Standardization of Bindu Pramana for Different Kalpanas of Nasya
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Standardization of Bindu Pramana for Different Kalpanas of Nasya
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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Pahwa Preeti
Associate Professor, Department of Shalakya-Tantra, Patanjali Bhartiya Ayurvigyan Evam Anusandhan Sansthan, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India.
Negi Aman
PG Scholar, Department of Shalakya-Tantra, Patanjali Bhartiya Ayurvigyan Evam Anusandhan Sansthan, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India.
Negi Sangyasri
PG Scholar, Department of Shalakya-Tantra, Patanjali Bhartiya Ayurvigyan Evam Anusandhan Sansthan, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India.
Ashu
Professor and HOD, Department of Shalakya-Tantra, Institute for Ayurvedic Studies and Research, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India.
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Standardization of Bindu Pramana for Different Kalpanas of Nasya
Year: 2024 | Doi: 10.47070/ayushdhara.v11i3.1585
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Nasya is one of the five principal procedures in Panchkarma, an essential aspect of Ayurvedic therapy focused on treating disorders related to the upper body. A critical measurement unit in this context is "Bindu," typically recognized as one drop (0.05 ml) of liquid. However, traditional texts suggest that one Bindu equates to one Shana, a measurement that is ten times greater than the commonly practiced unit. The present study emphasizes the need to standardize Bindu Pramana (measurement of Bindu) for various Nasya Kalpanas (preparations) to ensure consistent and effective therapeutic applications.
Standardization of Bindu Pramana for Ksheer, Swarasa, and Kwath
The research involved 40 volunteers aged between 18 and 40, who underwent an open-label observational study to measure the volume of Bindu for different formulations: Ksheer (cow milk), Swarasa (Tulsi juice), and Kwath (Dashmoola decoction). The participants dipped their fingers into the respective liquids and the drops collected were calculated as one Bindu. The mean measurement for Ksheer was 0.12375 ml, Swarasa was 0.11 ml, and Kwath was 0.09875 ml, emphasizing the significant variations in Bindu Pramana based on the type of preparation.
Importance of Accurate Dosage in Ayurvedic Practices
The study highlights the discrepancies between traditional Ayurvedic texts and modern practices regarding the dosage of Nasya. While classic texts provide a clear formulation for Sneha Kalpana (oil-based preparations), they lack standardized measurements for other types of Nasya preparations. This research demonstrates that without a standardized approach to Bindu measurement, practitioners may inadvertently administer dosages that are considerably lower than recommended in classical literature. This can lead to ineffective treatments and potential misunderstandings regarding the Ayurvedic practice.
Conclusion
The findings underscore that the concept of Bindu in Ayurvedic medicine should not be equated with a mere drop of liquid; rather, it requires a nuanced understanding based on the preparation type. The approximate measurement of one Bindu for Sneha Kalpana is estimated at 0.45 ml, whereas for Ksheer, Swarasa, and Kwath, the values are significantly lower, illustrating the critical need for precise dosing in Ayurvedic applications. Establishing a standardized measurement for Bindu Pramana can enhance treatment efficacy and clarity within Ayurvedic practices, reinforcing the importance of this study in bridging the gap between traditional methodologies and contemporary clinical practice.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the significance of Bindu in Nasya treatments?
Bindu is a unit of measurement for Nasya dosages, typically equating to one drop (0.05 ml) or one Shana, which is ten times this dose. Proper standardization of Bindu for different Kalpanas (preparations) is necessary to ensure effective treatment.
How does the study standardize Bindu Pramana for Nasya?
The study involved 40 healthy volunteers who measured the number of drops from various preparations like Ksheer, Swarasa, and Kwath by immersing their fingers. The mean volume for each Bindu was calculated to establish standardized dosages across different Kalpanas.
What variations were found in Bindu measurements for different Kalpanas?
The study revealed that the Bindu Pramana varied slightly among Ksheer, Swarasa, and Kwath preparations with Ksheer averaging 0.12375 ml, Swarasa 0.11 ml, and Kwath 0.09875 ml, indicating differences in dosage based on the viscosity of the liquid used.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Standardization of Bindu Pramana for Different Kalpanas of Nasya�. 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) Bindu (Bimdu):
In Ayurveda, 'Bindu' refers to a specific unit of measurement used in describing the dosage of Nasya, a treatment involving the administration of substances or medicines via the nostrils. The study explored the variations in Bindu Pramana (measure) for different Nasya Kalpanas, such as Sneha, Ksheer, and Kwath.
2) Nasya (Nashya):
'Nasya' is an important Panchkarma procedure in Ayurveda that involves administering medicine through the nose. Different Nasya Kalpanas can include substances like Sneha (oil), Swarasa (fresh juice), and Kwath (decoction), each having different Bindu Pramana (dosage) based on the type of liquid Dravya used.
3) Kalpana:
'Kalpana' in Ayurveda denotes the specific preparation or form of a medicinal substance used in treatments. Various Nasya Kalpanas, such as Sneha Kalpana, Ksheer Kalpana, and Kwath Kalpana, have different standardized Bindu Pramana according to their viscosities and medicinal properties.
4) Pramana:
'Pramana' is a term used in Ayurveda to describe measurement or quantity. In the study, Bindu Pramana was standardized for different Nasya Kalpanas, indicating that the Pramana (measurement) varies according to the type of Dravya (substance) being administered nasally.
5) Sneha:
'Sneha' refers to oily substances used in Ayurvedic treatments, particularly in Nasya. The Bindu Pramana of Sneha Kalpana was found to be approximately 0.45 ml, highlighting its intrinsic properties and application in Nasya procedures for its Kaphahara (mucus-reducing) effects.
6) Shana (Sana):
'Shana' is an Ayurvedic measurement unit. According to Acharya Sharangadhara, 8 Bindu is equivalent to one Shana. It was used to resolve uncertainties in dosages for Nasya, equating Bindu to standardized units for different types of Dravyas (substances) in Nasya therapies.
7) Dravya:
'Dravya' means substance or material used in Ayurvedic treatments. For Nasya, different Dravyas like Sneha, Ksheer, Swarasa, and Kwath have varying Bindu Pramana. This study attempted to standardize the quantity of Bindu for these Dravyas used in Nasya, differentiating based on viscosity and medicinal properties.
8) Matra:
'Matra' denotes dosage or quantity in Ayurveda. In Nasya treatments, the Matra of Bindu can vary depending on the type of Kalpana (preparation) used. This study highlighted the importance of standardizing Matra in milliliters to avoid confusion in the administration of Nasya.
9) Shalakyatantra (Salakyatantra, Shalakya-tantra, Shalakyatamtra):
Shalakya-tantra is a branch of Ayurveda dealing with diseases of the head and neck. This study was conducted by the Department of Shalakya-tantra at Patanjali Bhartiya Ayurvigyan Evam Anusandhan Sansthan, focusing on standardizing Bindu Pramana for various Nasya Kalpanas used in Shalakya-tantra.
10) Madhyama:
'Madhyama' refers to the middle category in Ayurvedic dosage classifications. Acharya Vagbhata specified 8 Bindu (Madhyama) for Marsha Nasya based on the patient’s Dosha and Bala. For different Kalpanas of Nasya, the dosage can vary, and this study aimed to standardize these for effective treatments.
11) Tantra (Tamtra, Tantrism):
[see source text or glossary: Tantra]
12) Kalka:
'Kalka' refers to a paste made from medicinal plants that can be used in Nasya treatments. Tulsi Patra (Basil leaves) were made into Kalka and then filtered to obtain Swarasa (juice) for measuring Bindu Pramana, showcasing different preparations used in Nasya therapies.
13) India:
India is the origin country of Ayurveda. The study and standardization of Bindu Pramana for Nasya were conducted in Indian institutions like Patanjali Bhartiya Ayurvigyan Evam Anusandhan Sansthan. Ayurveda holds significant historic and cultural relevance in India, with institutions dedicated to Ayurvedic research.
14) Tulsi:
'Tulsi' (Ocimum sanctum) is a medicinal plant whose Patra (leaves) Swarasa (juice) was used for standardizing Bindu Pramana in Nasya therapy. Tulsi Swarasa showed different Bindu measurements compared to other substances like Ksheer and Kwath, emphasizing the importance of specific preparations in treatments.
15) Milk:
[see source text or glossary: Milk]
16) Cow milk (Cow's milk):
'Cow milk' or 'Ksheer' was specifically used in one of the Kalpanas for standardizing Bindu Pramana in Nasya therapy. Volunteers dipped their fingers in cow milk to measure the drops constituting one Bindu, showing variance in measurement compared to other preparations like Swarasa and Kwath.
17) Patanjali:
Patanjali Bhartiya Ayurvigyan Evam Anusandhan Sansthan, Haridwar, is one of the institutions where this study was conducted. The objective was to standardize Bindu Pramana for different Kalpanas of Nasya to ensure precise Ayurvedic treatments, showcasing Patanjali's contribution to Ayurvedic research.
18) Anutaila (Anu-taila):
'Anu Taila' is a specific type of Sneha used in Nasya therapy. Acharya Charaka recommended a dosage of half Pala (approx. 20 ml) for Anu Taila, highlighting its application in nasal treatments and the need for precise measurement to avoid confusion in therapeutic administration.
19) Substance:
[see source text or glossary: Substance]
20) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
'Ayurveda' is an ancient Indian system of medicine focused on holistic health and well-being. This study aimed to standardize Bindu Pramana for Nasya, an important Panchkarma procedure, thus contributing to the scientific validation and global recognition of Ayurveda-based treatments and methodologies.
21) Vagbhata:
Acharya 'Vagbhata' is an authoritative figure in Ayurveda who classified Sneha Nasya doses into Bindu, Marsha Nasya, and Pratimarsha Nasya. He provided different Bindu measurements like Uttama, Madhyama, and Heena based on patient Dosha and Bala, aiding in precise Ayurvedic dosage standardization.
22) Shukti (Sukti, Su-ukti):
'Shukti' is a measure used by Acharya Sushruta for Sneha Nasya dosage. Equivalent to 32 Bindu, it represents the Madhyama (medium) dosage category. This term signifies the historical importance of standardized measurements in Ayurveda for effective administration of Nasya treatments.
23) Uttama:
'Uttama' refers to the top dosage category in Ayurveda. Acharya Vagbhata specified 10 Bindu as Uttama for Marsha Nasya based on patient’s Dosha and Bala. The standardization study aimed to determine the precise Pramana for different Nasya Kalpanas reflecting Uttama, Madhyama, and Heena dosages.
24) Dosha (Dosa):
'Dosha' in Ayurveda refers to the three fundamental bio-elements: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha that govern physical and mental processes. The study aimed to standardize Bindu Pramana for Nasya therapies, which are modified based on a patient’s Dosha to maintain balance and health.
25) Taila (Thaila):
'Taila' means oil in Ayurveda. It is used prominently in Nasya procedures due to its Kaphahara properties. The study focused on standardizing Bindu Pramana for different Kalpanas including Sneha (oil) Kalpana, ensuring accurate dosage measurements for effective nasal treatments.
26) Bala:
'Bala' in Ayurveda denotes the strength or power of the patient. Dosages in Nasya treatments, such as Marsha Nasya, are determined based on Bala. Acharya Vagbhata's classification into Uttama, Madhyama, and Heena categories aids in customizing doses according to individual patient strength.
27) Asu (Ashu):
[see source text or glossary: Ashu]
28) Pala:
'Pala' is a traditional Ayurvedic unit of measurement. Acharya Charaka mentioned half Pala (approx. 20 ml) for the administration of Anu Taila in Nasya therapy. This reflects the need for precise measurements to avoid confusion in Ayurvedic dosage recommendations.
29) Aman (A-man):
[see source text or glossary: Aman]
30) Pratimarshanasya (Pratimarsanasya, Pratimarsha-nasya):
'Pratimarsha Nasya' is a type of Sneha Nasya classified by Acharya Vagbhata in Ashtang Hrdayam. It represents a minimal dosage that can be administered daily. The study focused on standardizing Bindu Pramana for various Nasya Kalpanas to ensure accurate and safe dosages in treatments.
31) Dravadravya (Drava-dravya):
'Drava Dravya' refers to liquid substances used in Nasya therapy. Different types of Drava Dravyas, such as Sneha, Ksheer, Swarasa, and Kwath, have specific Bindu Pramana. The study aimed to standardize these measurements for effective and accurate administration in Ayurvedic treatments.
32) Kurukshetra (Kuruksetra, Kuru-kshetra):
Kurukshetra is a city in Haryana, India, where part of this study was conducted. The Institute for Ayurvedic Studies and Research in Kurukshetra contributed to the research aimed at standardizing Bindu Pramana for various Nasya Kalpanas, showcasing the regional involvement in advancing Ayurveda.
33) Urdhvajatru (Urdhva-jatru):
'Urdhvajatru' refers to the supraclavicular region (above the collarbone) in the body. Nasya treatment in Ayurveda specifically targets disorders occurring in this region. The study aimed to standardize Bindu Pramana for different Nasya Kalpanas to treat various Urdhvajatru-related ailments effectively.
34) Discussion:
[see source text or glossary: Discussion]
35) Godugdha:
'Godugdha' refers to cow milk used in Ayurvedic preparations. In the study, participants used cow milk to determine Bindu Pramana for the Ksheer Kalpana in Nasya treatments, showcasing the variance in measurements compared to other preparations like Swarasa and Kwath.
36) Medicine:
[see source text or glossary: Medicine]
37) Samhita:
'Samhita' denotes classical Ayurvedic texts. 'Sharangdhar Samhita,' for example, standardized the use of Bindu for Nasya by providing quantitative calculations. These texts are essential for establishing traditional measures in Ayurvedic treatments such as Nasya, guiding modern standardization efforts.
38) Kashaya (Kasaya):
'Kashaya' refers to decoctions used in various Ayurvedic treatments, including Nasya. Bindu Pramana for preparations like Kwath (decoction) was standardized in the study, indicating the variance in measurement for different Dravyas used in Kashaya Kalpanas for effective nasal administration.
39) Nostril:
'Nostril' is the main route for administering Nasya treatments in Ayurveda. Various liquid Dravyas, measured in standardized Bindu Pramana, are introduced through the nostrils to treat Urdhvajatru ailments, emphasizing the therapeutic significance of precise nasal administration techniques.
40) Drava:
[see source text or glossary: Drava]
41) Patra:
[see source text or glossary: Patra]
42) Ayus (Ayush):
[see source text or glossary: Ayush]
43) Glass:
[see source text or glossary: Glass]
44) Rogin (Rogi):
'Rogi' means patient in Ayurveda. The study aimed to determine Bindu Pramana for various Nasya Kalpanas based on the patient’s Dosha and Bala, ensuring individualized treatment plans that effectively address the specific needs and conditions of each Rogi.
Other Science Concepts:
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