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Efficacy of Nasya (nasal medication) in coma: A case study

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Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Efficacy of Nasya (nasal medication) in coma: A case study
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:

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Author:

Rajkala S. Ramteke, Panchakshari D. Patil, Anup B. Thakar


Ancient Science of Life:

(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)

Full text available for: Efficacy of Nasya (nasal medication) in coma: A case study

Year: 2016

Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Ayurveda, a traditional system of medicine, has often been sidelined in the management of emergency health conditions, particularly acute illnesses such as coma. However, there are references in Ayurvedic texts that suggest its applicability in managing acute states where conventional biomedicine reaches its limitations. This case study presents the management of a 61-year-old female patient who had been in a comatose state due to hypertension and acute cerebral infarction. The treatment employed Ayurvedic modalities, particularly using nasal medication and fumigation, which yielded significant improvement in the patient's consciousness.

Nasal Medication and Coma Management

The study highlights the efficacy of Nasya, a nasal administration technique employed as part of ʲñ첹, a specialized Ayurvedic therapy. հ첹ṭu ūṇa (a powdered formulation) was administered through the nostrils for seven days to stimulate consciousness. Following this, ūԲ (fumigation) with specific consciousness-restoring herbs was conducted for another week. The method aims to induce a therapeutic response by targeting the brain directly, leveraging the anatomical connection between olfactory receptors and brain regions responsible for consciousness. Remarkably, the patient showed a significant increase in her Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) from 3 to 11, reflecting a positive change in her condition and responsiveness.

Conclusion

The case study emphasizes the potential of Ayurvedic treatments, particularly Nasya and ūԲ, in emergency healthcare settings. The successful recovery of the patient from a comatose state suggests that Ayurveda can offer viable therapeutic options where conventional treatments may falter. This provides important insights into the integration of traditional medicine practices within contemporary clinical settings, especially for patients who remain unresponsive in critical conditions. Overall, the report advocates for further exploration of Ayurvedic approaches as complementary strategies in modern medical practice, particularly for conditions deemed severe or terminal.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is the efficacy of Nasya treatment in coma?

A case study demonstrated that Nasya (nasal medication) using հ첹ṭu ūṇa significantly improved a comatose patient's Glasgow Coma Scale score from 3 to 11 after 14 days of Ayurvedic intervention.

How was the patient in the case study treated?

The patient received Nasya with հ첹ṭu ūṇa for seven days, followed by ūԲ (fumigation) with consciousness-restorative drugs for another seven days, alongside ongoing biomedical treatments.

What is the significance of հ첹ṭu in this treatment?

հ첹ṭu's sharp qualities may stimulate the brain directly through olfactory pathways, enhancing neural activity and potentially aiding recovery in comatose patients.

What does the Glasgow Coma Scale measure?

The Glasgow Coma Scale evaluates a patient's level of consciousness based on responsiveness to stimuli, helping assess recovery from conditions like coma.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Efficacy of Nasya (nasal medication) in coma: A case study�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Coma:
Coma is a state of deep unconsciousness lasting for an extended period, wherein a person cannot be awakened and fails to respond to stimuli. In Ayurvedic terminology, it relates to ‘sannyāsa�, indicating a severe imbalance of bodily doshas that disrupts consciousness. Understanding coma is critical for addressing the complexities of treatment.

2) Drug:
A drug refers to any substance that causes a physiological effect on the body and is utilized for treatment or prevention of diseases. In the context of Ayurveda and modern medicine, the interaction and efficacy of various drugs can significantly impact patient outcomes, especially when exploring alternative treatments for serious conditions.

3) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine originating from India, which emphasizes a holistic approach to health and wellness, balancing body, mind, and spirit. It incorporates numerous natural remedies and treatment strategies for a variety of ailments, including acute conditions like coma, showcasing its relevance in modern health practices.

4) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing disease. This includes both conventional biomedical practices and alternative approaches like Ayurveda. Understanding the interplay between different medical systems is vital in enhancing treatment efficacy and patient care for conditions with limited options.

5) Nasya (Nashya):
Nasya refers to a therapeutic procedure in Ayurveda involving the administration of medicinal substances through the nostrils. It is believed to deliver drugs directly to the brain and is used for various conditions. Its role in addressing unconsciousness, as in the case of coma, illustrates the potential of unconventional therapies in critical situations.

6) Post:
In medical literature, 'post' often refers to after a certain event or treatment. In this context, post-treatment evaluations and outcomes are crucial to assess the effectiveness of Ayurvedic interventions in cases such as coma, providing insight into recovery and the timeline of patient progression after therapy.

7) Pancakarma (Pancakarman, Pancan-karman, Pamcakarma):
ʲñ첹 is a set of five therapeutic procedures used in Ayurveda for detoxification and rejuvenation. It aims to cleanse the body of toxins and restore balance. Understanding its components is vital in circumstances requiring emergency care, revealing its utility in managing acute conditions through non-invasive methods.

8) Trikatu (Tri-katu):
հ첹ṭu is a specific Ayurvedic formulation consisting of three spices—black pepper, long pepper, and ginger. This combination is known for its digestive and stimulant properties and is applied in nasya treatments for awakening consciousness, illustrating how herbal compounds can influence recovery in serious medical conditions.

9) Caraka:
Caraka is a foundational text in Ayurveda, attributed to the ancient physician Caraka. It contains extensive knowledge on medical theories and treatments, especially regarding acute conditions like coma. By studying Caraka, practitioners can adapt ancient wisdom to contemporary health situations, enhancing patient care and intervention strategies.

10) Curna:
ūṇa is a Sanskrit term meaning powdered herbs or formulations used in Ayurvedic medicine. The use of ūṇa in therapies, such as nasya, reflects Ayurveda’s emphasis on formulations that can penetrate the body effectively, ensuring a direct impact on health conditions including coma and other critical ailments.

11) Dhuma:
ٳū, meaning smoke or fuming in Sanskrit, is utilized in Ayurvedic practices to deliver medicinal properties through inhalation. It is especially relevant when oral administration is not possible, providing an alternative method for critical cases such as coma to stimulate consciousness and aid recovery.

12) Pharmacology:
Pharmacology is the branch of medicine that studies drug action, efficacy, and safety. Understanding pharmacology is essential when integrating Ayurvedic treatments with conventional medicine, as it informs how different therapeutic agents function in the body, particularly in unique applications for serious conditions like coma.

13) Samnyasa (Sannyasa):
ԲԲ in Ayurveda denotes a state of deep unconsciousness or coma. This concept emphasizes the belief that disordered doshas severely affect consciousness, showcasing the understanding of balance within the body and the necessity of specific interventions to restore awareness and cognitive function.

14) Vagbhata:
岵ṭa was an influential Ayurvedic scholar known for his texts on medicine. His contributions to Ayurvedic theory and practice, especially regarding treatments for acute conditions, provide a valuable framework for understanding and implementing effective therapies like nasya in managing patient care.

15) Angula (Amgula):
ṅgܱ is a Sanskrit unit of measurement, often used to denote length (approximately the width of a finger). In Ayurvedic practices, precise measurements of drugs and treatment procedures, such as the length of tubes for nasya, are essential to ensure beneficial effects and safety during therapeutic applications.

16) Tikshna (Tiksna):
īṣṇ refers to a property of Ayurvedic substances that indicates sharpness or a stimulating effect. In treatment contexts, substances with tīkṣṇa qualities, like հ첹ṭu used in nasya, are believed to enhance cognitive function by activating neural pathways, making them significant in managing conditions like coma.

17) Dosha (Dosa):
ٴṣa are fundamental physiological energies in Ayurvedic medicine representing bodily imbalances—vāta, pitta, and kapha. Understanding the doshas is crucial in diagnosing and treating conditions, as disturbances in these doshas can lead to severe health issues like coma, emphasizing the importance of balance in overall health.

18) Commiphora wightii:
Commiphora wightii, also known as guggulu, is an Ayurvedic herb known for its rejuvenating and anti-inflammatory properties. It is employed in formulations aimed at enhancing consciousness and overall health, demonstrating the significance of herbal preparations in emergency treatments, especially in severe cases like coma.

19) Bronchial asthma:
Bronchial asthma is a chronic condition characterized by inflamed airways that result in difficulty breathing. While primarily a respiratory condition, it illustrates the importance of holistic approaches, as Ayurvedic treatments can offer complementary therapies to manage symptoms, particularly when conventional treatments have limitations.

20) Acorus calamus:
Acorus calamus, known as vacha in Ayurveda, is a herb recognized for its cognitive-enhancing properties. Its role in formulations for nasal treatments like nasya highlights its potential in stimulating brain function, thereby making it relevant in therapies for conditions such as coma and unconsciousness.

21) Purification:
Purification refers to the process of detoxifying and cleansing the body of harmful substances. In Ayurveda, therapies like pañcakarma are employed for purification to restore balance, demonstrating its relevance in treating illnesses that arise from accumulated toxins, especially in acute conditions like coma.

22) Discussion:
Discussion in medical literature often refers to the analysis and interpretation of findings, including treatment outcomes and methodologies. Engaging in discussions about cases, such as those treated with Ayurvedic interventions for coma, enhances understanding, facilitates knowledge exchange, and informs future practice in the field.

23) Dhumapana (Dhuma-pana):
ٳūpāna refers to the inhalation of medicinal smoke, an Ayurvedic therapeutic practice designed to revitalize and enhance consciousness. This method can serve as an alternative for drug delivery in comatose patients, highlighting the innovative approaches Ayurveda offers in emergency treatment contexts.

24) Urdhvanga:
Ūṅg refers to the upper body region in Ayurvedic terminology. Treatments targeting the Ūṅg often focus on areas related to cognitive function and consciousness. Understanding this concept is essential when devising interventions for conditions affecting awareness, such as coma, emphasizing the holistic nature of Ayurvedic practice.

25) Activity:
Activity in a medical context often denotes level of engagement or responsiveness, especially in relation to cognitive functions. Assessing patient activity is crucial in evaluating progress in conditions like coma, where responses to stimuli can indicate recovery of consciousness and neurological function.

26) Epilepsy:
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. While primarily viewed as a chronic condition, recognizing the potential for Ayurvedic treatments to address acute episodes can expand options for management and patient care, aligning with principles of holistic health and symptom alleviation.

27) Guggulu:
Guggulu, derived from Commiphora wightii, is a renowned Ayurvedic substance used for its therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory and rejuvenating effects. Its inclusion in treatments aimed at enhancing consciousness demonstrates the importance of integrating traditional herbs into modern therapeutic regimens, particularly in severe cases like coma.

28) Shodhana (Sodhana):
Śǻ󲹲Բ refers to processes aimed at detoxification and purification in Ayurvedic medicine. These procedures are crucial in treating acute conditions by removing accumulated toxins that may disrupt physiological balance, highlighting the relevance of traditional practices in contemporary healthcare, especially in challenging scenarios like coma management.

29) Cikitsa:
侱쾱ٲ means treatment or therapy in Sanskrit, embodying the practices and interventions used within Ayurveda. The understanding of cikitsā is pivotal as it encapsulates tailored approaches like nasya for various health conditions, emphasizing responsiveness to patient needs, particularly in critical situations such as coma.

30) Vyavayi:
ղⲹī refers to the property of a substance that enhances metabolic processes and vitality in Ayurveda. Such properties are leveraged in treatments targeting specific conditions, particularly those that require energizing effects, such as coma recovery, showcasing Ayurveda's nuanced understanding of herbal pharmacology.

31) Pungent:
Pungent is a taste profile associated with certain herbs and spices in Ayurveda, recognized for stimulating digestion and metabolism. Its significance lies in the potential effects of pungent substances in treatments like nasya, which may influence brain activity and responsiveness in comatose patients.

32) Science (Scientific):
Science encompasses systematic study and application of knowledge, including medicine. In the context of Ayurveda, integrating scientific inquiry with traditional wisdom can enhance understanding and credibility, crucial for evaluating treatments for conditions such as coma through evidence-based methodologies.

33) Brahmi:
ī, or Bacopa monnieri, is an important Ayurvedic herb celebrated for its cognitive-enhancing properties. Its application in treatments for enhancing consciousness and brain health underlines the significance of traditional herbs in contemporary therapies, particularly in critical care scenarios like coma where brain function is severely compromised.

34) Samana (Shamana):
ŚԲ refers to palliative measures aimed at alleviating symptoms in Ayurveda. Understanding śamana is essential for managing acute conditions effectively, ensuring that treatment focuses on comfort while addressing the root causes, particularly in challenging cases such as coma.

35) Vikasin (Vikasi, Vikashin):
վī denotes the property of promoting development and growth in Ayurvedic understanding. The application of vikāsī qualities in treatment underscores the goal of facilitating recovery and restoration of bodily functions, which is vital in serious health issues like coma, emphasizing holistic patient care.

36) Reason:
Reason in a medical context pertains to the understanding of causative factors leading to health conditions. Analyzing the reason behind illnesses like coma can inform treatment approaches, enabling practitioners to apply targeted interventions drawing from both modern and traditional medical systems.

37) Pitta:
Pitta is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, representing the elements of fire and water, influencing metabolism and digestion. Analyzing pitta's role in health and disease management provides valuable insights into treatment strategies for disorders, especially where dosha imbalances contribute to conditions like coma.

38) Kapha:
Kapha represents one of Ayurveda's three fundamental doshas, embodying the elements of earth and water, responsible for structure and stability in the body. Understanding kapha's influence on health is crucial in devising treatment plans, particularly in managing comatose states where balance and stability are key.

39) Virya:
īⲹ refers to the inherent potency of herbs used in Ayurveda, affecting their therapeutic potential. Recognizing vīrya is essential in selecting the appropriate substances for treatment, especially when addressing acute conditions like coma, where the right potency can influence patient recovery positively.

40) Hingu (Himgu):
ᾱṅg, or Ferula narthrex, is an Ayurvedic herb utilized for its therapeutic properties, often linked with brain stimulation. Its inclusion in formulations aimed at enhancing consciousness reflects how certain substances target specific conditions, such as coma, stressing the importance of targeted herbal medicine.

41) Blood:
Blood is essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, impacting overall health and biological functions. Understanding blood's role in the context of medical diagnosis and treatment is crucial in evaluating acute conditions like coma, where proper circulation and oxygenation can significantly influence recovery.

42) Vaca:
ղ, or Acorus calamus, is an Ayurvedic herb revered for its cognitive-enhancing properties. Its importance in treatments aiming to stimulate consciousness illustrates how traditional knowledge can be harnessed to address conditions like coma where brain function needs to be restored, showcasing the relevance of herbal pharmacology.

43) Ushna (Usna):
ṣṇ refers to the property of heat or warmth in Ayurveda, which is often associated with stimulating and energizing effects. Recognizing the relevance of uṣṇa in treatments can enhance therapeutic outcomes, particularly in cases like coma where restoring temperature and metabolic activity is vital.

44) Vata:
ٲ is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, representing air and space, responsible for movement and biological processes. Understanding the role of vāta is critical in determining treatment strategies for various health conditions, especially where disturbances in neurophysiological functions contribute to states such as coma.

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Efficacy of Nasya (nasal medication) in coma: A case study�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Nasal medication, Acute condition, Cardiac arrest, Pancakarma therapy, Ayurvedic intervention, Hypertension management, Pradhamana Nasya, Glasgow Coma Scale, Dhuma Nasya, Reticular Activating System.

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