Principle of Gate Control Theory: Ayurveda Perspective
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Principle of Gate Control Theory: Ayurveda Perspective
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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Bhagyashri A. Chakole
MD Scholar, Dept. of Ayurveda Samhita and Siddhanta, AIIA, New Delhi, Delhi, India.
Mahesh K Vyas
HOD and Dean, Dept. of Ayurveda Samhita and Siddhanta, AIIA, New Delhi, Delhi, India.
Kamal Kumar
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Ayurveda Samhita and Siddhanta, AIIA, New Delhi, Delhi, India.
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Principle of Gate Control Theory: Ayurveda Perspective
Year: 2023 | Doi: 10.47070/ayushdhara.v10i6.1293
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Ayurveda, as an extensive system of medicine, encompasses vast knowledge in various fields including physiology, pathology, and therapeutics. Ancient texts like the Charak Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Vagbhata Samhita lay the foundation for an understanding of health and disease. Pain, often the first indicator of bodily distress, is thoroughly described in Ayurveda, which provides numerous therapeutic approaches for pain management. This article explores the principle of Gate Control Theory of pain in the context of Ayurvedic treatments, suggesting that specific procedures utilize touch to alleviate pain by potentially functioning through this physiological mechanism.
Gate Control Theory of Pain
The Gate Control Theory of pain was proposed by Ronald Melzack and Patrick Wall in 1965 and postulates that pain perception is modulated by the interplay of different sensory signals traveling to the spinal cord. When pain stimuli activate both pain and touch receptors, the touch sensations can inhibit pain transmission by "closing the gate" at the spinal level. This theory emphasizes the subjective nature of pain, highlighting that an individual's emotional state, history, and context significantly influence pain perception. It positions the brain as a crucial mediator in responding to pain and underscores the potential role of various therapeutic modalities in pain relief, particularly those that include tactile stimuli.
Ayurvedic Therapeutics and Pain Relief
Ayurvedic procedures such as Samhanan, Abhyanga, Udavartana, and Agnikarma are noted for their efficacy in pain reduction through mechanisms that may align with Gate Control Theory. For example, Samhanan, described as a pleasing touch, aims to provide relief from pain and enhance overall well-being. Similarly, Abhyanga, which involves the application of oil through massages, not only nourishes the skin but also helps in mitigating stress and pain. Meanwhile, Udavartana incorporates a distinct abrasive technique that, along with its health benefits, addresses pain linked to imbalances in Vata dosha. These treatments emphasize the importance of touch as a therapeutic component, acting as a distractive stimulus that can effectively ‘close the gate’ on pain transmission pathways.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ayurvedic practices such as Abhyanga, Samhanan, Udavartana, and Agnikarma potentially engage the Gate Control Theory mechanisms to alleviate pain. The commonality among these techniques is their reliance on touch, which serves as a crucial distractive stimulus to modulate pain perception. This intersection of traditional Ayurvedic wisdom with modern pain theory offers a compelling framework for understanding and enhancing pain management strategies, emphasizing that the engagement of the manas (mind) also plays a significant role in pain alleviation. Overall, the integration of touch in these therapeutic practices can provide a holistic approach to pain relief, reinforcing the longstanding values of Ayurveda in modern health contexts.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the principle of gate control theory in pain management?
The gate control theory suggests that stimuli such as touch can inhibit pain transmission in the nervous system. When a painful stimulus occurs, both pain and touch fibers are activated, and the touch sensations can close the 'gate' in the spinal cord, reducing pain perception.
How do Ayurvedic procedures relate to gate control theory?
Ayurvedic procedures like Abhyanga, Udavartana, and Samhanan involve touch, which may reduce pain through the mechanisms outlined in gate control theory. These procedures provide a distractive stimulus that could potentially close the pain gate, alleviating discomfort.
What specific Ayurvedic therapies are discussed in the article?
The article discusses several Ayurvedic therapies including Abhyanga (oil massage), Samhanan (pleasing touch therapy), Udavartana (herbal rub), and Agnikarma (hot metallic rod application), all of which aim to reduce pain by incorporating touch and mechanical stimulation.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Principle of Gate Control Theory: Ayurveda Perspective”. 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) Pain:
Pain is a highly unpleasant physical sensation caused by illness or injury, which signals that something is wrong in the body. In the context of the gate control theory, pain is perceived when pain receptors are stimulated and this perception is processed in the sensory cortex.
2) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine rooted in natural therapies and holistic practices. It encompasses various domains including physiology, pathology, and medicine. Key contributions in Ayurveda include the Charak Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Vagbhata Samhita, which have provided a deep understanding of pain and its management.
3) Abhyanga (Abhyamga):
Abhyanga is an Ayurvedic procedure wherein oil is applied to the body surface using hands. This therapy helps reduce pain, improve joint mobility, relieve stress, and nourish body tissues. Its effects are attributed to touch sensation, which works by closing the pain gate as per the gate control theory.
4) Agnikarma (Agni-karma):
Agnikarma is an Ayurvedic procedure involving the use of hot metallic rods to touch the skin surface, primarily used for musculoskeletal and vascular conditions. It relieves pain by blocking nociceptors. The touch involved in this procedure is thought to work through the gate control theory.
5) Mana:
[see source text or glossary: Mana]
6) Vata:
[see source text or glossary: Vata]
7) Manas (Mano, Manash):
Manas refers to the mind in Ayurveda, which plays a major role in the function of sense organs including the perception and expression of pain. The integration of mind in pain alleviation aligns with the principles mentioned in gate control theory where mental states impact pain perception.
8) Guna:
[see source text or glossary: Guna]
9) Samhanana:
Samhanana is an Ayurvedic therapy mentioned for pain conditions, noted for its pleasing touch. The procedure can be mild or deep and is performed in rhythmic strokes to relax muscles and relieve pain. It is proposed to work through the gate control mechanism by utilizing touch.
10) Kapha:
[see source text or glossary: Kapha]
11) Stiffness:
[see source text or glossary: Stiffness]
12) Utsadana:
[see source text or glossary: Utsadana]
13) Samhita:
Samhita refers to ancient Ayurvedic texts like Charak Samhita and Sushruta Samhita that provide foundational knowledge in Ayurveda, including theories of pain and its management. These texts are crucial for understanding Ayurvedic procedures from the modern scientific perspective.
14) Vedana:
[see source text or glossary: Vedana]
15) Dosha (Dosa):
[see source text or glossary: Dosha]
16) Sukha:
[see source text or glossary: Sukha]
17) Hair:
[see source text or glossary: Hair]
18) Vatadosha (Vatadosa, Vata-dosha):
Vatadosha refers to one of the three primary doshas in Ayurveda associated with movement and nerve functions. Pain is often associated with aggravated Vata dosha. Ayurvedic procedures aim to pacify Vata dosha to alleviate pain and support the body's natural healing processes.
19) Knowledge:
Knowledge in Ayurveda is considered eternal and comprehensive, covering physiology, pathology, medicine, and more. The ancient sages enhanced this knowledge using Darshan shastra. Modern science now facilitates the understanding and acceptance of Ayurvedic methods from a contemporary perspective.
20) Disease:
[see source text or glossary: Disease]
21) Kumar:
[see source text or glossary: Kumar]
22) Discussion:
[see source text or glossary: Discussion]
23) Siddhanta (Siddha-anta, Siddhamta):
[see source text or glossary: Siddhanta]
24) Samvahana:
[see source text or glossary: Samvahana]
25) Medicine:
[see source text or glossary: Medicine]
26) Mridu (Mrdu):
Mridu means mild and refers to the gentle touch utilized in certain Ayurvedic therapies such as Samhanana. Mild touch is important in therapies targeting pain conditions like Vatarakta as it helps activate the gate control mechanism to alleviate pain.
27) Sita (Shita):
[see source text or glossary: Shita]
28) Delhi:
[see source text or glossary: Delhi]
29) New Delhi:
[see source text or glossary: New Delhi]
30) Sushruta-samhita (Susruta-samhita):
Sushruta Samhita is one of the three major ancient Ayurveda texts, providing extensive knowledge on surgery, medicinal treatments, and an understanding of pain mechanisms. Sushruta explains that pain is always associated with Vatadosha and can be managed through various procedures.
31) Transmission:
[see source text or glossary: Transmission]
32) Kaphadosha (Kaphadosa, Kapha-dosha):
[see source text or glossary: Kaphadosha]
33) Perception:
[see source text or glossary: Perception]
34) Depression:
[see source text or glossary: Depression]
35) Udvartana:
Udvartana is an Ayurvedic procedure involving the rubbing of herbal powders or pastes over the body in a direction against hair growth. This therapy helps reduce pain by pacifying the Vata and Kapha doshas and works by including touch as part of its methodology.
36) Vatarakta (Vata-rakta):
[see source text or glossary: Vatarakta]
37) Katishula (Katisula, Kati-shula):
[see source text or glossary: Katishula]
38) Sukhakara (Sukha-kara):
[see source text or glossary: Sukhakara]
39) Substance:
[see source text or glossary: Substance]
40) Vagbhata:
Vagbhata is one of the ancient sages and an author of significant Ayurvedic texts, including the Vagbhata Samhita, which contributes foundational knowledge in Ayurveda. These texts provide insights into pain management and the application of therapies.
41) Darshana (Darsana):
[see source text or glossary: Darshana]
42) Pradesha (Pradesa):
[see source text or glossary: Pradesha]
43) Sthaulya:
[see source text or glossary: Sthaulya]
44) Language:
[see source text or glossary: Language]
45) Indriya (Imdriya):
[see source text or glossary: Indriya]
46) Shastra (Sastra):
[see source text or glossary: Shastra]
47) Sparsha (Sparsa):
[see source text or glossary: Sparsha]
48) Salaka (Shalaka):
Shalaka refers to the hot metallic rod used in the Ayurvedic procedure Agnikarma. This contact with the skin surface is key to the therapy's efficacy in pain relief. The touch involved in this procedure applies the principles of the pain gate mechanism.
49) Ghrita (Ghrta):
[see source text or glossary: Ghrita]
50) Sthana:
[see source text or glossary: Sthana]
51) Shrama (Srama):
[see source text or glossary: Shrama]
52) Nature:
[see source text or glossary: Nature]
53) Animal:
[see source text or glossary: Animal]
54) Kalka:
[see source text or glossary: Kalka]
55) Ushna (Usna):
[see source text or glossary: Ushna]
56) Snayu:
[see source text or glossary: Snayu]
57) Tivra:
[see source text or glossary: Tivra]
58) India:
[see source text or glossary: India]
59) Ayus (Ayush):
[see source text or glossary: Ayush]
60) Blood:
[see source text or glossary: Blood]
61) Ruja:
[see source text or glossary: Ruja]
62) Agni:
Agni in Ayurveda refers to fire or heat, crucial in the procedure of Agnikarma. The use of heat in this procedure helps in alleviating pain by pacifying the cold and stiffness properties of Vata and Kapha doshas. It engages the pain gate mechanism through touch.
63) Sira (Shira):
[see source text or glossary: Sira]
64) Pada:
[see source text or glossary: Pada]
65) Kati:
[see source text or glossary: Kati]
66) Sage:
[see source text or glossary: Sage]