Evaluating ṛt and quality of life in IBS patients
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Evaluation of ṛt and quality-of-life in patients with irritable bowel syndrome
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
Sudatta G. Shirolkar, Raakhi K. Tripathi, Nirmala N. Rege
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Evaluation of ṛt and quality-of-life in patients with irritable bowel syndrome
Year: 2015
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by chronic abdominal discomfort, bloating, and irregular bowel movements, affecting a significant number of individuals, particularly in developing countries like India. This disorder can severely impact the quality of life (QOL) of patients, and its diagnosis typically occurs through exclusion of organic causes. Given the limitations of conventional treatments, the study explores the principles of Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine, focusing on the concept of ṛt, the unique constitution of an individual, which plays a role in influencing health and predisposition to diseases.
ʰṛt and Its Association with IBS
One critical concept from the study is the relationship between ṛt and the different subtypes of IBS. The research categorized IBS patients based on their dominant ṛt into three groups�ٲ, pitta, and kapha—and examined how these classifications correlate with IBS subtypes (constipation-predominant, diarrhea-predominant, and mixed). The findings indicated that ٲ-predominant individuals were more likely to develop IBS-C (constipation type), while pitta-predominant individuals tended to exhibit IBS-D (diarrhea type). Furthermore, the study correlated ṛt with QOL metrics, revealing that pitta-predominant individuals reported better QOL across all IBS subtypes, suggesting that understanding an individual's ṛt can aid in predicting treatment responses and improving patient management.
Conclusion
The study concludes that incorporating ṛt assessments can enhance the understanding of the susceptibility to specific IBS subtypes and associated quality of life outcomes. Recognizing the individual differences in Ayurvedic constitution allows for tailored approaches in treatment and management, thus bridging the gap between conventional medicine and Ayurveda. Further research with larger sample sizes is necessary to validate these findings and develop integrated therapeutic strategies for IBS management.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the main objective of the study on IBS patients?
The study aimed to evaluate the ṛt of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients and to examine its association with different IBS subtypes and quality-of-life (QOL).
How were the IBS patients categorized in the study?
IBS patients were categorized based on a 24-item ṛt assessment questionnaire into ٲ, pitta, or kapha predominant ṛt. This classification reflects their physical, physiological, and psychological characteristics.
What were the findings regarding QOL among different ṛt groups?
The findings indicated that the quality-of-life was best among pitta predominant individuals across all IBS subtypes. In contrast, kapha predominant individuals had the worst quality-of-life scores.
What conclusion can be drawn about ṛt and IBS subtypes?
The study concluded that ٲ predominant patients were more likely to develop IBS-C, while pitta predominant patients were more likely to develop IBS-D. ʰṛt examination may help in predicting disease subtypes and quality-of-life.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Evaluating ṛt and quality of life in IBS patients�. 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) Prakriti (Prakrti):
ʰṛt refers to the inherent constitution or nature of an individual as defined in Ayurveda. It encompasses physical, psychological, and physiological attributes formed at the time of conception. Understanding one's ṛt aids in predicting susceptibilities to various diseases and helps tailor individualized treatments, thus fostering a better quality of life.
2) Pitta:
Pitta is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, characterized by qualities such as heat, lightness, and fluidity. It governs metabolism, digestion, and transformation processes. Pitta individuals often exhibit traits like sharp intellect and strong appetites, yet imbalance of pitta can lead to conditions like IBS-D, impacting quality of life.
3) Vata:
ٲ, another dosha in Ayurveda, embodies qualities like dryness, lightness, and mobility. It is responsible for movement in the body, including nerve impulses and digestion. Individuals with ٲ predominance may be prone to IBS-C due to gut motility issues. Managing ٲ balance is crucial for overall health and well-being.
4) Kapha:
Kapha is the third dosha in Ayurveda, characterized by qualities of heaviness, stability, and moisture. It governs bodily structure and strength. While kapha-dominant individuals are generally resilient, they may exhibit weaknesses in digestion, making them more susceptible to certain conditions, although fewer individuals in the study exhibited this ṛt.
5) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is a historical Indian system of medicine emphasizing a holistic approach to health, focused on balance among the doshas. It utilizes natural remedies and lifestyle modifications based on individual characteristics (ṛt) to prevent and treat diseases. Integrating Ayurvedic principles provides a complementary dimension to conventional medical practices.
6) Dosha (Dosa):
ٴṣa are the fundamental energies in Ayurveda that govern physiological and psychological processes in the body. The three doṣas—ٲ�, pitta, and kapha—interact to maintain health. Understanding the dosha balance is essential for diagnosing disorders, evaluating susceptibility to diseases, and determining effective individualized treatment protocols.
7) Pharmacology:
Pharmacology is the branch of medicine that focuses on the effects and mechanisms of drugs in the body. In this study, insights from pharmacology help understand how Ayurvedic treatments can be used in conjunction with conventional medicine to manage conditions like irritable bowel syndrome efficiently and improve life quality.
8) Dvidoshaja (Dvidosaja, Dvidosha-ja):
ٱṣaᲹ refers to an individual with a dual dosha constitution, combining elements of two primary doshas. This category can present unique health challenges and predispositions, influencing susceptibility to specific ailments. In the context of the study, distinguishing between dvidoṣaja ṛts aids in understanding IBS subtypes and their associated quality of life.
9) Quality:
Quality refers to the standard of health and well-being experienced by individuals, particularly as it relates to their life with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The study assessed quality of life (QOL) through validated questionnaires, highlighting how different ṛts and doshas correlate with the experiences and symptoms of IBS patients.
10) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases. The study highlights the necessity to integrate Ayurveda with conventional medicine to provide comprehensive treatment for patients with IBS, thereby improving their quality of life through a multidimensional approach to health.
11) Nirmala:
Nirmala is mentioned as one of the authors in the study, contributing to the research on the relationship between ṛt and irritable bowel syndrome. Her involvement reflects collaborative efforts in advancing Ayurvedic medical practices, gaining insights into how individual constitution influences health conditions such as IBS.
12) Sama (Shama):
Sama refers to equilibrium or balanced states within Ayurveda, especially concerning doshas. A sama dhatu ṛt, where all three doshas are in harmony, is considered ideal for health. Understanding this concept is crucial for identifying individuals who are less prone to diseases and optimizing their overall well-being.
13) Drug:
A drug is any substance used in the treatment, diagnosis, or prevention of disease. In the context of Ayurveda and the study, drugs derived from natural substances are used to target specific symptoms associated with dosha imbalances, thereby helping individuals achieve better health outcomes and manage conditions like IBS effectively.
14) Anubandha (Anubamdha):
Anubandha refers to the subordinate dosha in Ayurveda, the one that is secondary in a dvidoṣaja constitution. Understanding the anubandha helps in discerning the subtle variations in an individual's health susceptibility and allows practitioners to develop personalized treatment plans addressing specific imbalances and promoting overall wellness.
15) Thirst:
Thirst is a physiological need indicating the requirement for hydration, often governed by the pitta dosha in Ayurveda. Imbalances in pitta can lead to excessive thirst and may contribute to digestive ailments. Recognizing these signals plays a role in managing overall health and individual conditions like IBS.
16) Dhatu:
ٳٳ refers to the fundamental tissues in Ayurvedic medicine, encompassing the physical and functional structures of the body that support life. An understanding of dhātus helps in evaluating health conditions, guiding choices for dietary adjustments and treatments that aim to restore harmony for individuals facing diseases like IBS.
17) Agni:
Agni refers to the digestive fire in Ayurveda, crucial for bio-transformation and metabolism. It symbolizes the body's capacity to assimilate nutrients and eliminate waste. Understanding agni helps in formulating treatment strategies to enhance digestion and nourishment, especially in individuals with dysregulated digestive issues like IBS.
18) Guna:
ҳṇa refers to the intrinsic qualities or attributes of substances in Ayurveda, influencing their effects on the body and mind. Characterizing remedies and dietary choices based on their guṇas ensures that treatments align with individual ṛts and doshas, ultimately fostering optimal health and preventing imbalances.
19) Diet:
Diet plays a significant role in managing health according to Ayurveda, where specific foods are recommended based on one’s ṛt and dosha balance. Dietary modifications can significantly influence symptoms and overall well-being, particularly in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome seeking to improve their quality of life.
20) Krurakoshtha (Krurakostha, Krura-koshtha):
ū-ṣṭ translates to a hard bowel or constipation-prone condition in Ayurveda, often associated with ٲ dosha imbalances. Recognizing this condition helps practitioners understand and manage specific digestive issues effectively, supporting individuals who experience IBS-C symptoms in making necessary lifestyle and dietary changes to improve bowel health.
21) Transformation (Transform, Transforming):
Transformed refers to how substances, including food and medicine, are altered in the body through digestion and metabolism. In Ayurveda, recognizing the processes of transformation helps align treatments to support individual digestive needs, aiding in the effective management of conditions like IBS based on one’s unique ṛt.
22) Agnidushti (Agnidusti, Agni-dushti):
Ծ-ṣṭ signifies a disturbed digestive fire, indicative of digestive troubles in Ayurveda. When agni is impaired, it can lead to a range of gastrointestinal symptoms, contributing to conditions like IBS. Addressing agni-duṣṭi through individualized dietary recommendations is vital for restoring digestive health and improving quality of life.
23) Kaphadosha (Kaphadosa, Kapha-dosha):
-ṣa represents one of the three primary doshas, characterized by heaviness and moisture. Individuals with kapha predominance may experience slower metabolism and have different health challenges. Understanding kapha helps in tailoring dosha-specific treatment plans, particularly in managing conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and enhancing overall well-being.
24) Discussion:
Discussion refers to the analytical examination of research findings, providing insights on the interplay between ṛt and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). By exploring these associations, the study highlights the importance of understanding individual constitution in promoting better management strategies for IBS and improving patients' quality of life.
25) Depression:
Depression is often cited as a psychological co-factor affecting gastrointestinal health, including conditions like IBS. In Ayurveda, emotional states are believed to influence dosha imbalances, impacting digestion and overall health. Recognizing this connection is crucial for comprehensive treatment plans addressing both psychological and physical health.
26) Science (Scientific):
Science encompasses the systematic study of the natural world, emphasizing empirical evidence and rational analysis. The intersection of science and traditional Ayurveda in this study promotes understanding of how individual ṛts relate to health conditions like IBS and offers potential pathways for integrative medical approaches.
27) Substance:
Substance encompasses the various elements and food items utilized in Ayurvedic practices, where each is evaluated for its impact on health based on individual dosha balance. Recognizing how different substances influence bodily functions is essential for guiding dietary choices and treatment plans aimed at restoring health.
28) Vomiting:
Vomiting is a severe symptom that can arise from various gastrointestinal disturbances, including IBS. In Ayurveda, it is viewed through the lens of dosha balance, where improper digestion may lead to nausea and vomiting. Addressing the root causes through dietary and lifestyle adjustments is vital for patient recovery.
29) Activity:
Activity refers to the physiological and functional roles played by different doshas and processes in the body. Understanding activity levels is important for tailoring lifestyle and dietary recommendations in Ayurveda, particularly for individuals suffering from conditions like IBS, to enhance digestion and overall health.
30) Pittala:
Pittala indicates a personality exhibiting strong characteristics of the pitta dosha. Individuals with pittala features often display traits related to leadership and assertiveness but might also experience digestive issues linked to imbalance. Identifying these traits in patients guides treatment modalities aimed at restoring balance.
31) Kaphaja:
Kaphaja refers to a condition where an individual is predominantly influenced by the kapha dosha, often associated with sluggish metabolism and excess moisture. Recognizing kaphaja characteristics allows practitioners to customize treatment strategies that address unique health challenges, especially for those suffering from gastrointestinal disorders.
32) Pariksha (Pariksa):
ʲīṣ� signifies the thorough examination or investigation in Ayurveda concerning an individual's health. It encompasses the evaluation of ṛt, dosha balance, and specific symptoms. Conducting parīkṣ� is a fundamental step in developing personalized treatment plans aimed at disease prevention and health promotion.
33) Caraka:
Caraka is one of the ancient texts of Ayurveda, authored by sage Caraka, that emphasizes holistic health, diagnosis, treatment methods, and the understanding of doshas and ṛt. The principles outlined in Caraka’s texts serve as foundational knowledge in evaluating health conditions and developing therapeutic strategies.
34) Shonita (Sonita):
Śṇiٲ refers to blood in Ayurveda, encompassing its significance in health and vitality. Analysis of blood quality and its relationship with dosha balance can provide crucial insights into individual health conditions. Understanding śoṇita can guide therapeutic decisions, particularly in managing diseases influenced by dosha imbalances.
35) Koshtha (Kostha):
ṣṭ means bowel or digestive tract in Ayurveda. Known for its vital role in digestion and nutrient absorption, understanding koṣṭha characteristics helps in identifying disorders affecting gastrointestinal health, such as IBS. Tailoring treatment plans based on individual koṣṭha attributes significantly contributes to successful digestive health management.
36) Vikriti (Vikrti):
վṛt refers to the altered state of an individual’s ṛt, indicating imbalances caused by environmental factors, lifestyle, or emotional conditions. Identifying vikṛti helps practitioners develop appropriate interventions to restore individuals to their natural state of health and well-being, especially in managing chronic conditions like IBS.
37) Srotas (Shrotas):
Srotas refers to the channels in the body through which substances flow, including nutrients and wastes. It plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of bodily functions. Understanding the implications of srotas in terms of dosha health can lead to better treatment recommendations for various ailments, including IBS.
38) Cancer:
Cancer is a chronic and complex disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth of cells. While the study focuses predominantly on IBS, recognizing the broader implications of ṛt in chronic diseases like cancer encourages the exploration of individual constitution in understanding susceptibility and treatment outcomes in various health conditions.
39) Nausea:
Nausea is a common symptom often associated with digestive disturbances, including IBS. From an Ayurvedic perspective, it links to dosha imbalances, particularly of pitta and ٲ. Understanding and addressing the underlying causes of nausea through dietary adjustments and lifestyle changes is vital for improving a patient's overall health.
40) Ruksha (Ruksa):
ūṣa denotes the quality of dryness in Ayurvedic terms, often associated with ٲ dosha. In individuals displaying rūkṣa characteristics, digestive challenges such as constipation may arise. Understanding the implications of this quality aids practitioners in devising effective management strategies for associated gastrointestinal disorders.
41) Drava:
Drava refers to the quality of fluidity and moisture in Ayurveda, often linked to pitta dosha characteristics. Maintaining an appropriate level of drava in the body is essential for ensuring proper digestion and preventing conditions that arise from excess dryness, particularly in managing IBS symptoms effectively.
42) Ahara:
Ā signifies diet in Ayurveda, encompassing food intake and its significance in maintaining health. It emphasizes the importance of consuming a balanced diet tailored to individual ṛt and dosha balance. Proper āhāra forms the basis of treatment for IBS, contributing to improved digestive health and quality of life.
43) Krura:
ū indicates a rough or hard texture in Ayurveda, often associated with constitutions prone to conditions like constipation. Understanding krūra characteristics is essential for recognizing and treating digestive disorders effectively, especially in managing symptoms of IBS-C and supporting individuals in achieving better bowel health.
44) Shukra (Sukra):
Śܰ refers to the semen or reproductive fluid in Ayurveda, signifying its essential role in procreation and vitality. Though not directly linked to IBS, understanding śukra contributes to a holistic approach to health, recognizing the interconnectedness of bodily systems and emphasizing proper care for reproductive health.
45) Water:
Water is essential for maintaining hydration and overall health in Ayurveda. Its consumption impacts digestion, bodily functions, and energy balance according to individual doshas and ṛts. Understanding the role of water encourages tailored recommendations for fluid intake, particularly for managing conditions like IBS where hydration plays a key role.
46) Blood:
Blood, or śoṇita in Ayurveda, is crucial for transporting nutrients, oxygen, and waste products. Understanding blood quality and its relationship to dosha balance aids in assessing health status. Evaluating blood parameters helps practitioners identify potential health issues, allowing for targeted treatment strategies for diseases like IBS.
47) Ushna (Usna):
ṣṇ represents the quality of heat in Ayurveda, frequently associated with the pitta dosha's attributes of transformation. This quality impacts digestion and assimilation processes in the body. For individuals with digestive disorders like IBS, managing uṣṇa qualities can be vital for balancing digestive functions and optimizing health.
48) Mridu (Mrdu):
ṛd denotes the quality of softness or gentleness in Ayurveda, often associated with kapha dosha. A mṛdu constitution might influence individual susceptibility to digestive disorders like IBS, where gentler dietary approaches may be more effective. Understanding this quality assists in developing suitable management strategies for maintaining digestive health.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Evaluating prakrti and quality of life in IBS patients�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Ayurvedic tradition, Urban population, Quality of life, Environmental factor, Irritable bowel syndrome, Dosha predominance, Ayurvedic intervention, Prakriti assessment, Personalized medicine, IBS-D, IBS-C, Health problem, IBS-M, Genetic makeup.