PROGENITOR OF AYURVEDA - DHANVANTARI

It is believed that Dhanvantri, the pioneer god of medicine, destroyer of senility, diseases and death descended to earth to teach mainly surgery along with other allied branches of medicine.


One of the earliest and outstanding leaders of Indian culture in the field of medicine in general and surgery in particular was Dhanvantari. His personality and identity are shrouded in the mist of antiquity. Dhanvantari, the god incarnate of Lord Vishnu is a celebrated god surgeon, who comes out during the churning of the milk - ocean by demons and demi gods. He appeared with Amritakumbham (pot of nectar) in one hand and Ayurveda in the other. In Ayurveda, the Dhanvantari is described as the teacher of Sushruta (the renowned surgeon) and his other colleagues, viz., Anupadhenava, Aurabhra, Baitarana, Paushkalavata, and Karavirya and Gopuraraksita etc. Sushruta compiled Dhanvantari's teachings on surgery and his work is known as Sushrita Samita. In Sushruta Samhita, Dhanvantari has been mentioned as the king of Kashi now known as Varanasi (Indian city) specialized by name "Divodasa". By dint of Dhanvantari's self statement as "Aham hi Dhanvantariradidevah" meaning ."I am that Dhanvantari, who appeared at the time of Ocean- churning "; it is obvious that the teacher of Sushruta and his colleagues was the god incarnation of Lord Vishnu.


Dhanvantari has been mentioned at several places in the Charaka Samhita (Ayurvedic text) as -"Atra Dhanvantariyanam Adhikarah" i.e. this case refers to surgery or the school of Dhanvantari".


CONTRIBUTIONS


Dhanvantari's image as a well -versed surgeon and Physician of Ayurveda is esteemed with high reputation. According to Brahmavaivarta Purana (Ancient Indian text) he has authored:


Chikitsa Darshanam and Chikitsakaumudi.


Other works attributed to him are


1. Yoga chitamani,
2. Sannipata Kalika,
3. Dhatu Kalpa,
4. Ajirnamrita manjari,
5. Dhanvantari Nighantu,
6. Roga Nidanam,
7. Vaidya Chintamani,
8. Vaidyaka Bhashkarodaya,
9. Chikitsa Sara Sangraha

Siddha -a new alternative Treatment method for rare diseases

Siddha system of medicine, like Ayurveda, is equally ancient system. The name seems to have been derived from siddhars, or saintly persons, and eighteen of them are believed to have contributed in its development. The principles and doctrines of this system, both fundamental and applied, have a close similarity to Ayurveda.
The strength of the Siddha system like in its ability in treating most types of diseases other than emergency cases. The system is effective in treating sexually transmitted disease, urinary tract infections, liver and gastro-intestinal tracts ailments, general debility, postpartum anaemia, diarrhoea, arthritis and allergic disorders.

Ayurvedic treatment for leukemia (Cancer)

Constipation is a frequent cause of distress in advanced cancer. A palliative care unit in Kerala, a southern state of India, conducted a controlled trial comparing a liquid Ayurvedic (herbal) preparation (Misrakasneham) with a conventional laxative tablet (Sofsena) in the management of opioid-induced constipation in patients with advanced cancer. Although there was no statistically significant difference in the apparent degree of laxative action between the two, the results indicate that the small volume of the drug required for effective laxative action, the tolerable taste, the once-daily dose, the acceptable side effect profile, and the low cost make Misrakasneham a good choice for prophylaxis in opioid-induced constipation. There is a need for further studies of Ayurvedic medicines in palliative care.

Author : Dr. P. R. Ramesh, Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal (P. O.), Malappuram Dist., 676 503, Kerala, India

Treatment avilabale at : Pain and Palliative Care Clinic, Kottakkal, Kerala, India

Different kinds of ayurvedic treatment in KERALA , INDIA

Nasya:In this type of treatment, medicatd oil is poured on into the nose drop by drop. It is effective for cronic sinocitysis, breathing related problems, etc.

Sirovasthi: The prescribed oils are kept at a bearable temperature on the head inside a feather cap.

Sirodhara:Continuous stream of oil/ decoction/ milk is made to drop on the forehead of the patient using special devices Uzhichil: This is a type of massage with different kinds of herbal oils, practiced specially in Kerala.

Pizhichil: The oils are poured on the body continuously followed by gentle massage done by four masseurs. Thalapothichil:In this, the head of the patient is packed with specially prepared Amla pulp.

Snehapanam: This is a method of internal administration of medicated ghee in increasing doses for a particular period.

Njavarakizhi: This is a massage with linen bags filled with cooked navara rice, soaking the bags frequently in a mixture of milk and decoction.

Elakizhi: In this treatment the body is massaged with cloth bags filled with fried medicinal leaves.