Ayurvedic management of central serous retinopathy: A case report
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Ray of light in central serous retinopathy through ayurvedic management-a case report
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
Vinita Hirebeel*
Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Shalakya Tantra, Government Ayurveda Medical College, Bengaluru, Karnataka
Suja K Sreedhar
Professor & HOD, Department of Shalakya Tantra, Government Ayurveda Medical College, Bengaluru, Karnataka
Veeraya Hiremath
Professor & HOD, Department of Shalakya Tantra, S V M Ayurvedic Medical College, Ilkal, Karna
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Ray of light in central serous retinopathy through ayurvedic management-a case report
Year: 2018
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Central Serous Retinopathy (CSR), also referred to as Central Serous Chorio Retinopathy (CSCR), is a retinal condition characterized by the accumulation of transparent fluid beneath the retina, which causes detachment, particularly in the macula region. This disorder predominantly affects men aged 20 to 50, with an annual incidence rate of approximately 10 per 100,000. While most acute cases tend to resolve spontaneously within 3 to 6 months, current treatments primarily include observation and laser photocoagulation. Ayurvedic medicine offers a framework for managing such conditions, categorizing them under the concept of Drushtigataroga, which is defined by sudden visual disturbances.
Understanding Ayurvedic Management of CSR
Ayurvedic treatments for CSR have been centered on the understanding of Tridosha Siddhanta, which posits that diseases arise from imbalances in the three bodily doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. In the presented case, treatment focused on balancing the Kapha and Pitta doshas, correlating with underlying disease pathology. Specific Ayurvedic preparations were administered, including Laxmivilasa Rasa and Ekangaveera Rasa, both of which possess properties supporting eye health and reducing serum leakage. The therapeutic strategy aimed to leverage the Shothaghna (inflammatory reducing) and Chakshushya (vision enhancing) properties of the herbal components to address the unique challenges posed by CSR.
The Role of Antioxidants in Ayurvedic Formulations
One of the key ingredients in the Ayurvedic formulations used was Triphala Churna, a well-known herbal combination recognized for its antioxidant properties. The presence of antioxidants is essential for protecting retinal capillaries from damage caused by free radicals, which may hinder nutrient delivery and oxygen supply to the eye tissues. By integrating ingredients like Amalaki, Vibhitaki, and Shatavari, the formulation supports circulation and upholds the integrity of visual receptors. This approach is inherently aligned with Ayurvedic principles, aiming to restore balance and function within the eye, thus enhancing overall vision.
Conclusion
Although CSR is often regarded as a self-resolving condition, the integration of Ayurvedic management presents a promising avenue for effective treatment with minimal side effects. This case report highlights the potential for herbal interventions in alleviating symptoms of CSR, suggesting a significant improvement in visual acuity and retinal condition following a dedicated Ayurvedic regimen. The findings advocate for further investigation into Ayurvedic approaches and their role in modern ophthalmic treatments, showcasing the potential synergy between traditional wisdom and contemporary medical practices.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Central Serous Retinopathy (CSR) and its characteristics?
Central Serous Retinopathy (CSR) is a retinal disease characterized by fluid accumulation at the posterior pole of the eye, leading to sensory retina detachment, primarily affecting the macula. It often causes blurred vision and is more prevalent in men aged 20-50.
How did Ayurvedic treatment affect the patient in the case study?
The 40-year-old female patient with CSR showed marked improvement after Ayurvedic treatment with Laxmivilasa Rasa, Ekangaveera Rasa, and Triphalachurna. By the end of two months, her visual acuity returned to normal, and retinal imaging indicated almost normal conditions.
What are the underlying causes of Central Serous Retinopathy?
The underlying causes of CSR are believed to involve defects in the fluid-pumping capabilities of retinal pigment epithelium, along with choroidal vascular stasis or hyper permeability. This leads to localized fluid leakage and detachment of the sensory retina.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Ayurvedic management of central serous retinopathy: A case report”. 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) Katu:
Katu refers to a taste that is pungent or spicy. It is one of the tastes that can influence the body's doshas (Kapha, Vata, Pitta) by balancing or aggravating them. In some of the Ayurvedic formulations mentioned, katu is a common taste that affects the Tridosha system. For example, ingredients like Vishamushti exhibit katu guna.
2) Ushna (Usna):
Ushna indicates a hot potency or effect. This term is relevant in describing the qualities of many ingredients used in Ayurvedic medicine. Various bhasmas and herbs described, such as Dattura, have a property of ushana, which is important in managing doshas by inducing heat in the body.
3) Madhura:
Madhura signifies a sweet taste or quality. This term is frequently associated with ingredients that have nourishing and balancing effects on Vata and Pitta doshas. Ingredients like Shatavari and Gokshura are described as having madhura rasa, which helps in soothing and rejuvenating the body.
4) Laghu:
Laghu means light, both in terms of weight and digestibility. This quality helps in balancing Kapha and enhancing the functions of metabolism. Various Ayurvedic medicines mentioned in the text contain elements with laghu guna, such as Nirgundi and Vishamushti, which act swiftly in the body.
5) Kapha:
Kapha is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, responsible for structure and lubrication in the body. Ingredients with kaphaghna properties, like Karpura and Nagavalli, are used to manage conditions associated with excess Kapha, making them central to the case study involving eye disorders.
6) Vata:
Vata is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda responsible for movement and communication within the body. Many ingredients mentioned, such as Pippali and Shigru, have qualities that influence Vata, either by balancing or mitigating its effects to treat various conditions.
7) Tikta:
Tikta refers to a bitter taste. Many Ayurvedic ingredients possess tiktarasa, which is particularly effective in detoxifying the body and balancing Pitta and Kapha doshas. Herbs like Jatiphala and Nagabala, mentioned in the text, typically have tikta rasa aiding in disease management.
8) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa generally means taste or essence. In Ayurveda, it is crucial for understanding how substances interact with the body's doshas. Different tastes like katu, tikta, and madhura are discussed in the context of their effects on doshas and disease states, particularly through the ingredients of Ayurvedic formulations.
9) Snigdha:
Snigdha describes an unctuous or oily quality. This is essential for balancing Vata and Pitta doshas by providing lubrication and nourishment. Ingredients like Shatavari and Atibala, mentioned in Ayurvedic texts, exhibit snigdha attributes, essential for specific therapeutic benefits.
10) Ruksha (Ruksa):
Ruksha refers to a dry quality. It is often involved in balancing Kapha dosha. Ingredients having ruksha guna, like Dhattura and Shigru, are important in formulations aimed at reducing excessive moisture and heaviness in the body, as outlined in the case study.
11) Pitta:
Pitta is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, responsible for metabolism and transformation. Various ingredients with pitta-related properties are mentioned in the text. For example, Pittadosha and its management are pivotal in understanding the treatment approach for disorders described in the case study.
12) Guru:
Guru refers to heaviness. Ingredients with guru guna, like Mareecha and Karpura, influence the body's doshas, particularly Kapha, by promoting stability and grounding. The term helps describe the properties of Ayurvedic medicines used in different treatments highlighted in the text.
13) Tridoshahara (Tridosahara, Tridosha-hara):
Tridoshahara refers to substances that balance all three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha). Ingredients such as Abharka Bhasma and Loha Bhasma exhibit tridoshahara properties, crucial for maintaining overall equilibrium in the body, as discussed in the context of Ayurvedic treatments.
14) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient holistic medical system from India focusing on balancing the body's doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) through diet, herbal treatments, and lifestyle changes. The case study demonstrates the effectiveness of Ayurvedic management in treating Central Serous Retinopathy.
15) Tridosha (Tridosa, Tri-dosha):
Tridosha is the concept in Ayurveda referring to the three fundamental bodily humors: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. The case study utilizes the Tridosha theory to explain the pathogenic factors involved in Central Serous Retinopathy and its treatment with Ayurvedic medicines.
16) Bhasma (Bhasman):
Bhasma means ash and refers to calcined preparations used in Ayurveda. Various metallic and mineral substances like Abhraka Bhasma and Tamra Bhasma are mentioned for their therapeutic benefits in the Ayurvedic treatment of diseases, demonstrating their roles in improving health.
17) Karma (Karman):
Karma means action or work. In Ayurveda, it refers to the effect or action a substance has on the body. Each Ayurvedic ingredient or formulation has specific karmas that influence doshas, aiding in treating a variety of conditions, as illustrated in the case study.
18) Guna:
Guna refers to a quality or attribute in Ayurveda. Each ingredient mentioned in the text is described by its guna, such as snigdha, guru, or laghu, which help determine its effect on the body's doshas and its therapeutic application in treating diseases.
19) Disease:
Disease in the context of Ayurveda is considered an imbalance of doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha). The case study of Central Serous Retinopathy highlights how this retinal disease is managed by bringing the doshas back into balance through Ayurvedic treatments.
20) Vipaka:
Vipaka means post-digestive effect, an essential concept in Ayurveda for understanding how a substance affects the body after digestion. Ayurvedic treatments utilize ingredients with specific vipaka to balance doshas and treat conditions such as Central Serous Retinopathy.
21) Detachment:
Detachment refers to the separation of the retina seen in conditions like Central Serous Retinopathy. Ayurvedic treatments aim at resolving fluid accumulation and promoting reattachment through balancing doshas.
22) Shadrasa (Sadrasa, Sad-rasa):
Shadrasa refers to the six tastes in Ayurveda: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent. These tastes help balance the doshas and are essential in the formulation of Ayurvedic medicines, as demonstrated by the ingredients used in the described treatments.
23) Shalakyatantra (Salakyatantra, Shalakya-tantra, Shalakyatamtra):
Shalakyatantra is a branch of Ayurveda focusing on diseases affecting parts above the shoulder, particularly the head and neck. The case study of Central Serous Retinopathy is managed under Shalakyatantra, showing the effectiveness of Ayurvedic principles and treatments.
24) Karnataka:
Karnataka is a state in southern India where the Government Ayurveda Medical College, mentioned in the text, is located. The college is central to the case study and research on treating Central Serous Retinopathy through Ayurveda.
25) Triphala (Tri-phala):
Triphala is a well-known Ayurvedic formulation made from three fruits: Haritaki, Vibhitaki, and Amalaki. It has a broad range of health benefits, including antioxidant properties and balancing all three doshas, making it a pivotal component in the treatment of various conditions.
26) Kashaya (Kasaya):
Kashaya denotes an astringent taste, one of the six primary tastes in Ayurveda. Ingredients like Vibhitaki and Nagavalli exhibit kashaya rasa, which is useful in managing conditions with excessive moisture or mucous, such as those related to Kapha imbalance.
27) Tantra (Tamtra, Tantrism):
Tantra in Ayurveda refers to a specific branch or system of medical knowledge. Shalakya-tantra, for instance, deals with the treatment of diseases occurring above the neck. The text discusses the effective use of this knowledge in treating eye disorders.
28) Shatavari (Satavari):
Shatavari is a renowned herb in Ayurveda primarily known for its rejuvenating properties. It balances Vata and Pitta doshas and is cited in the text for its role in enhancing vision and treating eye conditions, owing to its anti-oxidant and nourishing properties.
29) Vibhitaki:
Vibhitaki is one of the three fruits in Triphala, known for its astringent properties. It balances Kapha and Pitta doshas and has a crucial role in detoxifying and strengthening tissues, as described in the treatment plan for addressing Central Serous Retinopathy.
30) Gandhaka (Gamdhaka):
Gandhaka is sulfur and is used in Ayurvedic medicine for its powerful detoxifying properties. It is part of many formulations mentioned in the text, such as Laxmi Vilasa Rasa, due to its role in balancing doshas and treating various ailments.
31) Medicine:
In Ayurveda, medicine involves using natural herbs, minerals, and other organic substances to treat diseases. The text outlines the use of Ayurvedic medicine in treating Central Serous Retinopathy, emphasizing a holistic approach to balance doshas and improve retinal health.
32) Amalaki:
Amalaki, also known as Indian gooseberry, is one of the primary constituents of Triphala. It is renowned for its potent antioxidant properties and ability to balance all three doshas. It aids in enhancing vision and promoting overall ocular health, as discussed in the text.
33) Shotha (Sotha):
Shotha is an Ayurvedic term for swelling or inflammation. The condition described in the text can be seen as a form of shotha, treated effectively with Ayurvedic medications that possess shothaghna (anti-inflammatory) properties to reduce swelling and restore function.
34) Lavana:
Lavana refers to the salty taste, one of the six primary tastes in Ayurveda. Unlike the other tastes such as katu and tikta, lavana rasa is not prominently featured in the formulations discussed in the text.
35) Tamra:
Tamra refers to copper and its preparations in Ayurveda. Ingredients like Tamra Bhasma are mentioned in the text for their impact on doshas and therapeutic benefits. Tamra is particularly known for its effectiveness in ocular treatments.
36) Sara (Shara):
Sara denotes a property of fluidity or smoothness, significant for promoting movement within bodily channels. This attribute is vital for managing dosha imbalances and enhancing the effectiveness of Ayurvedic treatments described in the text.
37) Drug:
In the context of the text, drug refers to Ayurvedic formulations comprising multiple herbs and minerals. These drugs are crucial in treating conditions like Central Serous Retinopathy by balancing doshas and promoting healing.
38) Abhrakabhasma (Abhraka-bhasma):
Abhraka-bhasma is the ash of mica, known in Ayurveda for its powerful rejuvenating properties. It is often included in formulations that aim to balance tridoshas and support various bodily functions, including eye health, as suggested in the text.
39) Tamrabhasma (Tamra-bhasma):
Tamra-bhasma is a calcined preparation of copper used in Ayurveda. It possesses various therapeutic properties, including the ability to treat ocular diseases and balance doshas, particularly Pitta and Kapha. It is an ingredient in the Ayurvedic treatments mentioned in the text.
40) Nagabhasma (Naga-bhasma):
Naga-bhasma is a calcined preparation of lead used in Ayurveda. Known for its balancing action on Tridosha and its therapeutic benefits, Naga-bhasma is an essential part of several formulations described in the text for managing conditions like Central Serous Retinopathy.
41) Vishamushti (Visamusti, Visha-mushti):
Vishamushti is an ingredient with katu rasa and ushna potency. It is effective in balancing Kapha dosha and is used in formulations for its strong therapeutic actions. It is mentioned in the text as a component that aids in the treatment of diseases.
42) Shothaghna (Sothaghna, Shotha-ghna):
Shothaghna refers to anti-inflammatory properties. Ingredients with shothaghna effects, like those in Triphala and other mentioned Ayurvedic formulations, help reduce inflammation or swelling. This is crucial for treating conditions like Central Serous Retinopathy, as discussed in the text.
43) Pittadosha (Pittadosa, Pitta-dosha):
Pittadosha, or Pitta dosha, is one of the three primary bodily humors responsible for metabolic processes. The text elaborates on Ayurvedic treatments targeting Pittadosha to manage conditions like Central Serous Retinopathy, showing how balancing Pitta can aid recovery.
44) Gurushna (Gurusna, Guru-ushna):
Guru-ushna indicates a combination of heavy and hot qualities. These attributes are significant in Ayurveda for managing dosha imbalances and treating specific conditions. The text mentions ingredients with guru and ushna properties, emphasizing their roles in therapeutic effectiveness.
45) Discussion:
Discussion in the text provides an analysis of the Ayurvedic treatment's effectiveness on Central Serous Retinopathy. It elaborates on how the chosen ingredients and their properties play a role in balancing the doshas, offering insights into traditional treatment efficacy.
46) Kaphaghna (Kapha-ghna):
Kaphaghna refers to substances that reduce Kapha dosha. Ingredients like Karpura and Jatiphala mentioned in the text possess kaphaghna properties, which are essential in treating conditions exacerbated by excess Kapha, including various eye disorders.
47) Nagavalli (Naga-valli):
Nagavalli is an herb with kaphaghna and tikta qualities. It is used in treating conditions related to Kapha imbalances. The text references Nagavalli for its role in Ayurvedic treatments aimed at reducing symptoms related to Central Serous Retinopathy.
48) Jatiphala (Jati-phala):
Jatiphala, also known as nutmeg, has katu and tikta rasa. It exhibits qualities that help balance Kapha and Vata doshas. The text mentions Jatiphala as part of the formulation aiding in the treatment of eye conditions through its therapeutic actions.
49) Doshaghna (Dosaghna, Dosha-ghna):
Doshaghna implies the ability to neutralize doshas. Ingredients in Ayurvedic formulations emphasized in the text, such as Abhraka Bhasma and Tamra Bhasma, are doshaghna, helping to restore balance among Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas.
50) Nagabala (Naga-bala):
Nagabala is an herb with properties that balance Vata and Pitta doshas. It exhibits madhura and sheeta qualities, useful in various therapeutic applications, including enhancing eye health. The text underscores its role in treating conditions through its systemic actions.
51) Haritaki:
Haritaki is one of the three fruits constituting Triphala and is renowned for its Rasayana (rejuvenating) properties. It balances all three doshas and is critical to the Ayurvedic formulation’s efficacy in promoting ocular health, as mentioned in the text.
52) Gokshura (Goksura, Go-kshura):
Gokshura is an herb with madhura rasa and sheeta guna, known for its rejuvenating and balancing effects on Vata and Pitta doshas. The text mentions its role in improving vision and treating eye conditions as part of the Ayurvedic treatment strategy.
53) Dhattura:
Dhattura is a plant known for its medicinal properties in Ayurveda, particularly its katu and tikta rasa. It has laghu and ushna guna, which help balance Kapha and Vata doshas. The text lists Dhattura among the ingredients for effective treatment of eye disorders.
54) Lakshana (Laksana):
Lakshana refers to symptoms or characteristics of a disease. The text discusses the lakshana of Central Serous Retinopathy, such as sudden blurring of vision, and how these symptoms guide the Ayurvedic treatment approach for effective management.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Ayurvedic management of central serous retinopathy: A case report’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Traditional medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, Follow-up, Ayurvedic Management, Antioxidant property, Chief complaint, Photodynamic therapy, Department of Shalakya Tantra, Incidence rate, Central Serous Retinopathy, Post Graduate Scholar, Laser photocoagulation, Tridosha Siddhantha.