Study of Twacha Sharir: Charak's Fourth Layer and Dadru Vyadhi
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Study of twacha sharir with special reference to charakokta chaturtha sthariya (fourth layer) dadru vyadhi
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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Biyani Yogini
Associate Professor, Dept. of Rachana Sharir, SST’s Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Sangamner, Maharashtra
Morade Swati
Associate Professor, Dept. of Kriya Sharir, SST’s Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Sangamner, Maharashtra
Kapse Ganesh
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Rachana Sharir, SST’s Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Sangamner, Maharashtra
Varade Shilpa
Associate Professor, Dept. of Rachana Sharir, Shri Ayurved College, Nagpur, Maharashtra
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Study of twacha sharir with special reference to charakokta chaturtha sthariya (fourth layer) dadru vyadhi
Year: 2019
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The research article investigates the Ayurvedic concept of Twacha (skin) with a focus on the fourth layer, known as Chaturtha Sthariya, in relation to Dadru Vyadhi, a skin condition that correlates with tinea infections. Both the ancient Ayurvedic texts, specifically those by Charaka, and modern scientific approaches are employed to explore the structural and functional characteristics of the skin layers, emphasizing the significance of understanding such concepts in the context of dermatological disorders. The study aims to identify the relevant anatomical and physiological changes occurring in the skin due to Dadru Vyadhi and to draw parallels between this condition and modern classifications of skin infections.
Anatomical and Physiological Changes in Dadru Vyadhi
The study establishes that the main histopathological changes associated with Dadru Vyadhi occur primarily within the fourth layer of the skin as detailed by Charaka. In the examined cohort of 30 patients, various conditions were documented to further understand the anatomical changes that occurred among patients with Dadru. The prevalent alterations included hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis, mild acanthosis, spongiosis, and inflammatory changes in the dermis. This reinforces the traditional Ayurvedic perspective which positions Dadru Vyadhi firmly within the fourth layer of the skin and showcases how traditional descriptions align with notable findings in modern dermatopathology.
Relation to Tinea Infection
Significantly, there was a notable correlation established between Dadru Vyadhi and tinea infections, particularly Tinea corporis. The study observed that symptoms associated with Dadru, such as itching (Kandu), redness (Vaivarnya), and raised patches (Pidika), mirrored those found in tinea infections, suggesting overlapping diagnostic criteria. The research included diagnostic confirmation through potassium hydroxide (KOH) testing, which indicated that a substantial percentage of patients presented with positive results for fungal infection, displaying the shared characteristics of both conditions. Such findings underline the necessity to view Ayurvedic classifications through a lens compatible with contemporary medical diagnostics, enhancing the understanding of skin disorders.
Conclusion
The outcomes of this research affirm the relevance of ancient Ayurvedic wisdom in modern dermatological contexts, particularly concerning the classification and understanding of skin diseases like Dadru Vyadhi. The anatomical and physiological changes observed within the skin layers reinforce the Ayurvedic framework while also aligning with contemporary medical findings related to tinea infections. The study encourages further exploration into the deeper layers of the skin and the potential for secondary infections, reflecting a growing need for integrative approaches in medical research that span traditional and modern practices. This convergence of knowledge could lead to improved treatment paradigms for skin conditions characterized by intricate interactions between anatomical structure and infectious pathology.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the focus of the study on Twacha Sharir?
The study focuses on Twacha Sharir, particularly examining the fourth layer associated with Dadru Vyadhi and its relation to Tinea infections through histopathological analysis.
What methodology was used to assess Dadru Vyadhi patients?
The study involved selecting 30 patients with Dadru symptoms, conducting potassium hydroxide tests for fungal confirmation, and performing skin biopsies for histopathological examination.
What were the key findings regarding histopathological changes in patients?
The findings revealed significant anatomico-physiological changes in the skin layers of Dadru patients, such as hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis, mild acanthosis, and inflammatory changes in the dermis.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Study of Twacha Sharir: Charak's Fourth Layer and Dadru Vyadhi�. 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) Dadru:
Dadru is identified as a type of Kushtha that manifests in the fourth layer of the skin, showing similarities with Tinea or ringworm infections. It is marked by raised, circular patches, redness, itching, and sometimes discharge.
2) Pitta:
Pitta refers to one of the three Doshas in Ayurveda, associated with heat and metabolism in the body. It plays a critical role in the Samprapti (pathogenesis) of Dadru and other diseases by influencing their signs and symptoms.
3) Kapha:
Kapha is another Dosha in Ayurveda, relating to bodily structure and stability. In the context of Dadru, it contributes to the disease’s characteristics such as itching, redness, and the raised patches on the skin.
4) Vata:
Vata represents one of the three Doshas in Ayurveda, primarily associated with movement and bodily functions. It less predominantly influences Dadru compared to Pitta and Kapha, but still plays a role in the overall disease mechanism.
5) Disease:
Disease in this context refers to pathological states like Dadru Vyadhi, which involves dermatological and physiological manifestations in the skin layers, explicitly studied to understand Ayurvedic and modern correlations.
6) Kandu (Kamdu):
Kandu is a key symptom of Dadru, translating to itching. It was observed in all patients with Dadru Vyadhi, making it a significant clinical feature for the diagnosis of the condition.
7) Vaivarṇya (Vaivarnya, Vaivanrya):
Vaivarnya denotes discoloration of the skin, another prominent symptom of Dadru Vyadhi, often observed in association with other signs like itching and raised patches.
8) Pidika:
Pidika refers to small bumps or pustules that appear on the skin. It is one of the symptoms found in patients suffering from Dadru Vyadhi and contributes to the clinical diagnosis.
9) Chaturtha:
Chaturtha translates to 'fourth' and is here used to refer to the fourth layer of the skin where Dadru manifests. Charaka delineates this in the classical layers of Twacha in Ayurveda.
10) Vyadhin (Vyadhi):
Vyadhi means disease in Sanskrit, indicating a pathological state. In this document, it pertains specifically to Dadru Vyadhi, a dermatological disorder in Ayurveda.
11) Daha:
Daha signifies burning sensation, a symptom that manifests in some cases of Dadru Vyadhi, causing discomfort and adding to the disease’s symptomatology.
12) Maharashtra (Maharastra, Maha-rashtra):
Maharashtra is a state in India, mentioned in the study as the location where some of the authors are based, contributing to the research on Dadru and its Ayurvedic context.
13) Rukshata (Ruksata):
Rukshata means dryness, another symptom associated with Dadru Vyadhi. This indicates the complexity and variation in the clinical skin conditions observed.
14) Vataja (Vata-ja):
[see source text or glossary: Vataja]
15) India:
India is significant as the country where Ayurveda, the ancient medicinal system discussed here, originated and is still widely practiced, providing context to the study of Dadru.
16) Indriya (Imdriya):
Indriya refers to sense organs in Ayurveda. Twacha is identified as a Dnyanendriya, making it crucial in the study of skin diseases like Dadru Vyadhi in Ayurvedic medicine.
17) Kushtha (Kustha):
Kushtha is a classification of skin diseases in Ayurveda, within which Dadru falls. It’s essential to understanding the broader category of skin conditions treated in ancient medicine.
18) Sita (Shita):
[see source text or glossary: Sita]
19) Inflammation:
Inflammation is a critical response observed in the histopathological changes in Dadru Vyadhi. It occurs in the dermis layer, manifesting as physical symptoms of the disorder.
20) Knowledge:
[see source text or glossary: Knowledge]
21) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is the ancient Indian medicinal system discussed extensively in this text. It provides a comprehensive framework for understanding diseases like Dadru through principles of Doshas and layers of Twacha.
22) Medicine:
Medicine in this context spans both Ayurvedic and modern systems, aiming to provide a holistic view of diseases like Dadru and their treatment through various methodologies.
23) Dosha (Dosa):
Dosha refers to the three fundamental bodily bio-elements in Ayurveda (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) that govern physiological and pathological conditions, crucial to understanding diseases like Dadru.
24) Kriya:
[see source text or glossary: Kriya]
25) Doubt:
Doubt arises from the many unexplained or unclear aspects of Ayurvedokta (Ayurvedic) Twacha, necessitating detailed studies and research to clarify these traditional concepts.
26) Blood:
Blood (Asruk) is referenced concerning the second layer of Twacha, Asrukdhara, highlighting the Ayurvedic understanding of skin anatomy where blood-related symptoms or conditions manifest.
27) Burning sensation:
[see source text or glossary: Burning sensation]
28) Human body:
Human body is explored extensively in both Ayurveda and modern science, with particular emphasis on the skin's layers and the manifestations of diseases like Dadru.
29) Tuberculosis:
Tuberculosis is an example of an immunocompromising condition, making patients ineligible for the study to ensure data specificity to Dadru without external systemic illness influences.
30) Mandalakara (Mandala-kara):
Mandalakara signifies circular or ring-shaped lesions found in Dadru Vyadhi. It is a key diagnostic feature that parallels the lesion shapes in Tinea infections.
31) Kaphadosha (Kaphadosa, Kapha-dosha):
[see source text or glossary: Kapha-dosha]
32) Pratyaksha (Pratyaksa):
[see source text or glossary: Pratyaksha]
33) Udakadhara (Udaka-adhara, Udaka-dhara):
Udakadhara is the first outermost skin layer described in Ayurveda, holding significant physiological functions such as retaining moisture, compared to modern stratum corneum.
34) Samprapti:
Samprapti means pathogenesis in Ayurveda. It outlines the process through which Doshas like Pitta and Kapha contribute to the development of diseases such as Dadru.
35) Rasadhatu (Rasa-dhatu):
Rasadhatu is bodily fluid tissue that, according to Charaka, is contained and protected by the outermost layer of the skin (Udakadhara) from loss, aligning with the function of the stratum corneum.
36) Evolution:
Evolution in this context refers to the progressive stages of skin lesion evolution, crucial for biopsy and histopathological analysis in understanding diseases like Dadru.
37) Hygiene (Hygienic):
Hygienic conditions significantly affect the prevalence of Tinea infections, emphasizing cleanliness in the prevention and management of skin diseases like Dadru.
38) Samhita:
Samhita refers to classical Ayurvedic texts, like Charaka Samhita, from which the theoretical and practical principles of Ayurveda, such as those related to skin and diseases like Dadru, are derived.
39) Pramana:
Pramana refers to the means of acquiring knowledge in Ayurveda. Pratyaksha Pramana (direct perception) is a primary method but often challenged by modern scientific validation.
40) Kaphaja:
[see source text or glossary: Kaphaja]
41) Pittaja (Pitta-ja):
[see source text or glossary: Pittaja]
42) Lasika:
Lasika in Ayurveda is lymphatic fluid, retained by skin layers like Udakadhara. It parallels modern understanding of lymphatic systems involved in skin health and disease markers.
43) Anguli (Amguli):
Anguli Pariman refers to Ayurvedic measurement based on finger units, used historically in describing anatomical and diagnostic criteria, which modern science finds difficult to correlate precisely.
44) Basale:
[see source text or glossary: Basale]
45) Nagapura (Naga-pura):
Nagpur, a city in Maharashtra, India, is mentioned as the location of Shri Ayurved College, where part of the study on Dadru and Twacha Sharir was conducted.
46) Cotton:
Cotton is simply listed as one of the essential materials required in carrying out skin biopsies, which was a method used in the detailed study to diagnose Dadru.
47) Indian:
[see source text or glossary: Indian]
48) Asita (Ashita):
[see source text or glossary: Asita]
49) Shata (Sata):
[see source text or glossary: Shata]
50) Dhatu:
Dhatu represents bodily tissues in Ayurveda. Dadru, a skin disease, manifests in tissues influenced by Pitta and Kapha, emphasizing the tissue-level understanding of disease processes.
51) Atasi:
Atasi relates to flax plants, used in Ayurveda for therapeutic contexts. The color of Dadru lesions is sometimes compared to the reddish hue of Atasi flowers.
52) Ayus (Ayush):
[see source text or glossary: Ayush]
53) Glass:
Glass slides are used in KOH test preparations, vital for diagnosing Tinea infections akin to Dadru by examining skin scrapings for fungal elements.
54) Edema (Oedema):
Edema, or swelling, occurs between keratinocytes in the stratum spinosum and is observed as spongiosis in histopathological studies of Dadru Vyadhi and similar skin conditions.
55) Atman (Atma):
[see source text or glossary: Atma]
56) Shri (Sri, Sr):
Shri Ayurved College, Nagpur, is mentioned as an institution involved in the research of Dadru, providing educational and research support in the field of Ayurveda.
57) Mana:
[see source text or glossary: Mana]
58) Pain:
Pain, though not one of the primary symptoms listed for Dadru, is often associated with severe or secondary infections, manifesting alongside itching, inflammation, and other discomforts.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Study of Twacha Sharir: Charak's Fourth Layer and Dadru Vyadhi�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Ayurveda, Sushruta, Chalaka, Signs and symptoms, Skin Biopsy, Histopathological study, Hyperkeratosis, Spongiosis, Tinea infection, Twacha Sharir, Dadru Vyadhi, KOH test, Vata pittaj prakruti, Parakeratosis.