Abstract

DHAMANI PRATICHAYA (ATHEROSCLEROSIS): AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE

Gyati Shilakari Asthana*, Nittala Sesha Sarvani, Boga Vijay Kumar and Giriraj T. Kulkarni

ABSTRACT

Dhamani pratichaya (Atherosclerosis) is a condition in which the arterial wall thickens due to the deposition of fatty materials such as cholesterol, fat and other substances that are found in the blood. It is a focal disease of intima layer of blood vessel. The diagnosis of the disease can be done using angiogram, ankle-branchial index test, blood test for detecting levels of cholesterol or levels of sugar, CT scan, etc.., The elements meda dhatu, vasa, and majja dhatu are found in the human body according to Ayurveda. Lipids are correlated with these three factors because they share the same alliance property. The complications relating to atherosclerosis also depend on the type of artery damaged or injured. It can be cured by change in food and lifestyle. Prevention is better than cure. Hence, the measures that can help in prevention of atherosclerosis are taking healthy diet, daily exercise, regular checking and maintenance of blood sugar levels, blood cholesterol levels and also blood pressure. Quitting smoking and drinking of alcohol can also help prevent the disease.

Keywords: Dhamani pratichaya, Cholesterol, Medho dathu, Majja dathu, Blood cholesterol.