An infusion prepared from some cereals (Dhanya) and vinegar (Amla) obtained from citrus fruits is called Dhanyamla. Navara rice, horse gram, millet, sliced citrus fruits and dried ginger are bundled separately in pieces of linen and then immersed in a large pot of water. The water is then boiled for a specific period during which the extracts from the bundles leach into the pot to make a vinegar. Dhara therapy with this liquid is called Dhanyamladhara. As in any other Dhara, this liquid too is poured in a continual stream over the patients body. Dhanyamladhara is very effective for diseases or health problems caused by Vata Dosha.
For a seven-day course of treatment each days requirement of vinegar is taken out and the pot refilled with the same quantity of water. Boiling continues round the clock for all seven days.
Application of Dhara on the arm, while lying sideways-
In Ayurveda, the science of life and health, the word Dhatu is defined as a factor that supports the body. The accumulation of Amam (toxins) in the system vitiates the Tridhatus and causes their imbalance. Excess or deficiency of any one of the Dhatus disrupts their equilibrium. In their state of equilibrium, Vata, Pitta and Kapha are called Tridhatus.
The word Dhatu can also be used to mean body tissue. When used in this sense, there are seven and these are called Saptadhatus. These body tissues are formed from and nourished by the Aahara Rasa, the essence of food. Rasa (plasma), Rakta (blood), Mamsa (muscle), Meda (fat), Asthi (bone), Majja (bone-marrow) and Sukla (semen) are the seven such Dhatus. Each Dhatu is believed to be a metabolic refinement of the previous one.
In Ayurveda, the Sanskrit word Amam denotes internal toxins that cause disease. Amam is a product of improper metabolic functioning whereby the system absorbs micro-molecules of undigested foods. It is greasy and mucous and blocks various subtle body channels (Srotas). Its accumulation causes imbalance among the three humours (Tridoshas) ultimately leading to various diseases and health problems.
The principles of Ayurvedic pharmacology are fundamentally different from those of other systems of medicine and health especially allopathy. Most Ayurvedic medicines are prepared form herbs.
Leaves and flowers are squeezed to obtain their juice. Roots and seeds are crushed and boiled in water to get their essence. To make a decoction, the extracts of plants are boiled with other vital ingredients. Ayurvedic medicines are invariably prepared under the supervision of an expert physician using classical herbal prescriptions. Unlike other medicinal systems, this pharmacological process closely resembles the culinary art.
Ayurveda, as the art of healing and science of living, aims at removing the underlying causes of disease, and restoring the equilibrium of the bioenergies, Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
