ALLERGY AND AYURVEDA

Allergy and Ayurveda

The concept of Allergy has entered in the world of science in 1900 A.D. so one may be misguided that such an explanation (regarding Allergy) cannot be obtained in classical Ayurvedic texts. A question may also arise about our ancient Acharyas, that what did they know about Allergy? But, if we go into detail we will find that the subject "Allergy" was not new in Ayurvedic Samhitas. The only difference is that the word Allergy has not been utilized. Regarding its knowledge, same explanation can be obtained in Samhitas as Modern medicine has contributed to the world of Allergy, even some etiological factors are more clearly expressed & some are new. Though it is an hypothesis however some light can be thrown in this context.

The complete description of allergy in Ayurveda can be traced under the title of "Satmya". As per the definition given in Ch. Su. 6/50. All those Ahara and Viharawhich are having Viruddha Guna of particular Desha or Roga are considered as Satmya of that Desha Roga.

In other words Satmya can also be correlated with "Upashaya" (Ch. Ni. 1).

Satmya is divided into 4 types
(1) Ritu Satmya
(2) Auk Satmya
(3) Desha Satmya and
(4) Roga Satmya.

Allergy and Concept of Heredity

Acharya Sushruta has clearly defined hereditary diseases in Su. Sh. 24/6.
• Causative factor - Vitiation of sperm & ovum
• Chances of Allergic disorders increases in bilateral inheritance
• Unilateral inheritance decreases the chances of Allergic disorders.
• Acharya Charaka has described it as "Kulaja Roga"
• Acharya Bhela has described it as "Prakritibhava"
• Acharya Vagabhata has described it as "Kulaja & "Kulodbhava"
• Acharya Yagyavalkya has described it as "Sanchari"
In a nutshell, a healthy sperm and ovum gives rise to a healthy progeny. According to an Ayurvedic principle there is a balance of Vata, Pitta & Kapha within the body of each and every individual. It's proportion (Qualitatively and Quantitatively) is fixed at the time of birth i.e. its Tara and Tama bhava. On the % of Vata, Pitta & Kapha Prakriti (Sharir & Manas) of an individual is formed. All these factors play an important role in forming ones immunity.

Acharya Charaka ( Ch.In. 1/5) has described 6 varieties of Prakriti in individuals. From which the first twp i.e. "Jatiprasakta" & "Kulaprasakta" can light our view.

"Jatiprasakta" - in some races there is tendency for hypersensitivity e.g. a "Bhanushali" race of Jamnagar is highly sensitive to certain drugs which are commonly used.

"Kulaprasakta" i.e. Family disposition. This can be related with chromosomal abnormalities. There is genetic inheritance, influencing the future generation.
The above explanations may be enough to throw light on the role of heredity in the manifestation of allergic diseases.

Allergy and Concept of Viruddha Ahara

The word Viruddha is originated from the Panini root "Rudhir Avarni" by applying the prefix "Vi". This leads to two factors i.e. on combining two, three things, the stronger one shades or overpowers the weaker ingredients. This has been accepted principally in Ayurveda also. It has been stated that in a combination of so many opposite qualities, the majority of the power packed qualities overpower the weaker qualities (Ch. Vi. 1/4).

The second meaning of Viruddha indicates about the combination of two substances which are not having an affinity for each other. So far this interpretation of Viruddha is concerned, it has been applied in Ayurveda in the context of dietetics and various combinations having such affinity for each other have been discussed at length. On this basis it may be concluded that such type of Ahara or foodstuff which is composed of substances having no affinity at all may be defined as Viruddha or Viruddhahara i.e. Dravyaviruddha.

Viruddha - Synonymous Description

In Ayurvedic literature direct references regarding the synonyms of the Viruddha are not available. However certain indirect synonyms may be available.

Ahita Ahara is the first word which has been frequently used as a synonym to the term Viruddha. In Ayurvedic literature, this word has been used very frequently.

In the lexicographic literature various other terms are also used such as
• Ananukula or Pratikula (Shabda Kalpadrum) which is having an adverse effect or unfavorable
• Anapayukta which is unpropitious
• Pratisiddha prohibited
• Apathya incompatible diet
All these words having the similar meaning may be observed in various, Sanskrit to Hindi, Sanskrit to English or Hindi to English dictionaries.

In Ayurvedic literature all these synonyms are used in a broader sense and with a specific meaning e.g.

Ahita - The word "Ahita" is used for any type of food which is not beneficial for the body and it may include:
• Paryushit Ahara
• Klinna Ahara
• Vishamashana
• Adhyashana etc.
Pathya - The word "Pathya" is used for those food articles which are beneficial in curing a patient.

Apathya - Those Aharas and Viharas which are restricted during the course of treatment.

If a patient indulges in taking the Pathya he will not require any Medication and when he is not taking of Pathya, the Medication will be ineffective.

On the other hand the Viruddha applies to the articles being consumed during both the conditions health and diseased.

Types of Viruddha Ahara

A careful scrutiny of the Ayurvedic classical literature reveals that the Viruddhahara may be discussed in various aspects and accordingly various types of Viruddhahara may be established.

These types may be represented on the basis of the two famous schools of Ayurvedic medicine.

Charaka under the caption of "Prakrititah Ahita Tama Ahara" has described 19 types of Viruddha, which run as under (Ch. Su. 26/86).
1. Paraspara Gunaviruddha
2. Samyoga Viruddha
3. Samskara Viruddha
4. Desha Viruddha
5. Kala Viruddha
6. Matra Viruddha
7. Swabhava Viruddha
8. Dosha Prakritityadi Viruddha, Aniladi Viruddha
9. Agni Viruddha
10. Satmya Viruddha
11. Veerya Viruddha
12. Koshtha Viruddha
13. Avastha Viruddha
14. Krama Viruddha
15. Parihara Viruddha
16. Upachara Viruddha
17. Paka Viruddha
18. Hrit Viruddha
19. Sampat Viruddha
The Sushruta school of medicine has described 10 types of Viruddahara under the caption of "Ekanta Ahita Ahara" which run as under (Su. Su. 20/4)
1. Samyoga Viruddha
2. Karma Viruddha
3. Mana Viruddha
4. Rasa Viruddha
5. Veerya Viruddha
6. Vipaka Viruddha
7. Desha Viruddha
8. Kala Viruddha
9. Matra Viruddha
10. Atishaya Guna Yojata Viruddha

From this wider range of Viruddha one thing is sure that our Acharyas had accurate knowledge about the allergies which were uprooted through Viruddhahara.
• These Viruddhaharas may give rise to many chemical reactions in our body which cannot be visualized.
• It may be affecting the cellular body built and its chemical constituents.
• Certain Viruddha may be affecting our digestion directly or indirectly either influencing digestive enzymes or hormones.
• Some may be responsible for the arousal of the causative factors of a particular disease, or forming a favorable environment for the manifestations of the disease.
• Some might be harmful in certain environmental conditions only.
The diseases occuring due to Viruddhahara are mentioned below (Ch. Su. 26/102-103)
Visarpa
Andhapana
Jalodara
Visphota
Pagalpana
Bhagandara
Murchha
Mada
Adhamana
Galagraha
Pandu
Amavisha
Kilasa
Kustha Roga
Grahani
Shotha
Amlapitta
Jwara
Pinasa
Napunsakata
But exactly one cannot reach to the final conclusion that particular Viruddhahara is responsible for such chemical conditions. So further detailed research is required to draw out some scientific conclusion.

Allergy and Concept of Dushivisha

This is a most important and unique concept of Ayurveda which can be directly co-related with allergy.

Acharya Sushruta

Sushruta has described Dushivisha is Su. Ka. 2/25-26. According to him when a person is afflicted by an Artificial or Natural toxins, he is treated with an antitoxic treatments. As a result, a complete elimination of these toxins from with in the body is not possible. They may remain in a dormant state for quiet long period.

Acharya Charaka

Similar meaning can be elucidated from Ch. Chi. 23/7,31. He has opined that intake of toxic drugs which are less potent (Hina Veerya) remains in a dormant state within the body for years together, without causing any harm to the body. It remains in the latent stage due to covering (Avrita) of Kapha.

Dhatu Dushti

Chakrapani has commented upon this (Ch. Chi. 23/31) statement of Acharya Charaka, that "Dushivisha" vitiates the Dhatus after the lapse of a long time on obtaining a favorable conditions.

Explaining further Sushruta (Su. Ka. 2/33) has mentioned that "When causative factors like Desha (place), Kala (time), Anna (diet) and Divaswapna (Day sleep) are favourable for Dushivisha, it will become more potent vitiating Dhatus leading to the manifestation of a disease."


It is seen commonly that Allergic disorders are not affecting every individual similarly in presence of same causative factors.

Desha: It is commonly observed, that People of same Area, Colony, City, State, etc. are not affected equally on an exposure to a foreign body. Though living in the same environmental conditions, some people remains healthy while only few of them will be allergic to certain things.

Change of colony, city, etc. also plays an important role in the production of allergy.

Kala : This factor can be seen easily in our day to day life. It is generally observed, that often patients with rhinitis have maximum presentation of sign and symptoms in spring and rainy seasons. Same is with other allergic disease too. This is explained in detail in, Ritu Sandhi point.

Anna: Already described in Viruddhahara

Divaswapna: Day sleep is known as Divaswapna that results to Agnimandya, which is the root cause of all the diseases.

Allergic diseases described in Ayurveda are as follows:
Acharya Charaka

In Ch.Chi.23/3 Charaka has mentioned following diseases caused due to
Dushivisha
Shonita Dushti
Kitibha
Kotha
Acharya Sushruta

Sushruta (Su. Ka. 2/23) has mentioned following disorders caused due to Dushivisha.
Avipaka
Arochaka
Kotha
Mandal
Shotha
Vamana
Atisara
Trishna, etc.
Many of the diseases mentioned above has allergy as one of the
causative factor.

Relation of Dushivisha and Histamine
• Histamine is also present in the body in latent form similar to Dushivisha.
• It remains in an inactive form within the covering of cell wall.
• Cell wall can be called Kapha Dravya.
• Histamine is active only by its chemical reaction with Histaminaze.
Allergy and concept of Asatmyaja Vyadhi

Ritu Sandhi
• It is clearly described in As. H. Su. 30/58, which indicates that a specific "Dincharya" is to be followed in that particular period.
• Duration - Ritu Sandhi is a period of 14 days (approximately) between two consecutive seasons (Ritu) .
• In Ayurveda a specific diet regimen (Ahara & Vihara) is indicated for each & every season under the heading of "Ritucharya" (Ch. Su. 6).
• Indications & contraindications for each seasons are also mentioned. It should be followed strictly in order to remain healthy.
• Our Acharayas have well planned the concept of Ritucharya by considering the proportions of Tridosha, Panchamahabhoota, Rasapanchaka, etc. in various seasons & its adverse effect on a human body.
• Similarly prior adopting Ritucharya of the coming season, there are certain rules regarding the abandonment of the Ritucharya of previous season. These rules are mentioned under "Ritu sandhi".

Adverse effect
If Do's & Don'ts of Ritu Sandhi are not followed properly than it leads to:
• Asatmyaja Roga (As. H. Su. 30/58 & Sha. Pur. 2/30)
• Tridosha Prakopa which is causative factor of almost all the disease. (Sha. Pur. 2/31)
• Vitiation of Dhatus, giving rise to Dhatu Pradoshaja Vikara (Sha. Pur. 2/32,33).
In the same context, Acharya Sushruta has also mentioned that, due
to toxic Vayu following disease are caused
Kasa
Swasa
Pratishyaya
Shiroroga
Netraroga
All the above diseases are described under allergic disease in modern texts.

• The concept of Asatmjaja Vyadhi is very scientific.
• All factors are favorable in the period of Ritu Sandhi for a disease to manifest itself.
• Following environmental factors described in the Modern pathology for allergic diseases can be compared with Ritu Sandhi period & hence it can be said that these diseases has direct relation with Ritu Sandhi.
• In preventive & social medicine it is mentioned that health status of an individual, a community or a nation is determined by the interplay & integration of two ecological universes.

1. The internal environment of man himself.
2. The external environment which surrounds him.

• In the modern concept, disease is due to a disturbance in the delicate balance between man & his environment.
• Three ecological factors, Agent, Host & Environment are responsible for the disease. But the environment from which the patient comes is largely unknown.
• Yes frequently, the key to the nature, occurrence, prevention & control of disease lies in the environment.
• From this a positive support is obtained to scientific concept of Ritu Sandhi, further more.
• Mites of the genus Dermatophagoides have been shown to the commonest arthropods present in the dusts of foods, mattresses, carpets & upholstered furniture, etc. by several authors all over the world.
Three main factors which influence the population of house dust mites are:
- The temperature
- Relative humidity of the air
- Food material
They seem to be most abundant in those areas of the world where the climate is damp & temperate as compared to dry & cold climatic regions.
• Relative humidity >65% & <30% are unpleasant. Permanent exposure to such low humidity can cause drying of the nasal mucosa which may predispose to infection (viz Sore throat, cough).
• Research on Seasonal periodicity of House dust mite population published in Aspects of Allergy & Applied Immunology showed following conclusions.

1. Maximum positivity was found in the months of August & September &
minimum in the months of March, April & May.

2 Indicating that the mite population in house dusts shows a periodic
increase & decrease with the change of season.

3. It appears that more rapid growth of these organisms occurs during a
period when the temperature is moderate & the relative humidity is high
& a slow growth or no growth when it is relatively dry plus either too hot
or too cold.

Rheumatoid Arthritis-Ayurveda can help in a better way

Ayurvedic Cure for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Alternate Treatment Therapies Can Cure this Autoimmune Disease

Aug 19, 2009 Jitendra Rathod

Disfigurement of hand in RA –Medicineworld

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease which has no known cure, at least not in western medicine. Ayurveda claims to have its cure.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) affects around one percent of the world’s population with females more prone to it than males. It mostly affects people in the age group of 40 to 55. Immunologists believe that RA is an autoimmune disorder. In RA, there is chronic inflammation of the joints. The tissues and ligaments in the joints are subjected to autoimmune destruction. This leads to swelling, stiffness and pain in the joints. RA can be diagnosed by its symptoms. To confirm the presence of RA, certain tests like imaging techniques (MRI or ultrasound) and blood tests are performed. In the blood test, which is the most common, the presence of the Rheumatoid Factor (RF) is confirmed.

An RF is a specific antibody that the immune system produces against certain self components. These antibodies specifically bind to these components, thereby creating antigen-antibody complexes. These complexes accumulate in the joints. These complexes then activate a system called the complement system which causes destruction of tissue (inflammation). Apart from the joints, RA can also affect other tissues and organs like the lungs, skin, kidneys, heart and blood vessels.

Signs and Symptoms of RA

How and why RA is triggered is still unknown, although many scientists consider roles of bacteria, viruses, environmental factors etc. to play a pivotal role in the commencement of the disease. The signs and symptoms will depend upon the stage of the disease. They include fatigue, loss of appetite, fever, joint pain and stiffness. Muscle and joint stiffness is prominent in the morning. Progressively joints are deformed. Since it is a systemic disease, many symptoms are due to the involvement of other organs.

Current Treatment Therapies

Current treatment aims to alleviate the symptoms of the disease and decrease its progression. It endeavors to make life of the patient as normal as possible. Currently non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are used for treating RA symptomatically. Analgesic drugs are also used to ease pain. Surgical approaches like total joint arthroplasties can reduce pain and improve function.

The Ayurvedic Approach

According to Ayurveda, the physico-chemical and physiological activities inside a human body are governed by the three bio-humors the tridoshas. These are Vata (from ether and air), Kapha (from water and earth) and Pitta (from fire and water). The three bio-humors are in a state of dynamic equilibrium. If this equilibrium is imbalanced, the person becomes diseased. Thus, RA is caused by the formation of a toxin called ama which is produced by the imbalance of Vata and hence RA is called Amavata (or Sandhigata vata) in Sanskrit.

The ama is a sticky toxin which accumulates in the joints and blocks other vital channels. Ama spreads throughout the body and blocks arteries, intercellular spaces and decreases nutrient supply to the various parts of the body. This leads to the various symptoms of RA. It is hard to imagine how the ancient ascetics who practiced Ayurveda more than 5000 years ago could have known that ama is nothing but the antigen-antibody complexes that form during the autoimmune response and accumulate in the joints and also circulate throughout the body. It is interesting to note that Ayurveda has correctly defined RA along with its known symptoms, both local and systemic.

Read on

Ayurveda aims at correcting the balance of the three bio-humors to achieve a disease-free state. Thus it asks patients to refrain from curds, fish, milk and constipating foods. The reason behind this could be that these foods are known allergens and since most of the symptoms of RA are allergic reactions, abstaining from these foods may reduce symptoms. Scientists have found that not consuming milk and other dairy products can actually bring about remission in symptoms of RA.

Ayurveda aims at curing RA by avoiding the formation of ama, expelling the already formed ama, reducing the inflammation of joints and rejuvenating the affected joints. It prescribes the use of herbal products from plants like Citraka (Plumbago zeylanica), Pippali (Piper longum), Sunthi (Zingiber officinale), Maricha (Piper nigrum), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Vibhitaki (Terminalia belerica), Amalaki (Embelica officinalis), Guggulu (Comiphora mukul), Aswagandha (Withania somnifera) and Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna).

If the concepts of Ayurveda are comprehended and appreciated and incorporated into Western Medicine System, it is sure to revolutionize the way in which diseases are treated. The world is sure to become a healthier place to live in.

Lumbar Spondylosis

The onset of the Lumbar Spondylosis is very slow and gradual. This disorder of the low back region of the body particularly generates no symptom. Thus this complaint is hard to diagnose and provide effective treatment. However, spondylosis may lead to disabling hurtful pain, limited motion, and partial paralysis in affected areas of the body. If neglected for a longer period of time, it can become a severe problem and should be treated as soon as possible. Thus proper diagnosis leads to effective treatment of Lumbar Spondylosis. Lumbar Spondylosis can be treated through ayurveda, naturopathy, homeopathy, yoga as well as meditation.

The most common treatment of Lumbar Spondylosis is by conventional method. Intake of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help in rectifying the ailment of spondylosis. Moreover, different surgical procedures are also employed to put right the difficulty of low back pain. Spinal deformity is removed through several methods including spinal decompression, instrumentation and bony fusion. Surgical decompression of te affected nerves is done to provide relief from leg pain and paralysis. However, these conservative ways are regarded to prevent the lumbar spondylosis for a short period of time. After undergoing these treatments and even after surgery, temporary relief of back pain is received. The patient is again seen to develop aching thigh and leg pains along with severe back pain, which restrict mobility of the individual. In addition to that, braces are also seen to provide relief to the patients. Post-operatively patient is given brace and gentle mobilization

Treatment of Lumbar Spondylosis can be through other alternative systems such as physical modalities and also modifications. Alternative therapies such as chiropractic and acupuncture can be used to reduce pain. Physiotherapy also provides support to the degenerative spinal condition. As degenerative lumbar spine produce back pain and lumbar canal it contains the nerves and blood vessels, stenosis produces thigh and leg pain due to venous stasis in the spine causing congestion of the nerve roots. The degenerative spinal level and posterior lumbar inter body fusion (PLIF), posterolateral inter transverse fusion with autologous bone graft provides good fusion.

Besides, these alternative medicines homeopathy has played an essential role in curing this musculoskeletal problem. Yoga is another essential means for the Treatment of Lumbar Spondylosis. Yogic therapy reduces the lumbar spondylosis. When the lumbar spondylosis results in sciatica pain, the North Pole of the magnet should be applied to the most painful spot in the lumbar region and the South Pole to the terminal point of the pain. South Pole oil should also be used.

Treatment of Lumbar Spondylosis by Yogic Asanas also proves to be remedial measures. However, the asanas such as forward bending asanas should be avoided. The backward bending postures give quick relief. Asanas with backward bending like Bhujangasana, Shalabhasana, Dhanurasana, Supta Vajrasana, Gomukhasana, Ardha Matsyendrasana, Ushtrasana, Matsyasana and Chakrasana are helpful in this disease. Furthermore, long and deep inhalation and exhalation can be practised when the pain reduces. Surya Namaskara is another method of reducing the pain and curing lumbar spondylosis. Acupuncture/Acupressure is another alternative source of medication that treats the pain. The energy force or Chi is enlivened by Acupuncture. Acupuncture needles cause the body to release certain neurochemicals, such as endorphins or serotonin, and they help in the healing process.

Ayurveda is the ancient Indian holistic medical science that deals with body, mind and soul in health and disease. It is based on the principles of Panch-Mahabhoota that includes space, air, fire, water and earth and Tri-Dosha that is the three biological humors- Vata, Pitta and Kapha theories. Through these aspects Ayurveda prevents and cures diseases. Nadi shodhana and Ujjayi pranayama accompanied with exercises of back and waist described in Sukshma Vyayama can yield special benefit.

Specific AYURVEDIC treatments, PANCHAKARMA treatments and medicines will help in regeneration of the effected intervertebral disc, prevent the further damage, and also strengthens the paraspinal muscles.

Treatment of Lumbar Spondylosis through naturopathy has provided beneficial result.

In Nature Cure treatments fomentation with Hot and Cold or Infra Red Lamp on the painful region gives advantage. Applying of Wet pack after giving local steam to the painful region also gives immediate relief. Hot and Cold Hip Bath, Steam Bath and Immersion bath are its specific treatment. Certain dietary changes such as fast therapy or juice therapy can also be helpful for this disorder. Other means of curing Lumbar Spondylosis includes use of thin mattress on hard bed is advised instead of using very thick mattress. Constant sitting for a longer period should be prevented in this disease. The back should be kept erect while sitting in a chair to avoid the disease to recur. Lumbar Spondylosis can be treated with herbal remedies and supplements. As herbs are natural they offer relief to the affected area of the body.

Terminalia Arjuna

In Indian mythology, Arjun is supposed to be Sita's favourite tree. Native to India, the tree attracts lot of attention because of its association with mythology and its many uses. Arjuna is a large, evergreen tree, with a spreading crown and drooping branches. Grows up to 25 m height, and the bark is grey and smooth. Leaves are sub-opposite, 5-14 × 2-4.5 cm in size, oblong or elliptic oblong. Flowers small, white, and occur on long hanging recemes. Fruit is 2.3-3.5 cm long, fibrous woody, glabrous and has five hard wings, striated with numerous curved veins. Flowering time of the tree is April-July, in Indian conditions.

Medicinal uses: Every part of the tree has useful medicinal properties. Arjun holds a reputed position in both Ayurvedic and Yunani Systems of medicine. According to Ayurveda it is alexiteric, styptic, tonic, anthelmintic, and useful in fractures, uclers, heart diseases, biliousness, urinary discharges, asthma, tumours, leucoderma, anaemia, excessive prespiration etc. According to Yunani system of medicine, it is used both externally and internally in gleet and urinary discharges

The powder of bark of Arjuna along with warm water is very useful in controlling the cholesterol.

WISH YOU ALL A HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR 2011