Introduction and Background: Ayurveda is the oldest surviving system of medicine that has withstood the vicissitudes of time and the onslaughts of rival medical systems. In its present stature, it is both adaptive and resilient. Its increasing predominance in the digital space and negotiations on social media channels has heightened its global presence. The advancement of ancient wisdom on a technology-based platform warrants systematic investigation. Objectives: To examine the nature, content and tenor of the videos on Ayurveda, posted on YouTube channels; to investigate into the practices and strategies deployed by content creators in the construction, dissemination and popularization of Ayurveda from a sociological perspective; to cognize the dynamics between Ayurveda and Biomedicine as reflected in the videos. Methods: The study employs cyber-ethnography as a method of data collection followed by discourse analysis to cognize Ayurveda’s proliferation on YouTube channels. For this purpose, the discourse on videos from selected channels was transcribed, thematically organised, interpreted, and analysed. The videos are publicly available, names of the selected channels and their content creators have been anonymized. Findings: Videos disseminating the basic tenets of Ayurveda and their significance in promoting health cover a wide range of themes that catch the attention of all age groups. The discourse on herbal, safe, and inexpensive remedies cuts across all videos. Elements of contradiction, condemnation, and contestation of the Biomedical model are evident in the discourse. The videos also demonstrate Ayurveda’s conformity to the nosology, vocabulary, jargon, practices of standardization, and pharmaceuticalization of the Biomedical model that have facilitated its global proliferation. Conclusion: The discourse on social media replicates the ongoing dynamics of contestation and co-optations between the two systems of medicine. Social media has served to strengthen Ayurveda’s presence on the global platform, creating a sizeable online community of viewers.
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.
Background: Viral hepatitis is a liver inflammation caused by a virus, with the most common types being A, B, C, D, and E. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). It is a systemic infection affecting the liver, causing impaired metabolism. Acute Hepatitis A is transmitted almost exclusively by the fecal-oral route. Large outbreaks as well as sporadic cases have been traced to contaminated food, water and milk. Clinical Findings: A 26-year female patient presented with the complaints of yellowish discoloration of urine, stool, eyes, and oral mucosa, along with vomiting, fever for 2 days, which is gradually started with anorexia for 8 days. Interventions: Vasaguluchyadi Kashaya, Patola Katu Rohinyadi Kashaya, Tab. Nirocil, Syp. Amlycure DS, Syp. Kalamegha DS, Avipattikara Churna and Anuloma DS were administered orally. Diet and lifestyle restrictions are advised. Outcome: After 30 days of treatment, marked changes in the subjective and objective parameters were found. Anorexia, abdominal pain, vomiting, giddiness, yellowish eye-oral cavity- urine, and Mala, headache, constipation, fever, weakness were present with moderate to severe intensity. Following treatment, all these symptoms were completely resolved. Biochemical parameters- Total bilirubin changed from 3.1 to 1.2, SGOT 381.5 to 34, SGPT 941.7 to 32, Alkaline phosphatase 190 to 90. Conclusion: Rational use of oral medications with a restricted diet in acute viral hepatitis A shown excellent results within a span of 30 days. This case highlights that the Ayurvedic line of treatment -Pitta Rechana (Cholagogue), Pitta Shamana (Pitta pacification), and Yakritshodhana (liver detox) helps in the effective management of acute viral hepatitis A.
Background – Erythrodermic psoriasis is a rare and severe type of psoriasis in which widespread redness and purulent discharge affect most of the body. This form can be life-threatening because it disrupts the skin’s protective barrier and interferes with temperature regulation. The skin often looks like it has severe burns—red, inflamed, and covered with large sheets of peeling scales. Patients may experience extreme itching, burning, or pain, along with dangerous shifts in body temperature. Complications such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, infections, hair fall, dandruff and even heart failure can occur. Clinical findings – A female of 31 yrs old with generalized erythema, scaling, purulent discharge associated with fever, malaise, pedal oedema and hair & nail involvement with more than 90% affected body by the disease. Intervention – Kaishora Guggulu, Gandhaka Rasayana, Panchatikta Guggulu Ghrita & Neelibringadi Taila for external application, supportive care and dietary modifications. Outcome – There was a significant relief observed within 6 months, erythema, scaling, purulent discharge, itching and other systemic symptoms reduced completely. There was a complete remission in patients’ condition and improvement on follow up. Conclusion – The Ayurvedic Chikitsa provided holistic management of the condition erythrodermic psoriasis, while also reducing the complications, and addressing all the systemic imbalance with resorting the quality of life within 6 months. Keywords - Case report, Psoriasis, Kusta, Erythrodermic, Skin Scaling, Redness, purulent discharge
Background: Hanu Sandhi is considered as a major joint in head area. It is considered a Bahuchala sandhi and is more prone for Vataja disorders. For Hanusandhigata Roga the local therapies described are Hanu Basti and Hanu Pichu. Hanu Pichu is an ayurvedic treatment procedure where a sterile cotton pad dipped in medicated oil is placed on Hanu Sandhi. Despite its traditional relevance in managing conditions such as Hanu Graha, Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, myofascial pain, and local inflammatory states, standardized guidance on its method, indications, and procedural safety remains unclear. A structured narrative mini review was planned to consolidate the available classical knowledge and standardize the operating procedure guidelines. Objective: The goal is to combine classical references with clinical studies to outline a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the practice of Hanu Pichu, and highlight its therapeutic rationale, procedural steps, and mode of action. Methods: A narrative literature review of Bṛihattrayi and Laghutrayi were screened for descriptions related to Pichu and Hanu-roga and Secondary data were collected from peer-reviewed journals, clinical case reports, and institutional SOPs available were collected. Conclusion: Hanu basti and Hanu Pichu are the therapies effective for TMJ disorders, However, Hanu Pichu is a safe, cost-effective, and minimally invasive Ayurvedic intervention for TMJ-related disorders when performed according to standardized guidelines. Hence Hanu Pichu can be a choice of practical and preferable treatment option in routine clinical practice. This structured narrative review provides a consolidated SOP guidelines that highlight its therapeutic rationale, procedural steps, and mode of action.
