Virechana Karma's Role in Managing Vicharchika (Eczema) Case Study
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Role of Virechana Karma in the Management of Vicharchika w.s.r. to Eczema - A Case Study
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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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Eczema, clinically known as atopic dermatitis, is a prevalent skin condition characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. The Ayurvedic interpretation of eczema aligns it with the condition known as Vicharchika, a dermatological disorder categorized under Kushtha in Ayurveda. This condition is marked by symptoms such as intense itching, discharge, and discoloration of the skin, and is identified as one of the Ashta Mahagada, indicating its significance within Ayurvedic medicine. The study discussed here aims to assess how Ayurvedic methodologies, specifically Samshodhana (purification) and Samshamana (palliative) therapies, can be effective in managing Vicharchika, using Virechana karma.
The Role of Virechana Karma
Virechana karma is a crucial Ayurvedic detoxification procedure specifically aimed at alleviating excess Pitta dosha, which is commonly associated with skin disorders like eczema. During the treatment case described, a 66-year-old male patient suffering from severe Vicharchika for five years was treated using a combination of local applications and oral herbal remedies. The intervention involved initial applications of Aragvadha Patra lepa and Panchtikta Ghrit followed by administering Trivrita Avaleha for Virechana. The treatment resulted in significant relief from the patient's symptoms, illustrating Virechana's effectiveness in managing chronic skin conditions through detoxification.
Importance of Dietary Management
Alongside Virechana karma, dietary considerations were emphasized as vital in the management of Vicharchika. Adhering to a proper diet (Pathya) and avoiding incompatible foods (Apathya) play a crucial role in the treatment of skin disorders in Ayurveda. In the case study, the patient underwent preparatory therapies aimed at improving digestion and metabolism, further enhancing the efficacy of the main treatment. The integration of dietary prescriptions post-treatment, known as Sansarjana Karma, ensures a gradual adjustment to the intestinal environment, facilitating the long-term management of the condition. This holistic approach underscores the critical link between diet, metabolism, and skin health in Ayurvedic practice.
Conclusion
The case study demonstrates that Vicharchika, akin to eczema, can be effectively managed using Ayurvedic therapies such as Virechana karma combined with a structured regimen of herbal medicines and dietary adjustments. Through a comprehensive approach involving detoxification and mindful dietary practices, patients can achieve lasting relief from the symptoms associated with this chronic skin condition. This study not only reinforces the relevance of Ayurvedic treatment methods in contemporary medicine but also highlights the need for further research into the dietary aspects of skin health.
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.
Anita Sharma
H.O.D. & Professor, Dept. of Agad Tantra & Vidhi Vaidyak, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Maya
MD Scholar, Dept. of Agad Tantra & Vidhi Vaidyak, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Dinesh Kumar Kumawat
Assistant professor, Dept. of Agad Tantra & Vidhi Vaidyak, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Bindu Kumawat
MD Scholar, Dept. of Agad Tantra & Vidhi Vaidyak, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Role of Virechana Karma in the Management of Vicharchika w.s.r. to Eczema - A Case Study
Year: 2022 | Doi: 10.47070/ayushdhara.v9i5.1066
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the Ayurvedic understanding of eczema in relation to Vicharchika?
Eczema is considered a variant of Vicharchika, classified under Kushtha in Ayurveda. It manifests with symptoms such as itching, discharge, and discoloration, resembling the clinical picture of eczema.
What treatment approach was used for the patient with Vicharchika?
The treatment included Aragvadha Patra lepa and Panchtikta Ghrit Pana, followed by Virechana Karma using Trivrita Avaleha. Marked relief was observed within seven days, and the patient was cured within 21 days.
What role does diet play in managing Vicharchika according to the study?
The study emphasizes the importance of Pathya-apathya (nutritional guidelines) in managing Vicharchika. Proper dietary choices significantly influence the treatment outcomes and help in alleviating skin disorders effectively.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Virechana Karma's Role in Managing Vicharchika (Eczema) Case 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) Karma (Karman):
In the context of the study, Karma refers to the treatment procedure or action. Specifically, Virechana Karma indicates a therapeutic purgation therapy in Ayurveda employed in the management of Vicharchika (eczema).
2) Dosha (Dosa):
Dosha signifies the fundamental bio-elements in Ayurveda which are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. They are responsible for maintaining physiological functions and their imbalance leads to disease manifestation.
3) Pitta:
Pitta is one of the three Doshas and represents the elements of fire and water. It is responsible for metabolism, digestion, and body temperature regulation. The study frequently mentions Pitta in association with Vicharchika symptoms.
4) Lepa:
Lepa refers to a medicated paste applied topically. In the study, Aragvadha Patra Lepa is used as an external treatment for eczema to reduce itching and dryness.
5) Nimba:
Nimba, commonly known as Neem, is used in this study for its medicinal properties like Kandughan (anti-itch) and Kushthhara (anti-skin diseases). It is applied in the form of oil (Taila) for external treatment.
6) Medicine:
Medicine in this context refers to the Ayurvedic formulations used to treat the condition. Examples include Panchtikta Ghrit Pana and Trivrita Avaleha, which were used for internal treatment.
7) Patra:
Patra means leaf. In the study, Aragvadha Patra (leaves of Cassia fistula) is used in making a medicated paste (Lepa) applied topically to treat eczema.
8) Aragvadha:
Aragvadha, also known as Cassia fistula, has properties like Kushthanashak (anti-skin diseases) and Kandughan (anti-itch). It is used in this study as a Lepa to reduce symptoms of Vicharchika.
9) Pittadosha (Pittadosa, Pitta-dosha):
Pitta-dosha is a specific reference to the Pitta element among the three Doshas. It indicates the involvement of metabolic heat and is a primary factor in the pathogenesis of eczema.
10) Avaleha:
Avaleha refers to a semisolid preparation in Ayurveda. In the document, Trivrita Avaleha is used as part of the Virechana therapy to treat Vicharchika.
11) Taila (Thaila):
Taila means oil. In the study, Nimba+Karanj Taila is used for its anti-itch and skin-healing properties in the treatment of eczema.
12) Tikta:
Tikta means bitter. Tikta Ghrita, a bitter medicated ghee, is used in the study for its Pitta-shamak (calming Pitta) properties to treat skin diseases.
13) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine from India that uses holistic and natural approaches for treatment. The study employs Ayurvedic therapies and medicines to manage Vicharchika (eczema).
14) Trivrita (Trivrta):
Trivrita is a medicinal plant (Operculina turpethum) used for its purgative actions. In the study, Trivrita Avaleha is used as part of the Virechana therapy.
15) Snehana:
Snehana involves oleation therapy in Ayurveda, often as a preparatory step for detox procedures. In the study, Tikta Ghrita is used for internal oleation.
16) Kushtha (Kustha):
Kustha is a general term for skin diseases in Ayurveda. Vicharchika is a type of Kshudra Kushtha discussed in the study.
17) Haridra:
Haridra, commonly known as turmeric, has anti-inflammatory and anti-itch properties. In the study, Haridra Khanda is used for Shamana Chikitsa (palliative treatment) to manage eczema.
18) Vata:
Vata is one of the three Doshas, associated with air and space. It governs movement and is involved in the pathogenesis of Vicharchika along with Kapha and Pitta.
19) Tiktaghrita (Tiktaghrta, Tikta-ghrita):
Tikta-ghrita is a bitter medicated ghee used in Ayurveda for detoxification purposes. In the study, it is administered for internal Snehana (oleation).
20) Abhyanga (Abhyamga):
Abhyanga refers to therapeutic massage with medicated oils. In the study, Dashmool Taila is used for Sarvang Abhyanga to prepare for Virechana therapy.
21) Pravara:
Pravara means excellent or superior. In the case study, it is used to describe the compactness of the patient's organs.
22) Disease:
Disease refers to any condition that impairs normal functioning. In the study, Vicharchika (eczema) is the primary disease being treated.
23) Dravya:
Dravya refers to medicinal substances. Various Ayurvedic Dravyas like Tikta Ghrita and Nimba+Karanj Taila are used in the treatment plan.
24) Ghrita (Ghrta):
Ghrita means ghee. In the study, Tikta Ghrita is used for internal oleation in the preparation phase for Virechana therapy.
25) Phanta (Phamta):
Phanta refers to a decoction or infusion. Tarunikusumakara Phanta is used as part of the Virechana regimen in the study.
26) Sharman (Sarma, Sharma, Sarman):
Sharma is a common surname in India. Anita Sharma is identified as an author of the study.
27) Khanda (Khamda):
Khanda refers to a granulated Ayurvedic preparation. Haridra Khanda is used in the study for its anti-inflammatory and anti-itch properties.
28) Rakta:
Rakta means blood. Vicharchika is described as a Raktpradoshaja Vikara (a disease arising from blood impurity).
29) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa refers to bodily fluids or tissues. In the study, Rakta (blood) and Rasa are involved in the pathogenesis of Vicharchika.
30) Vati:
Vati means tablet. Arogyavardhini Vati is an Ayurvedic tablet formulation used in the study for internal medication.
31) Shodhana (Sodhana):
Shodhana means purification techniques in Ayurveda. The study uses Virechana Shodhana (purgative therapy) to treat Vicharchika.
32) Swelling:
Swelling refers to edema or abnormal puffiness in tissues. One symptom of Vicharchika in the study is swelling in affected areas.
33) Pippali (Pippalin):
Pippali, or long pepper, is one of the ingredients in Panchkola Churna used for its digestive (Agnivardhaka) properties in the study.
34) Shunthi (Sunthi, Sumthi, Shumthi):
Shunthi refers to dried ginger. It is part of Panchkola Churna, used in the study for its digestive and metabolic enhancement properties.
35) Kshudra (Ksudra):
Kshudra means minor. Vicharchika is described as a type of Kshudra Kushtha (minor skin disease) in the study.
36) Vikara:
Vikara means disease or disorder. Vicharchika is described as a Raktpradoshaja Vikara in the study, indicating its manifestation due to impurities in the blood.
37) Bhasma (Bhasman):
Bhasma means ash or calcined preparations used in Ayurvedic therapy. The study mentions Gandhak, Loha-Abhraka-Tamra Bhasma in Arogyavardhini Vati.
38) Kapha:
Kapha is one of the three Doshas, associated with earth and water elements. It is dominant in Vicharchika, contributing to the disease's thick, sticky nature.
39) Ahara:
Ahara means food or diet. Proper Ahara plays an essential role in managing skin disorders according to Ayurvedic principles discussed in the study.
40) Yusa (Yusha):
Yusha refers to a vegetable soup or broth. In the study, it is part of the post-therapy diet (Sansarjana Karma) after Virechana.
41) Ashta (Asta, Astan, Ashtan):
Ashta means eight. Vicharchika is listed among the 'Ashta Mahagada' or eight major diseases in Ayurveda.
42) Blood:
Blood refers to Rakta. In the context of the study, Vicharchika is a Raktpradoshaja Vikara, meaning it arises from impurities in the blood.
43) Pana:
Pana means drink. In the intervention, Tikta Ghrita Pana is used for internal oleation in the study.
44) Tailabhyanga (Taila-abhyanga):
Taila-abhyanga refers to oil massage. In the study, Sarvang Abhyanga with Dashmool Taila is used to prepare the patient for Virechana.
45) Shuddhaparada (Suddhaparada, Shuddha-parada):
Shuddha-parada refers to purified mercury. It is included in Arogyavardhini Vati, an internal medicine used in the study.
46) Vyayamashakti (Vyayamasakti, Vyayama-shakti):
Vyayamashakti means exercise capacity. In the case study, the patient's exercise capacity is assessed as part of the Dashavidha Pareeksha.
47) Tamrabhasma (Tamra-bhasma):
Tamra-bhasma refers to calcined copper. It is part of the Arogyavardhini Vati formulation used in the study.
48) Aharashakti (Aharasakti, Ahara-shakti):
Ahara-shakti means digestive power. In the case study, the patient's digestive power is evaluated as part of Dashavidha Pareeksha.
49) Purification:
Purification translates to Shodhana in Ayurveda. The study uses Virechana as a purification technique for treating Vicharchika.
50) Adhishthana (Adhisthana):
Adhishthana refers to the seat or location of disease. In the study, the skin (Twaka) is mentioned as the Adhishthana for Vicharchika.
51) Aragvadhadi (Aragvadha-adi):
Aragvadhadi refers to a group of medicinal plants in Ayurveda, with Aragvadha being one of them. It is used here for treating skin conditions like eczema.
52) Samshodhana (Samsodhana):
Samshodhana means purification therapies. In the study, Virechana Samshodhana is used to treat Vicharchika.
53) Pippalimula:
Pippalimula is the root of long pepper, included in Panchkola Churna for its digestive properties used in the study.
54) Nimbapatra (Nimba-patra):
Nimba-patra refers to Neem leaves. In the study, Nimba Patra is part of the Tikta Ghrita used for oleation.
55) Mamsadushti (Mamsadusti):
Mamsadushti means tissue contamination. In the pathogenesis of Vicharchika, contaminated tissues are mentioned.
56) Agnimandya (Agni-mandya, Agnimamdya):
Agnimandya indicates weak digestion. It is a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of Vicharchika as per the study.
57) Jatharagni (Jathara-agni):
Jatharagni means digestive fire. In the study, Panchkola Churna is administered to improve Jatharagni in the treatment of Vicharchika.
58) Samshamana (Samsamana):
Samshamana refers to palliative treatments. In the study, herbal medicines like Haridra Khanda are used for Samshamana Chikitsa in Vicharchika.
59) Discussion:
Discussion refers to the analysis and commentary on the study's findings. It explains how various treatments helped manage the symptoms of Vicharchika.
60) Purvakarma (Purvakarman, Purva-karman):
Purvakarma means preparatory procedures. In the study, Purvakarma includes Deepan, Pachana, Snehana, and Swedana before Virechana.
61) Samprapti:
Samprapti means pathogenesis. The study elaborates on the Samprapti of Vicharchika, detailing how the disease develops according to Ayurvedic principles.
62) Vishaghna (Visaghna, Visha-ghna):
Vishaghna means toxin-neutralizing. In the study, Dushivishari Agad is used for its Vishaghna properties to manage Vicharchika.
63) Rajasthan:
Rajasthan is a state in India. The National Institute of Ayurveda, where the study was conducted, is located in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
64) Samhanana:
Samhanana means the compactness of organs. It is one of the parameters in Dashavidha Pareeksha to assess a patient's physical condition.
65) Tridosha (Tridosa, Tri-dosha):
Tridosha refers to the three Doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. In the study, the involvement of Tridosha is noted in the pathogenesis of Vicharchika.
66) Fragrance:
Fragrance refers to scented substances. The study advises against using fragranced products in the conservative treatment of eczema.
67) Katurasa (Katu-rasa):
Katu-rasa means pungent taste. Ingredients in Panchkola Churna have Katu-rasa, which helps in digestion and metabolism correction.
68) Haritaki:
Haritaki is a medicinal herb used in Ayurveda. It is one of the ingredients in Tarunikusumakara Phanta, used in the study as part of the Virechana procedure.
69) Triphala (Tri-phala):
Triphala is a combination of three fruits and is used for its digestive benefits. It is one of the ingredients in Arogyavardhini Vati mentioned in the study.
70) Mandagni (Manda-agni, Mamdagni):
Mandagni means weak digestive fire. The study discusses Agnimandya as a contributing factor to the development of Vicharchika.
71) Prakriti (Prakrti):
Prakriti refers to an individual's constitution. It is one of the parameters assessed in Dashavidha Pareeksha to understand the patient's condition.
72) Aushadhi (Ausadhi, Aushadhin, Ausadhin):
Aushadhi means medicinal herbs or formulations. Various Ayurvedic Aushadhis, such as Tikta Ghrita and Trivrita Avaleha, are used in the study.
73) Samhita:
Samhita refers to classical Ayurvedic texts. References are made to Charak Samhita in the study regarding the treatment and pathogenesis of Vicharchika.
74) Pramana:
Pramana means body proportion. It is one of the ten parameters evaluated in Dashavidha Pareeksha to understand the patient's overall health.
75) Abhraka:
Abhraka refers to mica. Abhraka Bhasma is one of the ingredients in Arogyavardhini Vati, used in the study for the treatment of Vicharchika.
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 140]