Asthi-Majja Gata Vata in IVDP: Management with Saghritha Ksheera Basti
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Management of asthi-majja gata vata wsr inter vertibral disc prolapse (ivdp) with saghritha ksheera basti – a conceptual 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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*Rajesh K
PG Scholar, Dep. of PG Studies In Kayachikitsa, SKAMCH&RC, Vijayanagar, Bangalore, Karnataka.
Abdul Khader
Reader, Dep. of PG Studies In Kayachikitsa, SKAMCH&RC, Vijayanagar, Bangalore, Karnataka.
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Management of asthi-majja gata vata wsr inter vertibral disc prolapse (ivdp) with saghritha ksheera basti – a conceptual study
Year: 2015
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Low back pain, or lumbago, is a prevalent issue that primary care practitioners encounter, often leading to significant health concerns. Approximately 37% of low back pain cases are linked to occupational risk factors. Among various underlying causes, intervertebral disc prolapse (IVDP) is a critical condition characterized by lumbago and varying symptoms, including localized pain and neurological deficits. Ancient Ayurvedic perspectives emphasize the importance of balancing body tissues (Dhatus) such as Asthi (bones) and Majja (marrow) while treating conditions like Asthi-Majja Gata Vata, utilizing therapies like Saghritha Ksheera Basti to alleviate symptoms and improve overall health.
The Concept of Asthi-Majja Gata Vata
Asthi-Majja Gata Vata refers to a condition where vitiated Vata dosha affects the bone and marrow tissues. Symptoms include joint pain, muscle weakness, and nerve involvement, manifesting as conditions such as Kati Graha (low back stiffness) and Gridhrasi (sciatica). The pathogenesis of this condition involves the movement of Vata dosha into the Sandhis (joints), leading to degeneration and discomfort in the tissues. Treatment strategies in Ayurveda focus on restoring balance to the Vata and improving the quality of Dhatus through internal and external therapies. Panchakarma techniques, including Basti (medicated enemas), are particularly emphasized for their effectiveness in addressing this disorder.
The Role of Saghritha Ksheera Basti
Saghritha Ksheera Basti is a therapeutic procedure that incorporates the benefits of ghee and milk in Ayurvedic practice. It serves as a dual-action treatment, providing both nourishing (Brihmana) and cleansing (Shodhana) properties. This therapy enhances the absorption of nutrients through the rectal mucosa, promoting systemic circulation of essential elements that strengthen bone and marrow health. The combination of Tikta Ksheera and Ajasthi Bhasma in this treatment aligns with ancient teachings that highlight the importance of supporting Asthi and Majja Dhatus to combat degeneration. Research indicates promising results when combining Basti therapies with appropriate herbal formulations in managing conditions like osteoporosis and sciatica.
Conclusion
The management of Asthi-Majja Gata Vata through the application of Saghritha Ksheera Basti represents a holistic approach grounded in Ayurvedic principles. This therapy not only alleviates symptoms associated with intervertebral disc prolapse but also enhances the structural integrity of bones and marrow. By utilizing Basti, practitioners aim to restore balance to the body, potentially delaying the progression of degenerative diseases. This study highlights the importance of integrating ancient wisdom with modern medical understanding, providing a foundation for further exploration of Ayurvedic interventions in contemporary healthcare settings.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Asthi-Majja gata Vata and its symptoms?
Asthi-Majja gata Vata refers to a condition affecting the bones and marrow. Symptoms include bone cracking, piercing joint pain, diminished muscle strength, insomnia, and constant pain, often associated with conditions like low back stiffness and sciatica.
How is Intervertebral Disc Prolapse (IVDP) classified?
IVDP has four stages, starting from degeneration and progressing to disc extrusion or sequestered disc. Symptoms include severe low back pain, radiating pain, numbness, and reduced strength. Early intervention is crucial as recovery becomes difficult in later stages.
What is Saghritha Ksheera Basti and its benefits?
Saghritha Ksheera Basti is an Ayurvedic treatment using medicated ghee and milk for rectal administration. It is effective in relieving pain, reducing inflammation, nourishing bones and marrow, and improving nutrient absorption, thus benefiting conditions like Asthi-Majja gata Vata and IVDP.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Asthi-Majja Gata Vata in IVDP: Management with Saghritha Ksheera Basti”. 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) Basti:
Basti (enema) is an Ayurvedic treatment used in managing conditions like Asthi-Majja Gata Vata, which involves the administration of medicated substances into the rectum. It aims to pacify Vata dosha, cleanse channels (Shrotoshodaka), and nourish tissues (Brihmana).
2) Pain:
Pain, particularly in the context of low back pain or lumbago, is a common symptom associated with intervertebral disc prolapse (IVDP). It can vary in intensity and may radiate along the sciatic nerve pathway, indicating nerve root compression.
3) Dhatu:
Dhatus are the fundamental bodily tissues in Ayurveda, including Asthi (bone) and Majja (marrow), which maintain body structure and function. Dhatu Kshaya (diminishment of tissues) leads to symptoms like pain and weakness.
4) Asthi (Ashthi):
Asthi dhatu refers to the bone tissue, providing structural support to the body. Aggravated Asthi dhatu can lead to conditions like Adhyasthi (extra growth of bone) and pain. Proper management includes nourishing and strengthening the bone tissue.
5) Vata:
Vata is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, associated with movement and bodily functions. Imbalances in Vata, particularly in Asthi-Majja dhatus, can result in conditions like intervertebral disc prolapse, leading to pain and degeneration.
6) Majja:
Majja dhatu refers to the bone marrow and nerve tissue, which contribute to the body's nourishment and vitality. Imbalances in Majja can manifest as nerve-related conditions, including those associated with Vata dosha, like IVDP.
7) Disease:
Disease in this context refers to pathological conditions like intervertebral disc prolapse (IVDP), which involve symptoms such as low back pain, sciatica, and neurological deficits. Managing these conditions involves addressing Vata and Dhatu imbalances.
8) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa refers to the essence or taste of substances in Ayurveda, which influences their therapeutic properties. Tikta rasa (bitter taste) is often used in treating Vata disorders due to its deepana, pachana, and rochana effects.
9) Asthimajjan (Asthimajja, Asthi-majjan):
Asthimajja signifies the relationship between bone (Asthi) and marrow (Majja) tissues. Imbalance or degeneration in these can lead to conditions involving pain and functional impairment.
10) Tikta:
Tikta or bitter taste is significant in Ayurveda for its properties in pacifying Vata dosha, enhancing digestion (Agnikarma), and providing anti-inflammatory effects. It is used in treatments like Tikta Ksheera Basti.
11) Asthidhatu (Asthi-dhatu):
Asthidhatu signifies the bone tissue in Ayurveda, responsible for structural support. Treatment of disorders involving Asthidhatu focuses on stabilizing and nourishing the bones.
12) Majjadhatu (Majja-dhatu):
Majja dhatu refers to bone marrow and nerve tissue, crucial for nourishing and filling cavities in bones. Imbalances or deficiencies in Majja dhatu can lead to disorders with symptoms like pain and neurological deficits.
13) Dosha (Dosa):
Doshas are the fundamental physiological forces in Ayurveda (Vata, Pitta, Kapha). Vitiation of doshas, especially Vata, leads to various disorders like Asthi-Majja Gata Vata, manifesting as pain and degeneration.
14) Karma (Karman):
Karma in the context of Ayurvedic treatment refers to the actions or procedures undertaken, such as Basti karma, which is an enema therapy used to treat Vata-related disorders and promote tissue health.
15) Taila:
Taila is medicated oil used in various Ayurvedic treatments such as Snehana (oleation) and Snehabasti (oil enema). It helps in reducing Vata aggravation and provides lubrication to joints and tissues.
16) Kati:
Kati refers to the lower back region. Conditions like Katigraha (low back stiffness) and Katishoola (lower back pain) are often treated using therapies like Kati Basti and Kati Pichu with medicated oils.
17) Snehana:
Snehana is the Ayurvedic process of oleation, where medicated oils or ghee are used externally (Bahya) or internally (Abhyantara) to nourish tissues, pacify Vata, and prepare the body for further treatments.
18) Bhasma (Bhasman):
Bhasma refers to calcined or ash preparations used in Ayurveda. Ajasthi Bhasma, for instance, is used to strengthen bones and improve conditions like Osteoporosis when combined with treatments like Basti.
19) Kshaya (Ksaya):
Kshaya means depletion or reduction, often referring to loss of Dhatu (tissue). In Asthi Kshaya or Majja Kshaya, the bone or marrow tissues are diminished, leading to symptoms like pain and weakness.
20) Yoga:
Yoga, in the context of Ayurvedic formulations, refers to a combination of ingredients or medicinal concoctions, designed to address specific imbalances or conditions like Vata disorders and Asthi-Majja deficiencies.
21) Kala:
Kala in Ayurveda can refer to a treatment schedule or phase. Kala Basti, for instance, follows a specific timing and sequence in administering enema treatments for better absorption and effect.
22) Shodhana (Sodhana):
Shodhana refers to purification therapies in Ayurveda, aimed at cleansing the body of toxins. Basti (enema) is a common Shodhana treatment used for eliminating aggravated Vata and other doshas.
23) Anupana:
Anupana is a vehicle or carrier substance taken along with Ayurvedic medicine to enhance its absorption and effectiveness. For example, milk can be an Anupana for Ajasthi Bhasma.
24) Dravya:
Dravya refers to substances or materials used in Ayurvedic treatments, including medicinal herbs, oils, and minerals. Each Dravya has specific properties and actions, like Tikta Ksheera (bitter milk) in Basti therapy.
25) Sandhi (Shandhi, Samdhi):
Sandhi refers to joints in the body. Disorders like Sandhi-Gata Vata involve inflammation and pain in the joints, often managed using treatments like Snehana (oleation) and Basti (enema).
26) Sneha:
Sneha means fat or oily substances like medicated ghee and oils used in Ayurveda. Sneha is crucial for Snehana (oleation) therapies, which nourish tissues and pacify aggravated Vata dosha.
27) Kalka:
Kalka refers to a paste form of Ayurvedic medicine prepared by grinding herbs. It is used in both internal and external applications for healing and therapeutic purposes.
28) Bahya:
Bahya means external, referring to treatments applied on the body surface, like massages and poultices. These are opposed to internal (Antah) treatments and help in pacifying doshas and nourishing tissues.
29) Bala:
Bala in Ayurveda denotes strength, both of the patient and the disease. Treatment plans consider Bala for appropriate therapy intensity to ensure effective management and recovery.
30) Milk:
Milk is used as an ingredient in Ayurvedic treatments like Ksheera Basti due to its nutritious properties, providing calcium and promoting bone strength, crucial for managing conditions like Asthi-Majja Gata Vata.
31) Drug:
Drug in the context of Ayurveda refers to medicinal substances used for treatments. These include herbs, minerals, and other compounds formulated as per Ayurvedic principles to manage disorders like IVDP.
32) Dhatukshaya (Dhatuksaya, Dhatu-kshaya):
Dhatu-kshaya refers to the depletion or wasting of body tissues (Dhatus), such as Asthi (bone) and Majja (marrow), leading to symptoms like pain and weakness. Treatments aim to nourish and regenerate these tissues.
33) Snehabasti (Sneha-basti):
Sneha-basti is an enema therapy using oil or ghee. It is employed in managing Vata disorders, promoting lubrication of tissues, and providing nourishment to bones and joints.
34) Gridhrasi (Gridhrashi, Grdhrasi):
Gridhrasi, or sciatica, is characterized by low back pain radiating along the sciatic nerve path. It falls under conditions treated in Ayurveda with therapies aimed at pacifying Vata and nourishing Dhatus.
35) Karnataka:
Karnataka is the state in India where the research institution SKAMCH&RC is located. The authors of the study are affiliated with this institution, which focuses on Ayurvedic research.
36) Dhatvagni (Dhatu-agni):
Dhatvagni refers to the metabolic fire specific to each Dhatu (tissue) that aids in their proper function and nourishment. Enhancing Dhatvagni is crucial in treating conditions like Osteoporosis and Vata disorders.
37) Tiktarasa:
Tiktarasa, or bitter taste, is known for its properties like deepana (enhancing digestion), pachana (digestive), and rochana (taste-improving). It is effective in treating Vata-related conditions and inflammation.
38) Stiffness:
Stiffness, particularly in the lower back (Katigraha), is a symptom associated with Vata disorders and degenerative conditions like IVDP. Ayurvedic treatments aim to reduce stiffness with therapies like Snehana.
39) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is the ancient Indian system of medicine focused on balancing the body's doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) using natural treatments, diet, and lifestyle modifications. It addresses conditions like Asthi-Majja Gata Vata.
40) Makshika (Maksika):
Makshika refers to honey, used in various Ayurvedic formulations for its Kapha-Vata pacifying properties and as a Yogavahi, enhancing the effects of other ingredients in treatments like Basti.
41) Lakshana (Laksana):
Lakshana refers to symptoms or signs of a disease. In conditions like Asthi-Majja Gata Vata, common Lakshanas include pain, stiffness, muscle weakness, and insomnia.
42) Medicine:
Medicine in Ayurveda involves using natural substances like herbs, oils, and minerals to treat conditions. Treatments are tailored to balance doshas and nourish Dhatus, addressing root causes of diseases.
43) Swelling:
Swelling can be a symptom of Vata aggravation and joint-related issues like Sandhi-Gata Vata. Treatments for reducing swelling include anti-inflammatory therapies and Panchakarma procedures.
44) Guggulu:
Guggulu is an Ayurvedic resin used for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. It is a common ingredient in formulations like Mahayogaraja Guggulu for managing joint and bone disorders.
45) Prakopa:
Prakopa refers to the aggravation or imbalance of a dosha. Vata Prakopa, for instance, can lead to conditions like Asthi-Majja Gata Vata, characterized by pain, degeneration, and functional impairment.
46) Avastha:
Avastha refers to the state or condition of health. Prakrutha avastha denotes a balanced state, while Vikrutha avastha indicates an imbalanced or diseased state, leading to symptoms like Asthi Kshaya.
47) Mineral:
Minerals are used in Ayurvedic treatments for their therapeutic properties. They are often included in Bhasma preparations to strengthen bones and improve conditions like Osteoporosis.
48) Eranda (Eramda):
Eranda (castor plant) is used in Ayurvedic formulations for its medicinal properties. It is part of treatments like Eranda Mooladi Basti, aimed at pacifying Vata and treating joint disorders.
49) Vyadhin (Vyadhi):
Vyadhi means disease or disorder in Ayurveda. Vyadhis related to Vata dosha, like Asthi-Majja Gata Vata, involve symptoms like pain, stiffness, and degeneration of bone and marrow.
50) Nature:
Nature in Ayurveda refers to the inherent qualities of substances and doshas. Each treatment is tailored according to the nature of the disease and the patient's constitution to restore balance.
51) Mamsa (Mamsha):
Mamsa refers to muscle tissue in Ayurveda. Conditions like Mamsa Bala Kshaya denote the reduction or weakness of muscle strength, often treated with nourishing and strengthening therapies.
52) Patra:
Patra means leaves in Ayurveda, used in various therapies like Patra Potali Sweda, where medicinal leaves are poulticed and applied to reduce pain and swelling.
53) Snayu:
Snayu refers to the tendons and ligaments. Disorders like Snayu Gata Vata involve pain and dysfunction in these structures, treated with oleation (Snehana) and other Vata pacifying therapies.
54) Pulse:
Pulse examination in Ayurveda helps assess dosha imbalances. Changes in the pulse can indicate underlying conditions like Vata aggravation, aiding in diagnosis and treatment planning.
55) Raja:
Raja in Ayurveda can refer to menstrual blood, but in this context, compounds like Yogaraja Guggulu are used for their therapeutic properties in treating joint and bone disorders.
56) Lepa:
Lepa is an external application of medicinal pastes used to treat pain, inflammation, and skin conditions. Ingredients like Manjishtadi lepa are applied to affected areas for relief.
57) Vati:
Vati are tablets or pills in Ayurvedic medicine. Formulations like Chitrakadi Vati are used to manage digestive disorders and balance doshas.
58) Mala:
Mala refers to waste products of the body, including feces, urine, and sweat. Proper elimination of Mala is crucial for maintaining health in Ayurvedic practice.
59) Vayu:
Vayu is the element of air, associated with the Vata dosha in Ayurveda. It governs movement, and its imbalance can lead to disorders like Asthi-Majja Gata Vata, causing pain and dysfunction.
60) Rock salt:
Rock salt, known as Lavana in Ayurveda, is used for its therapeutic properties, including channel cleansing (Shrotoshodaka) and enhancing the absorption of other ingredients in formulations like Basti.
61) Dahaprashamana (Dahaprasamana, Daha-prashamana):
Dahaprashamana refers to the property of alleviating burning sensations, often associated with inflammatory conditions. Agents with this property help manage pain and discomfort.
62) Narayanataila:
Narayana Taila is an Ayurvedic oil used for external therapies like massages and Snehana. It is known for its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.
63) Dhanvantaram:
Dhanvantaram is an Ayurvedic preparation, often in the form of oil, used for external therapies to treat musculoskeletal and neurological conditions due to its Vata pacifying properties.
64) Bastikarman (Bastikarma, Basti-karman, Basti-karma):
Bastikarma involves the administration of medicated enemas in Ayurveda, crucial in managing Vata disorders and promoting the health of Dhatus like Asthi and Majja.
65) Abhyantara (Abhyamtara):
Abhyantara refers to internal administration in Ayurveda, such as taking medicated oils or other substances internally to treat and nourish the body's tissues.
66) Mamsarasa (Mamsa-rasa):
Mamsa-rasa refers to meat broth used in Ayurveda for its nourishing qualities, particularly for strengthening muscles and bones in conditions of tissue depletion.
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 127]