Kottakkal Journal of Ayurvedic Medicine And Research

Background: While conventional medicine often mandates surgical intervention for various structural and inflammatory pathologies, a significant patient cohort seeks Ayurvedic alternatives due to personal preference, cost constraints or surgical contraindications. This study evaluates the long-term clinical outcomes of patients who opted for Ayurvedic management despite being formally advised to undergo surgery. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 8,012 case records from three Ayurvedic centres in Kerala, India, spanning a ten-year period (January 2006 to December 2015). A total of 1,174 patients met the inclusion criteria, having sought Ayurvedic care specifically to avoid recommended surgical procedures. Outcomes were categorized into five thematic domains: Surgery Totally Avoided, Improved Quality of Life (QoL) without Surgery, Deterioration due to Surgical Delay, resolved via Surgery and Lost to Follow-up. Results: The data revealed that 76.06% (n=893) of the study population successfully avoided surgery, while an additional 15.08% reported significantly improved day-to-day functioning without operative intervention. Clinical success was particularly notable in cases of intervertebral disc prolapse (IVDP) and acute appendicitis. Conversely, a small minority experienced a decline in health status attributed to the postponement of necessary surgical care. Conclusion: These findings suggest that Ayurvedic protocols can serve as a viable alternative to surgery for specific conditions, particularly where "preference-sensitive" decisions are involved. The high rate of surgery avoidance and improved functional outcomes underscore the need for an integrative healthcare model. Further prospective research is warranted to standardize these non-operative Ayurvedic pathways within mainstream surgical triaging.

Introduction Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is one of the most prevalent lifestyle disorders of the modern era. It is often referred to as a “silent killer”9 because it usually remains asymptomatic until serious complications arise. The increasing incidence of hypertension in recent decades highlights its global significance and its strong association with cardiovascular, renal, and cerebrovascular diseases. From an Ayurvedic perspective, hypertension can be understood through the concepts of Dosha, Dushya, Srotas, and Samprapti. This article aims to explore the Ayurvedic understanding of hypertension by correlating modern clinical features with Ayurvedic principles. Furthermore, eight possible Samprapti (pathogenetic mechanisms) have been postulated based on collected data and observations, providing an integrative view that bridges classical Ayurvedic knowledge and contemporary medical understanding. Methods of study This study is primarily conceptual in nature and is based on a comprehensive review and correlation approach. Relevant Ayurvedic and modern literature was critically analysed to understand the pathogenesis (Samprapti) of hypertension from both perspectives. The Ayurvedic texts including Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya, Ashtanga Samgraha and their commentaries were reviewed to collect references related to Vata, Pitta, Kapha, Rakta, Srotodushti, Avarana and Manasika Nidanas. Modern medical textbooks and scientific articles were referred to identify clinical features, etiological factors, and pathological mechanisms of hypertension. By correlating these findings, eight possible Samprapti pathways were postulated, integrating modern clinical observations with Ayurvedic pathophysiological concepts. Each proposed Samprapti was analysed with respect to Dosha, Dushya, Srotas, Agni, Srotodushti Lakshana, Udbhavasthana and Adhistana to provide a comprehensive understanding.

Introduction and Background: Measurement is essential in scientific research, yet Ayurveda has often overlooked its importance, relying on qualitative and subjective assessments. In the era of evidence-based medicine, the lack of scientific tools for health measurements hinders the progress of Ayurveda. Dhatu Sara, the purest form of the Dhatu, serves as a key indicator for assessing an individual’s strength. The assessment of Dhatu Sara lacks validated and reliable tools. Most available methods are subjective and rely on individual measurements, limiting their utility. AyuSoft, developed by C DAC, Pune, provides a standardized, computer-based tool for assessing Dhatu Sara, which is widely in use nowadays. This study critically reviews the Ayusoft Dhatu Sara assessment tool, focusing on the challenges faced during its practical application. It aims to identify and recommend necessary updates to enhance its usability and relevance for users. Methods: The Ayusoft software was procured from C-DAC, Pune and installed on a computer. It was then used to assess the Dhatu Sarata of 50 individuals. Both the benefits and challenges encountered during the use of the software were thoroughly documented. Results: The tool proved user-friendly, and integrating the Dhatu Sara assessment into software provides a convenient, portable solution for clinical use, removing the need for manual data analysis. However, its time-consuming nature and reliance on a highly subjective questionnaire posed challenges for routine clinical use. Conclusion: The findings suggest that while AyuSoft is a promising step toward standardized Dhatu Sara evaluation, further refinements are necessary to enhance its accuracy, reliability, and practical utility in clinical settings by incorporating both user and patient perspectives.