A Comprehensive Ayurvedic Review on Arma and its Management
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: A Comprehensive Ayurvedic Review on Arma and its Management
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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Original source:
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Pankaj Kundal
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Shalakya, All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi.
Kamble Pallavi Namdev
Research Officer (Ay), Regional Ayurveda Research Institute, Lucknow, India.
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: A Comprehensive Ayurvedic Review on Arma and its Management
Year: 2021 | Doi: 10.47070/ayushdhara.v8i4.819
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Arma, as described in Ayurveda, is a disease located in the Shukla Mandala, correlated with the modern condition known as pterygium. It is characterized by a wing-like triangular fibro-vascular growth that gradually encroaches towards the cornea (Krishna Mandala) from either the inner (Kaneenika) or outer canthus (Apanga Sandhi) of the eye. This encroachment can impair vision by affecting the cornea's transparency. Ayurvedic texts classify Arma under Shuklagta Sadhya Vyadhi, with treatment primarily focused on two methods: Lekhana (scraping) and Chedana (excision). This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Arma, its types, symptoms, and management in Ayurvedic practices.
Type and Management of Arma
Ayurvedic literature outlines five types of Arma, each distinguished by its characteristics. The Prastari Arma evolves rapidly and presents as a thin, painless, elongated growth with a reddish hue. The Shuklarma displays a uniform white color and grows slowly, attributed to Kapha vitiation. Lohitarma is characterized by its soft, red color resembling the petals of a lotus, while Adhimansarma is thicker with a greyish hue, indicating complex doshic involvement. Lastly, Snayu Arma presents as a rough and atrophied whitish muscular growth. The primary mode of treatment varies by type, with surgical excision recommended for thick or extensive growths. In the initial stages, less invasive techniques like Lekhana Anjana, which uses medicated pastes to reduce growth, are suggested.
Pathophysiology and Risk Factors
The pathogenesis of Arma involves a complex interplay of doshas affecting the ocular surfaces, particularly surrounding the eye's sandhis (junctions). Factors leading to its development include prolonged exposure to UV radiation, environmental irritants, and occupational hazards, making it more prevalent in tropical climates. Symptoms may include foreign body sensation, blurred vision, excessive tearing, and sensitivity to light, which manifest as the disease progresses. Understanding these factors is critical in both prevention and management.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Arma presents a significant ocular health issue, particularly in regions with high UV exposure and environmental challenges. The Ayurvedic approach to managing Arma aligns closely with the contemporary understanding of pterygium, emphasizing prevention through careful monitoring and early intervention. While initial stages may warrant conservative treatment methods, advanced cases often necessitate surgical intervention. The review underscores the relevance of Ayurvedic methods, advocating for a synthesis of traditional practices with modern medical understanding to enhance patient outcomes in managing eye diseases.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Arma and how does it affect vision?
Arma is a disease characterized by a triangular fibro-vascular growth encroaching on the cornea. If it invades the cornea, it can damage transparency, potentially leading to vision disturbances.
What are the types of Arma mentioned in Ayurveda?
According to Ayurvedic texts, there are five types of Arma: Prastari Arma, Shuklarma, Lohitarma (Kshataj Arma), Adhimansajarma, and Snayu Arma, each differing in characteristics such as color and growth properties.
What are the primary treatment methods for Arma?
The main treatment methods for Arma include Chedana Karma (surgical excision) for advanced cases and Lekhana Anjana (medicated eye application) for initial stages to prevent progression of the disease.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “A Comprehensive Ayurvedic Review on Arma and its Management�. 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) Arma:
Arma is characterized by the gradual encroachment of a wing-like fibro-vascular structure from the inner or outer canthus of the eye towards the Krishna Mandala (cornea). It is described in Ayurveda and can be correlated with pterygium in modern medical science. The primary treatment includes Chedana Karma (surgical excision).
2) Anjana (Amjana):
Anjana refers to medicinal pastes applied over the marginal conjunctiva in specific ways to treat eye conditions, including Arma. It includes variants such as Lekhana Anjana which scrape and expel Doshas from the eye, reducing membrane thickness and preventing growth.
3) Chedana:
Chedana refers to the excision or surgical removal of pathological growths such as Arma in Ayurveda. It is the primary treatment for Arma, especially when the growth is thick and fleshy, encroaching upon the Krishna Mandala.
4) Disease:
[see source text or glossary: Disease]
5) Karma (Karman):
Karma in the context of Arma treatment includes various procedural methods like Anjana Karma and Chedana Karma. Anjana Karma involves the application of medicinal pastes, while Chedana Karma refers to surgical excision.
6) Mandala (Mamdala):
Mandala refers to specific areas of the eye, such as the Shukla Mandala (the white part of the eye) and Krishna Mandala (the transparent cornea). Arma primarily affects these mandalas.
7) Dosha (Dosa):
Doshas are the bodily humors in Ayurveda, namely Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, whose imbalance leads to diseases including eye conditions like Arma. Different colors and symptoms of Arma indicate the predominance of particular Doshas.
8) Netra:
Netra refers to the eye. Diseases of Netra, such as Arma, are treated with specific Ayurvedic procedures like Anjana and Chedana Karma. Ayurvedic texts elaborate on the causes and treatments of Netra Roga (eye diseases).
9) Shukla (Sukla):
Shukla refers to the white part of the eye. Arma is a disease of the Shukla Mandala where a fibro-vascular layer grows from the inner or outer canthus towards the Krishna Mandala.
10) Sandhi (Shandhi, Samdhi):
Sandhi refers to junctions or canthi of the eye, such as Kaneenika Sandhi (inner canthus) and Apanga Sandhi (outer canthus). Arma typically originates from these sandhis and progresses towards the cornea.
11) Sadhya:
Sadhya indicates the treatability of a condition. Arma in its initial stages, marked by a thin membrane, is Sadhya and can be treated with Anjana. However, advanced Arma often requires Chedana (surgical excision).
12) Mamsa (Mamsha):
[see source text or glossary: Mamsa]
13) Lekhana:
Lekhana involves scraping to remove or reduce pathological growths. Lekhana Anjanas are used in Arma to gradually decrease membrane thickness and prevent its growth, and can also aid in post-surgical recovery.
14) Shukra (Sukra):
Shukra treatment in the context of Arma refers to the application of specific medicinal pastes or Anjanas. When Arma is small and thin, resembling curd, it can be treated like Shukra with Netra Kriyakalpa.
15) Snayu:
Snayu Arma is a type of Arma where the growth resembles tendons, characterized by a more muscular, atrophied, rough, and white appearance. According to Ayurvedic texts, it’s treated surgically.
16) Rupa:
Roopa pertains to the clinical features or symptoms of a disease. In Arma, these include the specific characteristics of the fleshy growth, and other symptoms like redness, lacrimation, and blurred vision.
17) Samhita:
Samhita refers to classical Ayurvedic texts that provide comprehensive descriptions of various diseases and their treatments, including Arma. These texts include detailed accounts of Nidana (causes), Purvarupa (premonitory symptoms), Roopa, and Chikitsa (treatment).
18) Apanga (Apamga):
[see source text or glossary: Apanga]
19) Nature:
[see source text or glossary: Nature]
20) Rakta:
Rakta (blood) and its vitiation are implicated in the manifestation of certain types of Arma. For example, Lohitarma or Raktaja Arma is characterized by a soft, red fleshy growth resembling the petals of a lotus flower.
21) Seka (Sheka):
[see source text or glossary: Seka]
22) Krishnamandala (Krsnamandala, Krishna-mandala):
Krishnamandala refers to the cornea of the eye. Arma invades this transparent part, causing damage to its transparency and potentially leading to vision disturbances.
23) Krishna (Krsna):
[see source text or glossary: Krishna]
24) Pathya:
Pathya refers to beneficial dietary regimens, conducts, medications, and treatments for patients with eye diseases like Arma. These include foods and practices that are Tikta Rasa (bitter), Laghu (light), and Kapha-Pittahara (balancing Kapha and Pitta).
25) Nidana:
Nidana refers to the causative factors or etiology of a disease. For Arma, general causes of eye diseases include dietary, regimental, and lifestyle factors such as distant gazing, exposure to dust, and psychological factors like anger and stress.
26) Varti (Vartin):
[see source text or glossary: Varti]
27) Purva:
[see source text or glossary: Purva]
28) Pain:
[see source text or glossary: Pain]
29) Mamsavriddhi (Mamsavrddhi, Mamsa-vriddhi):
[see source text or glossary: Mamsa-vriddhi]
30) Samprapti:
Samprapti or pathophysiology of Arma involves the accumulation of vitiated Doshas and Dushyas in the Sandhis of the eye, leading to the gradual growth of a fibrovascular layer towards the Krishna Mandala, causing vision impairment.
31) Netraroga (Netra-roga):
[see source text or glossary: Netra-roga]
32) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is the traditional Indian system of medicine that includes treatments for eye conditions such as Arma using natural remedies, surgical procedures, and therapeutic regimens detailed in texts like the Samhitas.
33) Vagbhata:
Vagbhata is one of the prominent ancient Ayurvedic scholars whose texts provide in-depth descriptions of diseases, including Arma, and their treatments. These texts include guidelines for surgical and medicinal interventions.
34) Apathya:
Apathya refers to dietary and lifestyle regimens that are harmful for patients with eye diseases like Arma. These include foods and behaviors that have Amla (sour), Lavana (salt), Katu (pungent) Rasa, and other properties that aggravate the condition.
35) Dravya:
[see source text or glossary: Dravya]
36) Sevana:
[see source text or glossary: Sevana]
37) Lavana:
Lavana or salt, specifically rock salt or Saindhava Lavana, is used in the pre-operative preparation for Chedana Karma in Arma. It helps to loosen the attachment of the pathological membrane before surgical excision.
38) Namadeva (Namdev):
Kamble Pallavi Namdev is one of the authors of the article, affiliated with the Regional Ayurveda Research Institute in Lucknow, India, and contributed to the comprehensive review of Ayurvedic management of Arma.
39) Kapha:
Kapha is one of the Doshas and its vitiation is primarily involved in the development of Mamsavriddhi (muscle-like growth) in Arma. Treatments aim to balance Kapha using modalities such as Lekhana Anjana and dietary adjustments.
40) India:
[see source text or glossary: India]
41) Roga:
[see source text or glossary: Roga]
42) Pratisharana (Pratisarana):
[see source text or glossary: Pratisarana]
43) Saindhava (Saimdhava):
Saindhava refers to rock salt, used in Ayurvedic treatments. In the context of Arma, Saindhava Lavana is used for pre-operative preparation to loosen the pathological membrane for easier surgical excision.
44) Darshana (Darsana):
[see source text or glossary: Darshana]
45) Upadrava:
Upadrava refers to the complications of a disease. In Arma, if the growth encroaches the cornea, it can impair vision. Post-operative complications can include recurrence, which needs to be managed with specific treatments.
46) Shastra (Sastra):
Shastra refers to surgical instruments and techniques mentioned in Ayurveda for procedures like Chedana Karma. Instrumental precision is crucial in excising pathological growths such as those seen in Arma.
47) Yantra (Yamtra):
[see source text or glossary: Yantra]
48) Ghrita (Ghrta):
[see source text or glossary: Ghrita]
49) Patola:
[see source text or glossary: Patola]
50) Dadhi:
[see source text or glossary: Dadhi]
51) Blood:
[see source text or glossary: Blood]
52) Lepa:
[see source text or glossary: Lepa]
53) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa or the taste of medications is crucial in Ayurveda. In Arma, Pathya foods are typically Tikta Rasa (bitter) to help balance the Doshas. The nature of Rasa influences the effectiveness of treatments.
54) Curd:
[see source text or glossary: Curd]
55) Milk:
[see source text or glossary: Milk]
56) Saindhavalavana (Saindhava-lavana, Saimdhavalavana):
Saindhava-lavana, or rock salt, is used in the pre-operative preparations for treating Arma. It helps to loosen the pathological membrane, facilitating the Chedana Karma (surgical excision).
57) Apangasandhi:
[see source text or glossary: Apangasandhi]
58) Yashtimadhu (Yastimadhu, Yashti-madhu):
[see source text or glossary: Yastimadhu]
59) Irritation:
[see source text or glossary: Irritation]
60) Vitiation (Vitiated):
[see source text or glossary: Vitiation]
61) Tridosha (Tridosa, Tri-dosha):
[see source text or glossary: Tridosha]
62) Triphala (Tri-phala):
[see source text or glossary: Triphala]
63) Jagarana:
[see source text or glossary: Jagarana]
64) Pratyaya:
[see source text or glossary: Pratyaya]
65) Medicine:
[see source text or glossary: Medicine]
66) Aushadhi (Ausadhi, Aushadhin, Ausadhin):
[see source text or glossary: Aushadhi]
67) Samanya:
[see source text or glossary: Samanya]
68) Dharana:
[see source text or glossary: Dharana]
69) Snigdha:
Snigdha, which means unctuous, refers to a quality that is often provided by certain foods or treatments in Ayurveda. In the pre-operative preparation for Arma treatment, Snigdha Ahara (unctuous food) is recommended.
70) Karanja (Karamja):
[see source text or glossary: Karanja]
71) Vriddhi (Vrddhi):
[see source text or glossary: Vriddhi]
72) Pradhan:
[see source text or glossary: Pradhan]
73) Purana:
[see source text or glossary: Purana]
74) Kadali:
[see source text or glossary: Kadali]
75) Panasa:
[see source text or glossary: Panasa]
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 265]
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �A Comprehensive Ayurvedic Review on Arma and its Management�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Samprapti, Upadrava, Lekhana-Anjana, Chedana karma, Post-operative measures, Nidanpanchak, Arma disease, Pterygium, Anjana karma, Mamsasvriddhi, Clinical features of Arma, Pathya-pathya, Inner canthus, Pre-operative preparation.