Efficacy of Agnikarma vs. ultrasound in tennis elbow: A study
Journal name: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine
Original article title: Comparing the efficacy of Agnikarma with therapeutic ultrasound in the management of tennis elbow - A randomised controlled preliminary study
The Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine (JAIM) is an open-access publication promoting collaboration between Ayurveda, traditional medicine, and biomedicine, publishing research on integrative health sciences
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Original source:
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R Sreelekshmi, Shaithya Raj, P N Rajeshwari, Rabinarayan Tripathy
Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine:
(A monthly peer-reviewed publication)
Full text available for: Comparing the efficacy of Agnikarma with therapeutic ultrasound in the management of tennis elbow - A randomised controlled preliminary study
Year: 2024 | Doi: 10.1016/j.jaim.2024.100898
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
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Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Efficacy of Agnikarma vs. ultrasound in tennis elbow: A 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) Agnikarma (Agni-karma):
Agnikarma is a therapeutic procedure from Ayurveda that involves controlled thermal cauterization. It is believed to relieve pain by stimulating local circulation and metabolic processes, theoretically improving the healing of tissues. This method is used particularly for conditions like tennis elbow, enhancing pain management and quality of life under Ayurvedic principles.
2) Pain:
Pain is a complex, subjective experience resulting from physical injury or underlying medical conditions. In the context of tennis elbow, pain at the lateral epicondyle affects daily activities and quality of life. Understanding pain mechanisms is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies, whether through Agnikarma, ultrasound, or other modalities.
3) Table:
In the context of research and clinical trials, a table is used to present data systematically. It organizes information such as demographic details, baseline characteristics, and treatment effects, allowing for easy comparison and analysis. Well-structured tables enhance the clarity of research findings and facilitate comprehension of complex data.
4) Study (Studying):
A study in a scientific context is a systematic investigation aimed at discovering or validating knowledge. In this instance, the study compares the efficacy of Agnikarma and Therapeutic Ultrasound in treating tennis elbow. The results contribute to evidence-based practice in both modern and traditional medicine, specifically Ayurveda.
5) Vata:
Vata is one of the three Ayurvedic doshas, representing air and ether principles. It governs movement and communication within the body, influencing bodily functions, including nerve impulses and circulation. When vata is vitiated, it can lead to conditions like tennis elbow, producing symptoms such as pain and stiffness.
6) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine emphasizing balance among body, mind, and spirit. It uses holistic approaches, including herbal remedies, dietary adjustments, and therapeutic techniques like Agnikarma, to promote wellness. Its relevance in treating conditions like tennis elbow showcases its adaptability and significance in modern healthcare practices.
7) Varanasi (Varanashi):
Varanasi is a significant city in India known as a center for traditional Ayurvedic learning and practices. It is where ancient texts and methods, including those by Acharya Sushruta, were developed and documented. Therefore, it holds cultural and educational importance in understanding Ayurvedic medicine and its applications.
8) Vaidya:
Vaidya refers to a practitioner or physician in Ayurveda who employs traditional healing methods. A Vaidya diagnoses and treats ailments based on Ayurvedic principles, emphasizing a holistic approach to health care that includes lifestyle, diet, and natural therapies, such as Agnikarma for conditions like tennis elbow.
9) Mahanta (Mahamta):
Mahanta is likely referring to one of the researchers involved in the clinical study. The presence of such professionals provides credibility to the research and enhances understanding and integration of Ayurveda in modern medical contexts. Contributions from individuals like Mahanta are critical in exploring traditional treatments through scientific study.
10) Samhita:
Samhita refers to ancient texts collected over centuries, documenting knowledge in Ayurveda. This foundational literature encompasses medical theories, practices, and recipes used for patient care. Understanding texts like the Sushruta Samhita enables healthcare professionals to apply traditional knowledge in modern treatments, such as Agnikarma for tennis elbow.
11) Writing:
Writing in a scientific context serves to convey research findings, methodologies, and conclusions clearly and professionally. It is essential for academic discourse, enabling knowledge transfer and collaboration among researchers, practitioners, and the greater medical community. Quality writing enhances the dissemination and impact of scientific studies.
12) Disease:
A disease is a pathological condition of a bodily part, characterized by an identifiable group of signs and symptoms. In the context of tennis elbow, it signifies the discomfort and functional impairment experienced by patients. Disease identification is crucial for selecting appropriate treatment modalities, such as Agnikarma or therapeutic ultrasound.
13) Sthana:
Sthana translates to 'site' or 'location' in Sanskrit and is commonly used in Ayurveda to describe the location of a disease or the specific sites where treatments are applied. Determining the correct 'Sthana' is vital for effective treatment planning, whether through Agnikarma, herbs, or other interventions in Ayurveda.
14) Gupta:
Gupta refers to an author of the study and possibly indicates collaboration in investigating Ayurvedic treatments. The involvement of researchers like Gupta contributes to the credibility and breadth of evidence-based practices in the field, opening discussions on integrating traditional methods into contemporary healthcare.
15) Pitta:
Pitta is one of the three primary doshas in Ayurveda, symbolizing fire and transformation. It governs metabolic processes and digestive function. An imbalance in Pitta may lead to inflammation or irritation, influencing conditions like tennis elbow. Ayurveda aims to restore balance among Vata, Pitta, and Kapha for optimal health.
16) Kapha:
Kapha is another of the three Ayurvedic doshas, embodying earth and water elements. It is associated with stability, structure, and nourishment in the body. Imbalances can result in stiffness and congestion, affecting musculoskeletal health. Recognizing Kapha's role in conditions like tennis elbow is important for personalized treatment approaches.
17) Burning (Burn, Burned, Burnt):
In the context of Agnikarma, a 'burn' refers to the therapeutic application of heat to achieve specific healing effects. These controlled burns can stimulate healing processes, enhance circulation, and alleviate pain. The science behind this ancient practice blends traditional knowledge with modern pain management concepts.
18) Cauterisation (Cauterization):
Cauterization is a medical procedure that involves the application of heat to destroy abnormal tissue, control bleeding, or close wounds. In Ayurveda, Agnikarma uses this principle to manage ailments like tennis elbow, showcasing the integration of traditional practices with the biological understanding of tissue healing and inflammation control.
19) Quality:
Quality in healthcare represents the standard of care provided to patients. High-quality treatment outcomes, like those noted in the study comparing Agnikarma and ultrasound, are pivotal for patient satisfaction and recovery. Emphasizing quality care ensures effective and safe management of conditions like tennis elbow.
20) Amrita (Amrta):
Amrita refers to an institution or framework, such as Amrita School of Ayurveda in India, specializing in Ayurvedic education and practice. It plays a critical role in furthering research and validating traditional medicinal methods such as Agnikarma in contemporary health contexts, bridging ancient wisdom with modern evidence.
21) Wolf:
Wolf likely refers to a contributor in the academic literature that discusses tennis elbow. Recognizing various researchers broadens the understanding of common conditions like tennis elbow and informs the study design, interventions, and outcomes that researchers aim to explore, ultimately enriching knowledge in musculoskeletal health.
22) Life:
Life quality is crucial in assessing treatment effectiveness. The study emphasizes Agnikarma's role in enhancing life quality for patients with tennis elbow, highlighting the importance of pain relief and functional improvements in daily activities. Consideration of life quality findings informs clinical practice and therapeutic decision-making.
23) Raktamokshana (Raktamoksana, Rakta-mokshana):
Raktamokshana is an Ayurvedic therapeutic procedure involving bloodletting used to treat various conditions, believed to detoxify the body by balancing doshas. It reflects the holistic approach of Ayurveda and its methods aimed at curing illnesses through restoring harmony, particularly relevant for practitioners exploring integrative methods with established treatments.
24) Inflammation:
Inflammation is the body's response to injury or infection, often causing pain and swelling. In conditions like tennis elbow, understanding inflammation's role is crucial for treatment planning. Techniques like Agnikarma aim to manage inflammation, providing relief and facilitating recovery, showcasing the overlap between traditional and modern medical practices.
25) Vatapitta (Vata-pitta):
Vata-pitta denotes a specific constitution combining two doshas in Ayurveda, signifying a balance of air/fire elements. Understanding a patient's dosha helps tailor treatment plans to restore balance and promote health. Recognizing these fundamental principles in Ayurveda helps convey personalized care approaches and interpretations of individual health conditions.
26) Kaphavata (Kapha-vata):
Kapha-vata represents a combination of two doshas, emphasizing the interplay between earth/water and air/ether qualities in an individual's constitution. Understanding this balance is crucial within Ayurvedic practice to manage conditions like tennis elbow effectively, as each dosha influences different bodily functions and susceptibility to disorders.
27) Gridhrasi (Gridhrashi, Grdhrasi):
Gridhrasi refers to sciatica or a similar condition in Ayurveda, characterized by pain radiating along the sciatic nerve. Although the study focuses on tennis elbow, understanding terms like Gridhrasi illustrates the broader Ayurvedic lexicon relevant to musculoskeletal disorders, helping practitioners customize treatment protocols based on individual presentations.
28) Agnivesha (Agnivesa, Agni-vesha):
Agnivesha is an ancient Ayurvedic scholar known for his contributions to foundational texts and practices. His insights influence contemporary practices like Agnikarma for treating conditions such as tennis elbow. Reinterpreting ancient wisdom through modern research, like Agnivesha's teachings, remains critical for integrating traditional knowledge into current healthcare paradigms.
29) Siravedha (Sira-vedha):
Siravedha refers to a bloodletting technique in Ayurveda, used for various health conditions by balancing doshas. Understanding Siravedha and its applications enriches the comprehension of Ayurvedic practices and complements treatments like Agnikarma, reinforcing the cumulative approach Ayurveda takes towards patient care and disease management.
30) Substance:
Substance in the context of pain might refer to various biochemical substances like substance P, which are involved in pain transmission. Understanding the role of such substances is critical for developing treatment strategies, emphasizing the integration of both physiological and psychological aspects of pain management in clinical settings.
31) Education:
Education in the healthcare realm emphasizes the importance of disseminating knowledge about health practices, conditions, and treatments. Institutions like Amrita offer educational programs that develop practitioners versed in both traditional and contemporary approaches, ensuring comprehensive care is provided to patients, especially in specialties like Ayurveda.
32) Vitiation (Vitiated):
In Ayurveda, 'vitiated' refers to an imbalance of doshas, resulting in health issues. Conditions like tennis elbow can arise from a vitiation of Vata due to overuse and stress. Understanding the concept of vitiation guides treatment selection, allowing practitioners to target the root cause of conditions effectively.
33) Mishra (Misra):
Mishra likely refers to one of the co-authors in the study on tennis elbow, contributing to the research's credibility. Collaborative efforts among diverse researchers enhance the quality and impact of findings, fostering discussions on integrating traditional Ayurvedic practices like Agnikarma into modern healthcare insights.
34) Nidana:
Nidana refers to the pathology or causes of diseases in Ayurveda. Identifying Nidana is essential in treatment planning and diagnosis, as effective management relies on addressing the underlying causes rather than merely symptoms. This holistic view shapes the approach practitioners take toward musculoskeletal disorders like tennis elbow.
35) Charan:
Charan may refer to a researcher or an academic contributor involved in the study. The inclusion of diverse authors enriches the research's perspectives and strengthens the connection between traditional practices like Ayurveda and modern scientific understanding, enhancing the quest for evidence-based medicine.
36) Indian:
Indian denotes the geographical and cultural context for Ayurveda and its practices. The rich tradition of Indian medicine encompasses various healing systems, including Ayurveda, showcasing its contributions not only locally, but also globally in alternative health treatments, particularly effective practices like Agnikarma for musculoskeletal disorders.
37) Sutra:
Sutra translates to 'a thread or line' in Sanskrit, commonly referring to aphorisms or concise texts in Ayurvedic literature outlining principles and practices. They serve as guiding frameworks for practitioners, illustrating protocols and philosophies that underpin various treatments, including those relevant to tennis elbow.
38) Joshi (Josi):
Joshi refers to a researcher or author involved in the study. Contributions from professionals like Joshi reflect interdisciplinary collaboration, melding traditional Ayurvedic techniques with contemporary research, fostering broader understanding and applicability of treatments for conditions such as tennis elbow in modern healthcare systems.
39) India:
India serves as the origin of Ayurveda, a comprehensive spiritual and medical system practiced since ancient times. The country's rich heritage underscores the significance of traditional medicine systems, facilitating ongoing clinical research and validation of ancient practices such as Agnikarma in treating conditions like tennis elbow.
40) Kumar:
Kumar represents a contributor within the context of the study, emphasizing the collaboration between researchers in exploring the efficacy of Ayurveda practices. Collaborations like those involving Kumar promote advancements in evidence-based treatment options, integrating traditional methods with contemporary understanding of conditions like tennis elbow.
41) Honey:
Honey is often mentioned in Ayurvedic treatments as it is considered having healing properties. It can be used topically or consumed, supporting recovery by enhancing immune function and providing nourishment to tissues. In traditional practices, honey complements treatments like Agnikarma, contributing to overall wellness and healing.
42) Rules:
Rules in scientific contexts usually pertain to guidelines or protocols governing research. Rigorous adherence to established rules ensures the integrity of studies, impacting reliability and validity. In the context of this study on treatments, it highlights the importance of ethical considerations and methodological rigor in clinical research.
43) Kati:
Kati relates to the lower back area in Ayurveda and is often associated with conditions like sciatica. Although this study focuses on tennis elbow, understanding Kati informs the broader scope of musculoskeletal disorders addressed within Ayurveda, emphasizing its holistic approach to diagnosing and treating pain across various body regions.
44) Diet:
Diet pertains to the types of food consumed and plays an essential role in Ayurvedic treatments. Specific dietary guidelines accompany treatments like Agnikarma to optimize healing by ensuring patients have the right nutrients that support recovery, highlighting the intricate relationship between lifestyle choices and effective disease management.
45) Sign:
Sign refers to observable evidence indicating the presence of a disease or condition. In clinical terms, understanding signs is critical for accurate diagnosis and subsequent treatment planning. Assessing signs of tennis elbow during evaluation informs the therapeutic approach that practitioners may employ.
46) Fire:
Fire symbolizes transformation and energy, relevant both in Ayurveda and the physical world. In Agnikarma, the application of thermal energy is believed to fuel healing processes, indicating that understanding fire's physical and symbolic roles contributes to grasping traditional practices and their spiritual connotations in medicine.
47) Hand:
The hand is not only a crucial part of the human anatomy but also a primary focus in conditions like tennis elbow affecting elbow function. Understanding hand biomechanics in conjunction with therapeutic methods like Agnikarma helps practitioners design effective rehabilitation strategies, thus enhancing patient recovery and quality of life.
48) Ghi (Ghee):
Ghee, clarified butter used widely in Ayurvedic medicine, is praised for its nutritional and healing properties. Often combined with herbs or applied topically, it aids in the absorption of medicinal compounds while providing nourishment to tissues. Its use in treatments like Agnikarma emphasizes its significance in holistic healing.
49) Ter:
Ther likely refers to therapeutic practices in medicine, including techniques aimed at treatment and recovery. In the context of this study, understanding the therapeutic aspects of Agnikarma and ultrasound offers insights into their respective roles in managing tennis elbow and enhancing recovery through pain relief.
50) Sandhigata Vata (Sandhigata-vata):
Sandhigata-vata is a term used to describe a condition related to joint pain in Ayurveda, closely associated with the vitiation of Vata dosha. While relevant to multiple joint conditions, understanding its implications enriches the comprehension of how herbal remedies and physical treatments can be tailored in Ayurveda.
51) Peer review:
Peer review is a critical process in academic publishing, ensuring research integrity, quality, and accuracy. Studies undergo this rigorous examination by experts before publication. It enhances trust in the findings, particularly significant in medical studies exploring the efficacy of treatments like Agnikarma in addressing conditions such as tennis elbow.
52) Sushruta-samhita (Susruta-samhita):
The Sushruta Samhita is an ancient Ayurvedic text attributed to Sushruta, regarded as the father of surgery. It provides comprehensive guidelines on surgical and non-surgical treatments, including the use of procedures like Agnikarma for pain relief. This text remains pivotal in guiding contemporary Ayurvedic practice and education.
53) Nidanasthana (Nidana-sthana):
Nidana-sthana refers to a section in Ayurvedic texts that discusses the diagnosis and etiology of diseases. It outlines the principles for understanding health conditions and guides practitioners in determining appropriate treatment strategies. This encompasses integrating Agnikarma within treatments, illustrating Ayurveda's systematic approach to patient care.
54) Sutrasthana (Sutra-sthana):
Sutra-sthana is another section from Ayurvedic literature that focuses on aphorisms and frameworks governing treatment protocols. It serves as a guiding text for practitioners, ensuring consistency in approach and application of various traditional practices like Agnikarma. Understanding Sutra-sthana is crucial for implementing effective therapeutic modalities.
55) Tuberculosis:
Tuberculosis is a contagious bacterial infection primarily affecting the lungs. Its mention in such studies is critical for establishing exclusion criteria, ensuring participants in clinical trials do not have complicating conditions that could affect treatment outcomes. Understanding this ensures that treatments like Agnikarma receive accurate assessment under safe conditions.
56) Transmission:
Transmission refers to how diseases are spread from one individual to another. Understanding the modes of transmission is crucial in preventing outbreaks and managing patients effectively in clinical settings. This knowledge informs treatment strategies and public health policies aimed at mitigating the spread of various conditions, including tuberculosis.
57) Kaphapitta (Kapha-pitta):
Kapha-pitta depicts a constitution where both Kapha and Pitta doshas are balanced, affecting the bodily functions involving nourishment, transformation, immunity, and metabolic processes. Recognizing such combinations informs treatment protocols, allowing Ayurvedic practitioners to tailor their strategies to address specific imbalances effectively.
58) Discussion:
Discussion in academic papers contextualizes findings within the broader field, analyzing implications, acknowledging limitations, and suggesting future research directions. In the context of this study, the discussion provides insights into the effectiveness of Agnikarma versus therapeutic ultrasound, partaking in the ongoing conversation about integrative medicine.
59) Science (Scientific):
Scientific denotes an approach grounded in empirical evidence and rigorous methodologies. In studies such as this comparing Agnikarma and ultrasound, a scientific perspective emphasizes testing hypotheses, analyzing results statistically, and interpreting findings within broader contexts, thus advancing evidence-based approaches in both traditional and modern medicine.
60) Purvakarma (Purvakarman, Purva-karman):
Purvakarma refers to preparatory procedures in Ayurvedic treatments designed to enhance the effectiveness of primary treatment methods. Understanding Purvakarma principles is essential to optimize therapeutic outcomes, especially when integrating practices like Agnikarma, ensuring patients are adequately prepared for the intended therapeutic interventions.
61) Dhatvagni (Dhatu-agni):
Dhatvagni, or 'digestive fire of tissues', represents the physiological processes governing nourishment and metabolism in Ayurvedic medicine. It is crucial for tissue health and function. Understanding Dhatvagni informs therapeutic practices, ensuring practitioners address imbalances effectively, enhancing treatment outcomes for patients with conditions like tennis elbow.
62) Unmardana:
Unmardana is an Ayurvedic therapeutic massage technique aimed at relieving pain and improving mobility. This technique complements treatments like Agnikarma, providing a fuller approach to musculoskeletal pain management. Understanding various Ayurvedic therapies enriches practitioners' toolkits for addressing conditions holistically while promoting recovery and maintenance of health.
63) Stiffness:
Stiffness is a common symptom in musculoskeletal disorders, indicating restricted movement and discomfort. Addressing stiffness is crucial in treatments like Agnikarma and ultrasound for conditions such as tennis elbow. Effective management strategies aim to restore normal movement patterns, enhancing patients' overall mobility and quality of life.
64) Bandhana (Bamdhana):
Bandhana refers to bandaging or binding techniques in Ayurveda used for stabilization and support during the healing process. Understanding Bandhana techniques is essential for reinforcing treatments like Agnikarma, ensuring that healing occurs optimally while minimizing movement that could disrupt the recovery process.
65) Lakshana (Laksana):
Lakshana refers to the signs or symptoms characteristic of a disease in Ayurveda. Recognizing Lakshana is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. In conditions like tennis elbow, understanding both general and specific Lakshana guides practitioners in selecting effective therapeutic interventions tailored to individual patient needs.
66) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses practices aimed at diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases. Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine that offers holistic approaches, using techniques such as Agnikarma to address conditions like tennis elbow. Understanding different medicinal systems broadens the scope of treatment options available to clinicians.
67) Activity:
Activity refers to physical actions or exercises that can contribute to developing or alleviating conditions like tennis elbow. Understanding patient activity levels is essential for crafting personalized rehabilitation plans and interventions, ensuring that therapeutic approaches like Agnikarma are supplemented with proper guidance on lifestyle modifications.
68) Snehana:
Snehana is an Ayurvedic procedure involving oleation therapy, using oils for nourishment and to promote healing. Often paired with other treatments like Agnikarma, Snehana enhances the effectiveness of Ayurvedic therapies by reducing friction, facilitating smoother movements, and encouraging the removal of toxins from the body.
69) Salaka (Shalaka):
Shalaka refers to instruments made from specific metals used in Ayurvedic procedures like Agnikarma. These instruments are integral to the technique, ensuring proper application and effectiveness of thermal cauterization in treating conditions such as tennis elbow. Understanding various tools used in Ayurveda complements practitioners' technical skills.
70) Upanaha:
Upanaha is an Ayurvedic method involving the application of a medicated paste or bandage to an affected area. This technique is often used post-procedure to enhance healing and reduce discomfort. Integrating Upanaha with Agnikarma exemplifies the holistic nature of Ayurvedic treatments aimed at restoring health.
71) Overuse:
Overuse refers to excessive use of a body part leading to pain and injury, especially relevant in sports-related conditions like tennis elbow. Understanding overuse mechanisms helps practitioners design effective interventions, addressing both immediate symptoms and long-term rehabilitation strategies to prevent recurrence.
72) Dahana:
Dahana involves the element of burning in Ayurvedic treatments, crucial to procedures like Agnikarma for achieving therapeutic effects. It symbolizes the eradication of disease-causing factors, promoting healing. Understanding Dahana processes enriches the depth of treatment protocols integrating traditional wisdom with modern medical practices.
73) Dagdha:
Dagdha refers to the term 'burned' in Sanskrit, referring to the result of the Agnikarma procedure where controlled burns are applied for therapeutic reasons. This controlled application leads to healing by stimulating local blood flow and tissue repair, illustrating Ayurveda's innovative approaches to treatment.
74) Kumari:
Kumari refers to a palmyra tree or derived oils used post-Agnikarma to soothe the burned area. Understanding the application of such natural soothing agents following procedures emphasizes Ayurveda's commitment to holistic healing, using natural resources to alleviate discomfort and promote recovery.
75) Repair:
Repair refers to the physiological processes involved in healing and restoring damaged tissues. Techniques like Agnikarma aim to accelerate repair mechanisms by stimulating local blood flow and metabolic activity. Emphasizing repair within treatments is critical for achieving optimum recovery outcomes for musculoskeletal conditions like tennis elbow.
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 84]
Other Science Concepts:
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