Anatomical explanation of absorption of sneha dravya in sirobasti karma
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Anatomical explanation of absorption of sneha dravya in sirobasti karma
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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*Shrimali Dipakkumar Jayantkumar
Vikash Bhatnagar
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Sharir Rachana, National Institute of Ayurveda, Amer Road, Jaipur
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Anatomical explanation of absorption of sneha dravya in sirobasti karma
Year: 2016
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The ancient Ayurvedic texts emphasize the significance of the head, termed as the "Uttamang," and have elaborated on its relevance in relation to vital points known as "Sira." Among various therapeutic approaches for treating diseases associated with the head region, the procedure of Sirobasti is highlighted as particularly effective for addressing mental disorders and various scalp-related issues. Despite its notable benefits, a detailed explanation of its mechanism of action and the anatomical route for oil absorption has remained largely unarticulated in classical texts. This article aims to clarify these aspects through a scientific lens by examining the anatomy of the scalp and the physiological pathways involved in the Sirobasti treatment.
Mechanism of Oil Absorption in Sirobasti
The procedure of Sirobasti involves applying medicated oil to the scalp, which permeates the skin and is absorbed via several pathways. The scalp comprises five distinct layers: skin, connective tissue, epicranial aponeurosis, loose connective tissue, and pericranium. Of particular interest is the presence of emissary veins located within the loose areolar tissue. These valveless veins connect superficial scalp veins with the diploic veins of the skull, eventually draining into the intracranial sinuses. The application of medicated oils on the scalp facilitates their transverse absorption into the skin via hair follicles and sweat glands, capitalizing on the dense vascular network that aids in systemic distribution.
Benefits of Sirobasti and Its Impact
The Sirobasti procedure not only helps in alleviating scalp disorders but also offers therapeutic advantages for mental health conditions such as anxiety and insomnia. The application of warm medicated oil enhances blood circulation, delivering vital nutrients and oxygen to cerebral tissues, thus promoting relaxation and tranquility. Post-treatment, the procedure is often complemented by Abhyanga (a form of massage), which assists in lymphatic drainage and improves overall circulation. This dual action supports the secretion of essential hormones, such as melatonin and serotonin, that regulate mood and psychological well-being.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Sirobasti technique in Ayurveda illustrates an intricate understanding of scalp anatomy and transdermal medication absorption. The method effectively utilizes the scalp’s unique properties—its vascular structure, thin epidermal layers, and the presence of glands—to promote the therapeutic effects of administered oils. This route of absorption allows for substantive benefits not just for physical ailments, but also for mental health challenges, showcasing the efficacy of traditional Ayurvedic approaches as viable alternatives in modern healthcare. The findings underline how ancient wisdom remains relevant, particularly in the context of holistic treatments for various health issues.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the purpose of Sirobasti in Ayurveda treatment?
Sirobasti is used primarily for treating scalp-related issues and mental disorders by retaining medicated oil on the scalp, allowing for absorption through the skin, which enhances blood circulation and nutrient supply to the brain.
What are the layers of the scalp involved in absorption?
The scalp consists of five layers: skin, connective tissue, epicranial aponeurosis, loose connective tissue, and pericranium, all of which play a crucial role in facilitating the absorption of medicated oils during Sirobasti therapy.
Which oils are preferred for Sirobasti and why?
Natural oils, ghee, and milk are preferred due to their short and medium-chain fatty acids, which enhance transdermal absorption. These fatty acids have smaller molecular sizes, allowing easier penetration through the skin's lipophilic barrier.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Anatomical explanation of absorption of sneha dravya in sirobasti karma�. 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) Disease:
In the context of Ayurveda, a disease often pertains to imbalances in the body's doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) and treatment processes like Sirobasti Karma aim to address diseases, especially mental disorders, through absorption of medicinal oils into the scalp.
2) Karma (Karman):
Karma in this text refers to therapeutic procedures in Ayurveda, such as Sirobasti Karma, which involves retaining medicated oil on the scalp for treating various health issues, including mental disorders.
3) Hair:
Hair roots on the scalp play a critical role in the absorption of Sneha Dravya (medicated oil) in therapies like Sirobasti, which are designed to treat scalp-related problems and mental disorders by penetrating through hair follicles.
4) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine from India which encompasses principles like ShadangSharir (division of the human body) and treatments such as Sirobasti to address mental and scalp-related disorders.
5) Mental disorder:
Mental disorders, such as dementia, insomnia, and ADHD, are some of the conditions that can be effectively treated with Ayurveda's Sirobasti Karma, which uses the absorption of medicated oils to alleviate symptoms.
6) Sweating (Sweat):
The scalp, rich in sweat glands among other structures, is an excellent site for transdermal absorption of therapeutic oils, which is a key aspect of procedures like Sirobasti Karma.
7) Sira (Shira):
In Ayurveda, Sira refers to veins or blood vessels, and treatments like Sirobasti are used to address diseases related to these structures, given the scalp's rich network of blood vessels and emissary veins.
8) Shrimali (Srimali):
Shrimali Dipakkumar Jayantkumar is one of the authors who contributed to the article explaining the anatomical basis and benefits of the Sirobasti Karma procedure in Ayurveda.
9) Dravya:
Dravya in this context refers to the medicinal substances used in Ayurveda treatments, such as the medicated oil employed in Sirobasti Karma to treat scalp and mental disorders.
10) Sneha:
Sneha refers to fatty or oily substances used in Ayurvedic treatments. In Sirobasti, Sneha Dravya like oils and ghee are used for their ability to be absorbed through the scalp to treat various disorders.
11) Taila:
Taila means oil in Ayurveda. In procedures like Sirobasti, specific oils are applied and retained on the head to impart therapeutic benefits for scalp and mental health issues.
12) Blood:
The procedure of Sirobasti involves the absorption of medicinal oil through the scalp's vascular system, impacting the blood flow and potentially alleviating symptoms of neural and scalp-related disorders.
13) Ghi (Ghee):
Ghee, a clarified butter, is one of the fatty substances recommended in Ayurveda for treatments like Sirobasti due to its short and medium-chain fatty acids, which enhance absorption through the scalp.
14) Milk:
Milk, being rich in short and medium-chain fatty acids, is used in Ayurvedic treatments like Sirobasti to facilitate transdermal absorption of therapeutic substances through the scalp.
15) Purification:
Purification relates to Shodhana Chikitsa in Ayurveda, a process involving Panchakarma practices like Sirobasti, which purifies the body by removing toxins, thus treating various health issues.
16) Shirodhara (Sirodhara, Shiras-dhara):
Sirodhara is another Ayurvedic treatment where a continuous stream of oil is poured over the forehead. This is different from Sirobasti where the oil is retained on the scalp to treat mental and scalp-related disorders.
17) Knowledge:
Knowledge of anatomy and physiology is crucial for understanding the efficacy of Ayurvedic treatments like Sirobasti, which relies on the intricate venous network of the scalp for oil absorption.
18) Substance:
Substances like medicinal oils (Dravya) are used in Sirobasti to be absorbed through the scalp. The effectiveness depends on factors such as their molecular structure and the method of application.
19) Bhatnagar:
Vikash Bhatnagar, an Assistant Professor at the National Institute of Ayurveda, co-authored the article elucidating the anatomical and therapeutic insights of Sirobasti Karma.
20) Medicine:
Medicine in Ayurveda involves treatments like Sirobasti, which uses medicated oils to treat scalp and mental disorders by being absorbed through the scalp's skin and venous system.
21) Angula (Amgula):
Angula is a unit of measure in Ayurveda. In Sirobasti, oil is poured to a specific depth above the scalp, often described in Angulas, to ensure proper therapeutic effect.
22) Jaipur:
Jaipur is the city in India where the National Institute of Ayurveda is located, and where authors of the study on Sirobasti karma, including Shrimali and Bhatnagar, are affiliated.
23) Dosha (Dosa):
Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) are fundamental concepts in Ayurveda. The time and type of oil used in Sirobasti are adjusted according to the predominant Dosha to address specific imbalances and disorders.
24) Marma:
Marma points are vital points in the body according to Ayurveda. The head contains 37 Marmas, making it a critical area for treatments like Sirobasti, which uses oil to stimulate these points for health benefits.
25) Basti:
Basti commonly refers to Ayurvedic enemas, but in Sirobasti, it involves retaining medicated oil on the head for therapeutic purposes, addressing issues like mental disorders and scalp problems.
26) Masha (Masa, Ma-sha):
Masha, or black gram flour, is used to prepare the leather strap (Charmapatta) in the Sirobasti procedure, which helps retain the oil on the scalp for effective absorption.
27) Picu:
Pichu is another Ayurvedic treatment involving medicated cotton pads soaked in oil placed on the head, different from Sirobasti but often used for similar therapeutic purposes.
28) Human body:
The human body is divided into six parts in Ayurveda, known as ShadangSharir, with the head called Uttamang. Sirobasti focuses on the scalp, a critical area for transdermal absorption of medicinal oils.
29) Skandhapradesha (Skandhapradesa, Skandha-pradesha):
Skandhapradesha refers to the shoulder region in Ayurveda. It is often massaged post-Sirobasti as part of Pashchat Karma to enhance lymphatic drainage and improve overall therapeutic outcomes.
30) Purvakarma (Purvakarman, Purva-karman):
Purva-karma are pre-therapeutic measures in Ayurvedic treatments. In Sirobasti, Purva-karma includes preparing the scalp, ensuring it is cleanly shaved, and setting up the required materials for the procedure.
31) Discussion:
The discussion in the article elaborates on the anatomical basis for the effectiveness of Sirobasti Karma, analyzing how the scalp's structure facilitates the absorption of medicated oils for treating disorders.
32) Depression:
Depression is one of the mental disorders that Ayurveda's Sirobasti Karma aims to treat. The procedure involves applying and retaining oil on the scalp to alleviate symptoms through improved blood and lymph circulation.
33) Pradhana:
Pradhana Karma refers to the main procedure in Ayurvedic treatments. For Sirobasti, it involves the steps of applying the oil over the head and ensuring its absorption through the scalp.
34) Samgraha (Sangraha):
Samgraha involves the collection and preparation of instruments and materials required for Ayurvedic procedures like Sirobasti, ensuring everything is ready for effective treatment.
35) Svastha (Sva-stha):
Svastha refers to health or well-being in Ayurveda. Sirobasti can be used not only for treating diseases but also for promoting general health and maintaining balance in the doshas, enhancing Svastha.
36) Uttama:
Uttama means excellent or superior. In Ayurveda, the head is referred to as Uttamang, underscoring its vital importance and justifying why treatments like Sirobasti focus on this area.
37) Nature:
Nature of the medicinal substances, such as their lipophilicity, plays a crucial role in their absorption through the scalp during procedures like Sirobasti, resulting in therapeutic effects.
38) Animal:
Animal-derived substances like ghee are used in Sirobasti for their lipid content and smaller molecular size, aiding better absorption through the scalp to treat various disorders.
39) Cotton:
Cotton in the form of ribbons or pads is used in Sirobasti to ensure the proper application and retention of oil on the scalp, enhancing the treatment's effectiveness.
40) Murdha (Murdhan):
Murdha taila is a category in Ayurveda that includes treatments like Sirobasti, where medicated oils are retained on the head to treat mental and scalp-related disorders.
41) Panca (Pancan, Pamca):
Pancha refers to the number five in Sanskrit. In Ayurveda, Pancha-karma are the five purification processes, one of which involves Sirobasti as a preparatory or primary therapeutic measure.
42) Pitta:
Pitta is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda. The duration of Sirobasti treatment can vary based on the dominance of Pitta, with specific time recommendations given for its effective alleviation.
43) Kapha:
Kapha is another dosha in Ayurveda. The time Sirobasti oil is retained on the scalp is adjusted based on the dominance of Kapha to ensure effective treatment of disorders.
44) Nasya (Nashya):
Nasya is an Ayurvedic treatment method involving nasal administration of medications. While distinct from Sirobasti, both are used for head-related ailments, each with specific therapeutic roles.
45) Bahya:
Bahya Snehan is external oleation, a pre-therapeutic measure in Ayurveda. Sirobasti is classified under this when used to prepare the body for main Panchakarma therapies by using medicated oils on the scalp.
46) Purva:
Purva Karma are the preparatory procedures before the main treatment. In Sirobasti, this includes shaving the head, preparing materials, and setting up the Bastiyantra for oil application.
47) India:
India is the origin of Ayurveda, where treatments like Sirobasti were developed and practiced, and where institutions like the National Institute of Ayurveda in Jaipur continue this tradition.
48) Ayus (Ayush):
AYUSH stands for Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy, reflecting India's traditional medicine systems. Journals like AYUSHDHARA publish research on treatments like Sirobasti.
49) Vata:
Vata is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda. Sirobasti treatment times can be adjusted based on the dominance of Vata dosha to achieve the best therapeutic outcomes.
50) Drug:
Drug in the context of Ayurveda refers to medicinal substances like oils used in Sirobasti. These are chosen based on their efficacy in transdermal absorption to treat various disorders.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Anatomical explanation of absorption of sneha dravya in sirobasti karma�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Abhyanga, Marma, Panchakarma, Blood circulation, Shodhana Chikitsa, Dosha predominance, Transdermal absorption, Skin layers, Pashchat Karma, Psychological disorder, Fatty acid, Scalp.