EKALA AUSHADHA PRAYOGA, AUSHADHA KALPA AND RASAYANA IN INDRIYAPRADOSHAJA VIKARA

EKALA AUSHADHA PRAYOGA, AUSHADHA KALPA AND RASAYANA IN INDRIYAPRADOSHAJA VIKARA 

• Indriyapradoshaja Vikara are disorders resulting from the impairment of individual sense organs (Indriyas).

• They are mentioned as separate clinical entities affecting the proper function of Jñānendriyas.

• Manifestations include defective vision, hearing loss, loss of smell, impaired taste, tactile dysfunction, and even psychological changes.

• Causes: Dosha vitiation, Indriyāsātmyā (excessive or improper use of sense organs), trauma, aging, or chronic systemic diseases.

Reference:

इन्द्रियाणि विकुर्वन्ति दोषा मूर्ध्नि प्रतिष्ठिताः।
– Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana 28/15

EKALA AUSHADHA PRAYOGA IN INDRIYAPRADOSHAJA VIKARA

• Ekala Aushadha refers to single drug therapy used based on the specific dosha and organ involved.

• Used especially in early or uncomplicated stages of Indriyavikara, where targeted action is desired.

EXAMPLES:

• Netra Vikara (Visual Impairment)

  • Yashtimadhu churna with ghee internally

  • Haritaki avaleha for Vata-Kapha disorders

  मधुयष्ट्याः कृतं क्षीरपाकं वा तेन वा घृतम्।
  नक्तं पिबेत् सुस्निग्धो दृष्टिदोषं विनाशयेत्॥
  – Ashtanga Hridaya Uttarasthana 13/7

• Karna Vikara (Auditory Dysfunction)

  • Bilva taila in Karna Purana

  • Ashwagandha Churna with milk

  बिल्वस्य तैलं कार्णे पातव्यं श्रोत्रनाशने।
  – Ashtanga Hridaya Uttarasthana

• Jihva Vikara (Taste Impairment)

  • Trikatu churna with honey

  • Lavana Siddha Jala gargles for taste restoration.

• Tvak Vikara (Touch Sensory Loss)

  • Dashamoola kashaya internally

  • Bala Taila abhyanga

• Nasika Vikara (Smell Deficit)

  • Apamarga kshara pratisarana

  • Shadbindu Taila Nasya

AUSHADHA KALPA IN INDRIYAPRADOSHAJA VIKARA

• Formulations used depending on Dosha and Indriya vitiation:

VATAJA INDRIYAVIKARA:

• Ashwagandhadi lepa for tremors & touch loss

• Bala Taila – Abhyanga and Basti

• Ksheerabala 101 avarti – oral use

• Rasna saptaka kashaya – for Vata in Sandhi and Snayu

बलाद्यैस्तैलं वातरोगेषु देयम्।
– Ashtanga Hridaya Sutrasthana

PITTAJA INDRIYAVIKARA:

• Saraswatarishta, Sankha vati, Mukta Pishti

• Chandanadi Taila for Snehana and Shirodhara

• Guduchi Kashaya, Amalaki Rasayana orally

KAPHAJA INDRIYAVIKARA:

• Trikatu Churna, Pippalyadi Kashaya

• Pathyadi kwatha for head and sensory heaviness

• Vacha Churna and Shunthi in appropriate Anupana

RASAYANA IN INDRIYAPRADOSHAJA VIKARA

• Rasayana supports regeneration, rejuvenation, and neuro-sensory protection.

• It helps in enhancing sensory function (Indriya Balya) and delays degeneration.

MAJOR RASAYANAS USED:

• Chyawanprasha Avaleha – Indicated in degenerative disorders, especially affecting vision, hearing, immunity

• Brahma Rasayana – For mental clarity, hearing, speech

• Amalaki Rasayana – Eye & general sensory enhancement

• Mandukaparni, Shankhapushpi, Jyotishmati Ghrita – Medhya Rasayanas for cognitive-sensory balance

अमृतेनैव सर्वेन्द्रियदोषान् क्षपयति।
– Charaka Samhita Chikitsa 1/1

ब्रह्मरसायनं नाम व्याधीनाशाय देहिनाम्।
विशेषतोऽल्पमेधानां वृद्धानां चेष्टदं स्मृतम्॥
– Charaka Samhita Chikitsa 1/63

MODERN CORRELATION

• Indriyapradoshaja Vikara can be compared to neuro-sensory impairments due to degenerative, inflammatory, or infective pathologies.

• Examples:

  • Netra Vikara → Age-related macular degeneration, optic neuritis

  • Karna Vikara → Sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus

  • Jihva Vikara → Glossitis, ageusia

  • Nasika Vikara → Anosmia, hyposmia due to viral infections (e.g., COVID-19)

  • Tvak Vikara → Peripheral neuropathy in diabetes, leprosy

MODERN MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES:

• Neuroprotection: Use of antioxidants like Vitamin E, Alpha-lipoic acid, B-complex

• Nootropics: Piracetam, citicoline in cognitive-sensory impairment

• ENT Rehabilitation: Hearing aids, cochlear implants

• Physiotherapy & Sensory Re-education for tactile and balance disorders

• Treating the Underlying Cause: Diabetes, infections, nutritional deficiencies

AYURVEDIC PROCEDURES SUPPORTING THERAPY

• Nasya Karma: Strengthens head and Indriyas. Shadbindu taila, Anu taila

• Shirodhara: Balances nervous functions and Prana Vata

• Basti Karma: Especially Vata-related sensory issues

• Netra Tarpana: For eye rejuvenation

नस्यं शिरसि सर्वरोगे प्रशस्यते।
– Ashtanga Hridaya Sutrasthana 20/1

PREVENTION AND LIFESTYLE IN AYURVEDA

• Indriya Nigraha (control of senses)

• Sadvrtta – ethical and disciplined conduct

• Dinacharya & Ritucharya – regular daily and seasonal regimen

• Abhyanga & Rasayana Sevana – regular oil massage and rejuvenatives

सर्वेन्द्रियाणि संयम्य मनो बुद्धिं नियम्य च।
आत्मानं रक्षति सदा आचार्यश्चाप्यपि स्मृतः॥
– Sushruta Samhita Sutrasthana