytes and Rakta prasadan.