Parasurgical procedures- Adaptability to Various Conditions

Dr. Anamika *
“Ayurveda” is a compound of the word ayus meaning “life” or “life principle” and the word veda, which refers to a system of “knowledge” (based on the root word “vid” i.e. to know), as well as the “steps to attain” a long and healthy life (based on the root word “vid” i.e. to attain). Thus, “Ayurveda” roughly translates as the “knowledge of life” or alternatively the practical steps to attain good health and longeivity.
Indian medicine has a long history, and is one of the oldest organized system of Medicine. Its earliest concepts are set out in sacred writings called Vedas, especially in the metrical passage of the Atharvaveda, which may possible date as far back as the 2nd millennium BC. Since then, Ayurveda has gone through a long long journey, also has faced set backs during the Mughal period, when some of the precious literatures of ayurveda were destroyed and also during British rule, when it had to struggle hard for its survival, as Western Medical Education became prominent.
Contrary to the perception, through the ages, the seers of Ayurveda has recognized the need to ensure that Ayurveda was relevant to contemporary needs and development. Vagbhatta, the latest of Acharyas says in his text that he is trying to make the system up-to-date and suitable for time (yuganuroopa).Now, since 1970s the ayurveda is coming again in the main stream of health sector and not only India but the whole world is looking towards the principles of Ayurveda, to have long and healthy life. It is the time of Globalisation of Ayurveda. Its survival for such a long period, through tough times and its existence in this century, itself proves that it has very strong roots and has adapted itself according to the requirement of the time, because if a system does not adapt itself according to needs of time or changes of the surroundings, it usually gets discarded by the people of that time. As adaptability can be seen as an ability of a system to adapt itself efficiently and fast to changed circumstaces. The changes or adaptations are to be only in applications and not in the principles.
Kshar karma, Agni karma and Jalauka karma are three main para surgical procedures described in Ayurveda. And their adaptability is evident from the extended spheres of their applicability and the way they are being explored regarding their mode of action, regarding sophistication of techniqueso of their application using the same principle e.g. Agni karma, and regarding the standardization of techniques e.g in kshar sutra prepration and application.
1. Kshar karma- Most extensively explored and recognized para surgical procedure. It is used in various forms, in various diseases.
(a) Kshar lepa
(b) Kshar varti
(c) Kshar injection
(d) Kshar sutra
Its applicability has extended to various conditions like fistula-in-ano, Perianal sinuses, Pilonidal sinuses, Haemorrhoids, Rectal prolapse , Sentinel pile etc.
(2) Agni karma- Therapeutic application of heat to treat painful conditions like Frozen shoulder, Sciatica, tennis elbow etc. is called Agni karma. It has extended its spheres in the management of skin infection like leismaniasis and also it has extended its spheres in regard of techniques and exploration regarding its mode of action.
(3) Jalauka karma- Usage of Hirudo- medicinalis for therapeutic purpose has extended to the sphere of
(a) Peripheral vascular diseases
(b) Recovery from reconstructive surgery
(c) Cardiovascular diseases
(d) ENT diseases
(e) Skin diseases (psoriasis, eczema, herpes) etc.
And also it has extended its spheres regarding the knowledge about the therapeutic properties of hirudotherapy, on the standards compatible with present scenario.


* Lecturer Department of Shalya Tantra, S.K.G.A.College, Kurukshetra.

Prevention of breast cancer-2

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Various scientific studies shows that if we include certain food articles in our diet, it can help in the prevention of breast cancer. The women who have a positive family history for breast cancer, must give due consideration to these studies, and must change their life style according to 8 diet recommendation, if required.

Green Tea-

Experts believe that having 3 cups of green tea a day can prevent breast cancer by as much as 50% because of its high EGCG antioxdant content.In addition if you squeeze a little lemon into your cup, you increase the antioxidant power 10 times.

Natural Garlic-

Allyl sulfur compounds reportedly help the body gets rid of cancer causing chemicals and may help to reduce cancer cell growth.

Cruciferous veg etables-

Green leafy vegetables bind estrogen in your G. I. tract and reduce tumor stimulation. Cruciferous vegetables contain a unique molecule called indole-3-carbinol, which enhances the ability of body to detoxify cancer- causing agents, while stimulating enzymes that convert estrogen into a safer form of estrogen.they also detoxify the liver, so you don't have toxins flowing through your body that may irritate cells and turn them into early cancers.

Olive oil-

Monosaturated fat can help suppress tumor activity. In addition, olive oil prevents the formation of free radicals that may cause cell destruction, within the human body, which is contributed to the presence of phenols, tocopherols, and other natural anti- oxidants. Earlier studies showed that oleic acid, the main monosaturated fatty acid in olive oil, can assist in fighting a cancer gene responsible for 25-30% of all breast cancers.

Turmeric-

Help to increase estrogen and can block cancer causing toxins. Researchers found that curcumin helped to stop the metastasis of breast cancer cells to the lungs within mice. As little as 1 teaspoon a day has been shown to reduce tumor growth. It is believed that turmerc inhibits or blocks an enzyme called cox-2 that plays a key role in the initiation and progression of breast cancer.

Soy-

Soy products like tofu contain several type of phytoestrogens- weak, non-steroidal estrogens that could help prevent both breast and prostate cancer by blocking and suppressing cancerous changes. There are a number of isoflavones in soy products, but research has shown that genistein is the most potent inhibitor of the growth of epthelial cells and new blood vessels that tumors require to flourish and bieing scrutinized as a potential anti- cancer drug. However, there are some precautions to consider when adding soy to your diet. Eating upto 4 or 5 ounces of tofu or other soy a day, is probably OK, but research is being done to see if loading up on soy could cause hormone imbalances that stimulate cancer growth. As a precaution, women who have breast cancer or are at high risk should talk to their doctors before taking pure isoflavone powder and pills, extracted from soy.

Tomatoes-

Tomatoes contain lycopene, an anti-oxidant that attacks roaming oxygen molecules, known as free radicals, that are suspected of triggering cancer. It appears that hotter the weather, the more lycopene tomatoes produce. They also have vit. c, an anti-oxidant which can prevent cellular damage that leads to cancer.

Watermelons, carrots and red peppers also contain these substances, but in lesser quantities. An increased intake of lycopene has been linked to a reduced risk of breast cancer.

In addition to these food articles, certain asanas are said to be beneficial in the prevention of breast cancer, as they help in maintaing the health of breast, like-

1. Garuda asana

2. Gomukha asana

3. Veerbhadra asana-1, 2 ,3

4. Trikona asana

5. Tada asana etc.

Therefore, the women who have a positive family history for breast carcinoma, must consider the ways to prevent it.

Prevention of breast cancer

Many types of breast cancer are caused by too much oestrogens in one's body.Nonetheless, there are ways you can reduce the fuel that makes cancer cells multiply, divide and spread. Scientifically proven ways to regulate oestrogen and boost your immunity are through the foods that you eat and certain vitamin supplements.

After analyzing 7,000 scientific studies, the World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute For Cancer Research made 8 diet recommendations you can use to lower the odds of developing cancer.

1. Be as lean as possible- Aim for body mass index of 21-23.

2. Be active- Aim for 60 min. or more moderate activity per day or 30+ minutes of vigrous activity.

3. Avoid energy dense foods and sugary drinks- Avoid foods that are high in fat, like fast foods and processed foods. Also avoid sugary drinks like soda.

4. Eat plant based foods- Aim for 5 servings of non-starchy fruits and vegetables every day (potato, sweet potato, and cassava don't count). Eat only limited amounts of refined grain like white bread and pasta. Instead include legumes or whole grains in every day meal.

5.Limit red meat and avoid processed meat- Limit red meat intake( beef, pork, lamb and goat) to less than 18 oz a week and avoid processed meat at all costs.

6. Limit alcohol- Men- No more than 2 drinks per day

Women- No more than 1 drink per day.

7. Limit salty foods- Salt and salt preserved foods are probably a cause of stomach cancer.

8. Don't bank on pills- Some supplements or high- dose nutrients are associated with higher risk of developing cancer. Stick to a healthy diet instead and don't bank on dietary supplements as the magic pills in preventing cancer.

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ghee in wound healing

Ghee is useful in wound healing
Ghee’s regenerative properties are also useful for healing wounds and promoting the growth of healthy cells). Ghee formulations, containing bees wax, honey and herbs are also referenced in regards to treating all degrees of burns, due to it pacifying excessively deranged Pitta dosha. Shatadhouta ghee is described as the best medicine with which to dress burns and scalds. This ghee is softer and colder than normal ghee due to it being washed in water a hundred times. Even more cooling is Sahastradhouta ghee, washed 1000 times but it is rather time consuming to make and hence more expensive! Ghee’s ability to pacify the burning nature of aggravated Pitta is also beneficial in treating gastro intestinal inflammation and ulcers. Ghee’s cold, oily qualities help protect the body’s mucous membranes and ensure its usefulness in any condition with burning sensations.