An easier method of rehydration in children
Posted by on Monday, 11th August 2014
An Easier Management Of Dehydration In Children
- Prof. Vd. M. P. Prabhudesai
M. F. A. M., A. V. P.
- Vd. Mrs. M. M. Prabhudesai
B. A. M. S. (Mumbai)
Sawantwadi, Dist.- Sindhudurga. Pin - 416510
Introduction:
When we decided to leave Mumbai and settle in Konkan area of Maharashtra, we had certain ideas in our minds. Present study is a humble effort towards one of our ideas, i.e. to make low-cost effective remedies available to poor, needy rural people.
There are many traditional remedies prevalent in our area, which we could know while discussing with traditional birth-attendants and traditional healers, in our area. We heard them telling that patent bregma (i.e. Talu) in infants has an exceptional capacity of absorption and this route may be used in treating dehydration in them. Out of various methods practiced in our area, one is to apply absorbent cotton soaked in breast-milk to patent bregma of dehydrated infants, repeatedly, till the patient recovers.
In February 1989, we got chance to try this method in a dehydrated baby, 28 days old, in which all the available methods for dehydration, including i.v. Infusion, were failed. Along with loose motions it had vomiting as well. It parents were very poor and due to lack of conveyance (only two S.T. buses out in a day) they were unable to shift the child to Govt. Hospital, which is only 30 Kms. from our place. As the parents showed full faith in us we decided to try this simple method. Being encouraged by the favorable results in the patients we tried this method successfully in 33 babies till the end of September 1989.
When we presented the case study in Third International Congress in Traditional Asian Medicine at Mumbai, in January 1990, we received many letters of encouragement and after a personal scientific communication we decided to modify this method a little, because of which we could cover children up to 6 years of age, which is supposed to be the high-risk age group.
In this modification we tried and advised massage to the whole body of the patients with naturally available milk (i.e. cow's, buffalo's, or breast) and milk-soaked cotton-swab was applied to the patent bregmas of younger babies, as well.
An attempt is being made here with positive treatment to present our practical experience during these efforts.
Selection of patient:
During initial trial we selected dehydrated babies up to the age of 1½ year, i.e. before ossification of anterior fontanelle (i.e. with patent bregma); but for modified experiment we preferred children up to 6 years of age, who were suffering from dehydration.
Till now only 72 cases are on record (including 33 cases of initial trial) as the village that we have chosen for service to rural people has total population not exceeding one thousand five hundred only and secondly, it is very difficult to convince the illiterate parents to allow us this unusual experiment on their severely ill children.
We have omitted the children with vomiting of cerebral origin and with fourth degree dehydration.
Thus, for selection of children in this experiment we applied two main criteria as follows-
1. Age of the child under trial should not be more than 6 years; and
2. The child under trial should be dehydrated.
Method:
In our initial study we applied absorbent cotton-swab soaked in naturally available milk to patent bregmas of dehydrated babies and before it could become dry, it was replaced by another swab. This was repeated till applied swab remained wet approximately more than one minute.
In the modified method, all children under trial were massaged with naturally available milk, all over the body till its rate of disappearance was markedly diminished and their skin regained its normal luster and elasticity. This procedure was also followed in younger babies with patent bregmas.
As for as possible we preferred breast-milk to apply at Talu in babies with patent bregma and for massage we used any of the naturally available milk.
We omitted re constituted milk for this particular study, which is not easily available in our area.
Especially the children with severe and repeated vomiting were stopped all oral feeds.
Observations:
The work is going on, but for the purpose of communication, the group of 33 babies of our initial trial (i.e. group one) and the groups of 39 children of our modified experiment (i.e. group two) are being analyzed. The number of patients is comparatively less; as many of the outpatients have not appeared again for follow up examination.
Our observations are as follows-
1. Immediate observation after applying milk-soaked cotton-swab to Talu of dehydrated babies was that the swab becomes dry after some time.
2. Similarly after massaging the whole body with natural milk, it was disappeared in the skin.
3. Both above observations clearly indicate absorption of milk through skin and anterior fontanelle (i.e. Talu) and the rate of absorption was found to be equally proportional to the degree of dehydration.
4. Signs of rehydration were seen in babies under trial, within ten to thirty minutes depending upon degree of dehydration.
5. The milk applied over whole body of the baby, turned into a whitish layer as the signs of dehydration got reduced & we thought this was the marker to assume that dehydration Is under control.
Table showing age-wise classification
Age of patient Male Female
Group One
1. Less than one month
2. Between 1 to 2 months
3. Between 2 to 6 months
4. Between 6 months to 1 year
5. Between 1 to 1½ years
1
1
4
8
7
1
1
3
3
4
Total 21 12
Group Two
1. Less than 6 months
2. 6 months to 1½ years
3. 1½ years to 3 years
4. 3 years to 6 years 6
4
9
3 3
5
6
3
Total 22 17
Table showing degree of dehydration
Sr.
No Degree Group One Group Two
Male Female Male Female
1.
2.
3. First
Second
Third 11
7
3 3
2
7 11
7
4 2
7
8
Total 21 12 22 17
Table showing symptom-wise classification
Group Symptom
Only loose motions Loose motions with vomiting
1.
2. Male Female Male Female
16
16 8
10 5
6 4
7
Total 32 18 11 11
Discussion and Conclusion:
According to W.H.O., dehydration is supposed to be No. 1 killer in children less than 6 years of age. So especially in areas where communication or expertise is not available, a simple method to manage dehydration is very much desired. Naturally and easily available substance like milk (cow's, buffalo's or goat's or breast) when properly used especially in remote rural areas can avert the risk and provide relief to patient and parents.
Established ways for rehydartion, at times, fail for lacking in getting proper (and cheaper) route. In attempt to find a route (especially intravenous) aseptic precautions are not that meticulously followed. So the risk of infection is much more and disastrous, on background of dehydrated stage. So more substitute mean and method utilized to compensate the risk will be very much appreciated.
So an attempt was done to try this positive drug, non-blind schedule of scrutiny. The single or double blind pattern was not desired in the emergency situation of dehydration. Placebo or otherwise intervention could not be thought of both ethically and by social circumstances.
This simple method for rehydration has following advantages:
1. This method is very simple and safe. The material required for management is easily and naturally available, almost everywhere and the risk of excess-dosage is not there.
2. It can be tried at home, thus may save many man-hours of parents, anxiously strained and wasted during hospitalization of their child, for i.v. infusion. Even non-earning domestic member of the family can carry out this method at home.
3. It will help to minimize the risk of probable introduction of infectious (like virus B hepatitis, aids etc.) through i.v. route or i.v. infusion fluids, especially where the social and professional meticulosity for asepsis is less.
4. This, being almost a no-cost remedy, will bring down the total cost of treatment, especially desirable in developing countries, like India.
5. Mother's scientifically health-valuable breast-milk, which is otherwise shunted out with psychologically painful stimuli, in case of severely vomiting child; is used in this method. So the mother is satisfied to see her breast-milk is utilized for her baby, & not wasted.
Additionally, it may prevent problem breast-abscess risk.
6. This method is definitely more useful than present O.R.S., especially so in children with total rejection of any oral intake.
7. As it covers the major risk-age-group dying by dehydration, it will be an additional support to M.C.H. scheme to deal with the killer No.1 of children.
We are quite aware of this positive non-double-blind management's limitations. It may have lesser scientific weightage. But the fact remains that within the situation, with limited economic and social aspects, at remote and least communicable areas; especially in rainy season and quality of professional skill and care unavailable, the report has golden merits.
While summing up we wish "best of health to all"
सर्वेऽत्र सुखिनः सन्तु सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः।
सर्वे भद्राणि पश्यन्तु मा कश्चित् दुःखभाग्भवेत॥
This paper was presented in-
1. Third International Conference on Yoga and Ayurveda (IASTAM) at Mumbai in January 1990
and
2. Fourth World Congress on Ayurveda at Bangalore in December 1991.
Contact:
- Prof. Vd. M. P. Prabhudesai
- Vd. (Mrs.) M. M. Prabhudesai
Dhanvatari Ayurvedic Panchakarma Chikitsalaya
Sawantwadi, Dist. - Sindhudurga.
Maharashtra, Pin- 416 510.
INDIA.
Mobile - 9422435323, 9423884321
E-Mail: - dr_murali13@yahoo.co.in
vdmrsmadhuri@gmail.com
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Normal Delivery at 45 years
Posted by on Friday, 27th June 2014
Normal Delivery at 45 years of age.....!!!!
- Dr. (Mrs.) Madhuri M. Prabhudesai
B.A.M.S.
Mobile - 9423884321
Surprised by the heading? In present days of commercialisation this seems to be very rare. But during last 30 yrs. of my medical profession I have handled so many cases of pregnant women and have treated them successfully with only Ayurvedic Garbhini-Paricharya i. e. with basti, Siddha-taila pichu-dharan and Snehan with various oils at the time of actual delivery. About 90% of the pregnant ladies have delivered normally with this simple Ayurvedic method. Here is one such case --
Date - 01 / 05 / 2000
Name - ABC
Age - 45 years
C / O - Amenorrhoea for about three months, came to confirm menopause as per her age.
L. M. P. - 07 / 02 / 2000
F.T.N.D. - one male child, 18 yrs. old. Then no issue. (Secondary Sterility)
O. E. - P/A and P/V revealed bulky & pregnant uterus of the same, three months duration.
She was quite sure that she had undergone menopause and so, she consulted about three gynaecologists. When everybody told the 'same', she again came to me. By that time she was advised by every medical / non-medical person that 'it is very risky to carry with this pregnancy, it is at the cost of her life, you will have to undergo caesarean operation which is also risky at this age, the child may be abnormal, when you have first son of 18 yrs. old what the public may comment?, so the best thing is you go for abortion', & so on. But her astrologist, with whom she had a great faith, told her that 'this child is very lucky & after its birth you will prosper like anything.' So, she came to me to inquire whether Ayurveda may help her to deliver with minimum risk.
History of this pt. - Actually, this pt. was not in contact with the pregnant ladies taking our treatment for normal / easy delivery. Even then she came to us, for some another reason. She had chronic cough for which she was under treatment of a chest-physician in Ratnagiri. Her X-Ray revealed opacity at the base of her rt. lung & as usual she was diagnosed and was under treatment for Koch's. In spite of the treatment for about two years, she had no relief. She had recurrent attacks of cough & fever and day by day she lost her weight (38 Kgs). So, she was brought to Dr. M. P. Prabhudesai, in the month of May 1993. With Ayurvedic treatment with necessary pathya, the opacity in her rt. lung almost disappeared, she was relieved of cough & fever and she had wt.-gain up to 46 Kgs., within a year. Then afterwards she had a rickshaw-accident. She was injured badly with pain at her neck & spine. She was hospitalised for many days and because of the heavy antibiotics again she developed anorexia and subsequent weight-loss. After taking many types of tonics she could not gain her wt. Then she came to us again and after proper Ayurvedic treatment with deepan-pachan along with brumhan-basti, she had proper wt.-gain once again. So, she had a faith in us because of which she came to me for the treatment to continue her pregnancy.
Line of treatment - As the patient was firm to carry on with the pregnancy, we assured her with Ashwasan-Chikitsa and suggested the following line of treatment -----
1. Regular check up with Urine-examination, CBC and routine USG.
2. A course of 3 matra basti & one niruha basti after eighth month of pregnancy till onset of labour (day 1- matra, day 2 - niruha & one matra & day 3 - matra)
3. Regular Pichu-Dharan in vagina with siddha Taila - We almost invariably suggest this for every pregnant woman, but being an elderly pregnancy, this was essential for this pt., to increase and maintain the elasticity of vaginal & perineal musculature.
4. Masanumasika quathas
5. Routine regular instructions for a Garbhini.
We advised the pt. to get routine check-up done from Gynaecologist to confirm regular and proper growth of the foetus; in this way we could convince the pt. and its relatives, about the proper Ayurvedic line of treatment.
Pt. delivered normally - As post-natal care of the pt. was easier in Ratnagiri, she registered herself in a famous maternity hospital in Ratnagiri in November 2000. Her USG was done on admission and the gynaecologist first called her surgeon-husband and then both of them called a senior gynaecologist to observe the readings of the USG. The pt. being 'heena-satwa' was frightened by the scene and thought of some major problem. But the senior gynaecologist agreed that she had never seen such 'clear intestines without gases &/or faeces' during her practice for last 40 years. She enquired about the treatment and assured the pt. that she is going to deliver normally, without any surgical intervention. The pt. immediately contacted me on phone & told me about this episode, even before contacting her own relatives. Next day the pt. delivered normally with a baby weighing about 71/2 pounds.
In this way, with the help of proper guidelines laid down by Ayurveda, we were able to create proper elasticity in the perineal musculature due to the basties, pichu-dharan & quathas and the pt. could deliver normally in older age, even.
During our practice we do take help of all kinds of diagnostic aids, to convince the pt. & its relatives. But we always try to remain with Ayurvedic Principles in our diagnosis & treatment and of course, we are almost always blessed by the expected results.
So, Vagbhatacharya has clearly mentioned that -----
"Ayurvedopadesheshu vidheyah paramadarah"
- Astanga-hriday, sootra-sthana, 1/
Contact -
Vd. (Mrs.) Madhuri M. Prabhudesai
Dhanwantari Ayurveda Chikitsalaya,
Sawantwadi, Dist. - Sindhudurga, Pin - 416510.
Mobile - 9423884321
e-mail - vdmrsmadhuri@gmail.com
,
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Leaches in IHD & TVD
Posted by on Thursday, 3rd April 2014
Jalaukaas in coronary block (Bypass to Bypass Surgery)
- Prof. Dr. Muralidhar P. Prabhudesai
M.F.A.M., A.V.P.
Ex- In-charge, Panchakarma Dept.,
Bhaisaheb Sawant Ayurvedic Medical College,
Sawantwadi, Dist. - Sindhudurga, Pin - 416510.
Case report of a pt. with IHD with TVD
Date - 9 March 1995
Name of the pt. – xyz
Age – 65yrs.
Sex – M
Chief Complaints – Dyspnoea on exertion (on walking a few steps, even after talking few words)
- Constipation, passes hard stools after 5-6 days interval
- Poor appetite
- Weakness
- Chest-pain
- Oedema over feet
- Hypertension
- Tingling in Lt. palm
- He used to get up in midnight due to chocking sensation in chest
- Feeling of some swelling (heaviness) in Lt. side of chest
- Consumes lots of Angised / Sorbitrate tabs. per day while walking or talking (20-22 tabs. in a day)
O/E – B. P. 220/110, Pulse – 102/min., Wt.- 59.5 Kgs., Jeevhaa – Saam, Koshtha- Krur, Agni- Manda, Nidra- Khandita, Bala- alpa, Ubhaya Paad-shotha- ++, Twak-sparsha - rookshata ++
Psychologically he was so depressed; he thought that he will never come out.
Past History – This pt. was serving in State Transport (Maharashtra) as Stand –in charge. Due to tight schedule of duties, he was not able to pass urine, whenever mootra-vega was there. As a result of which he developed urinary stones. He had heart-attack in 1980. His CST revealed ischemia. For investigation, he had undergone angiography in Feb. 1982, in Bombay Hospital & he was found to have 12 coronary artery-blocks (five in Rt. Coronary & seven in Lt. Coronary). Due to so many blocks, he was not allowed to undergo bypass-surgery. He was kept on conservative treatment (11 types of tabs. per day) and was admitted in the hospital for 4 mths. & was advised Tab. Angised and/or Tab. Sorbitrate SOS. He resumed his duties as he got little relief.
Due to chronic constipation he used to take Tab. Dulcolax 4 + Patankar Kadha (Laxative) ½ a cup + Kayam Churna (laxative) 1 tsf, very often. Even then he was not satisfied with his bowels (He got relieved temporarily).
After retirement (during 1992 - 1995) again the symptoms got aggravated for which he consulted many physicians but every time there was addition of medicines, without much relief.
He also was detected to have Diabetes mellitus.
Samprapti – Sedentary work (no shareerayas) – malavarodh & waramwar mootravarodh – apaan vaigunya – pratilom gatitah samaan vikruti – aama nirmiti – due to constant mental strain “Kha-vaigunya" in heart (which is moolasthana of Rasavaha & Manovaha srotas) – sthaan-sanshray of aama there – resulting in blocks – again malavarodh due to the medicines given for the ailment & the vicious circle went on. At the same time, Vyana Vayu-dushti (vyano hrudi sthitah…) & Udan-dushti (urah sthanam udanasya) - resulting in bal-hani - shram-shwas & vikruti in vak-pravrutti, prayatna, bal, warna and as mind was involved, due to various tensions (Hrudayam manasah sthanam), he lost his confidence & urja.
Diagnosis - He was diagnosed to have IHD with triple vessel disease + diabetes
With all the medications above, he was not satisfied with the treatment; as he had no much relief.
After retirement again the dose of Tab. Angised & Tab. Sorbitrate was increased since last four years.
After going through his huge file we thought to put him on Shaman (conservatory) treatment, along with the treatment he was advised, initially.
Initial treatment: Abhyantara Chikitsa-
1) Gandharva Haritaki 500 mg. twice a day before meals (apaane)
2) Arogyavardhini Vati 500 mg. twice a day after half of meal (samaan kale – as Munchan karya of Samana vayu was affected) thinking that Kutaki in the formula will do Bhedan of the hard stool. This drug is also Deepak & Pachak, which was expected in this patient.
3) Arjun & Punarnava-mool Quath, 4 tsf after meals (Vyaanodaane) with madhu (which is yogavahi), as anupan. Arjuna is well known for its specific role in Hrudroga. Punarnava is Shothghni & is useful in Hrudroga also (- Dhanwantari Nighantu). Hruday is awasthit sthan of vyana-vayu & this vayu is responsible for Ras-Rakta Samvahan. Vak-pravrutti, bal, urja (which were affected in this pt.) are under control of Udana-vayu, which has its awasthit sthan in Uroguha. So this medicine was given in vyaanodan kale)
4) Shankh Vati SOS ( as the pt. had aadhmaan due to malavarodha)
5) Snehan – As the Pt. was Vata-prakruti according to his age & he had Krura Koshtha & the rutu that time was with vat-prakop (kaalatah) -
1. Abhyantar – Ghrut Sevan (As usual, I had to spend about 15 minutes to convince the pt. about this concept)
2. Bahya - Mahamaash Taila
6) Siddha Jalapaan - Vidang-jeerak-siddha agnisanskaarit Jala (Vidang is Krimighna, which is needed in our area, where people used to drink water from well or river & Jeerak is deepak – Pachak & grahi, so dravashoshak, as the pt. had pedal oedema (udakavah srotovikruti)
7) 4 tsf of Castor Oil at every night, with lukewarm water.
8) Aashwasan Chikitsa - This is very important to support pt.'s positive attitude, especially when dealing with chronic pts. Vaidya should always create confidence in pt.'s mind that he will definitely come out. This helps to modify the state of mind from 'heen' to 'pravar' Satwa. (This is little easier for senior, bald headed Vaidyas).
He was advised to have light meals till his appetite was improved.
After a fortnight when he came for follow-up he was little happy to have bit easy evacuation of his bowels. His appetite was also improved a little more. He was able to reduce the no. of Angised & Sorbitrate by about 12-15 per day.
The same treatment was continued for another fortnight. His symptoms got aggravated in May 1995 after eating Jambu-fal (which is madhur-kashaya rasa pradhan & kashay-ras is known to cause dhamani-sankoch), so he had to increase the dose of Angised & Sorbitrate & as he had a little choking sensation due to ‘Durdin” in June 1995, (because of which he had to increase dose of Angised & Sorbitrate) he was advised to fumigate his bedroom with Vacha & Dhoop.
Then he was admitted in our hospital for Basti-treatment. He was given snehan, swedan & matra-basti of ground-nut oil 60 ml. (in those days Siddha tailas were not available in our area, as nobody was practicing Panchakarma, so we decided to use this oil, as it was freshly prepared in our farms), while going to bed every night for five consecutive nights. (This matra-basti yojana was advised to his on the basis of his 'vat-pradhan age' & malavarodhajanya (i. e. margavarodhajanya) samprapti.) Then after a gap of 2 days (to avoid sneh-saatmya) again matra-basti was repeated for another five nights. After these two courses of matra-basti there was remarkable improvement in his complaints & could get confidence that he will come out of it, soon. But till May 1995, he was not relieved of his chest-pain & he still had to wake up in midnight due to uneasiness in chest & tingling in Lt. palm.
By that time, one of my friend sent me an article from Reader’s Digest (Aug. 1995) titled “Welcome back little blood-sucker” by Alan Road. My friend knew that we were applying leeches for various ailments, in our practice. The article said that “Even though, the leech will suck for only 20-30 minutes bleeding may continue for several hours or so; clearing the most challenging blockage ” – on page no. 82. "Their saliva contains a powerful enzyme capable of rapidly dissolving blood-clots", - on page no. 83. After going through these lines we remembered that our texts, Ashtanga-Hrudaya & Sushrut-Samhita mention the same –
1) Avagadhe Jalaukasaa…………. - A. H., Sutra. 26/54
2) Grathitam Jalajanmabhi: ………..- A. H., Sutra. 26/53
3) Awagadhe Jalauka syaat…… - Sushrut., Shareer., 8/26
Meaning that, leeches are indicated in cases of blood-clots or thrombus.
And then an idea struck my mind – to apply leeches directly over the chest. We discussed our idea with many, but nobody had tried this type of application.
On 07/09/1995 - Pt. told that he was satisfied with his bowel-motions, even after consuming four tsf of Castor Oil, on alternate days. His B. P. was 150/80 mm of Hg.(in spite of stopping all his anti-hypertensive drugs; as he showed signs of hypotension on continuation of the drugs. May be because main cause of hypertension, i. e. tension about his own health, was reduced to a marked extent), Pulse-rate - 78/min. Wt. - 57 Kgs. (as he had no pedal oedema, any more)
We shared the above idea with the patient & after his written consent we decided to implement this novel idea.
On 25/09/1995 - Pt. was admitted in evening. We gave matra-basti of 50 ml. of groundnut-oil, at bed-time.
Next day, on 26/09/1995 we applied five leeches. The leeches left him after about 6 hours. But to our astonishment he had sound & undisturbed sleep that night.
Having encouraged by this result we applied leeches repeatedly after a gap of about a week or two and sometimes after a month even, & day by day the patient showed marked improvement.
Jalauka-application was repeated in Jan. 1996, Feb. 1996 & in April 1996. During all this period he was very happy with Shankh Vati. (It is very easy to know the 'Karmukatwa' of this Vati, as it created 'Vatanuloman' in this pt. so he got relieved with it.) He used to call it - 'a magic pill'.
Again his symptoms were aggravated in June 1996, when he went to meet his only son in Mumbai, so again dose of Angised/Sorbitrate was increased a little. This might be due to the atmospherically polluted conditions in Mumbai. This time we advised him to do Asanas like Pavanamuktasana, Shawasan, & Pranayamas.
By September 1996, his confidence & especially stamina was regained. Tingling sensation in his Lt. palm was stopped, he was able to enjoy undisturbed sleep at night and he was able to walk 5 kms. non-stop & he was able to climb about five stair-cases, initially after resting a while & then many a times without Angised or Sorbitrate. The intake of Angised & Sorbitrate was reduced to maximum two tabs. daily.
Encouraged by the results we decided to investigate the patient by repeating his angiography. After trying a lot we found a source. Fortunately, the head of cardiology department of KEM hospital agreed to carry it out through the donations collected every day, as a special case of research.
After the due schedule of appointment etc. the angiography was carried out, in June 1997, but to our astonishment the reports mentioned that all the previous blocks were increased in size. And naturally the HOD of the department was very annoyed, even though the patient was feeling relieved a lot than before.
After thinking a lot over this case, we came to realize that the previous angiography was done about 13 yrs. ago, when the pt. came to us for the first time. By that time, during those 13 years., many changes must have taken place, which were not on record. This was the main reason why we were unable to present the case, in a conference before Modern Medical Experts, even though there was marked clinical improvement.
This improvement was realized by a Senior Cardiologist in our area, whose advice was sought by the pt. repeatedly, before coming to us. While consulting the case before him, the Cardiologist remarked - "if this is proved, we will have to change all our concepts regarding modern anatomy & physiology……".
The pt., who was told that his life span is not more than 6 months, was awarded a bonus life of 7 more years, that too a pleasant life without any physical or mental stress & he was able to enjoy marriage ceremony of his only son. All this was possible for him because of the Ayurvedic way of thinking. He passed away in 2002, peacefully and without any physical or mental strain.
Many a times it so happens that after Ayurvedic treatment the lab. reports remain unchanged, but the pt. is relieved symptomatically. So, the new entrants in Ayurvedic Stream should take a note of this.
Our Observations in this case -
1) We applied jalaukas for about 12 times, after a gap of at least 8 days.
2) We avoid to take pricks with needle, to apply jalaukas, as we do not like to interfere with their inherited wisdom ( of course, allotted to them, by the God) to seek the site to prick & surprisingly, all the jalaukas applied, sought left lateral part of sternum to suck the blood. Not a single pricked over the central or right lateral part of sternum.
3) The jalaukas took too much time to leave pricked area; many of them took even 7-8 hours, initially. The admitted pt. could move here & there, with one hand over the moist gauze-piece, used to cover the applied jalaukas. (We do not force the jalaukas to leave the site, by applying Haridra or similar………….)
4) Almost all the jalaukas applied initially, vomited dark, very thick, sticky, tantumay & shleshmala blood, while squeezing. It was very difficult to to squeeze them to drain the vitiated blood sucked by them, as a result of which many of the jalaukas, applied initially, were dead after the very first application.
5) The initially squeezed jalaukas got globular & multiple sacs like appearance, as those were not drained properly.
6) Though the pt. was known diabetic healing of the tiny prick wounds took the same time, as in a normal person. (During my professional experience, for last 41 years only, I have come to the conclusion that usually, diabetes cannot be in the list of contraindication for Jalaukawacharan, except in pts. with very high BSL level (above 500 mg/dl.)
7) Not a single Jalauka pricked the same site again for sucking blood.
While concluding -
Whatever relief we could give in this case, the credit goes to the
- Our Gurujan, who gave us inspiration & the 'vision' while thinking about a disease, through Ayurvedic way
- The Samhita-granthas, which guided us from time to time
- "Bhishak-vashyataa" of the pt. who obeyed honestly, each & everything we advised, ( like consuming Eranda-taila daily, preparing quath every day, taking medicines regularly, performing daily asanas and pranayamas, observing the pathya very strictly) and
- The well-wishers like you all.
Actually, we had taken lot of risk to admit the pt. in our clinic, where no major emergency measures were available, there was no 'official' Dr. available in the area of 10 kms. radius, except us two, primary health care center was about 16 Kms. away. So, any emergency situation could have created lot of problems for us. With the blessings of The God Dhanwantari we did not had to face any problem.
To be frank, 'the bye-pass surgery' is a bye-pass to treatment, as the surgeons don't treat the cause. They just give a way to the obstructed flow of blood. They never give guarantee that surgery will prevent further blocks. If this is so, then why not try some other ways like one described here? Perhaps, this, low cost effective remedy, may prove to be an alternative for bypass surgery.
This was possible to accept this kind of case, because the pt. showed full faith with us & he had no other alternative because of his poor financial status.
If this story inspires anybody to try such cases, we will definitely help him/her with our limited capacity. I wished to get attachment to some institute with a large no. of OPD pts., to show positive results in various cases, but I failed to do it. (Dant-Chanak Nyaya).
So friends, I conclude here & wish you all the best in your general practice with Ayurvedic vision.
|| Sarve atra sukhinah santu ||
Contact :
Prof. Vd. M. P. Prabhudesai
Sawantwadi, Dist. - Sindhudurga.
Maharashtra, India. Pin - 416510
Mobile - +919422435323
e-mails - vdmurali13@gmail,com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . dr_murali13@yahoo.co.in
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Inclusion of Ayurveda in Primary Education is Essential
Posted by on Wednesday, 13th April 2011
Inclusion Of Ayurveda In Primary Education
- Professor, Vd. M. P. Prabhudesai
Bhaisheb sawant Ayurved Mahavidyalaya,
Sawantwadi, Dist.- Sindhudurga, Pin – 416510.
Maharashtra, INDIA.
[ There was an All India Level Convention arranged on the subject – 'Ayurveda - Education & Research', in Coimbtore (India) in July 1991. It was sponsored by Gujarat Ayurveda University (Jamnagar), Central Council of Indian Medicine, L.S.P.S.S. (Coimbtore), & A. V. R. Foundation (Coimbtore). The thoughts delivered by Dr. M. P. Prabhudesai were accepted by the convention in form of resolution, which was passed unanimously. Those thoughts are being elaborated as follows --].
Dear & honorable audience / readers, before going to plan the education - policy for the under-graduate & post-graduate courses of Ayurveda, it is my earnest request to go through the following facts.
Our present educational policy is based totally on the guidelines laid down by the Western educationalists (including Lord McCauley), which were influenced by the political elements present before our independence. But, one should never forget that there was 'The Best System of Education' available in our India since good old days. Not only that, we had our own best universities like Takshashila, Nalanda which imparted best quality education, even to foreign students. Unfortunately, this fact has been totally forgotten / ignored by the present educationalists & by the political leaders as well, who always try to enforce 'their own'(?) guidelines. The nations, which are always, alert about the greatness of their own country, their own tradition, heritage & culture and self-respect can flourish & progress like anything in a very short period, e.g. Israel, Japan. Instead, even after 44 years of Independence, we Indians are totally dependent upon the Westerns, almost for everything. A total period of 25 years (??) was elapsed from independence, to get Government – recognition to Ayurveda, after which the B.A.M.S. (Ayurvedacharya) course was adopted by various universities in India. This recognition was thought about only after the realization of Ayurveda-awareness aroused in Western-countries. This is one example of our typical Indian (and not Bharatiya)-mentality
At present, Ayurvedic education is approved at college-level. Unfortunately, first five-six months of the student admitted for Ayurvedic course, are wasted simply in getting accustomed to the Ayurvedic basic principles & the specific terminology. They are never been taught anything about Ayurveda up to twelfth standard, which is supposed to be the minimum basic qualification to get admission to B.A.M.S. The students get worried about, when they come across the names of Ayurvedic scientists like Charakacharya, Sushrutacharya, Vagbhatacharya etc. & similarly, the basic principles like Tridosha Siddhant, Panchamahabhoot Siddhant etc. During ten years of my teaching experience (1977–1986) in Ayurvedic colleges in Mumbai, I have experienced that, due to the fact mentioned above, many scholar students have left the course to seek admission for another course and in this way, Ayurveda has lost the talent.
This never happens in case of the students who get admission to a course (other than Ayurveda), related with modern science. Explanation of this fact is quite clear. The student is familiar with the basic principles & the terminology of modern science, which he knows even from his primary education. So, he can easily 'digest' the courses like M.B.B.S., Engineering, Science-subjects, Commerce etc. when he gets admission there.
In present situation, there seems only one solution for this, and that is ---- to include introduction of the basic principles of Ayurveda along with the concerned scientists & philosophers, very from the primary education, that too, step by step.
It is assumed that the national policies regarding various subjects, including educational one, should be based on the culture & heritage, social-lifestyle, geographical situation and similar other factors which are concerned with that particular country. While experiencing the 'present yearly changing pattern' of the education-system prevalent in India, it is quite evident that this assignation is not followed at all. There may be various reasons behind this situation. But it is regretted to observe that nobody, either any political or any social leader has ever tried to seek any solution and to follow it, honestly. According to me, the cause of this fact can be our 'traditional slave-psychology'. Our so-called thinkers are always worried about the western scientist's approval (??) / criticism, even if they decide to think anything new to the westerns. That will be the "holiest day" when our own thinkers will be out of this psychological-dependence. It will not be out of the subject, to quote here the famous sher ---
IwX hr H$mo H$a ~wb§X BVZm Ho$
ha VH$ara Ho$ nhbo, IwXm IwX ~§Xo go nyN>o -
"" ~Vm Voar aOm Š`m h¡ ?''
If we leave our inferiority-complex and if we try to revise and follow our own system of education based on Ayurveda and other Indian Philosophical-Sciences (Darshan-Shastras) that are supplementary & closely related with our social, moral, psychological, cultural and geographical conditions; then only our 'Bharat' will shine like anything, always ahead, among the world.
Ayurveda, our own medical science is totally relevant with our Hindu-culture, Hindu-lifestyle & Hindu-religion. (The word 'Hindu' used here implies – An ideal living-style matching with the Indian-culture; and not the present constricted meaning made famous by our politicians.) Even though, the students completing their primary, secondary or even college education are familiar only with the basic principles of modern science; but they never know anything about the philosophical foundation upon which our Indian Sciences are based. On the contrary, it is seen that 'the thinkers' in India go on jesting & criticizing this ancient Indian Medical Science, of being based on imaginary and strange philosophy that has no practical background & without any research. Naturally, the younger generation of students is more attracted towards Modern Medical Science that has got world-wide reputation & dignity, easier access in getting Govt. facilities, dazzling background, propaganda of its researches, which claim to give quicker results in treating diseases & so on. That is why, the student who has passed twelfth standard & who is inclined to get admission for a medical course; tries hard for the M.B.B.S. course on top priority. When it becomes impossible to get admission there or for similar courses based on modern science, then he becomes helpless & gets admission, reluctantly, to the Ayurvedic course, i.e. B.A.M.S., where, as narrated in the beginning, he experiences totally different atmosphere, as Ayurveda is based on entirely different basic principles, not known to him before.
Now we will go through few examples proving my thoughts -----
1. In the present system of education, the student learning in primary school knows about the square meal, vitamins, calories etc. as essential information about diet. But he never knows that, according to Ayurveda, 'all eatables available in the world are divisible in six tastes (Rasa) and our daily meal should contain all the six tastes in a particular proportion'. He may know this basic rule, only after getting admission to Ayurvedic course, that too after twelfth standard. Otherwise this rule may remain unknown to him for his whole life. In reality, I do not think, any other science, except Ayurveda, has ever thought about 'the diet' in all respects. At the time, when the western world had progressed (??) in consuming roasted meat instead of eating it raw, we Bharatiyas used to have delicious & dainty dishes containing all six tastes. In fact, the detailed description about dietetics regarding – when / where / how / what & how much to eat, who should eat, not only that but why to eat; is so elaborately available, with due explanation, in Ayurvedic texts that if one tries to write in details, thousands of pages will be insufficient, or if one tries to speak, he may require many days to explain in details. Even then, there is no any single reference about 'the Ayurvedic view of diet' in present primary or further education.
2. The student learning in primary education knows 'the Darwin's theory of evolution'. Similarly, he knows various hypothesise regarding the origin of this globe. But it is almost rare for him to know 'the Prakriti-Purush Siddhant' described in Bharatiya Sankhya-philosophy or the basic Bharatiya ideas about Srishti-Utpatti described according to 'Pilu-Paka', 'Peethar-Paka' and 'Dwyanuk-Tryanuk' Siddhantas are never heard.
3. The names of the modern scientists that give a nice tongue-exercise while pronunciation like Newton, Luis Pasture, Graham Bell, Einstein, Madam Curie, Galileo, Harvey etc. are well-known to the primary students, along with their topics of research as well. But they do not have mere acquaintance with the Bharatiya scientists like Charakacharya, Sushrutacharya, Vagbhatacharya, Bhaskaracharya, Kanad Maharshi, Aryabhatta (this is the only exception, due to our patriotic scientist, The President of Bharat at present, Dr. Abdul Kalam, who named the satellite), Dalhan, Dridhabala, Madhavacharya, Bhrigu etc. The Vedic Mathematics, which aroused an excitement in the western world due to its speed competing with the computer, we remained inert about it for so many days. Many such examples can be quoted.
My suggestion regarding inclusion of Ayurvedic Principles in the syllabus of primary education may have a few objections: ~
• Originally, all the Ayurvedic literature is in 'Sanskrit' language; so it may prove to be very difficult either to learn or to teach it.
The solution for this problem can be as follows – the teachers of primary schools should undergo a special orientation-course to learn basic principles of Ayurveda, which should be explained in the regional language after keeping the original terminological Sanskrit words as they are. Similarly, the Sanskrit-language, which is an optional subject at secondary-school level, should be made compulsory from primary level. It is my earnest suggestion that the Sanskrit should be approved as our National Language by making special necessary amendments in our constitution. (So that it may be possible to nullify the opposition of the South Indians to the present national language, i.e. Hindi). Then after, I would strongly propose to upgrade the Sanskrit Language to become the international language, as the scientists (especially the Western Ones) have accepted it as a language that can be easily & totally fed to computers.
• The other objection will be – will the Westerns understand, whatever we try to teach about Ayurveda & other Bharatiya Philosophy in the specific terminology and will they approve it?
My answer to this query is – we need not worry about that. If at all the Westerns are keenly interested to know our Oriental Sciences they have to get accustomed to our Sanskrit language & terminology as well. If it is inevitable to learn Russian, German or French when our Bharatiya students wish to get further education in Russia, Germany or France, then why should we waste our energy to try to translate our inherited wisdom in their language (which is almost always impossible, due to the want of clarification of the real / implied meaning), to make them understand our science? We 'Indians' unnecessarily make a bugbear of English language. We feel helpless if we do not have mastery over it. But it is my own experience that English is not much honored in Europe except England. It will not be out of track if I narrate my experience regarding this.
In May 1989, I was invited to read my research-paper in The World Congress of Yoga & Ayurveda, in Italy. Then there was a study-tour in Switzerland, Germany, Holland, France & England. During the whole tour, I experienced that very few people could speak or understand English, except at the international airports, at starred hotels and in England itself. In the roadside restaurants or in coffeehouses we had to convey our message through gesticulations by hand and the people were proud & alert regarding their own language. During lunch-recess we had been in a library in Rome. After going through the register, we asked the librarian, "Don't you have any English books here?" and she burst out angrily, "Why you want English books? You better learn our Italian language & you will get the whole knowledge you want, which, perhaps, may not be available in English." What a live & burning pride for her own language and her own nation! And we Indians (not Bharatiyas or Hindustanis) are still to fix a single name for our country!!!
• There might be one more objection – Ayurveda is not based only on axiom, so does not have any practical approach. The Tridoshas (i.e. Vat, Pitta, & Kapha) and Pancha-Mahabhootas described in it, cannot be demonstrated individually & practically. On the contrary, the modern medicine is practical-based science. Various bacteria (that are responsible for diseases, according to this science), the blood & its components, various invasive & non-invasive diagnostic techniques etc. can be perceived through our sensory organs. If this is the fact, then why to learn Ayurveda?
If one goes through the basic principles of Ayurveda with minute observation, the answer is quite evident. The 'Pratyaksha Pramana' ("Aj§ à{V' which means BpÝÐ`Jå`, i.e. axiom) is accepted also by Ayurveda. But according to it, its pervasion through our sense organs is very limited, while the real knowledge remains beyond the capacity of our sense organs & that is unlimited.
"àË`j§ {h Aën§, AZën§ AàË`j§Ÿ&' - Chraka Samhita.
This is one of the basic principles of Ayurveda. So that, Ayurveda has accepted two more Pramanas, i.e. AZw_mZ (means inference) & AmámonXoe (means eãXàm_mÊ` i.e. admonition by authorized seers); out of which 'inference' is accepted, to some extent, by the modern medicine. But, all the Basic Bharatiya Darshan Shastras also accept the third one, i.e. admonition & Ayurveda is no way an exception to this. In fact, according to Bharatiya philosophy, Anumana is superior to Pratyaksha & Aptopadesha is supposed to be the supreme one. This is simply a philosophical explanation.
But one may agree that, though not perceivable, the presence of Tridoshas (i.e. Vata, Pitta & Kapha) either in natural or unnatural state, can easily identified with the help of the guidelines laid down by Ayurveda. It is always experienced practically, that proper treatment given in various diseases (due to the vitiated state of Tridoshas), according to the Aptopadesha, relieves the patient from diseased state. In certain diseases where modern medicine falls short in curing them, like jaundice, urinary stones, asthma, rheumatic disorders, various digestive disorders, certain female-specific diseases, some types of cancer etc., Ayurveda certainly proves to be better in giving successful results, that too, without any surgical intervention. If this fact is proved, the ultimate inference that could be drawn is – 'inclusion of basic principles of Ayurveda in primary education is a must'.
While narrating the rules for maintenance of health, Ayurveda has thought about 'the psyche' (the body) & 'the mind' individually. The rules regarding physical health are described under the heading "{XZM`m©'(the daily regimen) & "F$VwM`m©' (the seasonal regimen), while the rules regarding mental health are described under the heading "gX²d¥Îm' (the daily behavior). If, our own ancient medical science i.e. Ayurveda, having such a nice background, is included in the primary education, our students & because of them their guardians as well, will have an introduction with our real Bharatiya thoughts, will improve their health and at the same time, I am quite confident that only Ayurveda will be an additional asset to get the motto of W.H.O., i.e. ' health to all', in reality.
'Mass-immunization' is compulsorily undertaken everywhere, with investment of so many crores of currency, to implement the above motto of W.H.O. But, it is realized that in the idea of 'health' only 'body' is taken into consideration. It is observed that, due to various vaccinations & successful (??) treatment against various diseases, the average length of human-life seems to be elongated; but it will be self-deception to declare that the human-health is improving. Because, majority of the chronically diseased patients disagree to live with 'such life dependent on mouthful of medicines'.
To my mind, the above motto of W.H.O. may turn into reality, only if, Ayurveda is included in primary education & daily and seasonal regimen and behavior is strictly observed according to it; because the basic aim of Ayurveda is, to gain not only elongated but also disease-free healthy life. This may be clarified by following example –_wI (the mouth) is under influence of Kapha dosha, according to Ayurveda. The eatables that are bitter or astringent in taste, control Kapha dosha from getting increased, but sweet eatables help Kapha to increase. Once this secret is known, the students along with the whole community, will stop using tooth-powders / pastes of the well-known multinational companies and because of this only precaution, many of the teeth complaints that are getting increased day by day, would be prevented.
In our good-old literature, we read that the saints & the kings in ancient days could live for some thousands of years, even though there were no any vaccinations or the modern amenities available. This was possible only because of observing the daily & seasonal regimen along with daily behavior according to Ayurveda.
Ayurveda states that 'Sadvritta- palan' (ethical behavior) is essential for healthy mental state and I am quite sure that if this is included in primary education, in Ayurvedic manner, many of the unethical deeds, seen increasing during present days among the younger generation, will be certainly checked.
In this way, if the education of Ayurveda, which is supplementary for the sound state of physical as well as mental health of the community & which forms the basis for the student seeking admission in Ayurvedic college, is included at primary level; then, I am quite confident that, the talented class of students, which used to turn towards Ayurveda unwillingly & helplessly, will give its first preference to Ayurveda with due interest & willingness.
"Wishing best of health to all"
Contact :~
Prof. Vd. M. P. Prabhudesai
A / 8, Vijayanand Society,
New Khaskil Wada, Sawantwadi,
Dist. - Sindhudurga –416 510.
Maharashtra, INDIA.
+919422435323
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