#Inflamation

Health Benefits of Alfalfa Grass ............................................................... Alfalfa grass is a flowering plant that is very common and the alfalfa grass health benefits are plentiful. The following will uncover 5 surprising health benefits of alfalfa grass… It is a perennial plant, which means that it grows and blooms over the spring and summer. During the fall and winter, the plants die back. In the spring, they return from the rootstock. The basic benefit of alfalfa is that it is very nutritious when it is consumed. This plant is high in chlorophyll, micronutrients, and vitamins A, B1, B6, C, E, and K. It also contains calcium, iron, zinc, and potassium. Finally, it contains more protein than most plants. What Are the Health Benefits of Alfalfa Grass? Other than the nutritional value, alfalfa has several health benefits. These include: Anti-Inflammatory Properties: An alfalfa study was published in the July 2009 issue of Journal of Biomedical Science. The study was performed on animals that were injected with compounds that contained inflammation. The animals that were not fed alfalfa sprouts had increased inflammation compared to those who were fed alfalfa sprouts. Bolsters Immune System: A study was performed and published in the March 2009 issue of “Lupus”. During this study, animals were injected with alfalfa sprout ethyl acetate extract. The scientists doing this study wanted to see if alfalfa sprouts could be beneficial for people who suffer from autoimmune diseases, such as lupus. The animals that were given alfalfa had lower T-cell counts at the end of the study. Antioxidant Effects and Radiation Protection: A study was conducted in Turkey, and the results were published in the February 2008 issue of Photocheistry and Photobiology. According to the study, alfalfa can protect the cells from damage from x-rays, due to its antioxidant properties. The animals that were given alfalfa before having an x-ray had less free radicals and cell damage than those who were not given alfalfa. Lower Cholesterol: High cholesterol can lead to stroke and heart disease. A study was performed and published in the May 1087 issue of Atherosclerosis. According to the study, patients with high cholesterol were given alfalfa for 8 weeks. At the end of the study, their LDL, also known as bad cholesterol, dropped by 30 percent. After the study, the patients stopped eating alfalfa, and their cholesterol returned to the previous levels before the study was conducted. The study indicated that regular consumption of alfalfa could successfully reduce cholesterol. Improves Certain Medical Conditions: Alfalfa has been used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including kidney, bladder, and prostate conditions. It can also increase urine flow. Patients with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, upset stomach, and asthma can benefit from alfalfa. Side Effects of Alfalfa Grass Alfalfa is relatively safe for adults. However, if you take large amounts of alfalfa for a long period of time, the seeds can cause a reaction that is similar to lupus. Also, alfalfa can make the skin more sensitive to the sun. It is important for light skinned people to wear sunblock when going outdoors. Patients who are pregnant should avoid alfalfa. There is evidence that alfalfa can act like estrogen, which can have a negative effect on the pregnancy. Its estrogen effect can also be harmful for patients who suffer from breast cancer, uterine cancer, and ovarian cancer. If you have diabetes, you should check your blood sugar levels often, as alfalfa can lower your blood sugar. You may think that you are eating right, and your blood sugar levels are fine, but the alfalfa can have an effect on it. Patients who have had a kidney transplant should avoid consuming anything with alfalfa. There has been one reported case of a patient who had a transplant and rejected it due to their consumption of alfalfa. Because alfalfa boosts the immune system, it can make the anti-drugs that are given after the surgery, less effective. How to Take Alfalfa Grass The most common way to ingest alfalfa is to add alfalfa sprouts to a salad. You can also purchase alfalfa supplements and take them with your daily multivitamin. Alfalfa Grass in Green Powder Drinks If salad is not your favorite thing to eat, and you would rather not take a daily supplement, you can purchase green powder drinks that contain the right amount of alfalfa that is healthy for your diet. Green powder drinks such as Total Living Drink Greens contain numerous ingredients, including alfalfa grass, which are rich in vitamins and nutrients. Just having a drink or two a day can greatly improve your health. Alfalfa grass grows all over the world, and is very plentiful. For years, many people did not know the many health benefits of alfalfa grass. As studies were conducted on this grass, more and more people began putting alfalfa sprouts in their salad, and even eating them on their own. As the health food industry began seeing the importance of this grass, many companies began using alfalfa in their green drink powders.

54 years male patient complains of pain and swelling in the right lower thumb. since 6 months he is a diabetic patient hba1c is 8.3 cbc is normal uric acid is increased a bit no other systemic disease he is a driver by occupation doppler reports are attached. he is a chronic smoker. there is change in colour at the thumb region compared to the normal side what cud be the provisional diagnosis

45yoF, unusual case , patient without condyloid process. what is this.. help me in diagnosing the OPG

THE ROLE OF HIJAMAH IN RAKTAMOKHSHANA IN THE PRACTICE OF AYURVEDA. Although i am not a VEYD but i take a very keen interest in the medical modus of Ayurveda. It is one of the oldest forms of medicinal and therapeutic methods of healing the human body. Known to be more than 12000 years old as stated by some historians. It has the most closest relationship to Tibb E Nabwi in terms of healing by herbs as well as other healing aspects of its liniments. There are many principles that lie within this modus. However i wish to highlight the concepts of blood letting and Wet cupping in relation to this wonderful ancient therapy. Raktamokshana is one of the Panchakarma Ayurvedic treatments or the 5 basic techniques of detoxification. It is made of two words – Rakta i.e blood and Mokshana i.e to leave, and combining both these words makes the word Raktamokshana which means ‘to let out blood’. Raktamokshana is an effective blood purification therapy, in which carefully controlled removal of small quantities of blood is conducted to neutralize accumulated Pitta toxins of many blood borne diseases. This is because Raktamokshana decreases the quantum of enhanced Pitta dosha and thus the diseases caused by Pitta are also relieved. 2 Main Types of Raktamokshana : 1) Shastra Visravana : This procedure of bloodletting is performed by using metal instruments . It is further of two types Pracchana ( Bloodletting through multiple incisions ) Siravyadha ( Venepuncture ) 2) Anushastra Visravana : This raktamokshana is performed without the use of metal instruments. This is of three types – Jalaukavacharana ( Application of Leeches ) – This is indicated for Pitta dosha diseases. Shrungavacharana ( Sucking through cow’s horn ) – This is indicated for Vata dosha diseases. Alabu ( Vacuum extraction by using vegetable called Alabu / Bottle Gourd ) This is indicated for Kapha dosha diseases. ( 1) Of all these types, Siravyadha or the Venepuncture is regarded as the best. Indications of Raktamokshana: Raktamokshana or the technique of bloodletting Ayurvedic treatment is mainly advised for Pitta dosha (fire body humor) and Rakta (blood tissue) imbalance and toxicity. This is highly effective in diseases like skin diseases, edema, abscess, inflammations, dullness, uremia and pericarditis. At Indus Valley Ayurvedic Centre, we have found favorable result with Raktamokshana in Allergies, Skin disorders such as Eczema, Allergic Dermatitis, Tonsillitis and Sciatica. This procedure also decreases the load on the vital organs of heart and liver. Benefits of Raktamokshana: It has been specified in Ayurveda text that Raktamokshana Ayurvedic treatment of Panchakarma works both as curative as well as preventive therapy. As in Ayurvedic medicine, the Basti Karma is regarded as partial or even the complete treatment method, similarly in the Ayurveda surgery text, Raktamokshana is considered as the partial or complete treatment in itself. Jalaukavacharana ( Leech Therapy ) Leech is water living animal used for blood detoxification purpose. The Leech therapy ( Jalaukavacharana ) is another form of Raktamokshana practiced since ancient times in the Ayurvedic treatment of blood letting. Leech used in Therapy There near about 600-650 species found around the world. Out of this variety, only 15-20 are used for treatment purpose. Hirudo ventralis (Indian cattle leech) is used in India for treatment purpose. The size of the leech varies from half inch to eighteen inches. And the Leeches may be found in a variety of colors like black, brown, yellowish maroon etc. Procedure of Leech Therapy of Raktamokshana: Leech therapy is safe, painless & doesn’t require any change in routine life style. In this therapy after diagnosing a person, leech is applied to specific body part and is made to stay there. Once the leech finishes sucking blood from the site, then either the leech separates itself or may be separated manually by sprinkling of some herbal medicine. Proper dressing is done after the procedure. At a time single leech can suck 10-60ml blood . One session of leech therapy requires about 20- 60 min. Benefits of Leech Therapy: When the leech is used for bloodletting in the technique of Raktamokshana, as the leech sucks impure blood from the body, this helps to provide considerable detoxification, immunity boosting and also improves the blood circulation in the body. This particular variety procedure of Raktamokshana Panchakarma is highly recommended for ailments like pigmentation, scar, wound , Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Gouty arthritis, Psoriatic arthritis, Atopic dermatitis, pain , edema ,itching , burning on skin etc. Procedure of Raktamokshana Panchakarma : Since Raktamokshana is a specialized procedure , Purva karma , Pradhan karma and Paschat karma or (the Pre, Main and Post procedures) are explained. Purva Karma ( Pre procedure ) of Raktamokshana : Indications for Raktamokshana : In healthy persons , if , it is done at regular intervals diseases arising from blood does not occur .(2) Diseases such as oedema , gout , psoriasis , filariasis , tumours , glaucoma , trachoma , erysipelas, diseases of liver and spleen etc . ( 3) Contraindications : Anemia , generalized oedema , emaciation , ascites , pregnancy etc . Proper instruments , herbs , tourniquet , gauze pieces , cotton swabs , bandages etc . Take informed consent . Pradhana Karma ( Main procedure ) of Raktamokshana: PRACCHANA : The part should be tied with tourniquet to dilate the vessels . Then without injuring Marmas , tendons multiple incisions are given parallel to the local blood vessels . By this method, the superficial doshas are removed and also relieves tension on that part . SIRAVYADHA : The vein is selected according to the disease . After proper oleation and sudation , liquid gruel is given .Then patient sits in erect position or lies down . SIZE OF PUNTURE : In muscular areas puncture should be the size of yava ( barley grain ) and in other areas it should be ½ barley or 1 brihi ( rice grain ). JALAUKAVACHARANA : Small nicks are given around the diseased part . When blood starts oozing , leech is applied .When it starts sucking mouth takes the shape of horse’s hoof and lift it’s neck . Then cover its neck with wet cotton . When leech has sucked enough blood , it leaves that spot and drops down . If it doesn’t leave , turmeric powder is sprinkled around the mouth .( 4, 5 ) SHRINGA YANTRA : It is applied on a flat , round , fleshy part of the body . 2 – 3 nicks are given on the site of blood letting . Horn is applied and air is sucked out from narrow part creating a vacuum . The blood comes out . (6 ) ALABU YANTRA (Cupping): A small nick is given on the skin . Put a leaf by the side of nick . Keep a cotton ball dipped in spirit and light it . Immediately put Alabu on that . As fire extinguishes the skin edges are caught tight with margins of Alabu yantra .When blood letting completes , the base gets slackened .( 7 ) Paschat Karma ( Post Procedure ) of Raktamokshana : After completion of procedures , whenever blood flow stops tourniquet and instruments are removed . Tight dressing is applied and gentle massage around the wound with medicated oil is done . The above information in relation to Ayurveda practice was taken from:- INDUS VALLEY AYURVEDIC CENTER ....By Dr. Sonica Krishen.

Autoimmune Diseases: Types, Symptoms, Causes and More........Check it Out...! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- What is an autoimmune disease? An autoimmune disease is a condition in which your immune system mistakenly attacks your body. The immune system normally guards against germs like bacteria and viruses. When it senses these foreign invaders, it sends out an army of fighter cells to attack them. Normally, the immune system can tell the difference between foreign cells and your own cells. In an autoimmune disease, the immune system mistakes part of your body — like your joints or skin — as foreign. It releases proteins called autoantibodies that attack healthy cells. Some autoimmune diseases target only one organ. Type 1 diabetes damages the pancreas. Other diseases, like lupus, affect the whole body. CAUSES Why does the immune system attack the body? Doctors don’t know what causes the immune system misfire. Yet some people are more likely to get an autoimmune disease than others. Women get autoimmune diseases at a rate of about 2 to 1 compared to men — 6.4 percent of women vs. 2.7 percent of men . Often the disease starts during a woman’s childbearing years (ages 14 to 44). Some autoimmune diseases are more common in certain ethnic groups. For example, lupus affects more African-American and Hispanic people than Caucasians. Certain autoimmune diseases, like multiple sclerosis and lupus, run in families. Not every family member will necessarily have the same disease, but they inherit a susceptibility to an autoimmune condition. Because the incidence of autoimmune diseases is rising, researchers suspect environmental factors like infections and exposures to chemicals or solvents might also be involved . A “Western” diet is another suspected trigger. Eating high-fat, high-sugar, and highly processed foods is linked to inflammation, which might set off an immune response. However, this hasn’t been proven . Another theory is called the hygiene hypothesis. Because of vaccines and antiseptics, children today aren’t exposed to as many germs as they were in the past. The lack of exposure could make their immune system overreact to harmless substances . BOTTOM LINE: Researchers don’t know exactly what causes autoimmune diseases. Diet, infections, and exposure to chemicals might be involved. COMMON AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES 14 common autoimmune diseases There are more than 80 different autoimmune diseases . Here are 14 of the most common ones. 1. Type 1 diabetes The pancreas produces the hormone insulin, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. In type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. High blood sugar can damage blood vessels, as well as organs like the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves. 2. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the immune system attacks the joints. This attack causes redness, warmth, soreness, and stiffness in the joints. Unlike osteoarthritis, which affects people as they get older, RA can start as early as your 30s . 3. Psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis Skin cells normally grow and then shed when they’re no longer needed. Psoriasis causes skin cells to multiply too quickly. The extra cells build up and form red, scaly patches called scales or plaques on the skin. About 30 percent of people with psoriasis also develop swelling, stiffness, and pain in their joints . This form of the disease is called psoriatic arthritis. 4. Multiple sclerosis Multiple sclerosis (MS) damages the myelin sheath — the protective coating that surrounds nerve cells. Damage to the myelin sheath affects the transmission of messages between your brain and body. This damage can lead to symptoms like numbness, weakness, balance issues, and trouble walking. The disease comes in several forms, which progress at different rates. About 50 percent of people with MS need help walking within 15 years after getting the disease. 5. Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) Although doctors in the 1800s first described lupus as a skin disease because of the rash it produces, it actually affects many organs, including the joints, kidneys, brain, and heart . Joint pain, fatigue, and rashes are among the most common symptoms. 6. Inflammatory bowel disease Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term used to describe conditions that cause inflammation in the lining of the intestines. Each type of IBD affects a different part of the GI tract. Crohn’s disease can inflame any part of the GI tract, from the mouth to the anus. Ulcerative colitis affects only the lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. 7. Addison’s disease Addison’s disease affects the adrenal glands, which produce the hormones cortisol and aldosterone. Having too little of these hormones can affect the way the body uses and stores carbohydrates and sugar. Symptoms include weakness, fatigue, weight loss, and low blood sugar. 8. Graves’ disease Graves’ disease attacks the thyroid gland in the neck, causing it to produce too much of its hormones. Thyroid hormones control the body’s energy usage, or metabolism. Having too much of these hormones revs up your body’s activities, causing symptoms like nervousness, a fast heartbeat, heat intolerance, and weight loss. One common symptom of this disease is bulging eyes, called exophthalmos. It affects up to 50 percent of people with Graves’ disease . 9. Sjögren’s syndrome This condition attacks the joints, as well as glands that provide lubrication to the eyes and mouth. The hallmark symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome are joint pain, dry eyes, and dry mouth. 10. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis In Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, thyroid hormone production slows. Symptoms include weight gain, sensitivity to cold, fatigue, hair loss, and swelling of the thyroid (goiter). 11. Myasthenia gravis Myasthenia gravis affects nerves that help the brain control the muscles. When these nerves are impaired, signals can’t direct the muscles to move. The most common symptom is muscle weakness that gets worse with activity and improves with rest. Often muscles that control swallowing and facial movements are involved. 12. Vasculitis Vasculitis happens when the immune system attacks blood vessels. The inflammation that results narrows the arteries and veins, allowing less blood to flow through them. 13. Pernicious anemia This condition affects a protein called intrinsic factor that helps the intestines absorb vitamin B-12 from food. Without this vitamin, the body can’t make enough red blood cells. Pernicious anemia is more common in older adults. It affects 0.1 percent of people in general, but nearly 2 percent of people over age 60 . 14. Celiac disease People with celiac disease can’t eat foods containing gluten — a protein found in wheat, rye, and other grain products. When gluten is in the intestine, the immune system attacks it and causes inflammation. Celiac disease affects about 1 percent of people in the United States . A larger number of people have gluten sensitivity, which isn’t an autoimmune disease, but can have similar symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain. SYMPTOMS Autoimmune disease symptoms The early symptoms of many autoimmune diseases are very similar, such as: fatigue achy muscles swelling and redness low-grade fever trouble concentrating numbness and tingling in the hands and feet hair loss skin rashes Individual diseases can also have their own unique symptoms. For example, type 1 diabetes causes extreme thirst, weight loss, and fatigue. IBD causes belly pain, bloating, and diarrhea. With autoimmune diseases like psoriasis or RA, symptoms come and go. Periods of symptoms are called flare-ups. Periods when the symptoms go away are called remissions. BOTTOM LINE: Symptoms like fatigue, muscle aches, swelling, and redness could be signs of an autoimmune disease. Often symptoms come and go over time. SEE A DOCTOR When to see a doctor See a doctor if you have symptoms of an autoimmune disease. You might need to visit a specialist, depending on the type of disease you have. Rheumatologists treat joint diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and Sjögren’s syndrome. Gastroenterologists treat diseases of the GI tract, such as celiac and Crohn’s disease. Endocrinologists treat conditions of the glands, including Graves’ and Addison’s disease. Dermatologists treat skin conditions such as psoriasis. DIAGNOSIS Tests that diagnose autoimmune diseases No single test can diagnose most autoimmune diseases. Your doctor will use a combination of tests and an assessment of your symptoms to diagnose you. The antinuclear antibody test (ANA) is often the first test that doctors use when symptoms suggest an autoimmune disease. A positive test means you likely have one of these diseases, but it won’t confirm exactly which one you have. Other tests look for specific autoantibodies produced in certain autoimmune diseases. Your doctor might also do tests to check for the inflammation these diseases produce in the body. BOTTOM LINE: A positive ANA blood test can show that you have an autoimmune disease. Your doctor can use your symptoms and other tests to confirm the diagnosis. TREATMENT How are autoimmune diseases treated? Treatments can’t cure autoimmune diseases, but they can control the overactive immune response and bring down inflammation. Drugs used to treat these conditions include: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Naprosyn) immune-suppressing drugs Treatments are also available to relieve symptoms like pain, swelling, fatigue, and skin rashes. Eating a well-balanced diet and getting regular exercise can also help you feel better. BOTTOM LINE: The main treatment for autoimmune diseases is with medications that bring down inflammation and calm the overactive immune response. Treatments can also help relieve symptoms. BOTTOM LINE The bottom line More than 80 different autoimmune diseases exist. Often their symptoms overlap, making them hard to diagnose. Autoimmune diseases are more common in women, and they often run in families. Blood tests that look for autoantibodies can help doctors diagnose these conditions. Treatments include medicines to calm the overactive immune response and bring down inflammation in the body.