A case study to evaluate the treatment of vitiligo w.s.r. to switra
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: A case study to evaluate the treatment of vitiligo w.s.r. to switra
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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Hemlata Soni*
Lecturer, Department of Kayachikitsa, Punjab Ayurvedic Collage, Shriganganagar, Rajasthan
Kartar Singh Bansal
Lecturer, Department of Kayachikitsa, Punjab Ayurvedic Collage, Shriganganagar, Rajasthan
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: A case study to evaluate the treatment of vitiligo w.s.r. to switra
Year: 2018
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Vitiligo, also known as Switra, is a condition where the melanin-producing cells in the skin cease to function, leading to noticeable white patches on the skin. This skin disorder can affect individuals of all skin types but is particularly prominent in those with darker complexions. The prevalence of vitiligo in India is significant, with estimates ranging from 3% to as high as 8.8%, and certain states report epidemic proportions. The Ayurvedic perspective on vitiligo connects it to an imbalance of Tridoshas, especially the Kapha dosha, which affects the Raktha, Mamsa, and Meda Dhatus. Various lifestyle and dietary factors contribute to the onset and progression of this condition.
Ayurvedic Treatment Approach
The Ayurvedic treatment for vitiligo involves both internal and external remedies aimed at restoring the balance of the doshas. The case study presented involved a 16-year-old male patient with a one-year history of white patches that had spread progressively. After unsuccessful conventional treatments, he was administered three Ayurvedic formulations: Dhatryadi Kwatha, Maha-khadiradi Ghrita, and Gunjaphaladi Lepa. The selected medications target the imbalanced doshas while also promoting the regeneration of melanocytes and improving skin pigmentation. The patient showed notable improvement after one month, with complete remission following three months of treatment.
Importance of Personalized Care
In the management of vitiligo in Ayurveda, the approach must consider the individual’s unique dietary habits and lifestyle. The patient's personal history revealed desires for fried foods and a lack of control over anger, which are considered aggravating factors by Ayurvedic standards. The treatment protocol was tailored to not only address the skin condition but also to incorporate lifestyle modifications. This holistic approach is a hallmark of Ayurvedic practice, recognizing that effective treatment must encompass both physical and emotional well-being.
Conclusion
This case study elucidates the efficacy of Ayurvedic treatments in managing vitiligo through a combination of herbal medications and lifestyle changes. The use of Dhatryadi Kwatha, Maha-khadiradi Ghrita, and Gunjaphaladi Lepa offered a promising outcome for the individual patient. Although the success of the treatment in this single case is encouraging, further large-scale clinical trials are necessary to validate these findings as a general treatment strategy for vitiligo. Ultimately, this case underscores the significance of personalized and holistic care in addressing skin disorders like vitiligo in the context of Ayurveda.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is vitiligo and how does it affect individuals?
Vitiligo is a skin condition where melanin-producing cells die or stop functioning, leading to white patches on the skin. It affects people of all skin types, particularly noticeable in those with darker skin. While not life-threatening, it can lead to emotional distress.
What treatments were used in the case study for vitiligo?
The case study treated vitiligo with 'Dhatryadi Kwatha', 'Mahakhadiradi Ghrita', and 'Gunjaphaladi Lepa'. The patient followed this regimen for three months, resulting in significant improvement of the skin condition.
How effective was the treatment for the patient in the study?
The treatment effectively minimized the size of the white patches and returned discoloration to normal after three months. The patient reported feeling relief within one month, indicating the treatment's effectiveness for managing vitiligo.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “A case study to evaluate the treatment of vitiligo w.s.r. to switra�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Ghrita (Ghrta):
Ghrita refers to medicated ghee used in Ayurveda for its therapeutic properties. In this context, Mahakhadiradi Ghrita is an Ayurvedic formulation used in treating vitiligo.
2) Lepa:
Lepa refers to a medicinal paste applied topically in Ayurveda for its healing properties. Here, Gunjaphaladi Lepa is mentioned as an external treatment for vitiligo.
3) Dhatryadi (Dhatri-adi):
Dhatryadi Kwatha is an Ayurvedic herbal decoction used for its health benefits. In this case study, it is one of the internal treatments prescribed for vitiligo.
4) Drug:
In this context, 'drug' refers to Ayurvedic medicinal formulations like Dhatryadi Kwatha, Mahakhadiradi Ghrita, and Gunjaphaladi Lepa used to treat vitiligo.
5) Rajasthan:
Rajasthan is an Indian state where this case study takes place. The high prevalence of vitiligo in this region is noted.
6) India:
India is the country where this study is conducted, highlighting the higher incidence rates of vitiligo, particularly in states like Gujarat and Rajasthan.
7) Dosha (Dosa):
Dosha in Ayurveda refers to the fundamental bio-elements (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) governing physiological and psychological processes. Imbalance in doshas can lead to diseases like vitiligo.
8) Kapha:
Kapha Dosha is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, representing the body's structure and lubrication. Its aggravation is considered a factor in causing vitiligo.
9) Kaphadosha (Kaphadosa, Kapha-dosha):
Kaphadosha refers to the Kapha dosha, whose imbalance can lead to the development of conditions like vitiligo according to Ayurveda.
10) Tridosha (Tridosa, Tri-dosha):
Tridosha pertains to the three fundamental doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) in Ayurveda. An imbalance in these, particularly Kapha Dosha, is mentioned as causing vitiligo (Switra).
11) Shvitra (Svitra):
Shvitra is an Ayurvedic term synonymous with vitiligo, a skin condition characterized by white patches. It aligns with the imbalances in tridoshas, especially Kapha.
12) Disease:
In this document, 'disease' refers to skin conditions like vitiligo, also known as Shvitra in Ayurvedic terminology.
13) Punjab:
Punjab is another region in India mentioned in the study where the 16-year-old boy received treatment for vitiligo at the Punjab Ayurvedic College.
14) Rakta:
Rakta refers to blood, an essential tissue in Ayurveda, whose vitiation is linked to vitiligo.
15) Pitta:
Pitta Dosha is one of the three doshas, responsible for metabolism and digestion. Its vitiation along with Kapha is mentioned in the context of vitiligo in Ayurveda.
16) Mamsa (Mamsha):
Mamsa Dhatu represents muscle tissue in Ayurveda. It's one of the dhatus vitiated in the disease process of vitiligo.
17) Maha (Maha°):
Maha refers to 'great' or 'large' and is part of the formulation names like Mahakhadiradi Ghrita, used in this study.
18) Medadhatu (Meda-dhatu):
Medadhatu, related to Meda, is the fat tissue in the body which vitiates in the disease process of vitiligo.
19) Khadiradi:
Khadiradi is part of the formulation Mahakhadiradi Ghrita used in Ayurveda for blood purification and treating skin conditions like vitiligo.
20) Prakrita (Prakrta):
Prakrita refers to something in its natural or normal state. In the patient’s examination, prakrita is used to describe normal speech and vision.
21) Epidemic:
Epidemic is used here metaphorically to describe the high prevalence of vitiligo in the Indian states of Gujarat and Rajasthan.
22) Gujarat:
Gujarat is mentioned alongside Rajasthan as one of the Indian states with a notably high prevalence of vitiligo.
23) Samaka (Shamaka):
Shamaka refers to something that pacifies or alleviates. In this case, medication like Dhatryadi Kwatha is described as Kapha and Pitta Shamaka, meaning it pacifies Kapha and Pitta doshas.
24) Sthana:
Sthana refers to the site or location. In Ayurveda, the sthana of Brajaka Pitta is Twak (skin), which is associated with skin disorders like vitiligo when imbalanced.
25) Indian:
Indian refers to the context and location. The study pertains to the Indian population, particularly in states with high vitiligo prevalence.
26) Gunja (Gumja):
Gunja refers to a plant used medicinally in Ayurveda. Gunja-phaladi Lepa is a topical treatment for vitiligo mentioned in this study.
27) Dhatu:
Dhatu refers to the essential tissues of the body in Ayurveda. Vitiligo involves the vitiation of Raktha, Mamsa, and Meda Dhatu.
28) Veda:
Vedic pertains to ancient Indian scriptures. The references to vitiligo (Shvitra) date back to Vedic literature.
29) Medas (Meda, Medash):
Meda, related to Meda-dhatu, refers to fat tissue. Imbalance in Meda is considered a factor in the Ayurvedic understanding of vitiligo.
30) Vata:
Vata Dosha is one of the three fundamental bio-elements in Ayurveda. While not directly linked to vitiligo in the text, it's part of the tridoshic theory.
31) Diet:
Diet refers to the eating habits and foods consumed. In Ayurveda, improper diet (Mithya Ahara) is considered a cause of vitiligo.
32) Burning sensation:
Burning sensation is mentioned as an absent symptom in the patient's case of vitiligo, indicating no irritation or discomfort associated with the lesions.
33) Raktamokshana (Raktamoksana, Rakta-mokshana):
Raktamokshana refers to bloodletting, an Ayurvedic purification process advised in the treatment of skin diseases including vitiligo.
34) Viruddhahara (Viruddha-ahara):
Viruddhahara refers to incompatible foods consumed together. Consuming Viruddhahara is noted as a cause of vitiligo in Ayurveda.
35) Vatapitta (Vata-pitta):
Vata-pitta refers to the balance or imbalance of Vata and Pitta doshas. The treatment of vitiligo in Ayurveda involves pacifying these doshas.
36) Discussion:
The 'Discussion' section in the text outlines the Ayurvedic perspective on vitiligo and the rationale behind the treatments used.
37) Anulomana:
Anulomana refers to a therapeutic process in Ayurveda that promotes normal downward movement of doshas.
38) Substance:
Substance refers to dietary or environmental factors. No harmful substance contact was reported in the patient's history.
39) Vitiation (Vitiated):
Vitiation refers to the imbalance or disturbance of doshas. In this case, the vitiation of Kapha and other doshas leads to vitiligo.
40) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is the ancient Indian system of medicine used in this case study to treat vitiligo (Shvitra).
41) Shodhana (Sodhana):
Shodhana refers to purification therapies in Ayurveda like Vamana, Virechana, and Raktamokshana used in conditions like vitiligo.
42) Rasayana (Rasa-ayana):
Rasayana refers to rejuvenation therapies in Ayurveda that enhance overall health and are used in treating vitiligo.
43) Medicine:
Medicine in this context refers to Ayurvedic formulations like Dhatryadi Kwatha, Mahakhadiradi Ghrita, and Gunjaphaladi Lepa used to treat vitiligo.
44) Swelling:
Swelling is mentioned as an absent symptom in the patient's vitiligo condition, indicating no inflammation of affected areas.
45) Snehana:
Snehana refers to the therapeutic use of oils and ghee in Ayurveda. Mahakhadiradi Ghrita was used for its Vata-Pitta shamaka properties.
46) Sparsha (Sparsa):
Sparsha refers to touch or sensation. In the patient's examination, the term indicates normal skin touch/sensation.
47) Navanna (Nava-anna):
Navanna refers to new or fresh grains. Consumption of Navanna is listed as a dietary cause of vitiligo in Ayurveda.
48) Pittaja (Pitta-ja):
Pittaja refers to conditions related to Pitta dosha. In this text, it's mentioned in the context of skin diseases like vitiligo.
49) Samana (Shamana):
Shamana refers to palliative treatments in Ayurveda, involving internal and external medications.
50) Shabda (Sabda):
Shabda means sound. In the patient's examination, it refers to normal speech (Prakrita Shabda).
51) Vihara:
Vihara refers to lifestyle practices. Incorrect lifestyle practices are noted as causes of vitiligo.
52) Pathya:
Pathya refers to dietary and lifestyle guidelines for managing disease. In Ayurveda, adherence to Pathya is crucial for treating conditions like vitiligo.
53) Vamana:
Vamana is a therapeutic emesis, part of Shodhana therapy in Ayurveda, used for removing excess Kapha responsible for diseases like vitiligo.
54) Mithya:
Mithya refers to incorrect or incompatible. In Ayurveda, Mithya Ahara Vihara denotes improper diet and lifestyle, contributing to diseases like vitiligo.
55) Kushtha (Kustha):
Kustha is a broad term in Ayurveda for skin diseases, under which vitiligo (Shvitra) is classified.
56) Palita:
Palita is another Vedic term for Shvitra or vitiligo, representing white patches on the skin.
57) Family:
Family history is pertinent, as the patient had relatives (father and sister) with similar vitiligo symptoms.
58) Desire:
Desire pertains to personal dietary likes. The patient preferred fried food, and non-veg items like fish, mutton, and chicken.
59) Karma (Karman):
Karma in this context refers to deeds or actions that are believed to result in health conditions as per Ayurvedic beliefs.
60) Jihva:
Jihva refers to the tongue. In the patient’s examination, Malavrita Jihva indicates a coated tongue, potentially signifying digestive issues.
61) Ushna (Usna):
Ushna refers to heat. Consuming foods with Ushna properties is noted as a causal factor in developing vitiligo.
62) Ahara:
Ahara means food. Improper Ahara (diet) is listed as a primary cause of vitiligo in Ayurvedic medicine.
63) Ayus (Ayush):
Ayush refers to life and longevity. The journal name AYUSHDHARA combines 'Ayush' and 'Dhara' (flow), indicating a focus on Ayurvedic and allied health systems.
64) Pulse:
Pulse rate is a vital sign checked during the examination. The patient's pulse was normal at 80 beats per minute.
65) Nadi (Nadin):
Nadi represents the pulse in Ayurvedic diagnosis. The patient's pulse rate was measured at 80 beats/minute, indicating a regular pattern.
66) Mala:
Mala refers to bodily waste. The patient's daily bowel movements (once per day) were normal.
67) Food:
Food includes dietary preferences and habits. Improper or incompatible food choices are noted as causes of vitiligo in Ayurveda.
68) Fish:
Fish is mentioned as part of the patient's diet, which is significant in understanding dietary influences on vitiligo.
69) Pain:
Pain is an examined symptom. The patient reported no pain associated with the vitiligo patches.
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