Browsing by Author "Samaratunga, U."

Now showing 1 - 20 of 21

An approach to develop Multi Techniques Integrated Expert System for Diagnosis of Human Constitutions
(2008) Mendis, D.S.K.; Karunananda, A.S.; Samaratunga, U.
This paper presents a multi techniques integrated expert system for diagnosis of Prakurthi in Ayurvedic medicine. The present mechanisms used for diagnosis of Prakurthi, which is considered, as classification of human constitutions and is inconsistent about its findings. Therefore a research has been conducted to reduce such inconsistencies using an expert system. In this issue multi techniques integrated expert system has been implemented for addressing the problem. Statistical technique and fuzzy logic have been described as multi techniques involved in the expert system. Tacit knowledge has always been influential to change the directions and emphasis of explicit models of knowledge. All explicit knowledge is rooted in tacit knowledge. Due to these reasons modelling of tacit knowledge is of great interest. Tacit knowledge in Ayurvedic sub-domain of individual classification has been acquired through a questionnaire and analysed to identify the dependencies, which lead to make tacit knowledge in the particular domain. In the first place analysis was done using statistical techniques of principal components and the results were not compatible with the experiences of Ayurvedic experts. As such, fuzzy logic has been used to further model the Ayurvedic sub-domain. The result of the modelling of Ayurvedic domain using fuzzy logic has been compatible with the experiences of the Ayurvedic experts. A framework for diagnosis of human constitutions has been integrated with an expert system shell thereby enabling the development of expert systems for domains with tacit knowledge. Currently, it has been integrated with FLEX expert system shell.
An approach to the development of commonsense knowledge modeling system for disaster management
(Springer, 2007) Mendis, D.S.K.; Karunananda, A.S.; Samaratunga, U.; Rathnayake, U.
Knowledge is the fundamental resource that allows us to function intelligently. Similarly, organizations typically use different types of knowledge to enhance their performance. Commonsense knowledge that is not well formalized modelling is the key to disaster management in the process of information gathering into a formalized way. Modelling commonsense knowledge is crucial for classifying and presenting of unstructured knowledge. This paper suggests an approach to achieving this objective, by proposing a three-phase knowledge modelling approach. At the initial stage commonsense knowledge is converted into a questionnaire. Removing dependencies among the questions are modelled using principal component analysis. Classification of the knowledge is processed through fuzzy logic module, which is constructed on the basis of principal components. Further explanations for classified knowledge are derived by expert system technology. We have implemented the system using FLEX expert system shell, SPSS, XML and VB. This paper describes one such approach using classification of human constituents in Ayurvedic medicine. Evaluation of the system has shown 77% accuracy
An approach to the development of commonsense knowledge modelling systems for land selection
(2012) Mendis, D.S.K.; Karunananda, A.S.; Samaratunga, U.
The land use methods which are ergonomically and environmentally appropriate are determined first and foremost by characteristics and location. For instance, land selection in architectural construction domain is considered as an area in land use methods, which involves commonsense knowledge of architects. This is because land selection criteria are very personal and there is no theory behind how it should be done. Sometime, there are too many redundancies in the process selection of lands. In this paper we present an approach to modeling commonsense knowledge in a sub field of architecture domain of land selection to come up with land classifications as psychological, physical and social events. This gives three-phase knowledge modeling approach for modeling commonsense knowledge in, which enables holistic approach for land selection. At the initial stage commonsense knowledge is converted into a questionnaire. Removing dependencies among the questions are modeled using principal component analysis. Classification of the knowledge is processed through fuzzy logic module, which is constructed on the basis of principal components. Further explanations for classified knowledge are derived by expert system technology. This paper describes one such approach using classification of human constituents in Ayurvedic medicine. Evaluation of the system has shown 77% accuracy.
Cephalic index variation within and ethnic group and its correlation with socio-economic status and occupation of an individual: a preliminary study
(Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute, 2006) Samaratunga, U.; Gajendra, S.
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 study on Ayurvedic terminology used in explanations of Pañcamahābhūta and Saptadhātusiddhānta.
(International Conference on Sanskrit Studies, 2017 Department of Sanskrit, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Kaldera, H.P.I.J.; Samaratunga, U.; Jayawardene, K.B.
Terminology used in Ayurveda medical science has its own peculiar interpretations. These terms cannot be sufficiently comprehended through general dictionary meanings. Påthivi, ap, teja, vāyu, ākāśa are commonly used terminology of Pañcamahābhūtasiddhāntawhile rasa, rakta, māṁsa, medha, asthi, majjāand śukra are those of Saptadhātusiddhānta. The objective of this study is to comparatively review this terminology on the basis of their Ayurvedic interpretations and the usage in current research papers. Twenty research papers containg these terms were downloaded from the Google scholar for this study while Carakasaṁhitā, Susrutasaṁhitā, Aṣṭāṅgahṛdayasaṁhitā and their commentaries (tīkās) were used as reference texts. The results revealed that terminology related to Pañcamahābhūtaprinciple such as Påthivi, ap, teja, vāyu, ākāśahave been substituted with common English equivalents: Påthivi as earth, earth principle, etc; ap as water, water principles, etc; teja as fire, heat, energy, etc; vāyu as air, air principle, ākāśa as space, ether, etc. Similarly, terminology relating to Saptadhātu principle has been replaced with a considerable range of English translation: rasa as skin, chyle, lymph, etc; rakta as blood, māṁsa as muscles, protein, meda as fat, adipose tissues, etc; asthi as bone, bone tissues, etc; majjā as marrow, nervous system, etc;śukra as semen, reproductive fluid, etc. Some researchers had used the English equivalent within brackets in its first occurrence in the research paper while some others had used the English word in the body of the research paper while the terminology was used within brackets. There were also some research papers where only terminology had been used. The research further revealed that the common equivalents used as substitutes to terminology do not accurately convey the intended Ayurvedic concepts.
A Comparative study on terminology used in explanations of Pañcamahābhuta and Saptadhātu Siddhānta,
(2nd International Conference on Sanskrit Studies (ICSS 2017), Department of Sanskrit and Eastern Studies, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, 2017) Kaldera, H.P.I.J.; Samaratunga, U.; Jayawardane, K.B.
Terminology used in Ayurveda medical science has its own peculiar interpretations. These temls cannot be sufficiently comprehended through general dictionary meanings. P!lhivi, ap, reja, •.üyu, äküia are commonly used terminology Of rasa, rakfa, medha. asrhi, maffåand are those of Sapradhä,'usiddhän/a. The objective of this study is to comparatively review this lerminology on the basis of their Ayurvedic interpretations and the usage in current research papers. Twenty research parxrs containg these terms were downloaded from the Google scholar for this study while Carakasamhitä, Susrurasab'hi.'ä, Asrä'jgahrdayasamhitü and their commentaries (Jiküs) were used as reference texts. The results revealed that terminology related to Paicomahäbhfitaprinciple such as Puhivi, up, teja, l@vu, åkåürhave been substituted with common English equivalents: Prihivi as earth, earth principle. etc; ap as water, water principles, etc; teja as fire, heat, energy, etc; väyu as air, air principle, äkä'a as space, ether, etc. Similarly, terminolog_v relating to Sap'adhün,' principle has been replaced with a considerable range of English translation: rasa as skin, chyle. lymph, etc; rakta as blood. må'hsa as muscles. protein, meda as fat. adipose tissues, etc; asrhi as bone, bone tissues. etc: majjé as marrow. nervous system, as semen. reproductive fluid, etc. Some researchers had used the English equivalent within brackets in its first occurrence in the research paper while some others had used the English word in the body of the research paper while the terminology was used within brackets. There were also some research papers where only terminology had been used. The research • further revealed that the common equivalents used as substitutes to terminology do not accurately convey the intended concepts.
Containers used to store and transport proprietary indigenous medical preparations (a survey conducted in the national museum)
(Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute, 2006) Samaratunga, U.
Containers used to store and transport proprietary indigenous medical preparetions (A survey conducted in the National Museum)
(Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute, 2005) Samaratunga, U.
Development of commonsense knowledge modeling system for Psychological Assessment in Clinical Psycho
(2014) Mendis, D.S.K.; Karunananda, A.S.; Samaratunga, U.; Rathnayake, U.
According to the Buddhist philosophy, hatred (dosa) is considered as one of the three unwholesome roots which determine the actual immoral quality of volitional states and a conscious thought with its mental factors. Hatred, then, comprises all degrees of repulsion from the faintest trace of ill-humour up to the highest pitch of hate and wrath. Thus, ill-will, evil intention, wickedness, corruption and malice are various expressions and degrees of dosa. A hateful temperament is said to be due to a predominance of the type of dosa, apo, vayu and semha. Vedic psychology forms the clinical core of mental health counseling in the Ayurvedic medical tradition. According to Ayurvedic medical practises, a person is dominated on one of constitutes type (type of dosa) namely vata (vayu), pita (apo) or kapha (semha). This is known as prakurthi pariksha. Important aspect of identification of constitute type is for diagnosis of mental diseases, because each of constituent type has a list of probable mental diseases. An important area of expertise for many clinical psychologists is psychological assessment. Constructions of information systems using psychological assessment in clinical psychology have a problem of effective communication because of implicit knowledge. This complicates the effective communication of clinical data to the psychologist. In this paper, it presents an approach to modeling commonsense knowledge in clinical psychology in Ayurvedic medicine. It gives three-phase an approach for modeling commonsense knowledge in psychological assessment which enables holistic approach for clinical psychology. Evaluation of the system has shown 77% accuracy.
Diuretic activity of Spilanthes acmella flowers in rats
(2004) Ratnasooriya, W.D.; Peiris, K.P.P.; Samaratunga, U.; Jayakody, J.R.A.C.
ln the Sri Lankan traditional medicine. Spilanthes acmella Murr. (Family: Compositae) flowers are claimed to possess powerful diuretic activity. However, as yet, the diuretic potential of these flowers is not investigated by scientifically controlled studies. The aim of rhis study was to evaluate the diuretic potential of Spilanthes acmella flowers in rats using a cold-water extract (CWE). Difl-erent concentrations of CWE (-500. 1 000, I 500 mgArg) or vehiclc or furoscmide ( 13 mg/kg) were orally administered (// : 6 per each treatrrent -uroLrp) to hydrated rats and their urine output was monitored at several intervals of time (l*-5h). The highest dose of CWE significantly (P < 0.0-5) and markedly increased the urine output. The onset of this diurctic actjon was extremeiy prompt (within I h) and lasted thror-rghoLlt the stuciied pedocl (up to -5 h). The peak efTect was evident between 1 and 2 h. Further, the intensity of diLrresis induced by the CWE in the first hi..ur rvas almost simiiar to that of furosemide. Spilanthes acmella CWE also caused marked increase in urinary Na+ and K+ levels and a reduction in the osmolarity of urine suggesting that it is mainly acting as a loop diuretic. lt may also inhibit ADH release and/or action. It is concluded that the Spilanthes acmella CWE has strong diuretic action as is claimed.
Effect of an indigenous drug formulation (Churna) on clotting of mammalian blood
(Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute, 2006) Peiris, K.P.P.; Samaratunga, U.; Jayakody, J.A.R.C.; Ratnasooriya, W.D.
A fuzzy expert system for business intelligence
(2013) Mendis, D.S.K.; Karunananda, A.S.; Samaratunga, U.; Rathnayake, U.
Business Intelligence (BI) is recognized as an increasingly important support for business decision making in emerging business environment, where a huge amount of data is growing fast and scattered around. Explicit knowledge can be presented formally and capable of effective (fast and good quality) communication of data to the user where as commonsense knowledge can be represented in informal way and further modeling needed for BI. Acquiring useful Business Intelligence (BI) for decision-making is a challenging task in dynamic business environment. In this paper we present an approach for modeling commonsense knowledge in Business Intelligence. A fuzzy expert system based on principal component analysis (PCA) and statistical fuzzy inference system for modeling Business Intelligence in commonsense knowledge is introduced in, which enables holistic approach for disaster management. This paper describes one such approach using classification of human constituents in Ayurvedic medicine. Evaluation of the system has shown 77% accuracy.
Influence of Tamil language on indigenous medicine in Sri Lanka
(Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Peiris, R.M.; Samaratunga, U.; Kaldera, H.P.I.J.; Wewalwala, S.L.
The indigenous medicine of Sri Lanka claims an archaic practice tracing its roots back to pre-Aryan civilization with a cultural heritage comprised of indigenous wisdom, religious concepts of Buddhism, knowledge of Siddha medicine and Ayurveda. The absorption of Ayurveda and Siddha medicine into indigenous practice was itself a historical event. These systems were gifted from India along with several waves of culture that passed over to us. Authentic indigenous medical texts have proven that the foreign remedies have been absorbed into indigenous medicine through the various nations migrated to Sri Lanka. This study was carried out to find out the influence of Tamil language on indigenous medicine. Vatikaprakarana, Ayurveda Pharmacopoeia, the book series ‘Talpate piliyam’, Deshiya Paribhashika Shabdakoshaya, Deshiya Cikitsa Samgrahaya, Vanavasa Nigantu, Sarasvathi Nigandu and Vaidya Chinthamaniya were used as the data sources in this study. The study revealed that the Southern Indian physicians who abided Sri Lanka between 17th and 18th century had written their remedies on Ola leaves in Sinhala language adhering to its pronunciation and some of them were written in their original Tamil form. Further, it was found that those words can be classified under different categories such as plant origin materials (Kuppameniya, Nochchela, Kuringnan), mineral origin materials (Sinakkaran, Elimarindu, Wellapashanam), diseases (Visappu, Vadan, Sanni), dosages (Manchadi, Mukkal, Kal) and preparations (Kulambu, Kayam). In addition, some Mantras used in traditional medicine also consisted of Tamil words. According to the study, it can be concluded that the findings mentioned in the studied indigenous texts explicate the influence of Tamil language on indigenous system of medicine in Sri Lanka.
A model for determination of Jaṭharāgnibased on Anumāna of Gurvādi Guṇa.
(International Conference on Sanskrit Studies, 2017 Department of Sanskrit, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Wewalwala, S.L.; Samaratunga, U.; Jayawardane, K.B.
Anumāna pramāṇa (inference) plays a crucial role in the determination of Jaṭarāgniaccording to Ayurveda. Alterationofthe function of Jaṭarāgniis viewed as a key factor in themanifestation of diseases. Breakdown of the equilibriumof physical and mental state is the cause of the alteration of Agni. This breakdown is caused by the imbalance of Gurvādi Guṇa(s) (physical properties)comprised in physical and mental Doṣa(s).Susrutasaṁhitāmentions that theimbalance of each Guṇainside the body should be inferred through the respective characteristic features and actions which are expressed outside the body. This paper is intended toformulate a model for determination of Jaṭharāgni based on inferenceofimbalanceofGurvādi Guṇa. Authentic Ayurveda texts, secondary texts related to clinical diagnosis and philosophical texts were used as the data sources of the literary survey. In addition, a survey was conducted with the participation of thirty Ayurvedic practitioners through a structured questionnaire to investigatea possible relationship between etiological factors and the Guṇa imbalance. The model comprised of etiological factors, Gurvādi Guṇa andDoṣaimbalance. 85 characteristic features were identified as significant in the determination ofGuṇa imbalancewhile 40 etiological factors fewer than 04 different categories were identified during the study. The proposed model can be effectively used in inferring the imbalance of Gurvādi Guṇainside the body. Further, depending on the Guṇa imbalance respective etiological factors and Doṣa imbalance also can be inferred. It is proposed to establish a criteria forthe diagnosis of the Agni vikṛti through inferring Gurvādi Guṇaas the further step of this study.
Significant characteristics of traditional medicine in Sri Lanka: a review based on sources of available evidence.
(Department of Shalya Shalakya,Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute,University of Kelaniya,Sri Lanka, 2017) Peiris, R.M.; Karunarathna, H.M.H.L.; Samaratunga, U.; Kaldera, H.P.I.J.; Wewalwala, S.L.
Traditional medicine in Sri Lanka dates back over a period of 3000 years and expanded with the inuence of Ayurveda and traditional culture of the country. The objective of this study was to review the signicant characteristics of traditional medicine in Sri Lanka on the basis of archeological evidence, inscriptions, ola leaves transcripts and traditional authentic texts such as Yogarnavaya, Varayogasaraya, Bhesajjamanjusa etc. The basic concept of dedicated hospitals for human beings was established in Sri Lanka, a fact justied by the archeological evidence of the Mihintale hospital which is believed to be the rst hospital in the world. There is evidence form a number of inscriptions that traditional medicine received royal patronage and Maha Wedanā (medical superintendent) and Sulu Wedanā (medical ofcer) were appointed by the king to develop the traditional medicine and the signicant treatment method Pūdawedakama (treating the patients by using leech) was practiced. Sri Lankan traditional medicine is composed of a number of disciplines of which Ürdhvajatrugata Roga receives considerable signicance. Endemic plants have been extensively used to treat diseases in the Ürdhvajatrugata Roga; Goda Manel (Crinum latifolium), Kapparawalliya (Anisochilus carnosus) and Kabarossa (Similax zeylanica) have been widely used. Apart from the native plants, minerals (Walankatu, Yabora) and animal parts (Kabbellapotu) have been used for preparation of drugs to treat abscesses in the Ürdhvajatrugata Roga. Another signicant feature is that most of the typical practices have been recorded in Ola leaves scripts which have been preserved in the University of Kelaniya and in some personal collections. According to those formulae, Pathmana is a special kind of cūrëa in traditional medicine that consists of China Ala (Smilax glabra Roxb.) as the main ingredient recommended to treat Ürdhvajatrugata Roga. These ndings describe the signicant characteristic features of traditional medicine in Sri Lanka.
A statistical fuzzy inference system for analyzing temperamental groups in neuro-linguistic programming
(Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Mendis, D.S.K.; Ratnayake, U.; Karunananda, A.S.; Samaratunga, U.
Neuro-Linguistic Programming describes the fundamental dynamics between mind (neuro) and language (linguistic) and how their interplay affects our body and behavior (programming). Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) is about self-discovery, exploring identity and mission. It also provides a framework for understanding and relating to the 'spiritual' part of human experience. The immediate problem that this poses for a full understanding of human functioning is that the inner subjective experiences of consciousness based in NLP. Manas prakurthi in Ayuverda contributes to the study of personality. Tamas-Rajas-Sattva temperamental groups give rise to the framework of Space-Time-Causation when evolution starts in association with Consciousness Principle in manas prakrti. The objectives should contribute to a better analyzing of the temperamental groups in manas prakrti and to analyze the gap between current state of work and values of NLP. This paper attempts to present a tool to analyze Tamas-Rajas-Sattva temperamental groups that are found in manas prakrti by using a statistical fuzzy inference system. At the initial stage common sense knowledge based on manas prakrti is converted into a questionnaire. Removal of dependencies among the questions in the questionnaire is modelled using principal component analysis. Classification of Tamas-Rajas-Sattva temperamental groups is processed through fuzzy logic module, which is constructed on the basis of principal components. Effective decision making for type of manas prakrti has been derived from sugeno defuzzification technique based on an integrated Principal Component Analysis approach. The statistical fuzzy inference system facilitates an approach to identify the influences to understand the nature of human personality in Neuro-Linguistic Programming.
Tacit Knowledge modeling in Intelligent Hybrid Systems
(2007) Mendis, D.S.K.; Karunanda, A.S.; Samaratunga, U.; Ratnayake, U.
Knowledge modelling gives the intention of knowledge engineering which applicable for managing information systems. Tacit knowledge is the key issue of knowledge modelling aspect because all knowledge is rooted in tacit knowledge. This paper presents a research, which is incorporated of modelling of tacit knowledge. Here we have used an Intelligent Hybrid system for developing an approach for modelling tacit knowledge. The Intelligent Hybrid system is involved with artificial intelligent techniques, namely fuzzy logic and expert system technology. We primarily used fuzzy logic together with statistical technique of principle component analysis for modelling tacit domains. Tacit knowledge in Ayurvedic sub-domain of individual classification has been acquired through a questionnaire and analysed to identify the dependencies, which lead to make tacit knowledge in the particular domain. In the first place analysis was done using statistical techniques of principle components and the results were not compatible with the experiences of Ayurvedic experts. As such, fuzzy logic has been used to further model the Ayurvedic sub-domain. The result of the modelling of Ayurvedic domain using fuzzy logic has been compatible with the experiences of the Ayurvedic experts. It has shown 77% accuracy in using the tacit knowledge for reasoning in the relevant domain. The development has been done using Visual basic, FLEX expert system shell and the system runs on Windows platform. The Intelligent Hybrid system has been successfully applied for several tacit domains. Performances were very close to handling tacit knowledge by the human expert in tacit domain
Technical terms associated with the concept of bala: A Literature review
(International Conference on Unani, Ayurveda, Siddha and Traditional Medicine (5th ICAUST). Institute of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo, 2017) Kaldera, H.P.I.J.; Samaratunga, U.; Jayawardane, K.B.
Bala is a broad concept in Ayurveda which includes Thvidhabala namely Sahaja, Kala)a and each of which depends on many factors such as the nature of Sukra and mother's food habit during pregnancy, Desa and Käla of birth. variations of Tridosa, food habit and nature of the function of .4gni of the individual and age (Bä/a- Madhya-Vrddha). This study was carried out to analyze definitions for Bala and other related terms from Ayurvedic perspective on the basis of a literature review. Carakasamhitå. Sushrutasamhitä, Astäfigahrdayasarilhitä and their commentaries ( 77kä) were used as the sources in this study. The basic meaning of Bala is strength or power. Acårya Caraka has explained Bala as both repressive and preventive in its function against ailments Further, he has recommended the interpretation of Baia according to vvä_vümaiakti which is determined by weight lifting, etc. Carakasarilhitå recommends the examination of both Säririka and Mänasika Bola of the individual in terms of Sara, Sahrhanana, Sätmva. Satna, etc. In the diagnosis and treatment process. These Ayurveda Acaryas use the tenn •Bala' in its unique sense and therefore, its derivations should be defined precisely in order to interpret the associated concepts. These words referred to as 'Svasahj/iä' by both Carakäcaryu and Sushrutäcarya require subjective interpretations so as to comprehend the concept of Bala in its true sense. For instance. Balaparik'ä should be contextually interpreted in terms of Särfr•ikabala, Mänasikabala of the patient and Rogabala. The concept of Bala during the examination of patient (Rogiparikyä) has been viewed in slightly distinct ways by different Acaryas. Aearyl Sushruta has used the term 'Bala' to be interpreted in terms of individual's stature of the body (Kriaslhldädihheda), However, Acarya Caraka holds a different opinion stating that the individual's strength of body (Dehaba/a) cannot be determined on the basis of stature alone. He further states that the physician is likely to he misled if he treats a person with a fat body as having higher strength (Balava') and vice versa. A number of such terms including Balya, Balalut, Balakrt, DanrbaOu, Durba/a, Alpaba/a, Ba/abhrari"a, Balavrddhikara and Agniba/a were chosen for providing precise definitions in this Study. It can be concluded that Bala has a meaning spreading through a vast range which should be defined from the perspective of Ayurveda in its context.
Uniqueness of Puravaliyam remedies with special reference to authentic traditional texts
(Department of Shalya Shalakya,Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute,University of Kelaniya,Sri Lanka, 2017) Nishshanka, N.M.S.A.; Samaratunga, U.
A wide range of distinctive treatment procedures have been used in the management of eye disorders in Sri Lankan traditional medicine. Among them, traditional Puravaliyam is a procedure where the medicated paste is applied externally around the closed eye except eye lids which is similar to Ayurvedic Bidalaka. The study aimed at identifying the materials, preparing methods and indications of various Puravaliyam formulas which are used in traditional medicine. A literary survey was carried out and the data were collected from authentic traditional medical texts such as, Yogarnavaya, Prayogarathnawali, Varayogasaraya and authentic Ayurvedic texts including Ashtanga Hradaya Samhita, Sharangadara Samhita. According to the data collected, 17 Bidalaka formulas were found from Ayrvedic texts and 101 puravaliam formulas were found from traditional texts. Among the puravaliam formulas, only one formula was mentioned in Ayurvedic texts. Although puravaliam formulas had been recommended for 30 eye disorders such as Timira, Kacha and Patala etc., there were only four eye disorders mentioned in Ayurvedic texts as indications of Bidalaka. There were 51 plant materials such as Strychnous potatorum, Tamarindus indica , 4 minerals like mercury, borax and 5 animal materials such as testicles of Vivera zivetta(Urule sattam), Cuttle sh bone which were not mentioned in Bidalaka remedies. The study revealed that there were 12 endemic plants mentioned in these formulas. The research also revealed that there were specic preparation methods which are not found in Ayurvedic Bidalaka, including the preperation of drugs on the heated blade of a hoe, tiding drugs inside a pottali and boiled under the hot ashes. Distinctive liquids were used as grinding agents of medications such as breast milk, lime juice etc. The present study contributes to identify specialty of drugs, preparation methods and indications of traditional Puravaliam. It can be concluded that there were many traditional Puravaliam remedies with specic features which need to be preserved.