Study on vitiligo management with virechan karma and shaman chikitsa.
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: A clinical study on shwitra (vitiligo) and its management with virechan karma and shaman chikitsa
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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Arti Gupta*
Sukumar Ghosh
Professor & HOD., Dept. of Kayachikitsa, Institute of Post Graduate Ayurvedic Education and Research at Shyamadas Vaidya Shastra Pith, Kolkata
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: A clinical study on shwitra (vitiligo) and its management with virechan karma and shaman chikitsa
Year: 2018
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Vitiligo, also known as Shwitra in Ayurveda, is a common acquired depigmentary condition characterized by white patches on the skin. This disease not only affects the cosmetic appearance of individuals but also poses significant psychological and social challenges. Although not fatal, it severely impacts the quality of life of the afflicted, creating feelings of embarrassment and social exclusion. The present study investigates the efficacy of Ayurvedic treatments, particularly Virechan Karma and Shaman Chikitsa, in managing Shwitra among patients from the Institute of Post Graduate Ayurvedic Education and Research at Shyama Das Vaidya Shastra Pith Hospital in Kolkata.
Efficacy of Ayurvedic Treatment
The study involved 40 patients divided into two groups, with one group receiving Shaman Chikitsa through herbal powders for oral administration and local application, while the second group additionally underwent Virechan Karma therapy. Significant clinical improvement was observed in both treatment groups, with the group receiving Virechan Karma showing more substantial results in terms of reduction in the size, number, and color of patches. Statistical analyses indicated highly significant results in various parameters for Group B, underscoring the value of combining Virechan Karma with other treatments. This finding posits the potential of Ayurvedic therapies to provide effective management of Vitiligo.
Psychological and Social Considerations
The study highlights the broader psychological and social implications of Vitiligo, as patients often endure not only physical symptoms but also severe emotional distress caused by societal perceptions of skin color. The stigma associated with the disease exacerbates feelings of inadequacy and isolation. The research recognizes these challenges and emphasizes the need for a holistic approach in treatment, addressing both physical and psychological well-being. The success of Ayurvedic treatment in alleviating skin symptoms suggests that these therapies may also positively influence mental health, offering patients a way to reclaim their confidence and social standing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the research presents compelling evidence for the effectiveness and safety of Ayurvedic treatments, including Virechan Karma, for managing Shwitra or Vitiligo. The treatments demonstrated significant improvements in the clinical signs of the condition while being cost-effective and easily accessible. As there were no adverse effects noted during the treatment, this study supports the use of Ayurvedic therapies as viable alternatives or complementary approaches to conventional treatments for Vitiligo. Further extensive clinical studies are warranted to explore the precise mechanisms of these treatments and to reinforce their potential in dermatological care.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the purpose of the clinical study on Shwitra?
The study aims to evaluate the efficacy of Virechan Karma and Shaman Chikitsa in managing Shwitra (Vitiligo) by assessing clinical improvements in patients using a combination of herbal treatments.
How many patients were involved in the study on Shwitra?
The study involved 40 patients suffering from Shwitra, divided into two groups of 20. One group received standard Shaman Chikitsa, while the other received both Virechan Karma and Shaman Chikitsa for comparison.
What were the results of the Shwitra treatment study?
The results indicated that the group receiving Virechan Karma showed more significant improvements in color, size, site, and number of patches, highlighting its additional effectiveness in managing Shwitra compared to Shaman Chikitsa alone.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Study on vitiligo management with virechan karma and shaman chikitsa.�. 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:
Disease is the primary focus of the study, specifically Shwitra or Vitiligo, which causes white discoloration of the skin and has significant psychological and social impacts, though it does not directly affect systemic functions.
2) Drug:
The study explores the use of Ayurvedic drugs such as Khadira, Rohitaka, and Manjistha for the treatment of Shwitra, aiming to provide safe, effective, and accessible remedies with minimal side effects.
3) Khadira:
Khadira (Acacia catechu) is one of the key drugs used in the treatment of Shwitra, known for its properties of Tikta-Kashaya Rasa, Laghu-Ruksha Guna, Shita Virya, and Katu Vipaka.
4) Karma (Karman):
Karma, particularly Virechan Karma, is a detoxification procedure used in combination with Shaman Chikitsa to manage Shwitra more effectively in the study.
5) Katu:
Katu (pungent) is one of the Rasas (tastes) that the drugs used in the study possess, helping to balance Pitta and Kapha Dosha in the body.
6) Pitta:
Pitta Dosha is a fundamental concept in Ayurveda and a key factor in the pathophysiology of Shwitra, which is characterized as a Pitta predominant condition.
7) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa refers to the taste of a substance; in this study, Tikta (bitter), Katu (pungent), and Kashaya (astringent) Rasas are significant in treating Shwitra.
8) Prakriti (Prakrti):
Prakriti refers to the body's constitution; in the study, patients with Pitta-Kaphaja Prakriti showed higher prevalence of Shwitra.
9) Vipaka:
Vipaka refers to the post-digestive taste of a substance. In this study, Katu Vipaka is noted for its effectiveness in balancing Pitta and Kapha Dosha.
10) Tikta:
Tikta (bitter) is one of the key Rasas found in the drugs used for treating Shwitra, known to pacify deranged Pitta and Kapha Dosha.
11) Shyama (Syama):
Shyama Trivrit (Operculina turpethum) is a plant used in Virechan Karma for its purgative properties to treat Shwitra.
12) Virya:
Virya refers to the potency of a substance. In this study, drugs with Shita Virya (cooling potency) are used to manage Shwitra effectively.
13) India:
India is the primary geographical focus of the study, noting that Shwitra is prevalent and a significant social problem in the country.
14) Aparajita:
Shweta Aparajita (Clitoria terneata) is one of the local applications used in the treatment, known for its properties to balance Pitta and Kapha Dosha.
15) Manjishtha (Manjistha, Mamjishtha):
Manjistha (Rubia cardifolia) is used both orally and locally in the treatment of Shwitra for its blood-purifying properties.
16) Rohitaka:
Rohitaka (Tecoma undulate) is a key oral drug used for treating Shwitra, known for its Katu, Tikta, and Kashaya Rasas.
17) Kashaya (Kasaya):
Kashaya (astringent) is one of the three main tastes of the drugs used in this study to treat Shwitra, balancing Pitta and Kapha Dosha.
18) Sita (Shita):
Shita (cooling) is one of the Viryas of the drugs used, helping to pacify Pitta Dosha which is considered predominant in Shwitra.
19) Ushna (Usna):
Ushna (heating) is the Virya opposite to Shita. While not predominant, some drugs like Manjistha have Ushna Virya and help in balancing doshas associated with Shwitra.
20) Gupta:
Arti Gupta is one of the authors of the study, contributing to the research on the clinical management of Shwitra.
21) Guna:
Guna refers to the qualities of a substance. The drugs used have specific Gunas like Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry), and Snigdha (unctuous) to balance the doshas.
22) Arti:
[see source text or glossary: Arti]
23) Koshtha (Kostha):
Koshtha refers to the nature of the bowels. In the study, it was noted that Madhyam Koshtha (moderate bowel nature) was most common among the patients.
24) Trivrit (Tri-vrit, Trivrt):
Trivrit, specifically Shyama Trivrit, is used in Virechan therapy for its purgative properties, aiding in detoxification and management of Shwitra.
25) Laghu:
Laghu (light) is one of the qualities (Guna) found in the drugs used, making them effective in balancing Pitta and Kapha Dosha.
26) Roga:
Roga Nidan refers to the study of diagnostics in Ayurveda, a department where part of this study was conducted.
27) Katutikta (Katu-tikta):
Katu-tikta denotes a combination of pungent and bitter tastes found in several drugs used in the study, crucial for treating Shwitra.
28) Education:
Education level was observed as an influencing factor, with most patients being literate and more aware of their condition due to cosmetic concerns.
29) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is the traditional Indian medical system that forms the basis of this study's approach to treating Shwitra through herbal and procedural treatments.
30) Prabhava:
Prabhava is the specific effect of a drug that cannot be explained by its Rasa, Guna, Virya, and Vipaka. The study explores these effects.
31) Ashtanga (Astanga, Ashtan-anga):
Ashtanga refers to the eight branches of Ayurveda, including works like Ashtanga Samgraha and Ashtanga Hridaya that provide descriptions of diseases including Shwitra.
32) Powder:
Powder formulations of Khadira, Rohitaka, and Manjistha were used for oral administration in the treatment of Shwitra.
33) Dosha (Dosa):
Doshas are the fundamental bodily humors in Ayurveda. Shwitra involves vitiation of Pitta and Kapha Doshas.
34) Rakta:
Rakta (blood) plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of Shwitra, with its vitiation being a key factor in the disease.
35) Diet:
Diet, specifically the intake of Amla (sour), Lavana (salty), and incompatible foods, is considered a major etiological factor in Shwitra.
36) Acacia catechu:
Acacia catechu, commonly known as Khadira, is a tree whose bark is used in various Ayurvedic formulations for treating conditions like Shwitra.
37) Bhrajakapitta (Bhrajaka-pitta):
Bhrajaka Pitta is a subtype of Pitta Dosha that governs skin color. Its imbalance is implicated in Shwitra.
38) Madhurarasa (Madhura-rasa):
Madhura Rasa (sweet taste) is not predominant in the medications used in this study but has a role in balancing doshas in various treatments.
39) Discussion:
The discussion section of the study elaborates on the findings, including the effects of the treatments and the theoretical underpinnings of Ayurvedic diagnosis and management of Shwitra.
40) Medadhatu (Meda-dhatu):
Medadhatu (fat tissue) is one of the tissues affected in Shwitra, leading to Shweta (white) colored patches on the skin.
41) Papakarman (Papakarma, Papa-karma):
Papakarma refers to past negative actions that are considered a causative factor in Shwitra, implicating psychological and karmic influences.
42) Vitiation (Vitiated):
Vitiation refers to the imbalance or disturbance of Doshas, which is central to the pathophysiology of Shwitra in Ayurvedic medicine.
43) Narikela:
Narikela (coconut oil) is used in the local application of Shweta Aparajitha and Khadira for treating Shwitra, followed by sun exposure.
44) Bhrajaka:
Bhrajaka Pitta is responsible for skin complexion and its imbalance leads to conditions like Shwitra.
45) Mandagni (Manda-agni, Mamdagni):
Mandagni (weak digestive fire) was observed in 37.5% of patients, indicating poor digestion and assimilation, contributing to the imbalance leading to Shwitra.
46) Madhura:
Madhura Rasa is generally soothing and balancing, though not a primary focus in the treatment of Shwitra in this study.
47) Samhita:
Samhita refers to classical compendiums of Ayurvedic knowledge such as Charaka Samhita and Susruta Samhita, which describe Shwitra in detail.
48) Shastra (Sastra):
Shastra denotes scriptures or texts and in this context, refers to Ayurvedic texts like Charaka Samhita and Susruta Samhita.
49) Tikshna (Tiksna):
Tikshna (sharpness) is a quality affecting certain drugs or dietary elements, contributing to the vitiation of Pitta and aggravation of conditions like Shwitra.
50) Vidahi:
Vidahi refers to substances causing burning sensation, which are to be avoided in the diet as they aggravate Pitta and contribute to Shwitra.
51) Ruksha (Ruksa):
Ruksha (dry) is a Guna of certain herbs used to treat Shwitra, helping to balance Kapha and Pitta Doshas.
52) Vaidya:
Vaidya refers to a physician or practitioner of Ayurveda. In this study, the authors and their mentors are experienced Vaidyas.
53) Vihara:
Vihara refers to lifestyle practices. Mithya Vihara (improper lifestyle) is a causative factor in Shwitra.
54) Lavana:
Lavana (salt) is one of the tastes that should be minimized as its excessive intake is considered a risk factor for Shwitra.
55) Manasa (Manasha):
Manasa Prakriti (mental constitution) was noted in the study, with a majority of patients having Rajasika or Tamasika mental constitutions, impacting the manifestation of Shwitra.
56) Family:
Family history was equally present and absent among patients, highlighting a possible genetic predisposition or lack thereof in Shwitra.
57) Tamra:
Tamra (coppery) is one of the colors of the patches seen in Shwitra, indicative of the involvement of Mansadhatu (muscle tissue).
58) Taila (Thaila):
Taila (oil) is used as a medium for local application in the treatment of Shwitra, specifically Narikela Taila (coconut oil) in this study.
59) Bihar:
Bihar is mentioned as the location of Dayanand Ayurvedic PG Medical College and Hospital, where one of the authors, Arti Gupta, is an Assistant Professor.
60) Veda:
Vedic period refers to the ancient times when the earliest Ayurvedic texts describing Shwitra were composed.
61) Deha:
Deha Prakriti (body constitution) is critical for diagnosis and treatment in Ayurveda. A predominance of Pitta-Kaphaja Prakriti was noted in Shwitra patients.
62) Amla:
Amla (sour) is one of the tastes that should be avoided in the diet as its excessive intake is a risk factor for Shwitra.
63) Vata:
Vata Dosha is one of the three fundamental bodily humors in Ayurveda. Its imbalance, along with Pitta, contributes to the pathophysiology of Shwitra.
64) Human body:
The human body is central in this research, specifically focusing on the skin as the largest organ and its disorders like Shwitra.
65) Ashtangasamgraha (Astangasamgraha, Astangasangraha, Ashtanga-samgraha, Ashtanga-sangraha, Ashtangasangraha):
Ashtanga Samgraha is a classical Ayurvedic text which, along with others, provides detailed descriptions and treatment protocols for diseases like Shwitra.
66) Ashtangahridaya (Astangahrdaya, Ashtanga-hridaya):
Ashtanga Hridaya, another classical Ayurvedic text, is used as a reference for understanding the pathophysiology and treatment of Shwitra.
67) Sushruta-samhita (Susruta-samhita):
Susruta Samhita is a fundamental Ayurvedic text providing detailed descriptions and treatment methods for Shwitra, among other diseases.
68) Krurakoshtha (Krurakostha, Krura-koshtha):
Krura Koshtha (hard bowel nature) was noted in 22.5% of patients, relevant for diagnosis and therapeutic intervention in Shwitra.
69) Mridukoshtha (Mrdukostha, Mridu-koshtha):
Mridu Koshtha (soft bowel nature) was noted in 17.5% of patients, indicating a variation in digestive patterns among Shwitra patients.
70) Pittadosha (Pittadosa, Pitta-dosha):
Pittadosha is the predominant Dosha involved in Shwitra, influencing skin pigmentation and metabolic processes.
71) Kaphadosha (Kaphadosa, Kapha-dosha):
Kapha Dosha, along with Pitta, is unbalanced in the patients with Shwitra, necessitating treatments that target both doshas.
72) Amlalavana (Amla-lavana):
Amla-Lavana (sour-salty) are tastes that should be minimized in the diet according to Ayurvedic principles to prevent or manage Shwitra.
73) Lavanarasa (Lavana-rasa):
[see source text or glossary: Lavana-rasa]
74) Tamravarna:
Tamravarna (coppery color) is one of the manifestations of the disease Shwitra, indicating the involvement of Mansadhatu.
75) Vishamagni (Vishama-agni, Visamagni):
Vishamagni (irregular digestive fire) observed in 32.5% of patients, contributes to the pathophysiology of Shwitra by disrupting digestion and metabolism.
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 111]
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