The healer Journal

Food Consumption Habits of Ayurveda Students with Re- spect to Incompatible Diets: A Cross-Sectional Study

Mithilesh Kumar Sah — 2024-08-08

Background: In Ayurveda, Ahara (diet) is a fundamental pillar of health, and Viruddha Ahara (incompatible food
combinations) can lead to Doshik imbalances and health issues. Despite theoretical knowledge, Ayurveda students
often deviate from these principles due to modern lifestyle factors. Objective: To assess food consumption hab-
its, frequency of fast-food intake, common incompatible combinations, and symptoms of Doshik imbalance among
Ayurveda students. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted among 90 undergraduate students
at Ayurveda Campus, Tribhuvan University, using convenience sampling. Data was collected via structured ques-
tionnaires on socio-demographics, fast food consumption, incompatible diets, Dosha symptoms and Viruddha Ahara
Consumption Questionnaire (VACQ). Analysis used SPSS with descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and Pearson
correlations. Results: Most students (66.7%) were non-vegetarian, with 50% consuming three meals daily and 53.3%
snacking occasionally. Fast food was consumed weekly by 50%, primarily for taste (43.3%) and convenience (30%).
Common incompatible combinations included hot beverages with chips/biscuits (36.7% often). Moderate Doshik
imbalances were prevalent (e.g., 56.7% moderate Pitta Vriddhi). No significant association was found between fast
food frequency and Dosha imbalance (p=0.352), but incompatible diet consumption correlated significantly with Pitta
Vriddhi (r=0.476, p=0.008). Conclusion: There is a gap between Ayurveda knowledge and practice among students,
highlighting the need for practical interventions to promote compatible diets.

Practice of Dinacharya Among Ayurveda Students of Tribhuvan University

Nirmal Bhusal — 2024-08-08

Ayurveda, the science of life emphasizes disease prevention and the promotion of well-being. Dinacharya is the daily routine designed to align the body with natural rhythms which is fundamental for healthy life. Although the principles of healthy lifestyle are introduced early in Ayurveda education, the extent to which students themselves practice Dinacharya remains uncertain in light of current lifestyle patterns. This study aimed to assess the practice and frequency of Dinacharya among Ayurveda undergraduate students at Ayurveda Campus, Kirtipur and to examine the influence of socio-demographic variables on adherence. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 20 undergraduate students selected through purposive sampling, using a structured, self-administered questionnaire based on classical Ayurveda texts. Results indicated low adherence to several key Dinacharya components. Only 30% of students wake up during Brahma Muhurta, just 10% practicing Anjana (eye care), 85% reported proper morning Sauch vidhi (elimination of natural urges; faeces and urine), and 90% performed regular Dantadhavana. Nasya and Abhyanga were practiced by only 25% and 15% of students, respectively. Lack of time, hostel living conditions, and modern lifestyle constraints were mentioned as major barriers. The findings reveal a notable gap between theoretical knowledge and actual lifestyle practices among Ayurveda students, underscoring the need for enhanced practical Dinacharya training and integration of self-care modules within the curriculum to nurture disciplined practitioners aligned with Ayurveda principles.

Dr. Ranjith Bharadwaj — 2024-08-08

Dr. Ritik Lalawat — 2024-08-08

Review on Twak Shareera

Dr. Jeevan Kumar Giri — 2024-08-08

Twak is a form the external covering of the entire body and it is Upadhatu of Mamas Dhatu It is an important organ of the integumentary system envelops underlying tissues and organs. It is responsible for perception of exteroceptive information in form of touch, pain, temperature, pressure, vibration etc. so, Ayurveda mention Twak as Sparshanaindrya Adhistana. There are 6 or 7 layers in Twak as per Acharya Charka & Sushruta respectively. Contemporary science explains the difference in the layers in thick and thin skin. Vreehi grain is used to quantify the thickness of the different layers of Twak, and each layer has different proportion of thickness w.r.t Vreehi. Twak layers are derived in the similar way of casein formation over milk during boiling. It is needed to understand Twak w.r.t. skin in formation and structure. This study is performed for comparative analyses between Twak Utpatti and Rachana w.r.t skin. Various authorized literatures & publications related to Twak and skin were observed and then the comparative analysis was performed to evaluate the Utpatti and morphology of Twak & skin. The structural layer and Utpatti of the layer of Twak and skin correspond with that of skin layer formation. The skin layers are formed layer wise during intrauterine life which is similar as that of Twak Utpatti explained by Acharya in classical texts.

Pathya Implication in Aamavata (Rheumatoid Arthritis): A Review

Renu Khayamali — 2024-08-08

Introduction: Aamavata is a pathological condition resulting due to accumulation of aama which is the byproduct resulting due to weak metabolism. The clinical presentation resembles closely to rheumatoid arthritis(RA) in accordance with their similar clinical features like pain, swelling, stiffness, fever, redness, general debility , fatigue, etc. The global burden of the disease is about 0.24% and is increasing each year. The apathya are the risk factors for the disease and diet and nutrition have been shown to play a significant role as environmental triggers for RA. The pathya diet and regimen can be used to alter the pathological condition and manage with better efficacy. This article will focus on the pathya diet and regimen described in ayurveda about aamavata and their implications in the present scenario.

Materials and methods: The secondary source of data were used for the review. Various relevant text and research articles were reviewed and analysed for the study.

Result and conclusion: The pathya described in ayurveda have analgesic, immunomodulatory, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. These properties can be used to alter the pathological condition in RA. In ayurveda it is described that the action of any drug is different pertaining to their rasa-guna-karma and prabhava. So, the use of any dravya as pathya should be studied on these basis rather than only on the nutritional value. In addition these dravya can be used for external application for which further study need to be conducted. The use of pathya in aamavata can be cost effective and efficacious alternative in the management of the condition and play pivotal role in reducing the global public health burden of RA.

Ayurvedic Insights and Contemporary Evidence on Breastfeeding: Towards Optimal Newborn Nutrition,

Dr. Sushant Bhandari — 2024-08-08

Rajaswalacharya: A basic tool in Ayurveda eugenics & its clinical importance

Dr Subhadra Karki — 2024-08-08

Prabha Weeranayake — 2024-08-08

Background: Anal fistula remains a surgical challenge due to high recurrence rates, delayed healing, and postoperative complications. Ayurveda correlates this condition with Bhagandara, wherein Krimi Bhagandara is described as a subtype caused or aggravated by parasitic infestation. While modern literature sparsely documents parasitic involvement in anorectal diseases, ancient Ayurvedic texts emphasize Krimighna Chikitsa (antiparasitic therapy) as an essential component of management.

Case Presentation: A 60-year-old male presented with pain and purulent discharge from the perianal region for 12 days. TRUS revealed a low Intersphincteric fistula. Opting for a surgical approach, Partial fistulectomy with Apamarga Ksharasutra threading as well as the treatment plan included a series of Ayurvedic polyherbal formulations and topical applications for wound care. Parasites infestation was observed in the anal canal during surgery. Results: The wound showed healthy granulation and complete elimination of Krimi by the seventh postoperative day. Sequential Ksharasutra changes demonstrated steady tract reduction, and complete wound healing occurred by the 40th postoperative day, with no recurrence after two months.

Conclusion: This case highlights the efficacy of an integrative approach combining surgical intervention with Ayurvedic Krimighna Chikitsa and wound management principles. Addressing parasitic pathology alongside surgery ensured rapid healing, infection control, and recurrence prevention demonstrating a promising holistic model for managing parasitic fistula-in-ano.

Integrative Ayurvedic Intervention in Acne Nodularis: A Clinical Case Study

Dr. Dipali N. Parekh — 2024-08-08

Background: Nodulocystic acne is a severe, chronic form of acne vulgaris characterized by painful, inflamed nodules that are often resistant to conventional therapy. Ayurvedic medicine offers an integrative approach targeting systemic imbalance through personalized herbal formulations.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of Ayurvedic treatment in managing a case of pimple nodularis in a young adult male.

Case Presentation: A 20-year-old male presented with painful nodular acne on the face, unresponsive to prior allopathic treatment. Based on Ayurvedic assessment, a phased regimen of internal and external therapies was administered over three months. Key interventions included Phalatrikadi Kwatha, Manjisthadi Kwatha, Triphala Guggulu, and herbal pastes.

Results: Marked clinical improvement was observed with reduction in nodules, inflammation, and post-inflammatory hyper pigmentation. Hematological parameters, including leukocyte count and ESR, normalized, indicating reduced systemic inflammation.

Conclusion: Ayurvedic therapy may offer a safe, effective alternative for managing severe acne with systemic involvement.

An Ayurvedic Approach in The Management of Endometriotic Cyst; A Case Study

Dr. Laxmita Gaiju — 2024-08-08