Lifestyle disorders such as Hridroga (cardiac diseases) and Prameha (metabolic disorders including diabetes mellitus) are increasing worldwide due to sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet, and mental stress. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, offers a holistic treatment approach targeting the root cause of these diseases through Ahara (diet), Vihara (lifestyle), Aushadha (medications), and Manasika Bhava (mental balance). Yoga complements Ayurvedic therapies by enhancing cardiovascular health, metabolic balance, and psychological well-being. This review highlights the integrative role of Ayurveda and Yoga in preventing and managing Hridroga and Prameha, emphasizing classical concepts, therapeutic modalities, and scientific evidence supporting their synergistic efficacy.
Background: Kaksha is a disease described by Acharya Sushruta in Kshudra Rogas (minor disorders) which occurs due to vitiation of Pitta Dosha (regulates body temperature and metabolic activities) in the Bahu (upper limb), Ansapradesha (shoulder), Parshwa (flank) and Kaksha (axilla/armpit). The Kaksha is correlated to chronic inflammatory skin disease known as Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS), in which formation of subcutaneous nodules or sinus tracts occurs leading to hypertrophic scarring at disease site often causing discomfort to the patient affecting his/her quality of life. The primary areas of HS are the buttocks, genitals, perineal region and axilla due to the presence of apocrine glands. The prevalence rate of HS ranges from 0.00033% to 4.1% globally, but the treatment of HS remains challenging due to the increased recurrence rate and associated postoperative complications. Clinical Findings: A 37-year-old female patient came with complaints of multiple small pustular swellings associated with severe pain and foul-smelling pus discharge from the right axilla. Local examination revealed four openings with a pus discharge and foul smell. Intervention: The Ayurvedic diagnosis of Kaksha (ABB-12) was made based on signs and symptoms, whereas, as per modern literature, it was diagnosed as HS. Through an integrated approach based on principles of Ayurveda the case was treated by Shastra Karma (surgical procedures) and Shaman Chikitsa (palliative treatment). Outcomes: The wound of the patient healed completely in 1 month and no recurrence was seen after 1 year. Conclusions: In this case, the integrated approach based on principles of Ayurveda helped in complete resolution of the patient complaints and prevented recurrence which is one amongst the major complication seen after the treatment of HS. Hence it is observed that the traditional Ayurveda procedure of Kshara Karma (application of caustics) and Ksharasutra (medicated thread) ligation provided better results in the management of HS.
Introduction: Metabolic Syndrome (MS) is a multifactorial condition involving interconnected metabolic disturbances such as insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and abdominal obesity, significantly increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular diseases. Modern therapies often require polypharmacy, leading to side effects and compliance issues. Ayurveda correlates MS with Madhumeha under Prameha, emphasizing systemic imbalance caused by Dosha-Dushya Sammurchana and Medo-dushti. The present study evaluates the potential of Ayurvedic Rasaushadhis (herbo-mineral formulations) and lifestyle modifications in addressing the multifactorial nature of MS. Materials and Methods: A critical review of classical Ayurvedic texts and contemporary literature was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, The Lancet. Relevant studies on Rasaushadhis and Ayurvedic concepts of Madhumeha were analysed to establish correlations with modern understanding of MS. Results: Ayurvedic interpretation identifies Madhumeha as a Tridoshaja Vyadhi with predominance of Kapha and Medo-dushti. Comparative analysis demonstrates a strong correlation between Madhumeha and MS pathogenesis, involving insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and inflammation. Rasaushadhis such as Vanga Bhasma, Abhraka Bhasma, Tamra Bhasma, Naag Bhasma, Yasad Bhasma, Chandraprabha Vati, and Arogyavardhini Vati exhibit hypoglycemic, lipid-lowering, and antioxidant actions, validated through preclinical and clinical studies. Discussion and Conclusion: Ayurvedic Rasaushadhis, owing to their Laghu, Sukshma, and Yogavahi properties, offer a multi-target therapeutic strategy addressing metabolic dysfunctions, Agnimandya, and Medo-dushti. Integration of these formulations with diet and yoga provides a holistic, safe, and sustainable approach for managing metabolic syndrome, potentially reducing dependence on multiple modern pharmacotherapies. Key words: Insulin Resistance, Dosha Dushya Sammurchana, Medo-dushti, Herbo-mineral Formulations, Polypharmacy, Multi-target Therapy.
Infertility is a disease of the male or female reproductive system defined by the failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. Infertility is estimated to affect 8%–12% of reproductive-age group couples (60–80 million couples) worldwide, with around 15–20 million (25%) in India alone. A significant contributor to male infertility is oligoasthenozoospermia, a term that encompasses both oligospermia and asthenozoospermia. Clinically, it is distinguished by reduced sperm concentration and motility. The prevalence of oligoasthenozoospermia among men has increased worldwide annually to 10%–15% under the influence of numerous harmful factors, such as environmental pollution, psychological stress, and unhealthy lifestyles, placing a significant burden on people and the social healthcare system. The drawbacks of the currently available treatments include their side effects, unclear clinical effectiveness, and increased cost. In Ayurveda, there is no direct correlation of oligoasthenozoospermia but it can be correlated with Ksheena shukra (~oligospermia) or Shukra kshaya (~reduced semen) . It is a Vatapaittika-pradhana shukra dosha (~pathology due to the predominance of Vata-pitta dosha ) . This is a case report of a 36-year-old male complaining of infertility due to oligoasthenozoospermia. After 98 days of treatment, there is an increase in sperm count from 4 million/mL to 54 million/mL, rapid progressive motility from 7% to 35%, a decrease in nonprogressive motility from 22% to 5%, immotile sperm percentage from 71% to 55%. After one month of follow-up, the values were maintained and his partner achieved pregnancy. The observation of this case highlights the role of Vajeekarana aushadha (~aphrodisiac medicines) in the management of Oligoasthenozoospermia.
Abstract INTRODUCTION: Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is a nonmalignant growth or hyperplasia of prostate tissue, commonly encountered in senile males. Many a time, urethral compression and bladder outflow obstruction can result in the manifestations of urinary symptoms, such as urinary retention or infections, which considerably affect the quality of life. Delay in management may lead to further complications like kidney damage, urine retention, and bladder calculus, which compel the patient to undergo additional drug or surgical intervention. The adverse effects of commonly prescribed medications further worsen the spectrum. In practice, Ayurveda can also be effectively used to improve the quality of life in patients with BPH. PATIENT INFORMATION: A 46-year-old diabetic male, diagnosed with BPH, presented with complaints of increased frequency of micturition, incomplete bladder emptying, and urgency since 2–3 years. The patient was on conventional interventions for the management of BPH for over a year, following which it was discontinued due to unsatisfactory relief, though he obtained some temporary relief. THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS: The Ayurvedic treatment was planned based on the classical line of treatment of Vastigata Vatakaphaj Gulma ( ~a disease characterized by swelling in the region of the abdomen). At the beginning of the treatment, Deepana Pachan (~digestion and metabolism-enhancing) was done (by Hingvastaka Churna 3 g with Ghrita) twice a day, along with Abhyantara (~internal) and Bahya Snehan (~external oleation), Anulepa Chikitsa (~anointing with medicaments) , followed by Mridu Swedah (~mild sudation) . After this, a combination of Ayurvedic formulations ( Kankayan Gulika 500 g and Varanaadi Kshaya 15 mL twice a day) was administered. The treatment was continued for 8 weeks. RESULTS: A marked improvement in the International Prostate Symptom Score was observed (from 19 to 4) after the treatment, and ultrasonography revealed a reduction in prostate size from Grade II to Grade I with a considerable reduction in the post-void urine volume. No adverse effects were observed during the treatment. CONCLUSION: The multimodal Ayurveda interventions have demonstrated therapeutic benefit in the patient in reducing the symptoms and severity.
