87% of young people have Back pain; other 13% have no Computer !!

Back pain isn’t new. It’s been there since cavemen starting lugging around rocks...Today options are expanding and back pain sufferer may not know where to run. Back pain continues to plague millions of people each year and while there seems to be no cure, new and improved treatments are helping those with the most severe pain have new hope. Surgery remains a big question for many people.

Some of the most common Lifestyle Disorders which causes back ache are:

• In the office jobs natural movements are restricted and movements, which the body parts are unused    to, are forced to perform continuously. Tension build up results in muscles becoming tensed, sore and tender. The shoulder, neck and upper back are the main areas of tension for most people.

• Wrong way of  picking the weight
• Habit of walking very fast or standing for a long time on those high heel stilettos
• Sofa or chair on which you slouch daily deforms your back and makes you a patient of spondylosis
• Excess of Intestinal gas in your body as a result of bad digestion
• A heavy sneeze which you suppressed since you are sitting in a meeting
• Postural irregularities during pregnancies

Most get by with conservative treatments like physical therapy or over-the-counter pain medications or it goes away by itself. Others require powerful prescription narcotics for pain and as a last resort, about 5 percent turn to surgery. Last year, there were more than 400,000 spinal fusion surgeries performed in the U.S. Today, options for severe back pain sufferers include traditional spinal fusion surgery, minimally invasive spinal fusion surgery and most recently in the U.S., artificial disc replacement.

The Ayurveda treatments are much personalized and it varies according to the root cause. The causes are determined by taking history, physical examination, laboratory tests, radiographic evaluation, MRI, CT, Bone scanning, electro-diagnostic assessments.

Ayurveda offers a wide range of treatment procedures for low back pain including internal medications and external treatments. The treatment principle is as follows. As per Ayurveda, some diseases are caused by the other disease/diseases. In such cases we just need to cure the first (primary disease) - secondary disease will disappear by itself.

Treatment procedures include:

•  Internal medications in the form of herbal Decoctions, Medicated ghee, herbal powders, medicated herbal jams, and fermented herbal preparations suitable for the particular condition are to be taken internally.

• Virechanam-purgation with appropriate medicine does give excellent relief.
• Vasthi-Administration of medicated enema in the form of decoctions and oil is also included in treatment of  backpain.
• Application of warm kizhi/herbal poultice/bags on the affected region or the whole body.Poutice contents includes medicated rice/medicinal leaves/herbal powders/plain sand according to different conditions.
• Parishekam, a process in which the body part is made to perspire by continuously pouring Luke warm herbal oils followed by gentle massage.
• Avagaham: Patient is made to sit in a tub filled with luke warm herbal water.
• Kadi vasthy: Warm medicated oil is allowed to stay in low back for 20-30 minutes
• Yoga & Physiotherapy Practice under the supervision. Yoga postures like salabhasana, dhanurasana, bhujangasana, padahastasana, sarvangasana etc. is beneficial according to the varying causes.

Procedure of  kadivasthy

Some signs which are alarming for backpain patients are:

Numbness in the lower legs, Tingling sensation, Burning Sensation in lower limbs, Uneasiness in body, Pain radiating in different parts of the body, Problems with the urine and stool movements and Paralysis like condition. This is not necessary that you will have all the problems right from start. These problems will appear in conditions like Intervertebral Disc Prolapse, Annular Ligament Tear, Ruptured Disc, Degenerative Disc Disease, Scoliosis/Kyphosis, Spondylosis, Spondylitis, Spondylolisthesis etc when back pain is chronic. So before it becomes chronic, you need immediate medical attention.

Dr Pathrose, Chief Physician, Pathrose Parathuvayalil Hospital and Orthopedic Centre, Kerala says a special MARMA technique of manipulation , followed by POP bandaging proves effective in back pain management  in the above specified conditions.“The approach to a patient with chronic back pain is beset with pitfalls and the greatest caution must be exercised because an initial error can precipitate the sufferer onto the downhill path of chronic invalidism”.

CHYAVANA D STRONG: “Boon of Chyavanaprasa without the bane of sugar”

As we all know, Chyavanaprasa is a rasayana preparation which purifies and develops seven constituent tissues of the body. The word rasayana denotes a medicine for the whole body deemed to be beneficial for nearly all diseases, especially for the disorders of aging when the ability to obtain adequate nutrition and maintain vigorous functions decline.

This recipe has remained India’s most popular remedy for around 2000 years, since the times of the Vedas. According to the Charaka Samhita, Chyavanprasa is “the foremost of all rasayanas”. By using Chyavanprasa "a person acquires intelligence, memory, comeliness of body, freedom from disease, longevity, strength of the senses”.

Chyavanprasa's major ingredient is Amla, which is known as the richest source of Vitamin C and Ascorbic acid. Vitamin C is known to benefit the immune system and helps to fight against common cold and respiratory illness.

Dr. Pathrose Parathuvayalil, Chief Physician and Managing Director of Parathuvayail Hospital & Orthopaedic Centre says; Chyavana D Strong a well known product from PAM Labs India Pvt. Ltd. has all the traits of Chyavanaprasa. The only disparity is in its consistency. The usual sticky consistency of Chyavanaprasa is sometimes difficult for the patient intake. Also this new liquid form of Chyavanaprasa acts faster than semisolid jelly form and quickly gets absorbed into the bloodstream in a dissolved state. This sugar free format of Chyavanaprasa contains no added sugar so is safe for Diabetics and Pre-diabetics.

Amalaki (Amla) being the major ingredient acts as a laxative, antidiabetic, cardiac stimulant which helps in smooth functioning of the heart. It also enhances the immune system thereby reducing the incidence of common infections.Aswagandha acts as a good nervine stimulant aphrodisiac and nourishing. Draksha acts as a liver tonic, appetizer and Haematinic.Guduchi has an antipyretic anti inflammatory analgesic action. The many more natural ingredients all together prove effective in General Debility, Metabolic toxicity and compromised immune competency. Chyavana D Strong Promotes absorption of calcium, leading to stronger bones and teeth, Improves muscle tone by enhancing protein synthesis, Eases constipation, Improves memorization and concentration, Slow down the effects of ageing process,Enhances fertility and keeps menstruation regular.


As a result of these actions of all the medicines present in this preparation, Chyavana D Strong has become an exclusive preparation for restoring youthfulness. It restores the balance between Tridoshas. Dr. Pathrose also added that this medicine can be taken by diseased as well as healthy persons alike.

A unique protocol of Ayurveda in treating Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic skin problem caused by an acceleration of skin cell turnover. Normally, skin cells form in the dermis, or lower level of the skin, and then shed at the upper layer (epidermis). However, if you have psoriasis, cell turnover occurs in less than one week. As a result, dead skin cells accumulate on the epidermis, eventually creating several layers. New skin cells don’t have anywhere to go, so they can start to itch and hurt overtime.

According to the Ayurvedic concept. Psoriasis is believed to occur due to vitiation of all the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) in varying degree, but predominantly Vata and Kapha.

The predominance of vatha causes pain, dryness and scaling of skin. Pitha vitiation leads to burning sensation, redness, inflammation etc and that of kapha causes rashes, itching, discharge, thickening of skin etc. From these signs and symptoms, the doshic involvement is analyzed carefully in each patient, which is of utmost importance in the management of the disease.

This condition is neither infectious nor does it affect the general health. It affects both the genders and may start at any age. Psoriasis is quite common, affecting around two per cent of the population, although people with very mild symptoms may not be aware they have it. Psoriasis can begin at any age but usually starts either around the age of 20 or between 50 and 60.

Pathogenesis of Psoriasis according to Ayurveda

Irregular food habits, consumption of foodstuffs that are advised not to be eaten together (incompatible foods like dairy products with fish), excessive intake of yogurt, paneer, black gram, seafood, sour and salted items etc can activate the pathogenesis. The produced toxins accumulate in deep tissues like rasa (nutrient plasma), rakta (blood), mamsa (muscles), and laseeka (lymphatic). These toxins cause contamination of deeper tissues, leading to Psoriasis. Alcohol and tobacco consumption will act as a catalyst here. Ayurveda also emphasizes on the effect of stress in the pathogenesis of Psoriasis. Controlling natural urges, Exposure to severe climatic conditions ,Sleeping during the afternoon, Taking bath in cold water immediately after physical exertion are also causes of vitiation of Doshas which  in turn are triggering factor for psoriasis

Types

Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis. The patches are large, and often oval-shaped. Not only do they itch, but they are also quite painful. Plaque-type psoriasis can stay for years without treatment. The scales are caused by a building up of dead skin cells. It may appear on the knees, elbows, scalp, trunk or any other skin surface.

Erythrodermic psoriasis involves the widespread inflammation and exfoliation of the skin over most of the body surface. It may be accompanied by severe itching, swelling and pain. It is often the result of an exacerbation of unstable plaque psoriasis, particularly following the abrupt withdrawal of systemic treatment.

Guttate psoriasis may appear suddenly following a bacterial or viral infection or the administration of drugs like ketoconazole and salicylic acid.  This type develops small pinkish-red patches over large areas of the body. Some of the most common areas include the arms and legs.  

Inverse psoriasis occurs within folds of the skin in the armpits, groin, under an overweight stomach or under the breasts. It appears as smooth, red lesions without scaling and may cause irritation due to rubbing and sweating.

Pustular psoriasis is the rarest form of psoriasis is characterized by blisters filled with pus on the skin. The blisters are not infectious. It may be found on the hands and feet or may be spread all over.

Nail psoriasis: produces a variety of changes in the appearance of finger and toe nails. These changes include discoloring under the nail plate, pitting of the nails, lines going across the nails, thickening of the skin under the nail, and the loosening and crumbling of the nail.

Psoriasis can also cause inflammation of the joints, which is known as Psoriatic Arthritis. 10 to 30% of people with psoriasis have Psoriatic arthritis. Sometimes pulling of one of these small dry white flakes of skin causes a tiny blood spot on the skin. This is medically referred to as a special diagnostic sign in psoriasis called the Auspitz sign. Genital lesions, especially on the head of the penis, are common. Psoriasis in moist areas like the navel or area between the buttocks (intergluteal folds) may look like flat red patches. These atypical appearances may be confused with other skin conditions like fungal infections, yeast infections, skin irritation, or bacterial Staphylococcal infections On the scalp, it may look like severe dandruff with dry flakes and red areas of skin. It may be difficult to tell the difference between scalp psoriasis and seborrhea (dandruff). However, the treatment is often very similar for both conditions.

Ayurvedic Treatment of Psoriasis

Ayurvedic treatment of psoriasis aims to rid the body of accumulated toxins. This is a protocol unique to Ayurveda and should not be undertaken without the supervision of a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner .In treating psoriasis, Ayurveda recommends a comprehensive treatment strategy that involves strengthening your digestion and detoxifying and eliminating toxins. Addressing your diet, and not only how you eat, but also when and what, is important. Herbal formulas support digestion and aid in the detoxifying process.

 Ayurvedic Management of Psoriasis comprises of:

•         Shodhana Chikitsa (Detoxification) through Panchakarma therapies,

•         Shamana Chikitsa through administration of internal medication and external applications

•         Rasayana Chikitsa (immunomodulation) through kayakalpa

•         Very strict Diet regime

•         Lifestyle changes

•         Stress management- Frequent stress can cause flare-ups, which only causes further aggravation on your part. Get plenty of rest, and look for ways to de-stress every day. Breathing exercise used in both yoga and meditation can help improve stress levels and improve your outlook on life.

Takradhara - Pouring of medicated butter Milk on forehead is also very effective in the cases of Psoriasis to manage the stress factor & releasing the positive energy to the body.

“Consumers are inclined to opt for herbal products to treat various skin conditions which are backed by sound scientific solutions for safety and efficacy. This is where PPG has an edge in terms of its credibility as they are widely-prescribed by allopathic and Ayurvedic doctors, said Dr. Pathrose Parathuvayalil, Chief Physician and Managing Director of Parathuvayail Hospital & Orthopaedic Centre. Ayurveda is a unique medicine because it not only considers your condition, but also your individual constitution. For this reason, you are well advised to consult with a certified Ayurvedic practitioner when seeking treatment. An Ayurvedic practitioner will determine the most appropriate diet, herbs and treatment protocols based on your current condition and constitution.”

Dr. Pathrose Parathuvayalil bags Vagbhata Award for the best Ayurveda Doctor

Dr. Pathrose Parathuvayalil, Chief Physician, Parathuvayalil Hospital and Orthopedic Center, Keezhillam, Kochi has been honored with the prestigious Vagbhata Award for the Best Ayurveda Doctor in 2012 by the Government of Kerala.


The Award was presented to Dr. Pathrose by Mr. V.S. Sivakumar, Minister for Health and Devaswom, Government of Kerala, at a dignified ceremony presided over by Mr. K. Muraleedharan MLA, Sri A.T. George MLA, industry experts and several dignitaries from across the state attended the event held at Kanakakunnu Palace, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.


Dr. Pathrose Parathuvayalil is the Chairman of 'Dr. Pathrose Parathuvayalil Group' (PPG) of concerns which has multifarious interest in a number of enterprises including the much acclaimed abdominal binder In-Shape which reign the market over the years. The Group's Pharmaceutical Division Pam Labs India Health Care Pvt. Ltd. is the only Indian Ayurveda pharmaceutical company recognized by the Department of Health, Sultanate of Oman, for supplying medicines across the Middle East. Dr. Pathrose' own innovation- 'Pizhichil Machine' has revolutionized the efficacy of Pizhichil- the massage therapy in Ayurveda for various rheumatic indications.


Born into a traditional Vaidya (traditional medical practitioners) family, Dr Pathrose has completed his medical education at Govt. Ayurveda Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram with a meritorious First Rank from the University of Kerala in the year 1970. Dr Pathrose is the first Post Graduate Ayurveda Physician in Kayachiktsa and Marmachikitsa (General Medicine and Orthopedics) in Kerala.