Ayurvedic Management of Chronic Varicose Ulcers
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Management of Chronic Persisting Varicose Ulcer Through Modest Ayurvedic Intervention
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.
Anupam Biswas
PG Scholar, Department of Kayachikitsa, I.P.G.A.E & R at S.V.S.P. Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
Swadha Tiwari
PG Scholar, Department of Panchakarma, I.P.G.A.E & R at S.V.S.P. Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
P.B. Kar Mahapatra
Professor & H.O.D, Department of Kayachikitsa, I.P.G.A.E & R at S.V.S.P. Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Management of Chronic Persisting Varicose Ulcer Through Modest Ayurvedic Intervention
Year: 2024 | Doi: 10.47070/ayushdhara.v11i2.1503
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Chronic varicose ulcers are significant venous disorders often triggered by longstanding varicose veins. These ulcers result from factors such as venous insufficiency, venous reflux, and venous hypertension, leading to skin breakdown and chronic non-healing wounds. They account for approximately 80% of ulcerations in the lower extremities and predominantly affect adults, particularly women. The case study focuses on a 50-year-old male patient who suffered from a varicose ulcer for six months, with a medical history of varicose veins for ten years. After inadequate results from allopathic treatments, the patient opted for Ayurvedic management, which included leech therapy (Jalaukavacharan) and herbal medicine.
Jalaukavacharan and Its Role in Healing
One of the key interventions in the Ayurvedic treatment of the patient was Jalaukavacharan, or leech therapy, which is used for its blood-purifying properties. The therapy involved applying non-poisonous leeches to the ulcer to draw out impure blood, which helps normalize blood flow and improve capillary circulation in the affected area. This application not only alleviates local swelling but also promotes the regeneration of healthy tissue. The case study emphasizes that leeches exhibit various pharmacological actions due to enzymes in their saliva, which facilitate wound healing and reduce inflammation. The patient underwent six sessions of this therapy over 45 days, resulting in a significant reduction in ulcer size and related symptoms.
Pharmacological Action of Shamana Aushadhi
Alongside Jalaukavacharan, the patient received Shamana Aushadhi, a collection of herbal medications aimed at balancing doshas and promoting healing. Key formulations included Mahamanjisthadi Kashayam, Kaishor Guggulu, Guduchi Sattva, and Yastimadhu churna. Each of these herbal remedies possesses specific qualities that support skin health, reduce inflammation, and stimulate healing. For instance, Mahamanjisthadi Kashayam is known for its blood-purifying and skin rejuvenating properties, while Kaishor Guggulu provides anti-inflammatory benefits. The combined effects of these formulations contributed to the resolution of the ulcer, validating the traditional Ayurvedic approach in managing chronic venous disorders.
Conclusion
The integration of Ayurvedic interventions in the management of chronic varicose ulcers demonstrated remarkable efficacy in this case study. The comprehensive treatment approach, incorporating both Jalaukavacharan and Shamana Aushadhi, led to complete healing of the ulcer within 45 days, with no recurrence noted after three months. This outcome emphasizes the potential of Ayurvedic methodologies in treating chronic non-healing wounds, advocating for further studies with larger sample sizes to strengthen the evidence for this traditional approach in modern medical practice. The case encourages the exploration of Ayurveda as a viable alternative to contemporary treatments for varicose ulcers and similar conditions.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is a varicose ulcer and its common causes?
A varicose ulcer is a chronic wound caused by venous insufficiency resulting from varicose veins. It occurs due to complications like venous reflux and hypertension, leading to poor blood circulation and ulceration, particularly in patients with a long history of varicose veins.
How effective is Ayurvedic treatment for varicose ulcers?
Ayurvedic treatment, including Jalaukavacharan (leech therapy) and specific herbal medications, has shown significant effectiveness in healing chronic varicose ulcers. In a case study, complete healing was observed in 45 days, with no recurrence even after three months.
What are the key Ayurvedic interventions for varicose ulcers?
Key interventions include Jalaukavacharan for blood purification, regular wound cleansing, and herbal formulations like Mahamanjisthadi kashayam and Kaishor guggulu, which promote healing and reduce inflammation. Regular dressing of the ulcer is also crucial for recovery.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Ayurvedic Management of Chronic Varicose Ulcers”. 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) Ulcer:
An ulcer is a chronic medical condition where a sore or lesion fails to heal. In the text, a varicose ulcer specifically refers to an ulcer resulting from complications of varicose veins, characterized by pain, swelling, and discoloration above the ankle joint.
2) Jalauka:
Jalauka refers to leeches in Ayurvedic practices. In the case study, Nirvisha Jalauka (non-poisonous leeches) were used for leech therapy, known as Jalaukavacharan, to treat the varicose ulcer by sucking impure blood and improving capillary circulation.
3) Vrana:
Vrana is the Sanskrit term for wound or ulcer. The text discusses various aspects of Vrana, including its classification as Dusta Vrana (chronic, non-healing wound) and its treatment through Ayurvedic methods like Vrana Prakshalana, cleansing of the ulcer with specific herbal Kashayams.
4) Blood:
Blood plays a crucial role in the case study, where venous insufficiency and improper blood flow result in varicose ulcers. Treatments like Raktamokshana, the therapeutic withdrawal of impure blood using leeches (Jalauka), are essential in Ayurveda for managing such conditions.
5) Pain:
Pain, referred to as Shool or Ruja in the text, is a primary symptom of varicose ulcers. The Ayurvedic treatment aimed to reduce pain through therapies like Jalaukavacharan (leech therapy) and internal administration of Shamana Aushadhi (palliative medicines).
6) Samana (Shamana):
Shamana refers to the Ayurvedic practice of pacifying or palliative treatments. In the case study, Shamana Aushadhi like Mahamanjisthadi kwath, Kaishor Guggulu, and Guduchi Sattva were used internally to support the healing of the varicose ulcer.
7) Aushadhi (Ausadhi, Aushadhin, Ausadhin):
Aushadhi means medicine in Sanskrit. Various Aushadhi (medicines) like Mahamanjisthadi kashayam, Kaishor Guggulu, Guduchi Sattva, and Yastimadhu churna were administered in the case study to facilitate ulcer healing and alleviate symptoms.
8) Disease:
The disease discussed in the text is a varicose ulcer, a chronic condition resulting from venous insufficiency and complications of varicose veins. It is characterized by pain, swelling, and discolouration, and treated with Ayurvedic interventions.
9) Raktamokshana (Raktamoksana, Rakta-mokshana):
Raktamokshana is a therapeutic bloodletting practice in Ayurveda. In the study, it involved using Nirvisha Jalauka (non-poisonous leeches) for Jalaukavacharan to remove impure blood, improving symptoms like swelling and discoloration associated with varicose ulcers.
10) Swelling:
Swelling, known as Shotha in Ayurveda, is a symptom of varicose ulcers caused by venous insufficiency and poor blood circulation. Treatments like Raktamokshana with Jalauka and Shamana Aushadhi help reduce swelling and promote healing.
11) Kandughna (Kandu-ghna):
Kandughna refers to an Ayurvedic property of being antipruritic or anti-itching. Ingredients like Haridra (Turmeric) and Nimba (Neem) in Jatyadi taila are mentioned for their Kandughna properties to treat symptoms of varicose ulcers.
12) Guggulu:
Guggulu is a resin used in Ayurvedic medicines. In the case study, Kaishor Guggulu is highlighted for its effectiveness in treating skin diseases, including ulcers, due to its pharmacological properties.
13) Haridra:
Haridra, commonly known as turmeric, is used for its antimicrobial, antipruritic (anti-itch), and anti-inflammatory properties. It is an ingredient in Jatyadi taila and also used in the preparation of Jalauka (leeches) in the study.
14) Mahamanjishthadi (Mahamanjisthadi, Maha-manjishthadi):
Mahamanjisthadi refers to a herbal formulation in Ayurveda. Mahamanjisthadi Kashayam, used in the study, contains herbs like Manjistha and Guduchi, beneficial for skin diseases and promoting wound healing.
15) Yashtimadhu (Yastimadhu, Yashti-madhu):
Yastimadhu, or licorice, is an Ayurvedic herb known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. Yastimadhu churna was given to the patient to help heal the ulcer and reduce symptoms like itching and burning.
16) Mahapatra (Maha-patra):
Mahapatra is the surname of one of the authors of the paper, specifically P.B. Kar Mahapatra, who is a Professor and H.O.D at the Department of Kayachikitsa.
17) Jatyadi:
Jatyadi refers to Jatyadi taila, an Ayurvedic medicinal oil used for the treatment of wounds and ulcers. The case study mentions using this taila for regular dressing of the varicose ulcer to promote cleansing and healing.
18) Karma (Karman):
Karma in the context of the study refers to a therapeutic procedure or treatment. Various Karma mentioned include Vrana Prakshalana, Raktamokshana, and Vrana Bandhan, all part of the comprehensive treatment protocol for the varicose ulcer.
19) Rakta:
Rakta refers to blood in Sanskrit. Various treatments discussed, such as Raktamokshana using Jalauka, focus on removing impure blood to treat and heal the varicose ulcer.
20) Taila (Thaila):
Taila means oil in Ayurveda. Jatyadi taila, an herbal oil, was used in the treatment of the varicose ulcer for its wound-healing properties, enhancing re-epithelialization and neo-vascularization.
21) Guna:
Guna refers to the properties or qualities of substances in Ayurveda. For example, Yastimadhu possesses Pittahara guna, making it effective in calming Pitta dosha and aiding in wound healing.
22) Dushtavrana (Dustavrana, Dusta-vrana, Dushta-vrana):
Dustavrana is a chronic, non-healing wound. The varicose ulcer in the case study is categorized as a Dustavrana, which was treated with Ayurvedic methods including Raktamokshana and internal administration of Shamana Aushadhi.
23) Sattva (Shattva):
Sattva refers to the essence or purity in Ayurveda. Guduchi Sattva was administered to the patient for its healing properties and capability to balance the tridoshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha).
24) Varṇya (Varnya):
Varnya refers to the property of enhancing complexion or skin health in Ayurveda. Ingredients like Manjistha in Mahamanjisthadi Kashayam possess Varnya properties, promoting skin healing and health.
25) Kushtha (Kustha):
Kustha is a term for skin diseases in Ayurveda. Medicines like Kaishor Guggulu and Mahamanjisthadi Kashayam are indicated for Kustha and were used in the study to treat the varicose ulcer.
26) Edema (Oedema):
Edema, mentioned in the general examination as Shotha, is swelling caused by fluid accumulation. The Ayurvedic treatments aimed to reduce edema around the patient's ankle joint as part of healing the ulcer.
27) Dushta (Dusta):
Dusta means impure or chronic in Ayurveda. Dusta vrana refers to the non-healing, chronic ulcer that was treated with various Ayurvedic interventions in the case study.
28) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa in Ayurveda refers to the taste of a substance which determines its therapeutic effects. For example, Guduchi possesses Tikta (bitter) and Kashaya (astringent) rasa, beneficial for healing ulcers.
29) Jala:
Jala means water in Sanskrit. Water was used in various contexts in the case study, such as cleaning the wound and preparing Jalauka for leech therapy.
30) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological relates to the properties and effects of drugs. The herbal formulations used in the Ayurvedic treatment of the varicose ulcer have various pharmacological actions, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.
31) Vatarakta (Vata-rakta):
Vatarakta is a condition in Ayurveda often compared to gout or similar inflammatory diseases. Kaishor Guggulu, used in the case study, is indicated for Vatarakta among its various applications in treating skin diseases.
32) Manjishtha (Manjistha, Mamjishtha):
Manjistha is a herb used in Ayurveda for its blood-purifying and skin-healing properties. It is an ingredient in Mahamanjisthadi Kashayam, used in the study for treating chronic skin conditions like the varicose ulcer.
33) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is the ancient Indian system of medicine. The case study employs various Ayurvedic treatments, such as herbal medicines, leech therapy (Jalaukavacharan), and regular wound dressing, to manage and heal the varicose ulcer.
34) Madhura:
Madhura refers to the sweet taste in Ayurveda, associated with soothing and nourishing properties. For example, Yastimadhu has a Madhura rasa, beneficial for healing and soothing chronic ulcers.
35) Kashaya (Kasaya):
Kashaya means astringent taste in Ayurveda, beneficial for healing wounds. Guduchi has Kashaya rasa, which helps in promoting the healing of the varicose ulcer by reducing inflammation and purifying blood.
36) Tikta:
Tikta refers to the bitter taste in Ayurveda, known for its detoxifying properties. Mahamanjisthadi Kashayam contains herbs with Tikta rasa, which help in treating skin conditions and promoting wound healing.
37) Shakti (Sakti):
Sakti refers to strength or capability in Ayurveda. The patient's capability for digestion (Ahara Sakti) and exercise (Vyayam Sakti) were assessed as part of the diagnostic evaluation in the case study.
38) Nimba:
Nimba, or Neem, is a potent Ayurvedic herb known for its antimicrobial and antipruritic properties. It is an ingredient in both Aragwadhadi Kashayam and Jatyadi taila used to treat the varicose ulcer.
39) Drug:
The term drug refers to the various Ayurvedic medicines (Aushadhi) used in the treatment. These include Mahamanjisthadi Kashayam, Kaishor Guggulu, and Guduchi Sattva, which have pharmacological actions beneficial for ulcer healing.
40) Prakshalana (Praksalana):
Prakshalana refers to the washing or cleansing process in Ayurveda. In the case study, Vrana Prakshalana with Aragwadhadi Kashayam was performed to cleanse the varicose ulcer and promote healing.
41) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
The term anti-biotic in the context of Ayurveda may refer to herbs with antimicrobial properties. For instance, Nimba (Neem) used in Jatyadi taila has known antimicrobial actions, similar to antibiotics in modern medicine.
42) Sandhaniya:
Sandhaniya refers to the property of promoting union or healing of tissues. Yastimadhu churna possesses Sandhaniya guna, aiding in the healing process of chronic ulcers like the varicose ulcer in the study.
43) Vishaghna (Visaghna, Visha-ghna):
Vishaghna refers to the property of neutralizing toxins. Ingredients such as Haridra (Turmeric) and Manjistha in Jatyadi taila have Vishaghna properties, making them effective in treating chronic ulcers and infections.
44) Pittahara (Pitta-hara):
Pittahara denotes the property of alleviating Pitta dosha. Yastimadhu, used in the case study, has Pittahara qualities, making it effective for reducing inflammation and promoting healing of varicose ulcers.
45) Triphala (Tri-phala):
Triphala is a well-known Ayurvedic formulation consisting of three fruits: Amalaki, Bibhitaki, and Haritaki. It is an ingredient in Kaishor Guggulu, used in the case study for its skin-healing and antioxidant properties.
46) Pariksha (Pariksa):
Pariksha refers to examination or assessment. The patient underwent Astavidha Pariksha, an eightfold examination in Ayurveda, to evaluate various aspects of health including Nadi (pulse), Mutra (urine), and Mala (stool).
47) Nirvisha (Nirvisa, Nir-visha):
Nirvisha means non-poisonous. Nirvisha Jalauka (non-poisonous leeches) were used for leech therapy (Jalaukavacharan) in the study to safely remove impure blood from the ulcerated area.
48) Vidanga (Vidamga):
Vidanga, an Ayurvedic herb, is known for its anti-parasitic properties. It is one of the ingredients in Mahamanjisthadi Kashayam, which was used in the study to treat the varicose ulcer.
49) Trikatu (Tri-katu):
Trikatu is a combination of three spices: Black Pepper, Long Pepper, and Ginger. Found in Kaishor Guggulu, it enhances digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties, aiding in the treatment of the varicose ulcer in the study.
50) Avastha:
Avastha refers to the condition or state of a patient. The treatments in the study were planned according to the Roga (disease) and Rogi bala avastha (strength or condition of the patient).
51) Madhuka:
Madhuka, also known as Yasthimadhu or licorice, has healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is an ingredient in Jatyadi taila and helps in the proper healing of chronic ulcers.
52) Ropana:
Ropana is the property of promoting healing or curing wounds. Ayurvedic treatments like Jatyadi taila and internal medicines in the study possess Ropana guna, aiding in the complete healing of the varicose ulcer.
53) Vishama (Visama):
Visama means irregular or improper in Ayurveda. The patient had a faulty dietary habit (Visama Ahara) and inappropriate daily regimen (Visama Vihar), contributing to the formation of the chronic ulcer.
54) Family:
The term family refers to the patient's background. The patient reported no significant family history contributing to his varicose vein and subsequent ulcer.
55) Powder:
Powder refers to the form in which some Ayurvedic medicines are used. For example, Yastimadhu churna (licorice powder) was administered to the patient for its healing properties.
56) Dosha (Dosa):
Dosha refers to the three bio-energies in Ayurveda: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Treatments are aimed at balancing these doshas. The patient's Nadi Pariksha revealed a Vata-Pitta imbalance contributing to the ulcer.
57) Ahara:
Ahara means diet in Ayurveda. The patient had dietary habits (Ahara) that were considered Visama (faulty), contributing to the formation and persistence of the varicose ulcer.
58) Sita (Shita):
Sita refers to the cold or cooling property in Ayurveda. Ingredients like Guduchi, used in the study, possess Sita guna, which helps in calming inflammation and promoting healing of chronic ulcers.
59) Vata:
Vata is one of the three doshas or biological energies in Ayurveda, responsible for movement and function. An imbalance in Vata, as diagnosed in the patient, contributes to the formation and persistence of varicose ulcers.
60) Sara (Shara):
Sara refers to the essence or quality in Ayurveda. In the diagnostic evaluation, the patient's bodily tissues (Sara) such as Mamsa (muscle tissue) were assessed to understand their condition.
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 150]
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Ayurvedic Management of Chronic Varicose Ulcers’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Dushtavrana, Raktamokshana, Guduchisattva, Clinical examination, Follow-up, Patient management, Ayurvedic Management, Jatyadi taila, Kaishor Guggulu, Histological examination, Shamana Aushadhi, Yastimadhu Churna, Venous Insufficiency, Venous hypertension, Jalaukavacharan, Vrana ropaka, Siragranthi, Venous reflux, Epidemiological survey, Non healing wound, Mahamanjisthadi Kashayam.