Study on Padabhyanga for Timira and Refractive Errors in BAMS Students
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: A Clinical Study on Padabhyanga in Timira w.s.r. to Refractive Error in BAMS Students
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.
Nisarga.M.S
UG Scholar, Department of Shalakya tantra, Sri Paripoorna Sanathana Ayurveda Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Arjunabettahalli, Bangalore Rural, India.
Prakruthi G
Assistant Professor, Department of Shalakya tantra, Sri Paripoorna Sanathana Ayurveda Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Arjunabettahalli, Bangalore Rural, India.
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: A Clinical Study on Padabhyanga in Timira w.s.r. to Refractive Error in BAMS Students
Year: 2021 | Doi: 10.47070/ayushdhara.v8i3.749
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The clinical study investigates the effects of Padabhyanga, an Ayurvedic foot massage, on Timira, a condition related to refractive errors of the eye, among BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) students. Timira encompasses various visual disorders, including refractive errors that contribute to avoidable blindness. The study aims to validate the therapeutic impact of Padabhyanga on managing Timira, drawing upon classical Ayurvedic texts and modern literature. The main objective is to promote further research and inspire BAMS students while providing insights into a cost-effective treatment modality.
Padabhyanga and its Therapeutic Effects
Padabhyanga has been recognized for its Chakshushya properties, indicating its efficacy in eye-related disorders. The study was conducted over 48 days with a sample of 20 patients presenting symptoms of Timira related to refractive errors. The patients underwent nightly sessions of Padabhyanga with Dhanwantaram taila, an Ayurvedic oil known for its nourishing properties. Statistically significant improvements were observed across all measured parameters, including visual acuity and the severity of headache and eye strain. The results suggest that Padabhyanga can effectively enhance vision and reduce associated symptoms.
Connection to Modern Challenges
The study highlights the growing concern around the prevalence of refractive errors, particularly among young adults aged 11 to 20, who face increased exposure to electronic gadgets. Factors such as lifestyle, dietary habits, and family history contribute to the development of refractive errors. The connection between excessive screen time and visual impairment has been established, underscoring the need for preventative measures and effective treatments. The use of Padabhyanga aligns well with traditional Ayurvedic practices aimed at nurturing eye health and counteracting modern lifestyle challenges.
Conclusion
The findings of the study underscore the effective role of Padabhyanga in relieving the symptoms of Timira associated with refractive errors. By reinforcing the Ayurvedic viewpoint that foot therapy can enhance eye function through neurovascular connections, the study confirms the importance of adopting traditional practices in modern healthcare. As Timira can advance to more severe conditions such as Linganasha (complete blindness), early intervention using Padabhyanga presents a valuable strategy. The study serves as a stepping stone for future research into the integration of Ayurvedic treatments into contemporary ophthalmology, promoting holistic approaches to eye care.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the main objective of the clinical study?
The main objective of the clinical study is to evaluate the therapeutic effect of Padabhyanga in managing Timira in relation to refractive errors among BAMS students.
How was the study conducted and what was the sample size?
A randomized clinical study was conducted involving 20 patients diagnosed with Timira. Patients underwent daily Padabhyanga treatment for 48 days, and the effects were statistically analyzed.
What were the key findings of the study regarding treatment?
The study found that Padabhyanga significantly improved all parameters associated with Timira, indicating it as an effective treatment modality for refractive errors.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Study on Padabhyanga for Timira and Refractive Errors in BAMS Students”. 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) Timira:
Timira is a term used in the context of Ayurvedic medicine to describe a disease affecting vision, often compared to refractive errors in modern medicine. It involves visual disturbances and can lead to blindness if untreated.
2) Disease:
Referred to as 'roga' in Ayurveda, a disease like Timira affects the functional unit of the eye, causing changes in vision and potential blindness.
3) Discussion:
In the text, the discussion revolves around analyzing retrospective and prospective references to provide conclusions about Timira and its treatment.
4) Patala:
Patala refers to layers in the eye. Timira affects the first and second Patala, leading to symptoms like visual disturbances.
5) Diet:
Dietary habits, such as consuming a mixed diet or specific kinds of food, can influence conditions like Timira. Specific foods and diet patterns are discussed under 'Nidana'.
6) Blindness:
Blindness is the complete loss of vision, which can be a severe end-stage of Timira if left untreated.
7) Nidana:
Nidana refers to the causative factors or etiologies of a disease. In the case of Timira, factors like excessive use of electronic gadgets and improper food habits are considered Nidanas.
8) Dosha (Dosa):
Dosha refers to the fundamental bodily humors in Ayurveda. Imbalance in Doshas, particularly Vata Dosha, is considered a cause of Timira.
9) Taila (Thaila):
Taila means oil in Sanskrit. Dhanvantaram Taila is used in the treatment of Timira through Padabhyanga, an oil massage therapy.
10) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is the traditional system of medicine originating in India, which includes treatments like Padabhyanga for conditions like Timira.
11) Karma (Karman):
Karma means action or treatment procedure in Ayurveda. The text discusses actions like Padabhyanga relating to its impact on Timira.
12) Netra:
Netra means eye. Conditions affecting the Netra, such as Timira, fall under the scope of Netra Rogas or eye diseases.
13) Roga:
Roga means disease in Sanskrit. Timira is considered a Drushtigata Netra Roga, a disease affecting the vision.
14) Sira (Shira):
Sira refers to veins or channels in the body. According to the text, certain Siras in the feet are connected to the eyes and can be nourished through Padabhyanga.
15) Nadi (Nadin):
[see source text or glossary: Nadi]
16) Drug:
In Ayurveda, drugs include herbs and medicinal oils used for therapies. Dhanvantaram Taila is an oil mentioned in the study used for Padabhyanga.
17) Linganasha (Linganasa, Linga-nasha):
Linganasha means complete loss of vision or blindness, which is the final stage of Timira if not treated effectively.
18) Netraroga (Netra-roga):
Netra-roga means eye disease. Timira is one such netra-roga that affects vision and can lead to blindness.
19) Vagbhata:
Acharya Vagbhata is a renowned Ayurvedic scholar whose texts describe various eye diseases, including Timira and their treatments.
20) Darshana (Darsana):
[see source text or glossary: Darshana]
21) Lakshana (Laksana):
Lakshana means symptoms or clinical features of a disease. Symptoms of Timira include visual disturbances and are similar to those of refractive errors.
22) Family:
[see source text or glossary: Family]
23) Shiras (Siras, Siro, Shirash):
Siras are essential channels or veins connected to various parts. The text highlights how two Siras in the feet are related to eye health.
24) Pada:
Pada means foot. Padabhyanga, a therapy involving foot massage, is used in Ayurveda to treat Timira by stimulating connected nerves and channels.
25) Shalakyatantra (Salakyatantra, Shalakya-tantra, Shalakyatamtra):
Shalakya-tantra is a branch of Ayurveda that deals with ear, nose, throat, head, and eye diseases, including conditions like Timira.
26) Vishamashana (Visamasana, Vishamasana):
Vishamashana refers to irregular eating habits, which are considered a Nidana (cause) for diseases like Timira.
27) Padamadhya (Pada-madhya):
[see source text or glossary: Padamadhya]
28) Viparyaya:
Swapna Viparyaya or disturbed sleep is considered a causative factor (Nidana) for Timira in Ayurvedic texts.
29) Abhyanga (Abhyamga):
Abhyanga is a therapeutic massage using oil. Specifically, Padabhyanga (foot massage) with oils like Dhanvantaram Taila is used to treat Timira.
30) Shaileya (Saileya):
[see source text or glossary: Shaileya]
31) Sukshma (Suksma, Shukshma):
[see source text or glossary: Sukshma]
32) Nigraha:
Kshuda Vega Nigraha or suppression of hunger is a Nidana (cause) for Timira per Ayurvedic practices.
33) Habitat:
Habitat factors like urban or rural living can influence the prevalence of refractive errors and related eye conditions such as Timira.
34) Tantra (Tamtra, Tantrism):
[see source text or glossary: Tantra]
35) Sevana:
[see source text or glossary: Sevana]
36) Ruksha (Ruksa):
[see source text or glossary: Ruksha]
37) Shakti (Sakti):
Chakshurendriya Shakti refers to the power or capability of the eyes. Padabhyanga is said to enhance this power, improving vision.
38) Srotas (Shrotas):
Srotas are channels in the body. In Ayurveda, two Srotas from the feet are believed to connect to the eyes, facilitating treatments like Padabhyanga.
39) Ahara:
[see source text or glossary: Ahara]
40) Avila:
Avila Darshana means cloudy or unclear vision, which is a cardinal symptom of Timira.
41) India:
India is the origin of Ayurveda, where techniques like Padabhyanga are traditionally practiced for treating diseases such as Timira.
42) Kaca:
Kacha is the progression stage after Timira where visual disturbances become more severe, leading towards blindness.
43) Katu:
[see source text or glossary: Katu]
44) Bala:
Bala is an ingredient in Dhanvantaram Taila, known for its strengthening (Balya) and revitalizing (Rasayana) properties.
45) Vega:
Kshuda Vega Nigraha, or suppression of hunger, is considered a causative factor (Nidana) for Timira.
46) Amla:
[see source text or glossary: Amla]
47) Guna:
Guna means qualities. The Tridosha Shamaka guna (balancing qualities) of oils like Dhanvantaram Taila are beneficial in treating conditions like Timira.
48) Avyaktadarshana (Avyaktadarsana, Avyakta-darshana):
Avyaktadarshana refers to unclear vision, a symptom indicative of early stages of Timira as per Ayurvedic texts.
49) Pharmacological:
[see source text or glossary: Pharmacological]
50) Pradhana-karma:
Pradhana-karma is the main procedure in Ayurvedic treatments. In this study, it refers to the actual process of performing Padabhyanga.
51) Paschat-karma:
Paschat-karma refers to the post-therapy procedures in Ayurveda. Post Padabhyanga, it involves washing the feet with hot water.
52) Dhanvantaram:
Dhanvantaram Taila is a medicinal oil used in Ayurvedic treatments, known for its chakshushya (eye-benefiting) properties.
53) Rasashastra (Rasa-shastra, Rasasastra):
[see source text or glossary: Rasashastra]
54) Yashtimadhu (Yastimadhu, Yashti-madhu):
[see source text or glossary: Yashtimadhu]
55) Ashvagandha (Asvagandha, Ashwagandha, Ashvagamdha, Ashva-gandha):
[see source text or glossary: Ashwagandha]
56) Mudgaparni (Mudga-parni):
[see source text or glossary: Mudgaparni]
57) Shalaparni (Salaparni):
[see source text or glossary: Shalaparni]
58) Netrashrava (Netrasrava):
Netrasrava, or eye discharge, is one of the symptoms observed in patients with Timira or other refractive errors.
59) Bhaishajya (Bhaisajya):
[see source text or glossary: Bhaishajya]
60) Rishabhaka (Rsabhaka):
[see source text or glossary: Rishabhaka]
61) Mashaparni (Masaparni, Masha-parni):
[see source text or glossary: Mashaparni]
62) Vatadosha (Vatadosa, Vata-dosha):
An imbalance in Vata-dosha is primarily responsible for causing Timira, according to Ayurvedic principles.
63) Perception:
[see source text or glossary: Perception]
64) Drowsiness:
[see source text or glossary: Drowsiness]
65) Shatavari (Satavari):
[see source text or glossary: Shatavari]
66) Punarnava (Punar-nava):
[see source text or glossary: Punarnava]
67) Kantakari (Kamtakari):
[see source text or glossary: Kantakari]
68) Siddhanta (Siddha-anta, Siddhamta):
Samanya vishesha Siddhanta is the principle in Ayurveda stating that treatments like Padabhyanga nourish the eyes by stimulating connected tissues.
69) Prasadana:
Chaskhurendriya Prasadana refers to the pacification or enhancement of vision, achieved through therapies like Padabhyanga.
70) Inherence:
[see source text or glossary: Inherence]
71) Education:
Educational status can influence the prevalence of refractive errors. Higher education levels often correlate with increased myopia.
72) Gandhari (Gamdhari):
[see source text or glossary: Gandhari]
73) Tridosha (Tridosa, Tri-dosha):
Tridosha refers to the three fundamental bodily humors: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Oils like Dhanvantaram Taila help in balancing these doshas.
74) Prathama:
Prathama Patala is the first layer of the eye affected in Timira, causing initial symptoms like blurry vision.
75) Haritaki:
[see source text or glossary: Haritaki]
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 104]