26/9/2014 Marma & Ayurveda Chikitsa

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Herpes zoster / Kaksha - Ayurveda Treatment
Introduction:-
The varicella zoster virus the causative agent of the measles is the same culprit
responsible for the Herpes zoster or Shingles, which is referred technically in
Ayurveda as Kaksha / "".
Symptoms:
Initially even prior to any eruptions, non specific Head Ache, Fever & malaise( a
general feeling of discomfort)occurs. Pain of varying degrees in the form of tingling or
burning; hyperasthesia (hypersensitivity) or parasthesia (numbness) occurs
unilaterally (over one side of the body). Later the pain & burning gets severe like
"quick stabbing & agonizing pain" followed by the rashes.
Onset of rashes:-
After 1 or 2 days of incubation, the rashes appear which develops and stays for a
period of 15 to 20 days, depending up on one's immune strength. The Herpes zoster
causes skin changes limited to a specific dermatome, normally resulting in a stripe or
belt-like pattern that is limited to one side of the body and does not cross the mid line.
It is based on this pattern of belt like appearance, that the nomenclature of this
disease in Ayurveda has been mentioned as Kaksha / "H".
As per the teaching of my teacher Prof.G.S.Acharya "The area corresponding to the
location of the sacred thread is the usual site of Kaksha. The reference of which is
being explained by the Chakrapani's commentary up on the Charaka chikitsa 12, 11.
Which states "7 9 7 T T H
H C " The distribution on the oblique part of the trunk reminds the
dermatome distribution of the Herpes zoster, which justifies Herpes zoster as the
"" ||
Common sites of rashes:-
Torso
face
eyes
Other parts of body like.,
Abdomen
Shoulder
Thighs
Penis.
26/9/2014 Marma & Ayurveda Chikitsa
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Appearance of rashes:-
Initially the rash appears as Hives and the transforms in the following order.
Hives

Macular lesions

Papules

Vesicles

Vesicles coalesce

Crusts formed

(As healing occurs) crusts wither

Leaves pinkish scars

Gradually becomes hypo pigmented or atrophic.