Browsing by Author "Dharmapriya, A.K.H."

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An Analytical Study of Indigenous Medicine as Reflected in Saddharmaratnavaliya: with Selected Stories
(Department of Sinhala, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2023) Wijesundara, Kalyani; Dharmapriya, A.K.H.
Not only inscriptions, chronicles and legends, but also literary sources can be used when investigating information regarding local medicine in Sri Lanka in the past. Contemporary social information is evident from the continuous flow of literature since the Anuradhapura period. The aim of this research is to identify the information about the local medical science discussed in the Saddharmaratnavaliya written in the Dambadeni period. This research was conducted focusing on the research problem of whether Saddharmaratnavaliya is important as a literary source from which information can be obtained indirectly about the 'medical practice of ancient Sri Lanka'. Although this book written by Dharmasena Thero in the Dambadeni period is known as a literary book that gives Dharmopadesa, it discusses many social information, which was the main reason for focusing on this research. Among the important information that reveals the various aspects of the village society at that time, attention was paid to the information discussed about local medicine. According to the qualitative research method, the study was conducted by using the Saddharmaratnavaliya as the primary source and authentic works written on local medicine as the secondary source under the bibliography.In the story of 'Chakkhupala Therunge Kathawa', there are mentions of treatments such as nasya, body oiling etc. The use of poisonous medicine is mentioned in stories like Mattakundali, Kali Yakkhinni and Chakkupala Therunge Katha. There is also information on how to eliminate poisons with mantras and remedies like decoction, kalka and oil. Among the parables, rudhis and prastavas contained in the work, there are also expressions associated such as 'Semata uk sakuru kanna kanna se', 'Vandata beheth denna se', 'Hunata thiembara yahapathei'. It is said that after listening to Pirith and drinking Pirith wathura, childbirth became easier and that leafy foods were used for diseases. Thus it can be analysed that information is mentioned in the old literary books about local medicine. It is clear that this research gives evidence to conclude that the researches on indigenous medicine can get a lot of information not only from medical books but also from classic Sinhala literary books.
Clinical application of Sri Lankan traditional formulae (Sétärämavaöé and Denibädi Kashäya) in the management of Ürdhvajatrugata Roga: a survey based study
(Department of Shalya Shalakya,Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute,University of Kelaniya,Sri Lanka, 2017) Karunarathna, H.M.H.L.; Peiris, R.M.; Samaratunga, U.; Dharmapriya, A.K.H.
The history of Sri Lankan traditional medicine dates back to the period of riñi Pulasthi and king Rävaëa. It consists of a vast range of indigenous drug formulae in the management of various kinds of diseases. There are a number of authentic texts related to traditional medicine. Vaöikä Prakaraëaya is one such authentic classic which was written in the 18th century. The formulae used for this study was obtained from Vaöikä Prakaraëaya. The objective of the study was to identify clinical application of Sétäräma Vaöé and Denibädi Kañäya in the management of Ürdhvajatrugata Roga. One hundred indigenous medical practitioners were randomly selected for this study. The data were collected through a specially designed questionnaire. In the literature review of the formulae, Bin kohomba (Munronia pinnata) and Kudumirissa (Toddalia asiatica) were identied as native plants in Sri Lanka.Another specic feature is that Lunuwarana (Crateva adansonii) which is mostly used in the urinary tract diseases in Ayurveda, has been used to treat diseases in the Ürdhvajatrugata Roga in traditional medicine. The results revealed that 100% of physicians use this combination for Çiro Roga, especially in Kaphaja and Vätaja Çiro Roga. Apart from that, many physicians (85%) use it for PénasRoga. 45% of physicians use it for Karëa Roga, especially in Karëa Päka and Karëa Sräva and 40% of physicians use it for Näsä Roga, especially in Kaphaja Pratiçyä. Further, Akñi Roga (30%) and Mukha Roga (20%) were also treated by the physicians using this formula. Therefore, it can be concluded that most of the indigenous physicians in Sri Lanka use this traditional formula in the management of a wide range of Ürdhvajatrugata Roga.
A comparative review on Auñadhakäla in Ayurvedic classics
(Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Karunarathne, H.M.H.L.; Dharmapriya, A.K.H.; Samarathunga, W.U.K.S.
Ayurveda is the science of life based on Trisütra (Hetu, Liìga and Auñadha) which are important to fulfill objectives of Ayurveda called Svasthaparäyaëa and Äturaparäyaëa. Auñadhasütra is a very important concept as a part of Cikitsä (Treatment). Auñadhakäla means times of drug administration which is important to achieve the best result of drugs. A literature study was carried out to collect the data about Auñadhakäla mentioned in main authentic classics in Ayurveda called Vuddhatraya (Caraka saàhitä, Susruta saàhitä and Añöäìgahådaya saàhitä) and Laghutraya (Çäraìgadhara saàhitä, Mädhava Nidänaand Bhävaprakäça). According to findings, there are various types of Auñadhakäla mentioned in those classics except in Mädhava Nidäna and Bhävaprakäça. Number and names of Auñadhakäla differ from classic to classic. Caraka saàhitä, Susruta saàhitä and Añöäìgahådaya saàhitä mentioned ten types of Auñadhakäla with similarities as well as differences of names. According to the review of above classics, Abhakta, Prägbhakta, Madhyabhakta, Adhobhakta, Antaräbhakta, Sabhakta, Muhurmuhuù, Sämudga, Gräsa, Gräsäntara and Niçi can be identified as Auñadhakäla with synonyms. Rogébala and Vyädhi have been given prime importance in the context of Auñadhakäla in the Våddhatraya. Çäraìgadhara saàhitä mentions five types of Auñadhakäla as Süryodhaya, Divasa bhojana, Säyantane bhojana, Muhuù and Niçi which differ from the classification of Våddhatraya. In here different parts of the day were used in the context of Auñadhakäla considering about Vyädhi without any concern for Rogébala. According to the above findings, it can be concluded that there are some similarities and differences between Våddhatraya and Laghutraya in the classification of Auñadhakäla in Ayurveda.
Diagnostic Procedure Associated with Astrological Concepts: A Literature Review
(2nd International Research Conference & Exhibition on Siddha Medicine -2020, Organized by Unit of Siddha Medicine, University of Jaffna, Kaithady, Sri Lanka, 2020) Samaranayake, G.V.P.; Abegunasekara, N.S.; Dharmapriya, A.K.H.; Dissanayake, S.A.R.R.P.; Ven Dhammissara Maduruoye
Astrology and medicine are intimately linked in as much as the science of healing forms an important part of remedial astrology. Principles and training of medical astrology is an intricatesubject that needs a great compact of knowledge and in-depth study. The main utility of medical astrology is to cosmic effects under different planetary conditions at the time of a disease are likely to be beneficial or detrimental to the patient and implement the diagnostic plan accordingly. This study was designed to review the astrological concepts that have been used to establish a correlation between the planets and diseases in terms of the signs of the zodiac that have shown a strong relationship with diseases and different parts of the human body. The review was based on notable manuscripts and other texts that contain descriptions of this relationship. The study revealed that the signs form the part of the body of the Kälpuruya starting from Aries and starting from the Ascendant. Thus an astrologer can foresee the possibility of a person liable to suffer before the onset of the disease. From the calculation of the period and sub-periods of the planets, he can determine the time of the onset of the disease and its duration on the basis of one's horoscope. Horoscope is a very potential instrument that can be used effectively in diagnostic and treatment plans. However, apart fromthe indications of the diseases that may be present in a horoscope, the astrologer must seriously analyze the transiting influences and the circumstances of the case on hand for accurate diagnosis. Thus it can be concluded that medical astrology, if used with a sense of proper understanding, can aid medical diagnosis.
Effect of Yogasana on Improvement of Immunity related Outcomes – A Literature Review
(2nd International Research Conference & Exhibition on Siddha Medicine -2020, Organized by Unit of Siddha Medicine, University of Jaffna, Kaithady, Sri Lanka, 2020) Abegunasekara, N.S.; Samaranayake, G.V.P.; Dharmapriya, A.K.H.; Dissanayake, S.A.R.R.P.; Ven Dhammissara Maduruoye
Yoga is a universal practice which strengthens body physically as well as mentally. There is recent research evidence to suggest that regular practice of yoga postures strengthens the immune system and reduce chronic inflammation. ln fact, researchers have found an overall pattern that yoga duces pro-inflammatory markers, with the strongest evidence for the reduction of a cytokine called IL-Ibeta. This study was primarily designed to study the effect of Yogasana on enhancing immunity of the individual. An extensive literature review was conducted based onHathayogapradipikå journal papers and other related e-papers on yoga. All the Yogasanas mentioned in Hathayogapradipikåwere critically analyzed to determine a relationship between the regular practice of yoga posturesand the degree of immunity. The study revealed that the most effective yoga to activate the regular functions of the immune system is combination of Yogasanas, Pranayama and meditation. Further, practice of Yogasana increasesthe amount of antibodies such as leukocyte, eosinophils and monocytes and stimulate inflammatory responses. Yogasanas are also extremely beneficial to manage Stress which is often associated with an increased occurrence of autonomic and immune system pathology. On the basis of the review, it can be concluded that Yogasanas are effective in improving a variety of immune system-related outcome measures. However, these effects warrant further methodologically rigorous studies to determine the clinical implications of the findings for inflammatory outcomes
Effective Ayurveda Treatment Protocol for Hemorrhoids – A Case Study
(2nd International Research Conference & Exhibition on Siddha Medicine -2020, Organized by Unit of Siddha Medicine, University of Jaffna, Kaithady, Sri Lanka, 2020) Balasooriya, M.G.D.N.; Samaranayake, G.V.P.; Dharmapriya, A.K.H.; Dissanayake, S.A.R.R.P.
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins that occur in the anus and lower rectum. They can be external, appearing around the skin of the anus, or internal, arising in the lining of the anus or rectum. Hemorrhoid swelling occurs when there is an increase in the pressure in the small blood vessels causing them to swell and engorge with blood. The major causes of hemorrhoids include prolong constipation, poor dietary habits, lack of consumption of water and straining while defecation. The complications of hemorrhoids can be prevented by treating the hemorrhoids at early stage. This case study-assessed the efficacy of a treatment protocol used in the management of a 54-year-old male hemorrhoid patient presented at the surgery clinic of Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Teaching Hospital, Yakkala, Sri Lanka, complaining of permanent bulging out a mass after defecation along with rectal bleeding and mucus discharge. His medical history revealed that he has been subjected to constipation over a period of 4 years. On examination he was diagnosed with degree hemorrhoids in early stage. Treatments were scheduled both internal and external medication along with yoga. He was treated internally with Triphala churna, external application of Sarvavishadi oil and practicing Sarvangasana for ten minutes daily up to one-month period. After the treatment protocol, rectal bleeding and mucus discharge completely stopped and 3rd degree hemorrhoid was reduced to the 2nd degree hemorrhoid stage. Patient was followed up through one month and there were no any signs of advancing the stage of hemorrhoid. Triphala churna possesses the potential to purify blood and balance the vitiated doshas while Sarvavishadi oil reduces the inflammatory signs of hemorrhoids. Sarvangasana acts as a supportive medication to trigger the action of internal and external medication. It is suggested to design a clinical trial with a larger sample size in order to confirm the effect of this treatment protocol.
Learning style preferences with reference to learning English and Sanskrit Languages: A survey based study conducted among BAMS undergraduates of Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute
(12th Annual Research Conference, The Royal Asiatic Society of Sri Lanka, 2019, 2019) Ven. Dhammissara, M.; Dissanayake, S.A.R.R.P.; Dharmapriya, A.K.H.
Language learning processes vary from person to person due to the existence of biological and psychological differences. Learning style can be viewed as a set of factors, behaviors, and attitudes that facilitate learning for an individual. These factors and attitudes include whether learners prefer aural style over visual style, and individualistic style over co-operative style. Jowkar (2012) conducted a study to explore the relationship between learning style preferences and comprehension strategies of Iranian learners of foreign languages and found that these two variables are positively correlated. Ehrman's (1994) study too suggested that learners with some identified styles had higher performance in speaking, while others performed comparatively better in reading. Most of these researchers seem to agree that some learners prefer visual style over aural style; these learners benefit by reading exposure to language over spoken exposure. Apart from that, learners who prefer individualistic style learn on their own without actively taking part in co-operative activities. Some learners are highly flexible in their-learning approach. This study was designed to investigate the hypothesis that preferences in selected learning styles of students learning Sanskrit and English are independent in learning each language.
Relationship on Sanskrit and English language proficiencies: a study conducted among selected BAMS undergraduates of Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute
(Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Dhammissara Thero, M.; Dissanayake, S.A.R.R.P.; Dharmapriya, A.K.H.; Peiris, R.M.; Udagedara, U.G.J.R.
Sanskrit language is an explosive source of knowledge of fundamentals of Ayurveda, while English language offers distinctive benefits to the present day Ayurveda scholar. Both Sanskrit and English languages are incorporated into the current BAMS course of Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute. In the first phase of the study programme, students are required to master basic grammar rules of both these languages. The primary purpose of this study was to compare the performances of Sanskrit and English languages on grammar-based language proficiency tests. The study examined the relationship of Sanskrit language proficiency and English language proficiency with 83 first year students following BAMS (2014/2015) course at this Institute. Students were tested on objective grammar items at the end of 15 weeks of instruction. The hypothesis was that there was a relationship between the performances of Sanskrit and those of English language. A two-tailed Pearson Correlation was performed. The comparison of two sets of test data showed that Sanskrit language proficiency scores were strongly correlated to English language test data (co-efficient of correlation, r = .590). The mean values of Sanskrit and English languages were 65.87 and 66.96 respectively. The significant p value (0.000) confirms the relationship between the two sets of test scores. This finding supports the claim that students who perform well in grammar based instruction in one language are able to acquire grammatical elements of the other language easily. However, further research can be carried out using a wider sample in order to arrive at firm generalizations.