Hepatitis:

Inflammation of the liver that is associated with damage or death of liver cells is Hepatitis. There are two types, acute hepatitis (attack that eventually heals) and chronic hepatitis (ongoing liver problems).

This condition may result from various infectious and non-infectious etiologies. Infectious etiologies include viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic organisms. Medications, toxins, alcohol and autoimmune disorders may cause noninfectious hepatitis. Viruses cause most cases of hepatitis. The type of hepatitis is named for the virus that causes it, for example, hepatitis A, hepatitis B or hepatitis C. You can help prevent some viral forms by getting a vaccine. Sometimes hepatitis goes away by itself. If it does not, it can be treated with drugs. Sometimes hepatitis lasts a lifetime.

Some people who have hepatitis have no symptoms. Others may have loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, dark-colored urine and pale bowel movements, abdominal discomfort, yellowish dis-colouration of eyes and skin, bloating sensation of abdomen, fever.

The only treatment for hepatitis is rest, combined with a high protein/high carbohydrate diet to repair damaged liver cells and protect the liver. For treatment of nonviral hepatitis, the doctor will first remove the harmful substance by flushing out the stomach by inducing vomiting or hyperventilation. If necessary, the patient with drug-induced hepatitis may have to be treated with corticosteroids. With the exception of the treatments for specific causes of Hepatitis mentioned previously, the treatment of Hepatitis usually requires a diagnosis of the specific cause of the hepatitis and treatment directed at the specific cause, e.g., removal of a gallstone blocking the bile duct. 

Ayurvedic approach of Hepatitis (Yakrit Shoth):

In Ayurveda viral hepatitis is known as yakrit shoth, shoth means swelling and yakrit mean liver. Its main reason is an increase of pitta dosha or it can be agantooj (external) according to Ayurveda.

Acute hepatitis usually results in jaundice, which is a yellowish pigmentation of the eyes, urine, and later, the nails and skin. This is called as "Kamla" in Ayurveda, and is divided into two types: "Bahupitta Kamla" and "Ruddhapath Kamla". The first type is caused by excessive breakdown of the red blood cells, whereas the second type is caused by obstruction of bile flow due to swelling in the liver cells or due to some actual obstruction in the bile duct. The main apparent difference in the two is that feces (stools) are normal colored in the first type, and pale or whitish in the second type. Treatment for both types of "Kamla" is radically different. Ayurvedic medicines are very effective in both acute and chronic hepatitis. Herbal medicines useful in hepatitis are: Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa), Trikatu (Three pungent herbs), Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa), Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), Bhrungraj (Eclipta alba), Bhumiamalaki (Phyllanthus niruri), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Triphala (Three fruits), Kakmachi (Solanum nigrum) and Sharpunkha (Tephrosia purpurea).

Most of these medicines act directly on the liver cells, reduce inflammation and swelling, and normalize cell function. Some of these medicines have strong anti-viral activity. Some medicines boost the immune mechanism of the body. These medicines help in bile secretion and improve appetite. Because of these properties, the medicines are effective in all types of hepatitis. Give this hard-working and essential part of your body a rest and a tune-up.

Management of Hepatitis at IVAC:

Ayurveda is an integrated system of specific theories and techniques employing diet, herbs, exercise, meditation, yoga and massage or bodywork. The treatments of Hepatitis include a set of appropriate Panchakarma treatments and other supportive therapies. A mild Virechana Panchakarma (The purgation therapy) will be better useful in detoxification of the liver and improves the functions of the liver and prevent the further damage of the liver cells. Abhyanga, Shirodhara, Sashtikashali pinda sweda, Sarvanga dhara are helpful to strengthen the nerve endings and improve the metabolism as well as blood circulation for each and every cells of the liver. The treatment comprises diet regulations, daily regimens with yoga and a stress free lifestyle along with an excellent rejuvenating therapy to improve the immunity thereby providing great relief from the symptoms of Hepatitis.

Happy Healing at IVAC !