Non-Invasive Ayurvedic Management of Cholelithiasis - A Case Study
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Non-Invasive Ayurvedic Management of Cholelithiasis - A Case Study
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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Gracy Sokiya
Assistant Professor, Department of Kayachikitsa, Patanjali Bhartiya Ayurvigyan Evam Anusandhan Sansthan, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India.
Divya Sharma
PG Scholar, Department of Kayachikitsa, Patanjali Bhartiya Ayurvigyan Evam Anusandhan Sansthan, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India.
Gaurav Sharma
Assistant Professor, Department of Rachna Sharir, Patanjali Bhartiya Ayurvigyan Evam Anusandhan Sansthan, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India.
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Non-Invasive Ayurvedic Management of Cholelithiasis - A Case Study
Year: 2023 | Doi: 10.47070/ayushdhara.v10iSuppl2.1217
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Cholelithiasis, commonly known as gallstones, is a prevalent condition linked to the biliary tree, often resulting in cholecystitis, or inflammation of the gallbladder. While modern medicine primarily resorts to surgical interventions to eliminate gallstones, this case study explores the potential of Ayurvedic treatments. Ayurvedic texts do not specifically mention gallstones but relate them to the concept of Bastigata Ashmari (renal calculi). This study presents a case of a 64-year-old male suffering from cholelithiasis, treated with a comprehensive Ayurvedic protocol over approximately two months.
Ayurvedic Understanding of Gallstones
In Ayurveda, the formation of gallstones is associated with an imbalance of the three doshas�Pitta, Kapha, and Vata. Specifically, the vitiation of Pitta, often exacerbated by the intake of spicy foods and alcohol, serves as a precursor to gallstone formation. Kapha dosha, influenced by fatty foods, contributes a sticky quality, while Vata dosha acts to dry and shape the mixture into calculi. The treatment approach aims to balance these doshas and promote the natural expulsion of stones. Ayurvedic interventions leverage various herbal formulations—like Gokhru Kwath, specific Churna combinations, and Lithom tablets—targeting the dissolution of stones and alleviation of symptoms.
Management and Patient Outcomes
The patient underwent a tailored Ayurvedic treatment plan that included the use of specially formulated medications designed to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and assist in breaking down gallstones. The regimen lasted for two months and involved dietary modifications, emphasizing hydration and the inclusion of specific foods while avoiding those that aggravate the condition. Post-treatment assessments, including abdominal ultrasounds, showed remarkable improvement: the gallbladder appeared normal, and the previously identified stones were no longer present, confirming the efficacy of the Ayurvedic management approach.
Conclusion
This case study highlights the effectiveness of Ayurvedic medicine in treating cholelithiasis without resorting to surgical procedures. As modern patients increasingly seek non-invasive treatment options, this research underscores the potential of Ayurveda as a viable alternative to conventional surgical interventions. The positive outcomes reported may encourage further exploration and acceptance of Ayurvedic methods not only in managing gallstones but also in treating similar conditions. Thus, individuals suffering from cholelithiasis are advised to consider the benefits of Ayurvedic treatments as part of their healthcare options.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is cholelithiasis and its common indicators?
Cholelithiasis, or gallstones, occurs when bile components precipitate into hard stones. Common indicators include abdominal heaviness, intermittent pain, and nausea, often diagnosed via ultrasonography.
How does Ayurveda approach the treatment of cholelithiasis?
Ayurveda treats cholelithiasis, termed Pittashmari, through non-invasive methods. It focuses on balancing doshas, particularly Pitta, and employs medications like Gokhru and various herbal formulations to dissolve stones naturally.
What results were observed in the case study after Ayurvedic treatment?
After two months of Ayurvedic treatment, the patient experienced significant symptom relief. Follow-up imaging showed the dissolution of gallstones, confirming the effectiveness of the Ayurvedic management approach.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Non-Invasive Ayurvedic Management of Cholelithiasis - 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) Bile:
Bile is a digestive fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, which helps in the digestion of fats. Its over-saturation with cholesterol can lead to the formation of gallstones. In Ayurveda, it is related to 'Accha Pitta'.
2) Pain:
Pain, particularly in the right flank region of the abdomen, is a common symptom of cholelithiasis (gallstones). In the case study, the patient experienced mild to moderate intermittent pain. Ayurvedic treatments focus on 'Shoolahara' remedies to relieve pain.
3) Ashmari (Asmari):
Ashmari refers to stony formations that can occur in various parts of the body, most commonly the urinary tract. In Ayurveda, gallstones are likened to 'Pittashmari' due to their similar formation processes involving bile (Accha Pitta).
4) Bhasma (Bhasman):
Bhasma refers to calcined preparations used in Ayurvedic medicine. For instance, 'Tamra Bhasma' is used in the treatment protocol outlined in the case study for its medicinal properties in dissolving calculi (stones).
5) Nausea:
Nausea is one of the symptoms experienced by the patient in the case study, often accompanying gallstone-related abdominal pain. It is an important subjective metric used to assess the patient's improvement.
6) Food:
Certain dietary habits are related to the formation of gallstones, such as the intake of fatty foods, which can increase 'Kapha dosha'. The case study outlines specific dietary guidelines, both 'Pathya' (beneficial foods) and 'Apathya' (foods to avoid).
7) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is the traditional Indian system of medicine that employs herbal formulations and dietary regulations for treating various conditions, including cholelithiasis (gallstones), which is referred to as 'Pittashmari'.
8) Dosha (Dosa):
In Ayurveda, 'Dosha' refers to the three fundamental bodily bio-elements: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. An imbalance in these doshas, such as the case of 'Pitta dosha', can lead to conditions like cholelithiasis.
9) Pitta:
Pitta is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, responsible for metabolism and digestion. Imbalances in Pitta, along with 'Kapha' and 'Vata', contribute to the formation of gallstones, referred to as 'Pittashmari'.
10) Medicine:
In the context of the provided case study, medicines such as 'Gokhru Kwath', 'Churna combination', and proprietary tablets like 'Lithom' are used for the Ayurvedic management of cholelithiasis.
11) Disease:
The presented disease is cholelithiasis, which involves the formation of gallstones. It is managed in Ayurveda as 'Pittashmari', leveraging herbal medicines and specific dietary protocols to dissolve the stones non-surgically.
12) Sharman (Sarma, Sharma, Sarman):
Sharma refers to the authors of the case study. Gracy Sokiya, Divya Sharma, and Gaurav Sharma are the researchers who documented the Ayurvedic management of cholelithiasis.
13) Kapha:
Kapha is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, associated with structure and immunity. An excess of Kapha, mixed with vitiated Pitta, contributes to the formation of gallstones as noted in the case study.
14) Pharmacological:
This refers to the conventional medical approach involving pharmaceutical drugs. The case study highlights the patient's ineffectiveness with modern pharmacological treatments like NSAIDs and antispasmodics.
15) Pittashaya (Pittasaya):
Pittashaya is the Ayurvedic term for the gallbladder. It is considered the storage site of 'Accha Pitta' (bile), and any solidification of this bile in the Pittashaya leads to the formation of 'Pittashmari' (gallstones).
16) Guggulu:
Guggulu is an Ayurvedic resin known for its medicinal properties. 'Saptavinshati Guggulu', as mentioned in the case study, is used for its anti-inflammatory and carminative effects, assisting in the treatment of gallstones.
17) Divya:
Divya Pharmacy is a manufacturer of Ayurvedic medicines. The proprietary 'Lithom Tablet' used in the case study for treating gallstones is formulated by Divya Pharmacy.
18) Tamrabhasma (Tamra-bhasma):
Tamra-bhasma is an Ayurvedic preparation of calcined copper used in managing conditions such as gallstones (Pittashmari). It is part of the churna combination prescribed in the case study.
19) Inflammation:
Inflammation, particularly in the gallbladder (cholecystitis), is commonly associated with gallstones. Ayurvedic treatment focuses on anti-inflammatory (Shothahara) properties to reduce this inflammation.
20) Pittadosha (Pittadosa, Pitta-dosha):
Pitta-dosha is one of the three Ayurvedic doshas, responsible for digestion and metabolism. Imbalance in Pitta, along with Kapha and Vata, is a significant factor in the formation of gallstones (Pittashmari).
21) Vatadosha (Vatadosa, Vata-dosha):
Vatadosha is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda. Along with Pitta and Kapha doshas, its imbalance leads to various ailments, including the formation of gallstones (Pittashmari).
22) Patanjali:
Patanjali Ayurved Limited is a major Ayurvedic product company in India. The case study's medications were prescribed by a hospital under the Patanjali Ayurved organization.
23) Vitiation (Vitiated):
Vitiation refers to the disturbance or imbalance of the doshas in Ayurvedic medicine. The case study notes the vitiation of Kapha and Vata doshas in the formation of gallstones as Pittashmari.
24) Tamra:
Tamra is the Sanskrit word for Copper. In Ayurvedic medicine, 'Tamra Bhasma', made from calcined copper, is used for its therapeutic properties in managing conditions like gallstones.
25) Basti:
Basti refers to both the urinary bladder and therapeutic enemas in Ayurveda. While not directly discussed in the case study, renal calculi (urinary stones) are more commonly associated with Basti.
26) Kshara (Ksara):
Ksara refers to alkali preparations used in Ayurveda for their cleansing and dissolving properties. Ingredients like 'Yava Ksara' and 'Kulattha' mentioned in the case study are examples.
27) Vati:
Vati denotes tablet formulations in Ayurveda. 'Arogyavardhini Vati' and 'Saptavinshati Guggulu Vati' are some of the tablets mentioned in the case study for the management of cholelithiasis (gallstones).
28) Vata:
Vata is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda controlling movement, circulation, and various bodily functions. Its imbalance, along with Pitta and Kapha, contributes to gallstone formation.
29) Diet:
Diet plays a significant role in both causing and treating gallstones in Ayurveda. The case study provides detailed dietary guidelines, recommending what to consume ('Pathya') and what to avoid ('Apathya').
30) Drug:
Drugs such as 'Gokhru Kwath', 'Churna combination', and 'Lithom tablets' are used in the Ayurvedic treatment of gallstones (Pittashmari). These medications aim to balance doshas and dissolve the stones.
31) Coconut water:
Coconut water is mentioned as a beneficial ('Pathya') beverage in the Ayurvedic dietary recommendations for managing gallstones (Pittashmari), helping in hydration and reducing stone formation.
32) Bastishodhana (Bastisodhana, Basti-shodhana):
Basti-shodhana refers to cleansing procedures for the bladder in Ayurveda. Though primarily associated with urinary stones, similar cleansing principles apply to treating gallstones (Pittashmari).
33) Acchapitta (Accha-pitta):
Acchapitta, or pure bile, exists within the gallbladder (Pittashaya). In Ayurveda, when Acchapitta solidifies, it results in the formation of gallstones (Pittashmari).
34) Kaphadosha (Kaphadosa, Kapha-dosha):
Kapha-dosha is one of the three doshas responsible for structure and immunity. Its imbalance, along with Pitta and Vata doshas, is a contributing factor to the formation of gallstones (Pittashmari).
35) Shothahara (Sothahara, Shotha-hara):
Shothahara refers to the anti-inflammatory properties of certain Ayurvedic treatments. Reducing inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis) is crucial in the non-invasive management of gallstones.
36) Yavakshara (Yava-kshara, Yavaksara):
Yava-ksara, an alkali derived from barley, is used in Ayurvedic formulations like 'Lithom Tablets' to help dissolve stones (Pittashmari) and improve digestion.
37) Green gram:
Green gram (Mung beans) is recommended as part of the 'Pathya' dietary guidelines in Ayurveda for managing gallstones (Pittashmari), aiding digestion and balancing doshas.
38) Discussion:
The discussion section in the case study elaborates on the Ayurvedic understanding of cholelithiasis, the role of doshas, and the effectiveness of selected medicinal plants and formulations.
39) Punarnava (Punar-nava):
Punarnava is an Ayurvedic herb included in 'Lithom Tablets', known for its anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and stone-dissolving properties, beneficial in managing gallstones (Pittashmari).
40) Anulomana:
Anulomana refers to the corrective action on the direction of Vata dosha. It’s part of the treatment approach to ensure proper digestion and elimination, which is crucial in the management of gallstones.
41) Kushmanda (Kusmanda, Kushmamda):
Kushmanda (Ash gourd) is listed in the 'Pathya' foods for patients with gallstones. It helps in maintaining digestive health and mitigating the formation of calculi (Pittashmari).
42) Kulattha:
Kulattha (Horse Gram) is recommended as a 'Pathya' food in Ayurveda for managing gallstones (Pittashmari). It aids in dissolving stones and improving digestive health.
43) Vagbhata:
Vagbhata is one of the classical authors of Ayurvedic texts. His teachings help correlate the formation of gallstones (Pittashmari) to concepts in Ayurveda, such as Ruchana in the Pittashaya of cows.
44) Shodhana (Sodhana):
Shodhana refers to the cleansing processes in Ayurvedic treatment aimed at detoxifying the body and balancing doshas. These procedures are integral to managing conditions like gallstones (Pittashmari).
45) Aushadhi (Ausadhi, Aushadhin, Ausadhin):
Aushadhi means medicine in Ayurveda. The case study mentions various 'Sanshamana Aushadhi,' such as 'Gokhru Kwath', used to address gallstones (Pittashmari) through non-invasive means.
46) Chedana:
Chedana means cutting or detaching in Ayurveda. Though not explicitly detailed in the case study, it could refer to the process of breaking down or dissolving gallstones (Pittashmari).
47) Bhedana:
Bhedana refers to splitting or breaking apart substances. In Ayurvedic treatment for gallstones (Pittashmari), Bhedana herbs help dissolve and expel the stones.
48) Lekhana:
Lekhana refers to scraping or removing pathological substances. Ayurvedic treatments aim at 'Lekhana' to dissolve gallstones (Pittashmari) and cleanse the bile ducts and gallbladder.
49) Parpati:
Parpati refers to a group of Ayurvedic formulations prepared by incinerating metals and minerals. Ingredients like 'Swet Parpati' in 'Lithom Tablets' help in managing gallstones.
50) Anupana:
Anupana refers to the vehicle or medium through which Ayurvedic medicines are taken. In the case study, medications like 'Gokhru Kwath' are consumed with 'Sukhoshana jal' (lukewarm water).
51) Apathya:
Apathya are dietary and lifestyle factors to avoid. The case study specifies foods like black gram, brinjal, and oily foods as 'Apathya' in the management of gallstones (Pittashmari).
52) Coconut (Cocoanut):
Coconut water, derived from coconut, is recommended as a 'Pathya' drink in the Ayurvedic dietary guidelines for managing gallstones (Pittashmari), aiding hydration and digestion.
53) Brinjal:
Brinjal (eggplant) is listed as an 'Apathya' food to avoid in the Ayurvedic management of gallstones (Pittashmari) due to its properties that can vitiate doshas and aggravate the condition.
54) Mulaka:
Mulaka (radish) is mentioned as an ingredient in Ayurvedic formulations for its medicinal properties, although not directly discussed in the case study for treating gallstones.
55) Shigru (Sigru):
Shigru (Moringa) is advised as part of the 'Pathya' food recommendations for managing gallstones (Pittashmari) in Ayurveda due to its digestive and medicinal properties.
56) Dadima:
Dadima (Pomegranate) is listed in the 'Pathya' foods in Ayurveda for its benefits in digestive health and dosha balance, aiding in managing gallstones (Pittashmari).
57) Pathya:
Pathya refers to supportive dietary and lifestyle measures in Ayurveda. For gallstones (Pittashmari), foods like barley water and tender coconut water are recommended as 'Pathya'.
58) Lavana:
Lavana means salt in Ayurveda. Excess salt consumption is listed as an 'Apathya' factor to avoid in managing gallstones (Pittashmari), as it can imbalance the doshas.
59) Varuna:
Varuna is an Ayurvedic herb mentioned as part of the 'Pathya' foods, beneficial in managing urinary and biliary calculi due to its stone-dissolving properties.
60) Family:
Family history is noted as a risk factor for the formation of gallstones (Pittashmari), as hereditary predisposition can influence the balance of doshas and bile composition.
61) Powder:
Powder formulations, such as those including 'Kapardak Bhasma', 'Tamra Bhasma', and 'Shankh Bhasma', are used in the Ayurvedic treatment of gallstones (Pittashmari) for their medicinal properties.
62) Methi:
Methi (Fenugreek) is included in the 'Lithom Tablets' used for managing gallstones (Pittashmari) in the Ayurvedic case study due to its medicinal properties.
63) Accha:
Accha refers to pure or clarified substances. In the context of Accha-pitta, it denotes pure bile in the gallbladder (Pittashaya), which can form stones (Pittashmari) when solidified.
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