Ayurveda emphasis the necessity of examination of Rogaand Rogi by different Pramanas for the success of treatment. More subtle level examination may give us better insight about the condition of the patient. Kirlian photography/ Kirlianography provide a subtle examination of the energy level of the patient and may be a valuable tool to observe the efficacy of different Ayurvedic treatment procedures. Arditha is a Vatavyadhi and can be directly caused by Siromarmaabhighata. The Siromarmaabhighata janya Ardhita should be managed by the curative aspects of marma chikitsa. A male patient 46 years old presented with Arditha associated with anosmia whose MRI and MRA of brain were normal and was under modern medication for the last three months was treated in the line of Siromarmaabhighata chikitsa. Seven days of Sirolepa with Karpasasthyadi churna for45 minutes at 4 pm every day was done as initial treatment. Clinically, the patient reported improvement in chewing and restoration of smell sensation. Assessment by Kirlianography before and after 7 days of treatment revealed increase of energy levels in all the parameters. Probable mode of action of the procedure can be the improvement of Prana orenergy at the Marmasthana by proper curative approach.

Keywords: Marma, Prana, Kirlianphotography, Arditha, Sirolepa

Introduction:

Ayurveda has its sound basement on the evaluation of Gunaand Karma, which are minute variables in the universe. The entire universe has only two perspectives- at the micro/subtle level and macro/gross level. As an element, Sareera (human body) also has these two perspectives. Any change in the universe starts from micro level to macro level which is the universal truth. Our body as well as the universe take their origin at a micro level and then evolve to the macro level. Physiology and Pathology are differentiated with the intensity of Guna level (according to the intensity of cell destruction). For a science which is evaluating, diagnosing and treating disease in Guna level i.e., in the micro/ subtle level, highly capable personalities or well designed equipments are necessary for the evaluation of the same.

Kirlian photography is a collection of photographic techniques used to capture the phenomenon of electrical coronal discharges. It is named after Semyon Kirlian, who, in 1939, accidentally discovered that if an object on a photographic plate is connected to a high-voltage source, an image is produced on the photographic plateⁱ. The technique has been variously known as electrography, electrophotography, corona discharge photography (CDP), bioelectrography, gas discharge visualization (GDV), electrophotonic imaging (EPI) and, in Russian literature, "Kirlianography". Kirlian photography has been the subject of mainstream scientific research, parapsychology research and art. To a large extent, it has been used in alternative medicine researchⁱⁱ.

Background:

One of the challenges faced by the present Ayurvedic community is the difficulty to understand or loss of clarity in evaluating minute micro level changes in the body. Ayurveda accepted three Pramanas which are Apthopadesa, Prathyaksha and Anumanaⁱⁱⁱ. Proper understanding of Guna and Karma gives more clarity about Dravya (either Chikithsa purusha or Aushada). Present Ayurvedic community depends more on Prathyaksha Pramana that too in a Sthoola (gross) level. Sookshma Prathyaksham may lead us to higher standards of clarity and perfection in Dravya Guna Vijnana (particularly, knowledge about the chikithsa adhikrta purusa in thepresent context). For rectifying these difficulties, highly advanced modern scientific equipment Kirlianography can be used as an analyzing tool for evaluating treatment effect. Advanced researches in future may uplift Ayurvedic community to use Kirlianography as a Diagnosing Tool too.

The prime aim of the science of Ayurveda is to maintain health (Swasthasya swaasthya rakshna) and to cure the diseases (Aaturasya rogaprasamana). These preventive and curative aspects can be speculated in the concept of marma too. The concept of Marma of Susrutha Samhitha is related to preventive aspect, to protect these vital points from injuries. Charaka dealt the concept of Marma in curative aspect, that is to cure or treat the disorders occurred as a result of injuries to marma. In TrimarmeeyaSidhi adhyaya, Hridayam, Vasthi and Siras are explained as Trimarmaand the diseases originating as a result of abhigata (assault) to these points along with the treatment is also elaborated^iv.

In the present case study, Arditha was resulted from Siromarmabhighata.Marma is PranaSthana and so any derangements to Marma leads to derangements to Prana^v.Prana is synonymous to the activities of Vata as it is responsible for all metabolic actions in the body^vi. While doing all metabolic actions (from minute mental functions to major muscle movements) electromagnetic waves are generating which is termed as Aura. By evaluating Aura, the extent of pathology can be quantified by advanced scientific aura scanner with international standards^vii. One such scanner -Biowell Kirlianography- is used for assessment in the present case study.

Case Report:

A 46 –year- old male from Thrissur District, Kerala presented to our outpatient clinic complaining of droopy appearance of right side of face with facial weakness, difficulty in chewing, muscle stiffness and weakness on Right half of the body with pain, difficulty in balancing and walking and inability to sense different smells for a period of 3 months. Apparent onset of symptoms was acute with severe head ache following a shift of job from his native to Dubai as a manual laborer at a construction site. No history of hypertension or diabetes mellitus. His height was 165 cm and weight was 72kg. After initial emergency management, he returned and consulted a neurologist at Thrissur. Routine investigations dated 5/10/16 revealed Hemoglobin 16.1g/dl, WBC 6.42 (N 54.4%, L 41.1%, E 1.9%, M2.6%, B 0%), ESR 2 mm/hr. Cholesterol 225mg/dl, Triglycerides 184mg/dl, HDL 29 mg/dl, LDL 159 mg/dl. MRI and MRA brain was found to be normal. Diagnosed as Transient Ischemic Attack and was managed with Ecospirin, Amitone, Lipicure and Pantocid and advised orthopedic management. After continuous medication for 3 months, no much improvement in symptoms was reported.

On Ayurvedic evaluation, the patient had the features of Arditha probably due to Abhighata (injury) of Siromarma (Vital points of head) resulted from carrying heavy weight over head^viii,^ix. Hence as a first line of management for SiromarmaabhighatajaArditha, Upanaham(Sirolepa) was selected^x. 7days of Sirolepa with Karpasathyadi churnam^xi after applying Karpasasthyaditaila over head for a period of 45 minutes (1 muhurtham) every day was planned.Upanahachurana was prepared at a GMP certified center by taking equal quantities of dried Karpasasthi, Kulatha, Balamula and Masha as per the standard guidelines. 400 g of Churna was taken for each day for a patient and made into a paste by adding buttermilk and Sirolepa was done in the evening between 4-5 pm for duration of 48 minutes (1 Muhurtham) for 1 week.

In the clinical assessment, on the 5^th day of treatment, patient reported that he could recognize common smell of food items like coffee, Curries and also smells of Soaps, Oils and burning of plastic etc. Difficulty in chewing was reduced from 10 to 4 in a 10 point Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) after 7 days, as per the patient. Other symptoms had no noticeable changes.

As the MRI was normal and the patient complaints of the symptoms, for a minute level evaluation, Biowell Kirlian photographic scan (Kirlianography) was done before and after treatment. Auras of patient before (0^th day) and after treatment (8^th day) were compared with Kirlian software to know the changes in the energy bands.

Major observations are shown in the table No:1

Table No1: Observations of Energy parameters of Kirlianography

Variable	BT (In Joules)			AT (In Joules)			BT-AT (In Joules)
1Energy field (a)Left energy (b)Front energy (c)Right energy	19.22 47.71 19.67			25.1 55.72 24.32			5.88 8.01 4.65
2.Health status	Left	Right	Left		Right	left		Right
	-28.42	-27.18	-19.47		-20.55	8.95		6.63
3.Energy reserve
Coronary vessels	3.45.(L) 3.94(R)			3.55.(L) 4.42(R)			0.1 0.48
Hypothalamus	4.1.(L) 4.52 (R)			4.34 (L) 4.61(R)			0.24 0.09
Hypophysis	4.38.(L) 3.95(R)			5.09.(L) 4.46(R)			0.71 0.51
Epiphysis	3.62.(L) 3.48(R)			4.01.(L) 4.35(R)			0.39 0.87
Immune system	4.48.(L) 3.95(R)			5.21.(L) 4.35(R)			0.73 0.4
Nervous system	4.84.(L) 3.98(R)			4.87.(L) 5.1(R)			0.03 1.12
Cerebral zone	3.65.(L) 3.45(R)			4.06.(L) 4.24(R)			0.41 0.79
Jaw and teeth	2.98.(L) 4.15(R)			5.18.(L) 5.18(R)			2.2 1.03
Cardio Vascular System	4.14.(L) 4.19(R)			4.76.(L) 4.89(R)			0.62 0.7

L-Left, R-Right, BT- Before treatment, AT- After treatment

4) Analysis:

Emotional pressure reduced from 2.60 to 2.46J; both values were in the optimal level. Energy increased from 47.71J to 55.72J. Left to right Symmetry reduced from 99.81 to 98.74. Organs balance reduced from 89.14 to 93.43

5)Functional condition of organs and systems: All systems had improved energy as shown in the Table No2 below

Table No:2 Functional condition of organs and systems

Systems	B T	AT	BT-AT
CVS	3.76J	4.30J	0.54 J
Digestive System	3.51J	4.65J	1.14J
Endocrine System	3.78J	4.80J	1.02J
Head Energy	4.08J	4.79J	0.71J
Immune System	4.22J	4.78J	0.56J
Musculo Skeletal System	3.65J	4.62J	0.97J
Nervous System	4.41J	4.99J	0.58J
Respiratory System	4.17J	5.09J	0.92J
Urino-Genital System	3.52J	4.52J	1J

BT- Before treatment, AT- After treatment

6) Chakras:

The percentage of alignment of the chakras was improved from 72 to 86. Energy levels of all chakras except Ajna chakra, improved by one unit.

 

Discussion^xii:

In the present case study, two points should be concentrated for discussion,

1. Essentiality of Kirlianography for the analysis of Arditha:

Present case of Arditha was clearly resulted from SiroMarma Abhighata (trauma to head by carrying heavy head load. Marma is the place where vital force resides (Prana Sthana); any derangement of Marma leads to derangement of Prana. According to Acharya Charaka, Prana is Vata which is responsible for all metabolic and physiological functions in the body. In each individual, metabolic actions ranging from subtle thought processes to the gross muscle movements will generate electromagnetic waves having 55 millivolts to 3 volts current which is termed as Aura. By analyzing the intensity and characteristics of Aura, even subtle pathological changes as well as the response to a particular treatment can be understood well. For analyzing Aura, internationally accepted most advanced scientific tool Biowell Kirlian Photography used in this study.

In the present study, the conventional parameters like MRA and MRI brain, was normal and the patient was advised to do orthopedic consultation for better movement and balancing. The patient had a feeling of his weakness of face and inability to sense smell get unattended.

The treatment was planned based on the Marma Abhighata Chikitsa described by Charaka, as Arditha is a disease which can be resulted from marmaabhighata and Sirolepa provides maximum area of coverage for Siromarma. The assessment of Aura will provide an understanding of Prana which will give information about the changes happening in the marma level.

2. Detailing the effect of treatment in terms of Kirlian photography:

The symptoms especially smell perception may probably improved due to the curative effect of Sirolepa on Siromarma, PhanaMarma in particular. Any assault to the PhanaMarma will lead to loss of smell as per Susruta Acharya^xiii.

On subtle evaluation by Kirlianography, evident positive changes in different parameters of Aura or energy was revealed. The positive change in the alignment of Chakras is also significant. The different parameters are

(1)Energy Field:Human Energy Field is the most sensitive reflection of the physical, emotional and, in some cases, spiritual condition of a person. The image of Energy Field, created in Bio- Well software is based on ideas of Traditional Chinese Medicine. In Left Energy field before treatment it was 19.22j improved to 25.1j.Front energy improved from 47.71 j to 55.72j.Right energy improved from 19.67 to 24.32j.

(2)Health Status:The Health Status is designed for the analysis of the functional state of the human body, by calculating the integral parameters of energy distribution in the body and in organs and for their comparison with reference parameters of a practically healthy person calculated in according with the database. The typical energy level corresponds to the green zone in the middle. The inner circle is the area of energy deficiency (hypo- energy state). The outer ring is the area of energy excess (hyper- energy state).The diagrams are divided into the sectors related to a certain part of the human body. Before treatment Health status of Left side was -28.42 and after it was improved to -19.47.In the right side before it was -27.18 improved to -20.55

(3)Energy Reserve:The Energy Reserve is designed for analysis of the functional state of the human body, by calculating the Energy parameter of the particular organ. This value represents energy reserve of different cells of the body. Comparison with the Health Status demonstrates the level of energy kept in the cells comparing with energy being used at the moment. It is beneficial when the Energy Reserve outline is wider/larger than the Health Status outline (applicable only with the appropriate calibration).Energy Reserve outline was wider/larger than the Health Status outline in the present study after treatment.

(4) Analysis

a) Energy: Demonstrate the level of energy for the particular person both in Joules and in % related to the database of apparently healthy people, measured from 0 to 100 Joules (×10-2). Before treatment energy was 47.71j and it was improved to 55.72j (Typical Energy). The energy grading is as follows:

0 - 20 Joules (×10- 2) - low energy (may be related to energy deficiency, as well as to meditative state) ; 20 - 40 Joules (×10- 2) - decreased energy; 40 - 70 Joules (×10- 2) - typical energy; 70- 90 Joules (×10- 2) - heightened energy - characteristic of people with high level of energy; 90 - 100 Joules (×10- 2) - high energy - typical for athletes, top managers, at the same time may be an indication of inflammation.

b) Balance: The energy balance was improved from 89.41 to 93.43 after treatment, from low balance to typical balance. 0 - 50% denotes very low balance, indication of which is serious mis-functioning, 50% - 90% is low balance is the indication of functional disorder and 90% - 100% - typical balance which is healthy.

c)Emotional Pressure: Resultant emotional pressure after treatment was 2.46. (normal calm quiescent state), mild uplifting of emotional pressure was noticed. Subjectively, the patient reported better emotional status and positive attitude.

5) Functional condition of organs and systems:

After treatment, Digestive system showed maximum improvement (1.14J) followed by Endocrine system (1.02J), next by Uro-Genital system (1J) and then Musculo Skeletal system (0.97J). All other system showed minimal improvements which was below 0.90J.

Energy of Right side Nervous system showed maximum increase, 1.12 J after treatment. Other significant improvement was noted in Thyroid LT (1.7J), Eyes RT-1.5J and Jaw & Teeth(RT) -1.2J. All other organs showed improvement of energy less than 1 Joul.

These energy levels point towards the direct action of the intervention on Prana, through the Psychoneuro endocrinological axis.

6) Chakras:Alignment of the Chakras improved from 72 to 86, Index from 46 to 66, Energy of 6 chakras improved after treatment except Ajna in the present study.

According to Eastern metaphysical theories, the seven Chakra or integrated energy centers that are considered to affect physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well- being. In the Bio- Well programs Chakras reflect emotional state of a person. Chakras are related to energy flow internally and externally. They are not stable and may change every other minute. Stability of Chakras is indication of emotional balance of a person. Ideal balance of Chakras may be seen for people involved in daily meditation and mental training. Shift Chakras to the right (when we look to the picture) is related to the inner emotional reactions of a person. Shift Chakras to the left (when we look to the picture) is related to the response to environmental situation (other people, electromagnetic fields, weather, etc).

Parameters of Chakras: Alignment: characteristics of the shift from the center averaged on all chakras; changes from 0 to 100%. Index :- characteristics of the shift from the center together with the size averaged on all chakras; changes from 0 to 100%.Energy averaged on all Chakras; changes from 0 to 10 Joules (×10-2); optimal 5- 7 Joules (×10-2).

Conclusion: Marma specific treatment (Sirolepam) has immediate clinical efficacy in the Siro MarmaAbhighatajanya Arditha. With the help of Kirlianography, the qualitative positive changes are quantified. Ayurveda is based on guna-karma diagnosis and treatment is administering in micro levels of body. For assessing the disease and the effect of treatment, a deep minute observation (Sukshma Prathyaksha) is very essential. Kirlian photography is one of the apt tool for assessing and analyzing minute variations in the body, which can act as 3^rd eye for the present Ayurvedic Scholars

1. PG scholar, Dept of Ayurveda Siddhantha, Alva’s Ayurveda Medical College, Moodbidri, Karnataka

2. Associate Professor, Dept of Ayurveda Siddhantha,Alva’s Ayurveda Medical College, Moodbidri, Karnataka

3. Professor and Head of the Department, Dept of Ayurveda Siddhantha, Alva’s Ayurveda Medical College, Moodbidri, Karnataka

4. Assistant Professor, Department of Kayachikitsa, ALN Rao Memorial Ayurveda Medical College, Koppa, Karnataka

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