Diabetic retinopathy and its interpretations through ayurved
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Diabetic retinopathy and its interpretations through ayurved
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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Tarun Kumar Dwibedi*
P.G. Scholar, Dept. of Shalakya Tantra, SJGAMC&H, Koppal, Karnataka
Nibedita Panda
P.G. Scholar, Dept. of Pancha Karma, SJGAMC&H, Koppal, Karnataka
Shashikala K
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Shalakya Tantra, SJGAMC&H, Koppal, Karnataka
Gururaj N
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Shalakya Tantra, SJGAMC&H, Koppal, Karnataka
Veerayya R Hiremath
Professor and HOD, Dept. of Shalakya Tantra, SJGAMC&H, Koppal, Karnataka
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Diabetic retinopathy and its interpretations through ayurved
Year: 2019
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Diabetic retinopathy is a significant vision-threatening condition stemming from diabetes, characterized by chronic and progressive damage to the microvascular structures of the retina. This review discusses the prevalence and clinical manifestations of the disease, which include blurred vision, floaters, and potential vision loss. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding the disease's pathology through the lens of Ayurvedic principles, correlating modern clinical findings with traditional Ayurvedic terminologies and treatment protocols. The relevance of modern diagnosic tools, such as fundoscopy and optical coherence tomography (OCT), is underscored for effective disease detection and management.
The Ayurvedic Perspective on Diabetic Retinopathy
One key aspect discussed in the article is the Ayurvedic interpretation of diabetic retinopathy through the concepts of Dhatu Kshaya (tissue depletion) and Avarana Janya (obstruction). The authors explain that the condition arises from the deterioration of essential bodily tissues (Dhatus), particularly the Oja (vital essence). In diabetes, the depletion of the Oja affects the Rakta (blood) and Mamsa (muscle) dhatus, leading to microvascular abnormalities in the retina. Additionally, the article elaborates on how these abnormalities can be linked to a disruption in Vayu (bioenergetic forces) and its obstructive effects, correlating these disturbances with the clinical signs observed in diabetic retinopathy, thereby emphasizing the need to understand the underlying Ayurvedic pathogenesis when approaching treatment.
Management and Treatment Approaches
The article also details Ayurvedic treatment protocols for diabetic retinopathy, emphasizing a holistic approach that integrates the elimination of root causes (Nidana-Paribarjana) and therapeutic measures. Strategies include Sodhana (cleansing therapies) and Samsamana (palliative treatments) tailored to address the specific imbalances of Dhatu Kshaya, Avarana, Raktapitta (bleeding disorders), and Mandagni (weak digestion). Various therapies, such as Tarpana (eye nourishment), Ashchyotana (eye drops), Basti (medicated enemas), and Rasayana (rejuvenation therapies), are advocated to restore balance and support eye health. Specific Ayurvedic concepts of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant treatments are also aligned with modern therapeutic practices to promote retinal healing and function.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the authors highlight the importance of a comprehensive understanding of the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy through Ayurvedic principles. They argue that correlating modern diagnostic methods with traditional Ayurvedic concepts not only facilitates accurate diagnosis but also enables the formulation of effective treatment strategies rooted in Ayurvedic medicine. The study advocates for the use of Ayurvedic interventions that support visual health while addressing the complexities of diabetic retinopathy, thereby reaffirming the significance of integrating traditional medical wisdom with contemporary clinical practice to optimize patient outcomes in chronic diabetes-related conditions.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is diabetic retinopathy and its symptoms?
Diabetic retinopathy is a chronic sight-threatening condition affecting retinal microvasculature. Symptoms include blurred vision, floaters, partial or total loss of vision, and a shadow across the visual field.
How does Ayurveda interpret diabetic retinopathy pathology?
In Ayurveda, diabetic retinopathy is linked to conditions like Dhatu Kshaya, Avarana, and Mandagni, which disrupt the balance of Doshas and Dhatus, leading to microvascular dysfunction in the retina.
What are the recommended Ayurvedic treatments for diabetic retinopathy?
Ayurvedic treatment includes Nidana-Paribarjana, Sodhana, and Sansamana Chikitsa, utilizing drugs with Chakshushya properties. Therapies such as Tarpana, Ashchyotana, and various herbal formulations support eye health and may restore vision.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Diabetic retinopathy and its interpretations through ayurved�. 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:
Diabetic retinopathy is a chronic progressive disease affecting the retinal micro-vasculature, associated with prolonged hyperglycemia and conditions linked to diabetes such as hypertension.
2) Dhatu:
In Ayurveda, 'Dhatu' refers to the body's basic tissues. Diabetic retinopathy involves the Kshaya (depletion) of key Dhatus, like Rakta (blood) and Mamsa (muscle).
3) Kshaya (Ksaya):
'Kshaya' means depletion or diminution. In diabetic retinopathy, Kshaya of Rakta and Mamsa Dhatu leads to structural and functional abnormalities in the retina.
4) Rakta:
'Rakta' is the term for blood in Ayurveda. In diabetic retinopathy, Rakta-dhatu is often vitiated, leading to symptoms like hemorrhages and microaneurysms in the eye.
5) Dhatukshaya (Dhatuksaya, Dhatu-kshaya):
'Dhatu-kshaya' indicates the depletion of body tissues. This condition results in retinal abnormalities seen in diabetic retinopathy, such as microvascular damage.
6) Avarana:
'Avarana' refers to the obstruction of Vata path by Doshas. In diabetic retinopathy, Avarana leads to vascular and neural dysfunctions, affecting vision.
7) Timira:
'Timira' represents a loss or blurring of vision. Diabetic retinopathy manifests in symptoms similar to Timira, like blurriness and floaters caused by retinal hemorrhages.
8) Basti:
Basti is a therapeutic enema used for Sodhana (purification) and Samana (pacification). For diabetic retinopathy, Basti with Chakshushya (beneficial for eyes) drugs is recommended.
9) Vayu:
Vayu (air) in Ayurveda, specifically Vyana Vayu, is responsible for circulation and neural conduction. In diabetic retinopathy, its dysfunction due to Avarana leads to retinal issues.
10) Rasayana (Rasa-ayana):
Rasayana refers to rejuvenation therapy in Ayurveda. Rasayana drugs, with antioxidant properties, are used to manage diabetic retinopathy by restoring microvascular functions.
11) Ghrita (Ghrta):
Ghrita is clarified butter used in Ayurveda. Ayurvedic treatments for diabetic retinopathy include Tarpana procedures using medicinal Ghritas like Patoladi ghrita and Jivantyadi ghrita.
12) Pitta:
Pitta represents the fire element responsible for metabolism. In diabetic retinopathy, Pitta along with Rakta gets vitiated, causing retinal microvascular abnormalities.
13) Raktapitta (Rakta-pitta):
Rakta-pitta leads to bleeding disorders. Urdhwaga Rakta-pitta is associated with diabetic retinopathy, causing retinal hemorrhages and microvascular abnormalities.
14) Mandagni (Manda-agni, Mamdagni):
'Mandagni' means weak digestive fire, leading to Ama (toxins) production. In diabetic retinopathy, Mandagni causes metabolic imbalances contributing to retinal damage.
15) Prameha:
Prameha encompasses urinary disorders, with Madhumeha (diabetes) being a primary type. Prolonged Prameha leads to complications like diabetic retinopathy, impacting vision.
16) Vyana:
Vyana Vayu is a subtype of Vata responsible for circulation and movement. In diabetic retinopathy, obstruction of Vyana Vayu results in vascular issues in the retina.
17) Vata:
Vata, one of the three primary Doshas, represents air & movement. Diabetic retinopathy involves Vata disturbance causing circulatory and neural dysfunction in the retina.
18) Vyanavayu (Vyana-vayu):
Vyana Vayu governs circulation and movement. In diabetic retinopathy, Avarana (obstruction) of Vyana Vayu causes retinal vascular abnormalities.
19) Samprapti:
Samprapti in Ayurveda refers to the pathogenesis of a disease. Understanding the Samprapti of diabetic retinopathy aids in designing effective Ayurvedic treatments.
20) Dosha (Dosa):
Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) are bio-elements in Ayurveda. In diabetic retinopathy, disturbances of Vata, Pitta, and Rakta Doshas lead to retinal issues.
21) Edema (Oedema):
Edema is swelling due to fluid accumulation. Diabetic retinopathy causes macular edema, affecting vision by increasing retinal vascular permeability.
22) Pratyaksha (Pratyaksa):
Pratyaksha is direct perception or evidence. In diagnosing diabetic retinopathy, procedures like fundoscopy or OCT provide Pratyaksha of retinal abnormalities.
23) Triphala (Tri-phala):
Triphala is a traditional Ayurvedic formulation. In diabetic retinopathy, Triphala Ghrita and Mahatriphala Ghrita are used for Tarpana to reduce hemorrhagic signs.
24) Tarpana:
Tarpana is an Ayurvedic ocular therapy using medicated Ghrita. Patoladi Ghrita and Jivantyadi Ghrita Tarpana are effective in treating diabetic retinopathy symptoms.
25) Mamsa (Mamsha):
Mamsa refers to muscle tissue. In diabetic retinopathy, Mamsa Dhatu Kshaya contributes to vascular abnormalities in the retina due to structural weakness.
26) Drug:
In treating diabetic retinopathy, Ayurvedic drugs like Triphala, Jivantyadi Ghrita, and Rasayana herbs, which have Chakshushya properties, are utilized.
27) Triphaladi (Triphala-adi):
Triphaladi refers to formulations containing Triphala. Triphaladi Kwatha is used as part of the treatment for diabetic retinopathy in Ayurvedic medicine.
28) Shaithilya (Saithilya):
Saithilya indicates laxity or loss of tone. In diabetic retinopathy, Rakta and Mamsa Dhatus' Saithilya results in vascular abnormalities in retinal microvasculature.
29) Guggulu:
Guggulu is an Ayurvedic resin used for its therapeutic properties. Amrutadi Guggulu is one example used to manage diabetic retinopathy by balancing doshas.
30) Dhamani:
'Dhamani' refers to arteries in Ayurvedic terminology. In diabetic retinopathy, Dhamani Saithilya, indicating arterial weakness, contributes to retinal issues.
31) Nasya (Nashya):
Nasya is nasal administration of medicine. It involves using Chakshushya Dravyas to manage diabetic retinopathy by alleviating symptoms such as loss of vision.
32) Karma (Karman):
'Karma' means action or procedure. Various Ayurvedic Karma such as Tarpan, Virechana, and Basti are used to treat the underlying causes of diabetic retinopathy.
33) Kumar:
Tarun Kumar Dwibedi is one of the authors of this study, contributing to the research on Ayurvedic interpretations and treatments for diabetic retinopathy.
34) Prana (Pran):
Prana Vayu controls the functions of all other Vayus. Its obstruction by Pranavritta Vyana Vayu in diabetic retinopathy leads to circulatory dysfunction in the retina.
35) Gati:
Gati refers to movement or flow. In diabetic retinopathy, Avarana or obstruction of Vyana Vayu affects the Gati of blood flow in retinal vessels, causing disease.
36) Sira (Shira):
Sira are blood vessels in Ayurveda. In diabetic retinopathy, Sira Saithilya (laxity of veins) results in vascular abnormalities like hemorrhages in the retina.
37) Manjishthadi (Manjisthadi):
Manjisthadi formulations, such as Manjisthadi Aschyotana, are used in Ayurvedic treatments for NP diabetic retinopathy to address symptoms like hemorrhages.
38) Mamsadhatu (Mamsha-dhatu):
Mamsa-dhatu refers to muscle tissue. Its depletion, known as Mamsa-kshaya, contributes to retinal microvascular abnormalities in diabetic retinopathy.
39) Pranavayu (Prana-vayu):
Prana-Vayu governs vital life forces. Obstruction by Pranavritta Vyana Vayu in diabetic retinopathy impacts proper circulation and vision.
40) Jivantyadi:
Jivantyadi Ghrita is used for Tarpana in Ayurvedic eye treatments. It can help manage symptoms of retinal ischemic conditions in diabetic retinopathy.
41) Perception:
Perception, or Darshana, is the act of seeing. In diabetic retinopathy, perception is impaired (Timira) due to ocular issues like hemorrhages and exudates.
42) Karnataka:
Karnataka is the Indian state where the research institution SJGAMC & H, Koppal, is located. The authors work here in the field of Ayurvedic eye treatment.
43) Lakshana (Laksana):
Lakshana means symptoms. The Lakshana of diabetic retinopathy includes blurriness, floaters, and retinal hemorrhages, which are interpreted as Prameha Timira.
44) Patoladi (Patola-adi):
Patoladi Ghrita is used in Ayurvedic Tarpana treatment. It is effective for retinal ischemic conditions and Dhatu-kshaya experienced in diabetic retinopathy.
45) Amalaki:
Amalaki, part of Triphala, has antioxidant properties. It is used in Ayurvedic formulations to treat diabetic retinopathy and reduce oxidative retinal damage.
46) Shodhana (Sodhana):
Sodhana is the purificatory therapy in Ayurveda, including Virechana (purgation) and Basti (enema), which are pivotal in treating diabetic retinopathy.
47) India:
India is the country where this study on Ayurveda's approach to diabetic retinopathy was conducted. Ayurvedic practices encompass a significant part of traditional Indian medicine.
48) Blood:
Blood, or Rakta in Ayurveda, when vitiated in diabetic retinopathy, leads to microaneurysms and hemorrhages, causing visual impairment.
49) Shalakyatantra (Salakyatantra, Shalakya-tantra, Shalakyatamtra):
Shalakya-tantra is the branch of Ayurveda dealing with diseases above the clavicle, including the eye. Diabetic retinopathy treatment falls under this category.
50) Phalatrikadi (Phalatrika-adi):
Phalatrikadi Kwatha is an Ayurvedic formulation used to manage diabetic retinopathy. It includes ingredients like Haritaki, Vibahtaki, and Amalaki.
51) Shirodhara (Sirodhara, Shiras-dhara):
Shirodhara is an Ayurvedic therapy where medicated liquids are poured over the forehead. It is used for stress relief, which can indirectly benefit diabetic retinopathy.
52) Indriya (Imdriya):
Indriya refers to sensory organs. In diabetic retinopathy, Sunyata indicates the eyes cannot perceive visual stimuli due to retinal damage.
53) Shunyata (Sunyata):
Sunyata means emptiness or void. In diabetic retinopathy, Indriya Sunyata signifies loss of vision due to neural and vascular obstructions.
54) Pittaja (Pitta-ja):
Pittaja means related to the Pitta dosha. Pittaja disorders in diabetic retinopathy cause retinal hemorrhage and other vascular abnormalities.
55) Tantra (Tamtra, Tantrism):
Tantra signifies specialized procedural knowledge. Shalakya-tantra is the specific branch dealing with ocular diseases in Ayurveda, relevant to diabetic retinopathy.
56) Dravya:
Dravya refers to medicinal substances. Ayurvedic treatments for diabetic retinopathy use Chakshushya Dravyas like Triphala, Jivantyadi Ghrita, and Rasaoushadhi.
57) Eranda (Eramda):
Eranda (castor) oil is used in Virechana therapy to treat Avarana. Erandataila, when mixed with milk, is specific for Vata disorders in diabetic retinopathy.
58) Katuki:
Katuki is a medicinal herb used in formulations like Mahavasadi Kwatha. It helps manage diabetes-related complications, including diabetic retinopathy.
59) Cotton:
Cotton wool spots are retinal abnormalities seen in diabetic retinopathy. They indicate areas of ischemia or microinfarction in the retina.
60) Panca (Pancan, Pamca):
Pancha refers to the number five. In the context of treatments like Panchatikta Pancha Prasritika Basti, a set of five bitter-herbs is used.
61) Taila (Thaila):
Taila refers to oil. Eranda Taila is used in Virechana to treat Avarana in diabetic retinopathy, helping to alleviate blockages in retinal blood flow.
62) Ahara:
Ahara means diet. Dietary management, especially reducing sugary foods, is essential in Prameha (diabetes) management, which affects diabetic retinopathy.
63) Netra:
Netra means eyes. Netra Rakshana (protection of the eyes) is paramount in diabetic retinopathy to prevent vision loss and manage the underlying condition.
64) Bhaga:
Bhaga refers to parts or divisions. In the context of Mandagni, which hampers the production of Dhatus (body tissues), Bhaga indicates divisions affected.
65) Roga:
Roga means disease. Diabetic retinopathy is considered a roga that involves complex pathological changes in the retinal microvasculature and requires holistic treatment.
66) Lepa:
Lepa refers to medicinal pastes or plasters applied to affected areas. In diabetic retinopathy treatment, Shirolepa can be used for therapeutic benefits.
67) Kaya:
Kaya refers to the body. Various Ayurvedic cleansing and balancing treatments, including Kaya Virechana and Basti, are used to treat the systemic effects of diabetic retinopathy.
68) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa in Ayurveda often means essence or sap. Treatment protocols for diabetic retinopathy involve the use of Rasayana (rejuvenating) therapies beneficial for the Rasa Dhatu (plasma).
69) Yoga:
Yoga means a combination or practice. Ayurvedic yogas, like Triphaladi Kwatha and Rasayana practices, are used in managing diabetic retinopathy.
70) Vati:
Vati means tablet or pill. Ayurvedic management of diabetic retinopathy includes medications like Arogyavardhini Vati which help balance doshas and improve ocular health.
71) Wool:
Cotton wool spots are a feature of diabetic retinopathy indicating ischemia. They help diagnose the severity and progression of retinal damage.
72) Pratimarshanasya (Pratimarsanasya, Pratimarsha-nasya):
Pratimarsha Nasya is a form of Nasya (nasal administration) used daily for maintaining health. Anutaila is one such medicated oil used for chronic conditions including diabetic retinopathy.
73) Triphalaguggulu (Triphala-guggulu):
Triphala Guggulu combines Triphala and the resin of the Guggulu plant. It is used for its anti-inflammatory and rejuvenating properties, beneficial in diabetic retinopathy.
74) Avyaktadarshana (Avyaktadarsana, Avyakta-darshana):
Avyakta Darshana means unclear vision. This symptom in diabetic retinopathy correlates with Timira in Ayurvedic texts, indicating blurriness due to retinal damage.
75) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological modulators like VEGF and PKC inhibitors are used in modern treatments for diabetic retinopathy, paralleled in Ayurveda by antioxidant and Rasayana therapies.
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 155]
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