Ayurvedic management of ekkushta (chronic plaque psoriasis). a case report

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Ayurvedic management of ekkushta (chronic plaque psoriasis). 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) Sah:
Dr. Sonal A. Shah is the lead author and a significant contributor to the research on Ayurvedic management of chronic plaque psoriasis. Her affiliation with Loknete Rajarambapu Patil Ayurvedic College and her role as a professor underscore her expertise in Ayurveda, making her work influential in this domain.

2) Patil:
Dr. Abhinandan Patil is also a co-author of the case report, contributing to the clinical perspective of Ayurvedic treatment modalities. His involvement highlights the collaborative nature of Ayurvedic research, strengthening the findings through shared knowledge and experience within the medical community in India.

3) Lepa:
The term 'Lepa' refers to a semi-solid herbal paste used in Ayurvedic treatments, particularly for skin ailments. Its application in this case for treating ek-kushta underscores the importance of topical therapies in Ayurveda, as they play a crucial role in mitigating localized symptoms such as inflammation and itching.

4) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is the ancient Indian system of medicine that emphasizes holistic healing through balancing the body's energies (doshas). Its relevance to the case report lies in its therapeutic approaches, including herbal remedies and lifestyle modifications to treat chronic conditions like ek-kushta (psoriasis).

5) Itching:
Itching is a primary symptom experienced by the patient suffering from ek-kushta (psoriasis). This sensation not only impacts the patient's quality of life but also serves as a focal point in assessing treatment efficacy in Ayurvedic practice, as alleviating itching is often a primary goal.

6) Vati:
Vati refers to Ayurvedic medicated tablets or pills that are formulated with herbal ingredients for therapeutic purposes. In this case, Arogyavardhani Vati was administered to balance doshas, making it a critical component of the patient's treatment plan for addressing underlying imbalances.

7) Kushtha (Kustha):
Kushtha denotes a range of skin diseases in Ayurveda, with ek-kushta being one specific form characterized by scaly lesions. Understanding kushta is essential for practitioners as it provides a context for diagnosing and categorizing skin conditions according to Ayurvedic principles and symptoms.

8) Disease:
The reference to diseases emphasizes the broader context of managing skin disorders within Ayurveda. It lays the foundation for exploring Ayurvedic solutions not only for ek-kushta but also for numerous skin ailments through holistic health strategies.

9) Pitta:
Pitta is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, representing fire and transformation. In this case, pitta imbalance is linked to skin disorders like ek-kushta, as Ayurvedic treatments aim to soothe pitta and restore balance, demonstrating the interconnectedness of bodily energies and health.

10) Koshna (Kosna):
Koshna means warm, and in Ayurvedic practice, warm medicines are often preferred for their ability to enhance digestion and absorption. The recommendation of 'Koshna jal' (warm water) as an anupan (vehicle) reflects the importance of temperature in Ayurvedic therapies for maximizing treatment efficacy.

11) Sangli:
Sangli is a city in Maharashtra, India, home to Loknete Rajarambapu Patil Ayurvedic College. Its geographic significance lies in fostering an environment for Ayurvedic education and research, where the authors are based, facilitating contributions to the understanding and practice of Ayurvedic medicine.

12) Dosha (Dosa):
Dosha is a fundamental concept in Ayurveda representing the three energies—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—that govern physiological functions. Identifying dosha imbalances is crucial in diagnosing conditions like ek-kushta and tailoring individualized treatment plans to restore equilibrium.

13) Laghu:
Laghu implies lightness in Ayurveda and refers to various treatments and formulations that are easy to digest and process by the body. Laghu Manjishthadi Kadha, used in this study, highlights the significance of light formulations in promoting healing and balancing dosha.

14) Burning sensation:
Burning sensation is an alarming symptom associated with skin disorders like psoriasis. In this case, patients reported burning in conjunction with itching, indicating inflammation. Addressing this through Ayurvedic therapies is essential for effective management and patient comfort.

15) Maharashtra (Maharastra, Maha-rashtra):
Maharashtra, the state in India where the research was conducted, plays a pivotal role in Ayurvedic education and practice. The institutions in this region, including the authors' affiliations, contribute significantly to the advancements in Ayurvedic research and its applications in modern healthcare.

16) Ekakushtha (Eka-kushtha, Ekakustha):
Eka-kushtha is the Ayurvedic classification of chronic plaque psoriasis. This term is essential for understanding the condition's etiology and treatment options. The case study directly addresses this condition and showcases Ayurvedic remedies tailored for managing its symptoms.

17) Activity:
In the context of this study, 'activity' refers to the therapeutic effects and actions of the Ayurvedic formulations used. By exploring different activities of herbs, such as anti-inflammatory or detoxifying properties, practitioners develop effective treatment strategies for skin diseases.

18) Burning (Burn, Burned, Burnt):
The term 'burning' references the type of discomfort the patient experiences alongside itching. Such sensations are crucial indicators in both diagnosis and treatment, allowing Ayurvedic practitioners to tailor therapies that calm sensitive skin and alleviate distress.

19) Science (Scientific):
The reference to science in this context underscores the systematic and evidence-based nature of the Ayurvedic case study. By integrating traditional practices with scientific methods, the study aims to validate Ayurvedic treatments and contribute to their broader acceptance.

20) Study (Studying):
The study represents an evaluation of an Ayurvedic treatment approach for ek-kushta (psoriasis), aiming to document the methodology, outcomes, and insights gained from patient care. Such studies are vital for solidifying Ayurveda's relevance in modern medical research.

21) Hand:
The singular form 'hand' could refer specifically to the observation of symptoms localized in that area. This counters the generalized discussion of psoriasis by pinpointing how specific body parts are affected, demonstrating a detailed approach in Ayurvedic diagnosis.

22) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibiotic properties in herbal treatments are discussed to highlight the importance of preventing or addressing potential infections that complicate existing skin conditions. Ayurvedic medicines' inherent antibiotic effects enhance overall treatment efficacy against skin diseases.

23) Manjishthadi (Manjisthadi):
Manjishthadi, particularly in the Laghu Manjishthadi Kadha, is a significant herbal combination in Ayurveda. Its effectiveness in detoxifying and purifying blood makes it beneficial for treating skin diseases like psoriasis, showcasing the therapeutic potential of combinational herbal treatments.

24) Kushthaghna (Kusthaghna):
Kushthaghna refers to the therapeutic property that indicates the ability of a remedy to alleviate skin diseases. Utilizing herbs with kushthaghna properties in treatment plans specifically targets conditions like ek-kushta, underlining the strategic focus of Ayurvedic modalities.

25) Visphota:
Visphota pertains to eruptions or breakouts on the skin. Understanding this term helps in accurately diagnosing skin diseases within Ayurveda, especially considering how symptoms of ek-kushta can resemble those caused by Visphota.

26) Haritaki:
Haritaki is a well-known herb in Ayurveda noted for its digestive and detoxifying qualities. Its inclusion in the treatment plan highlights the importance of utilizing herbal remedies that support overall bodily functions while specifically addressing skin conditions.

27) Triphala (Tri-phala):
Triphala, a formulation with three fruits, serves various therapeutic purposes, including detoxification and balancing doshas. Its use in the case highlights its role in promoting digestive health and overall wellness, which is crucial for treating skin disorders.

28) Madhyama:
Madhyama refers to the 'medium' or average classification within Ayurveda. This term describes the patient's physical constitution and vitality, suggesting an emphasis on addressing individualized treatment approaches to cater to their specific needs during therapy.

29) Pimpali:
Pimpali, known for its medicinal benefits, is highlighted in the treatment formulations. Its specific properties serve to enhance digestion and assimilation of nutrients, thus contributing to improved health outcomes for skin conditions when used in yogic combinations.

30) Adulasa:
Adulasa is included in certain formulations for its therapeutic actions. Its incorporation signifies the diversity of herbal ingredients within Ayurvedic formulations, aiming at not just skin health but overall balance and wellness in the body.

31) Vikara:
Comparatively, 'vikara' focuses on the specific abnormalities or symptoms arising within the body. Addressing these through Ayurvedic methods is crucial to restore normalcy and vitality, particularly in the context of skin diseases.

32) Kapha:
Kapha dosha represents structure and lubrication in the body. Its association with skin disorders emphasizes the need to balance kapha in the treatment plan, wherein imbalances can contribute to skin problems such as inflammation and scarring.

33) Rakta:
Rakta, or blood, is crucial in Ayurvedic pathology as it nourishes the body tissues. The treatment and management of ek-kushta involve ensuring the optimal state of rakta dhatu to mitigate the symptoms of skin diseases effectively.

34) Dhatu:
Dhatu refers to the bodily tissues vital for sustaining life processes in Ayurveda. The health of dhatus is closely linked to overall wellness, highlighting the need to consider their balance in treating conditions like ek-kushta.

35) Drug:
Drug refers to substances, particularly herbal preparations used for medicinal purposes. The nuanced selection of drugs based on Ayurvedic principles outlines the tailored approach necessary for effective management of skin diseases, specifically in this case of ek-kushta.

36) Agni:
Agni symbolizes digestive fire in Ayurveda, vital for metabolic processes. Treatments altering or enhancing agni aim to improve nutrient absorption and toxin elimination, crucial factors in managing chronic conditions such as ek-kushta.

37) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa signifies taste and nutritional essence in Ayurveda. Its role extends beyond sensory perception, affecting therapeutic properties. Understanding rasa helps in crafting formulations that enhance health based on the inherent qualities of each herb.

38) Mala:
Mala refers to excretions such as waste products in Ayurveda. Proper elimination of mala is crucial for maintaining health, with accumulation potentially leading to imbalances, hence influencing the approach taken in treating chronic skin conditions.

39) Vata:
Vata is one of the three doshas representing movement and energy. In the context of skin disorders, vata imbalance may result in excessive dryness, hence Ayurvedic treatments often work to stabilize vata in conjunction with other doshas during therapy.

40) Pune:
Pune is another city in Maharashtra, often associated with Ayurvedic institutions and research centers. The mention highlights the regional importance in promoting Ayurveda as a significant contributor to healthcare and medical research in India.

41) Diet:
Diet in Ayurveda refers to food intake which influences health outcomes. The study implies dietary recommendations alongside herbal treatments to systematically restore the patient's balance and promote healing, emphasizing the holistic nature of Ayurveda.

42) Fish:
Fish is utilized as a comparative term in describing skin conditions. The term 'fish scale' as a characteristic of ek-kushta may help practitioners visualize and understand the disease symptomatically, aiding in diagnosis and treatment approaches.

43) Sandhigata Vata (Sandhigata-vata):
This hormonal and structural impairment mentioned in Ayurvedic literature connects with the patient's family history. Understanding such hereditary conditions aids practitioners in comprehensive diagnosis and treatment planning, especially where skin diseases intersect with joint issues.

44) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological attributes refer to the medicinal effects and actions of herbal ingredients. Understanding these properties allows Ayurvedic practitioners to utilize appropriate combinations effectively, enhancing treatment outcomes for patients with skin diseases.

45) Dushtavrana (Dustavrana, Dusta-vrana, Dushta-vrana):
Dushta-vrana refers to non-healing wounds in Ayurveda often linked with chronic conditions. Understanding such terms emphasizes the necessity of focused treatments that target deeper tissue healing and address complications associated with skin disorders.

46) Raktadhatu (Rakta-dhatu):
Raktadhatu denotes the vital substance of blood responsible for nourishing all body tissues. Its proper functioning is essential in preventing and treating skin diseases, making its assessment critical in the comprehensive Ayurvedic approach.

47) Pittadosha (Pittadosa, Pitta-dosha):
Pitta-dosha's balance is crucial for skin health, correlating with conditions that display inflammation or heat. Recognizing its influence allows Ayurvedic treatments to focus on cooling and soothing measures to relieve skin disorders effectively.

48) Kaphadosha (Kaphadosa, Kapha-dosha):
Kapha-dosha, when imbalanced, can lead to exacerbation of symptoms in skin conditions due to its tendency to contribute to excess moisture or sluggishness. Treatments focus on stimulating and balancing kapha to foster skin health.

49) Discussion:
Discussion involves analyzing the treatment results and theoretical implications of Ayurvedic practices presented in the study. It adds depth to the research, allowing practitioners to understand and contextualize treatment findings in the broader framework of Ayurvedic medicine.

50) Pundarika (Pumdarika):
Pundarika is one of the classifications associated with skin conditions in Ayurveda, illustrating the detailed categorization of ailments. Such classifications help practitioners narrow down treatments based on specific symptoms and characteristics.

51) Ashtavidha (Astavidha, Ashtan-vidha):
Astavidha denotes the eightfold diagnostic methods in Ayurveda used to assess health conditions comprehensively. Such methods provide a systematic approach to evaluate patients effectively, forming the basis for targeted therapies tailored to individual needs.

52) Sarvaroga (Sarva-roga):
Sarvaroga refers to all diseases in Ayurveda, encapsulating the notion of holistic treatment. This perspective emphasizes the need to treat not just specific conditions but the overall health of the individual through comprehensive Ayurveda.

53) Suffering:
Suffering in this context represents the physical and emotional distress the patient experiences due to chronic conditions like ek-kushta. Understanding and acknowledging this suffering is fundamental for practitioners to provide compassionate and effective Ayurvedic treatments.

54) Katurasa (Katu-rasa):
Katu-rasa refers to the pungent taste profile in Ayurveda, generally associated with particular herbs that induce digestion and detoxing. The inclusion of katu-rasa in treatments can enhance therapeutic effects, especially in managing metabolic functions related to skin health.

55) Vitiation (Vitiated):
Vitiation denotes the disturbances within the body's doshas leading to disease manifesting in symptoms. Recognizing this concept is crucial for Ayurvedic practitioners to address the foundational causes of ailments like ek-kushta effectively.

56) Vaivarnya:
Vaivarnya symbolizes discoloration of the skin often associated with inflammatory conditions. This term is vital for practitioners to observe changes and assess the progression of diseases characteristic of skin ailments.

57) Tridosha (Tri-dosha, Tridosa):
Tridosha comprises the three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—that govern health balance. Understanding their interplay is fundamental in Ayurveda, especially when diagnosing and treating diseases like ek-kushta where dosha disturbances are prevalent.

58) Pariksha (Pariksa):
Pariksha refers to examination or assessment methods in Ayurveda. Thorough examination of the patient's condition is paramount in developing effective treatment strategies, ensuring individualized care aligns with the principles of Ayurvedic medicine.

59) Medicine:
Medicine in this context encompasses the holistic approach of Ayurveda, integrating herbal formulations, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle changes. The focus on integrated care illustrates Ayurveda's commitment to treating the whole person rather than isolated symptoms.

60) Sweating (Sweat):
Sweating is a physiological response that can be relevant when assessing skin conditions. Evaluating perspiration helps practitioners identify imbalances in dhatu or dosha, especially in treating skin diseases associated with vitiated vata or pitta.

61) Alasaka:
Alasaka refers to a type of skin disease characterized by specific symptoms, reflecting the diversity of dermatoses within Ayurveda. Recognizing such classifications allows practitioners to select appropriate treatments based on detailed symptomatology.

62) Visarpa:
Visarpa signifies skin conditions, particularly infectious ones. Understanding its implications is essential in Ayurvedic practice for applying effective treatments that reduce inflammation and manage skin health, especially in conjunction with chronic conditions like ek-kushta.

63) Shataru (Sataru):
Shataru is another classification of skin conditions within Ayurveda, which helps differentiate various types of dermatitis. Identifying specific conditions aids in precise treatment protocols and enhances the overall effectiveness of Ayurvedic interventions.

64) Kshudra (Ksudra):
Kshudra refers to minor or less severe forms of diseases in Ayurveda. This classification is important in treating conditions like ek-kushta where practitioners must understand the severity to devise appropriate treatment strategies.

65) Mandala (Mamdala):
Mandala represents another type of skin affliction characterized by distinct symptoms. Understanding such terminologies enriches Ayurvedic diagnosis and ensures that treatment plans are customized to the patient's condition.

66) Gomutra (Go-mutra):
Gomutra (cow urine) has properties used in Ayurveda for purifying and detoxifying. Its application in topical treatments demonstrates Ayurveda's unique approach to utilizing natural substances that promote healing through reintegration into bodily systems.

67) Samaka (Shamaka):
Shamaka implies a balancing quality attributed to treatments in Ayurveda, which aim to stabilize dosha imbalances that contribute to diseases. Recognizing shamaka qualities is crucial in designing effective Ayurvedic treatments for skin disorders.

68) Kitibha:
Kitibha denotes a type of skin lesion characterized by specific presentations, helping practitioners recognize varying skin ailments accurately. Such knowledge allows enhanced understanding and targeted treatment approaches within therapeutic frameworks.

69) Kashaya (Kasaya):
Kashaya refers to the astringent taste attributed to various Ayurvedic herbs used for their therapeutic effects, particularly in treating skin conditions by reducing exudation and inflammation.

70) Hygiene (Hygienic):
Hygiene emphasizes the importance of cleanliness and its role in skin health. In Ayurvedic practice, maintaining proper hygiene is critical in preventing infections and promoting healing, especially in conditions like ek-kushta.

71) Dravya:
Dravya means the substance or material, often referring to herbal formulations in Ayurveda. Understanding the composition of dravya is essential for creating effective treatments aimed at addressing specific health conditions.

72) Shabda (Sabda):
Shabda symbolizes sound, which can play a role in Ayurvedic assessments. Patient communication regarding their experiences helps practitioners give a holistic overview of their condition, enriching the overall diagnosis.

73) Ghrita (Ghrta):
Ghrita, or clarified butter, is utilized in Ayurveda for its nourishing and therapeutic properties. Its role in treatments signifies the incorporation of fats for enhancing absorption and improving overall health.

74) Ruksha (Ruksa):
Ruksha denotes dryness, an important factor in symptoms of skin diseases like ek-kushta. Understanding and addressing ruksha in treatments helps practitioners restore moisture balance essential for healing and maintaining skin vitality.

75) Sidhma:
Sidhma refers to a type of skin ailment recognized in Ayurveda. This classification helps practitioners navigate complex skin conditions by focusing treatments on particular symptom profiles associated with different types.

[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 105]