Browsing by Author "Karunarathna, W.D.C.K."

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Ethno medicinal plants used in the treatment of bone fractures: a study conducted in Matale district
(Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Balasooriya, M.G.D.N.; Karunarathna, W.D.C.K.
Traditional medicine is a valuable system continuously developed over generations by the local people in different parts of Sri Lanka. Documenting the traditional knowledge is very important for its conservation and sustainable utilization as this traditional knowledge is gradually disappearing. Ethno medicine which provides information about the plants used in traditional system is very important for its survival for long period. Bone fracture is a medical condition where the continuity of bone is broken. The way of link in fractured bone and positioning the dislocations using herbal plants is a unique art the knowledge of which passed down from generation to generation by different Kedum Bidum traditions. The present study focused on the ethno medicinal plants used in the treatment of bone fractures in Matale district. The data were collected from traditional medical practitioners, elderly people of different communities in the district and affected people through discussions. A questionnaire was used to gather data. Investigations revealed that 102 plant varieties are commonly used in treatment of fractures such as Mellum, Pattu, Alepa, Thel kiri, Behet peni, Tewili and Thel. Among 102 plant varieties 62 were herbal trees, 25 shrubs and 15 were climbers. Those plants show Asti sandhana, Vedana shamaka, Shotahara and Kshata ropana actions. Majority of the preparations are made from leaves, barks, roots and rhizome. Most of plant varieties are easily available in this region and some are facing extinction. Further investigations should be carried out to ensure conservation of these plant varieties.
A survey study on Computer Vision Syndrome. Salakya Sandipani,
(Department of Shalya Shalakya,Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute,University of Kelaniya,Sri Lanka, 2017) Karunarathna, W.D.C.K.; Balasooriya, M.G.D.N.; Karandugoda, K.K.I.E.
Computer Vision Syndrome is one among the life style disorders which is related to prolonged use of computer, tablet PC, e-reader and mobile phones. There are several guidelines to be followed in using these devices. Misuse of these devices can lead to symptoms such as watering of eyes, headache, blurring vision, irritation of eyes. This study was conducted as a survey to determine the causes, symptoms of CVS, knowledge and practices of computer use and to evaluate the various factors in computer use with the occurrence of CVS symptoms. A questionnaire was prepared to obtain data including all the aspects of computer usage such as symptoms, reference materials and preventive measures. The study included 65 people who used the computer daily for an hour or more over a period of several months and people having two or more symptoms of CVS in irrespective of their sex, age, occupation and religion. According to the collected data, when using the computer 32% use it up to one hour, 18% up to one to two hours, 10% more than ten hours. Headache was the major symptom seen in CVS. As a percentage it was 40% followed by watery eyes 38%, eye strain 35%, neck pain 28%. Moreover 50% people involved in this study adopted a method for preventive measures of CVS. Among them 23% were claimed to be wearing spectacles, 22% taking breaks in between computer use, 9% having concern on distance and angle of computer screen. Thus it can be concluded that headache was the major symptom seen in CVS. Over 50% follow preventive measures for CVS.