Study on Gharshana Karma (Microdermabrasion) for Acne Vulgaris.
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: A Clinical Study to Evaluate the Effect of Gharshana Karma (Microdermabrasion) in Mukhdushika (Acne Vulgaris)
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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Anupama Thakur
Assistant Professor, Department of Samhita & Siddhanta, Government Ayurvedic Medical College, Akhnoor, Jammu, India.
Rakesh Roshan
Assistant Professor, Department of Rog Nidan & Vikriti Vigyan, SSMD, Moga, India
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: A Clinical Study to Evaluate the Effect of Gharshana Karma (Microdermabrasion) in Mukhdushika (Acne Vulgaris)
Year: 2021 | Doi: 10.47070/ayushdhara.v8i6.835
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Acne vulgaris is a prevalent skin condition, particularly among adolescents, characterized by various papular eruptions on the skin, primarily on the face, shoulders, and back. A significant complication of acne is scarring, which can adversely affect an individual’s psychological well-being, leading to issues such as depression and suicidal ideation. In Ayurveda, Mukhdushika is linked to acne vulgaris, and treatments like Gharshana karma have been historically used to address similar skin concerns. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of microdermabrasion (MDA), a modern technique resembling Gharshana, in patients with post-acne scarring.
Efficacy of Microdermabrasion
The study involved 30 patients with acne scars, treated with MDA over 12 sessions spaced two weeks apart. The results indicated varying levels of improvement among patients: 1 patient (3%) experienced excellent improvement, 18 patients (60%) showed good improvement, 10 (33.3%) had fair improvement, and 1 patient (3%) saw poor improvement. The treatment demonstrated overall effectiveness, with the majority of patients reporting satisfaction with their outcomes, suggesting that MDA is a beneficial intervention for improving the appearance of acne scars.
Characteristics of Acne Scarring
The study categorized patients based on their age, sex, and the type and severity of their acne. The findings revealed that the majority of patients (73%) were in the 21-30 age range, with a higher incidence in males (66.6%). Patients primarily presented with rolling scars (73.3%), indicating the common forms of scarring associated with prior acne. Additionally, the involvement of different facial areas was noted, with all patients exhibiting scars on the cheeks, and many also affected on the chin and forehead. This highlights the considerable impact of acne scarring in visible facial areas, emphasizing the importance of effective treatment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Gharshana karma, through the application of microdermabrasion, shows promising results in the management of post-acne scarring. The study underscores the effectiveness of combining traditional Ayurvedic methods with contemporary techniques to enhance treatment outcomes for patients suffering from acne-related scars. The successful results indicate the potential for further integration of Ayurvedic principles with modern advancements, paving the way for improved therapies in dermatological care.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the focus of the clinical study conducted by Anupama Thakur?
The study evaluates the efficacy and safety of microdermabrasion, known as Gharshana Karma in Ayurveda, in managing acne vulgaris and associated scarring.
What were the results of the treatment for acne scars?
Out of 30 patients, 60% showed good improvement, 33.3% had fair improvement, and 3% reported excellent and poor responses, respectively.
What side effects were observed during the microdermabrasion treatment?
Side effects included erythema, abrasion, freckles, and gouging in a small percentage of patients; however, 73% experienced no side effects at all.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Study on Gharshana Karma (Microdermabrasion) for Acne Vulgaris.”. 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) Karma (Karman):
In the context of Ayurveda, 'Karma' refers to therapeutic procedures or actions implemented to treat ailments. In this study, Gharshana Karma is equated to the modern technique of microdermabrasion, which involves the mechanical abrasion of the skin to improve acne scars.
2) Disease:
Acne vulgaris, often described in Ayurveda as Mukhdushika, is a common skin disease that affects the pilosebaceous units. Disease severity can vary, leading to complications such as scarring and hyperpigmentation impacting patient psychology.
3) Gharshana (Gharsana):
Gharshana refers to a rubbing or friction-based therapeutic practice in Ayurveda. It is used to treat skin conditions like Mukhdushika (acne vulgaris) and is similar to modern microdermabrasion for removing dead skin to promote drug penetration and skin rejuvenation.
4) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that incorporates various therapeutic practices like Gharshana Karma to treat ailments. It connects historical treatments with modern methodologies, as demonstrated in this clinical study.
5) Samhita:
[see source text or glossary: Samhita]
6) Kangra:
[see source text or glossary: Kangra]
7) Lepa:
Lepa involves the application of medicinal pastes on the skin. Ayurveda texts recommend Lepa after Gharshana Karma to enhance the penetration and efficacy of the treatment for conditions like acne vulgaris.
8) Drug:
In Ayurveda, herbal formulations and natural substances serve as medicinal drugs. Post-Gharshana Karma, these drugs, such as Lepa applications, are used for treating skin conditions like acne scars to enhance therapeutic outcomes.
9) Kshudraroga (Kshudra-roga, Ksudraroga):
Kshudra-roga refers to a group of minor diseases in Ayurveda, which includes Mukhdushika (acne vulgaris). These conditions are often associated with superficial symptoms but can significantly affect the patient's quality of life due to scarring.
10) Inflammation:
Inflammation in conditions like acne results from the body's response to bacteria, sebum, and dead skin cells clogging hair follicles, leading to scar formation. Reducing inflammation is crucial in acne treatment to prevent scarring.
11) Raktadhatu (Rakta-dhatu):
Rakta-dhatu, translating to 'blood tissue,' is one of the bodily tissues in Ayurveda. Imbalances in Rakta-dhatu can contribute to skin conditions like Mukhdushika (acne), emphasizing the need for holistic treatment approaches.
12) Vatadosha (Vatadosa, Vata-dosha):
Vata-dosha is one of the three fundamental bodily humors (doshas) in Ayurveda. Imbalances in Vata, along with Kapha and Rakta-dhatu imbalances, are believed to contribute to conditions like Mukhdushika (acne vulgaris).
13) Discussion:
The discussion section of the study elaborates on the findings, explaining the impact of Gharshana Karma (microdermabrasion) on acne and related scarring. The results show considerable improvement, highlighting Ayurveda's relevance in modern dermatological treatments.
14) Depression:
Acne and its consequent scarring can significantly impact an individual's psychological health, causing emotional distress, depression, and even suicidal ideation. Addressing these psychological aspects is crucial in comprehensive acne treatment.
15) Science (Scientific):
Scientific research in the study bridges Ayurveda and modern dermatology, validating traditional treatments like Gharshana Karma (microdermabrasion) through scientific analysis and clinical trials for acne management.
16) Siddhanta (Siddha-anta, Siddhamta):
[see source text or glossary: Siddhanta]
17) Shalmali (Salmali):
In Ayurveda, Mukhdushika is compared to sprouts on the bark of the Shalmali (Bombax malabaricum) tree, outlining a natural descriptive comparison for acne. This aids in understanding the physical manifestation of the disease.
18) Kshudra (Ksudra):
[see source text or glossary: Kshudra]
19) Vikriti (Vikrti):
[see source text or glossary: Vikriti]
20) Anurupa:
[see source text or glossary: Anurupa]
21) Vyanga (Vyamga):
Vyanga refers to hyperpigmentation and is a skin condition mentioned in Ayurveda. Gharshana Karma (microdermabrasion) is recommended for treating hyperpigmentation caused by acne scars to promote even skin tone.
22) Hridya (Hrdya):
[see source text or glossary: Hridya]
23) Edema (Oedema):
Oedema, or swelling, is one of the side effects observed in treatments like microdermabrasion. It involves fluid accumulation in tissues and is monitored during acne treatments to ensure patient safety.
24) Dosha (Dosa):
Doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) are central to Ayurveda's understanding of health and disease. Imbalances in these humors are believed to cause conditions like acne (Mukhdushika), guiding the diagnosis and treatment strategies.
25) Kapha:
Kapha, one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, when imbalanced, can contribute to skin conditions like Mukhdushika (acne vulgaris). Ayurvedic treatments aim to balance Kapha to resolve these skin issues effectively.
26) Rakta:
Rakta (blood) is integral in Ayurveda's pathology of skin diseases. Imbalances in Rakta contribute to conditions like acne, necessitating treatments that restore blood purity and balance to manage symptoms and prevent scarring.
27) Dhatu:
Dhatus are the seven fundamental tissues that sustain the body in Ayurvedic medicine. Proper function and balance of dhatus like Rakta-dhatu are essential to prevent and treat diseases like Mukhdushika (acne vulgaris).
28) India:
India is the origin of Ayurveda, the traditional system of medicine mentioned in this study. The clinical trials conducted in Ayurvedic colleges like the one in Kangra, H.P., highlight India’s central role in Ayurvedic research.
29) Ayus (Ayush):
[see source text or glossary: Ayush]
30) Blood:
In Ayurveda, blood purification is crucial in treating skin diseases like acne. Imbalanced Rakta-dhatu (blood tissue) is targeted in treatments like Gharshana Karma to clear impurities and reduce symptoms.
31) Roga:
Roga translates to 'disease' in Ayurveda. Mukhdushika is one such Roga affecting the skin, and therapeutic procedures like Gharshana Karma are employed to treat and manage its symptoms.
32) Vata:
Vata is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda that governs movement and biological activity. Its imbalance can lead to conditions like Mukhdushika (acne), and treatments aim to restore Vata balance for effective disease management.
33) Tree:
[see source text or glossary: Tree]
34) Hair:
Hair follicles are at the center of acne formation. Inflammation in these follicles due to blockages leads to the development of acne and scars, targeted by treatments like Gharshana Karma (microdermabrasion) for improvement.