Indian Research Institute for Integrated Medicine (IRIIM)

[06/13/20]   Friends,
First time, I attended Online International Conference as Invited Speaker, specially before the world renowned stalwarts in Science, Medicine both from India and Abroad on COVID-19.
I presented my paper followed by interactive discussion. The Conference (7-10 June, 2020) was jointly organised by: Bengaluru Genomics Centre (BGC) & Sarvasumana Association.
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TITLE OF MY PAPER:."Diagnosis and Treatment of COVID-19 using Traditional Acupuncture and Moxibustion"
BY
Dr. Debasis Bakshi
Dept. of Acupuncture-Moxibustion, Indian Research Institute for Integrated Medicine (IRIIM)
Mourigram, Howrah 711 302, West Bengal, India
E-Mail: [email protected]
ABSTRACT

Introduction: CoronaVirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an acute respiratory ailment with main clinical manifestations like fever, fatigue, dry cough and developmental dyspnoea. It is highly infectious and with a remarkable dimension of susceptibility and so possess a serious threat to people's health. It belongs to the category of pestilence in traditional acupuncture, caused by epidemic pathogen invading the body, characterized by dampness, heat, and poison including blood stasis.

“Acupuncture”, is an ancient and traditional system of medicine for the treatment of medical problems, which means puncturing standard needles (Acupuncture needles) at appropriate sites of the body, called Acupuncture points (Acu point). Although acupuncture was originally a feature of traditional Chinese medicine, it is now used worldwide. According to reports supplied by 129 countries, 80% of them now recognize the use of acupuncture1. Moxibustion is an associated stimulation method of acupuncture points wherein heat is applied by igniting dry leaves of Artemisia vulgaris or Moxa (Mugwort), a specific herb available at Himalayan range or any other herb and their combination approved by competent health authority).

Basic concept of Traditional Acupuncture (TA) is Wholism. In diagnosis, comprehensive consideration of the human body (the inner) and the natural surrounding (the outer). It is also called “inspecting of both the inner and outer”. It includes two aspects: (i) human body as a whole & different body parts, zang-viscera and fu-viscera, the interlinked meridians of the body. The inner abnormality can be manifested as outwardly symptoms, while the outer climates or invasion of environmental factors can affect the inner parts and ii) the unification of the human body and the surrounding, in long time evaluation, of the physiological function and the changes in health and disease. In diagnosis, consideration of disease and the surrounding is a must. Besides, the tiredness, mental stress and improper diet can affect the visceral functions and cause disease. The diseases of viscera may range from a lower endurance to tiredness, mental changes and poor appetite, etc. To sum up, the importance of holism (i.e. inspecting both inner and outer) lies not only in the relationship between local disorders and the whole body, but also in understanding the impact of surrounding variables on human body in health and disease2.

Diagnosis in Traditional Acupuncture (TA): During the long period of medical practice, doctors of ancient ages accumulated rich experience of diagnosis, which formed the comprehensive diagnostic system especially for TA, with some diagnostic verticals like observation, auscultation & olfaction, interrogation and palpation including syndrome differentiation. Since ancient times, the diagnosis of TA has been playing an important role in clinical practice constantly 2. Recently, modern scientific methods are considering the conduction of these diagnostic methods and syndrome differentiation in combination with traditional methods 1. It is developing in the way of keeping the distinctive features and combining with modern sciences.

Acupuncture Treatment for COVID-19: The guidelines have been divided into three stages: (i) Prevention stage: the principle of treatment is to enhance the Immunity (Wei Qi) and to strengthen healthy energy (Zheng Qi) for the benefit of Fei-Lung and Pi-Spleen functions to combat foreign pathogens. The primary acu-points selected along with addition of necessary points based on individual symptoms like fever, abdominal disorders, fatigue & poor appetite, clear nasal discharge, sore & painful back etc., (ii) Treatment stage: Acupuncture is applied to interrupt disease progress. The primary acu-points are selected along with addition of necessary points based on individual symptoms like persistent fever, chest tightness and shortness of breath, coughing with sputum, loose stools, diarrhea, cough with yellow & sticky sputum, constipation, nausea, low grade fever etc., (iii) Recovery stage: Acupuncture is applied by eliminating pathogenic factors (Pathogenic Qi) from the body and to recover lung and spleen functions. The primary acu-points selected along with addition of necessary points based on individual symptoms for lung (e.g., chest tightness, shortness of breath) and spleen (e.g., poor appetite, diarrhea) Qi deficiency3.

Application of Moxibustion : Indoor moxa fuming can be used to prevent COVID-19, volatile oil produced by the burning moxa stick can relieve cough and asthma, moxa smoke produced by the burning moxa stick has a broad spectrum antiviral effect, the longer the burning time , the stronger the effect. Moxibustion can be applied in mild cases of COVID-19, Cold-dampness accumulating lung syndrome and heat dampness accumulating lung syndrome.

Discussion: Modern researches have proved that Acupuncture and Moxibustion (AM) can correct the disorder from free radical damage, regulates the imbalance of neurotransmitters, improves local microcirculation and lymphatic circulation, controls and reduces the necrotic area of inflammation, promotes the stability of internal environment and regulates the immune function bilaterally. In the face of pestilence, AM with characteristics of simplicity, convenience, low cost and effectiveness certainly could play a positive role in the prophylaxis and treatment of COVID-19.

Conclusion: In India, AM is not yet recognized nationally (except in two states). So, formally COVID-19 patients cannot be treated by AM as per Govt. of India guidelines. But acupuncturists of India have vast experience in treating the same clinical conditions mentioned above in many Respiratory acute & chronic illnesses, but not COVID-19. After the outbreak of COVID-19, People's Republic of China and few other countries have well tried on COVID-19 patients in different stages with a remarkable result. We sincerely hope that if allowed officially, Indian Acupuncturists can create suitable conditions and strive to play the role of AM in all clinical stages. AM can be used together with any other medicine to play the synergistic role for the benefit of suffering humanity4.

Reference:

1. WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2014-2023
2. Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion (1987), Foreign Languages Press, Beijing, PRC.
3. WAFS Guidelines on Acupuncture and Moxibustion Intervention for COVID-19 (second edition)
4. Recognition of Acupuncture as an independent system of medicine - Document presented on 7.3.20 at ASA 6th. National Conference, Howrah, West Bengal, India.

RECOGNITION OF IRIIM AS RESEARCH INSTITUTE RENEWED 9TH TIME SINCE 1996 BY GOVT. OF INDIA

[03/12/19]   আকুপাংচার বিষয়ে আমার লেখা 'সবুজ কথা' বলে একটি লিটল ম্যাগাজিনে ডিসেম্বর 18 সংখ্যা তে প্রকাশিত হয়েছে। সবাই পড়বেন, মতামত জানালে বাধিত হব। ধন্যবাদ।

Indian Research Institute for Integrated Medicine (IRIIM)

PL. JOIN ADVANCE COURSE FROM MARCH 1-9 AT IRIIM, MOURIGRAM, HOWRAH.

PL. JOIN ADVANCE COURSE FROM MARCH 1-9 AT IRIIM, MOURIGRAM, HOWRAH.

Welcome to IRIIM.
We are glad to invite you at IRIIM 38th Annual Program on 1-3 March, 2019 which will be held at IRIIM Bhawan, Mourigram, Howrah.
Please join with your family and friends.
Early registration for delegates is preferable.
Registration fees INR 500/- for three days (including meal & separate male/ female dormitory accommodation) or INR 200/- for each day.
THOSE WHO WILL COMPLETE 3 DAYS FULL SESSION WILL GET "CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE" ON 3RD. MARCH EVENING.
We hope you will share your experiences with the Senior Faculties and Chief Advisor of only Govt. of India Recognised and Govt. of West Bengal Affiliated & Registered Acupuncture & Yoga-Naturopathy Training Institute & Hospital.
Our institute is running various courses (i.e. primary, advanced and general or special courses suitable for you). We may also arrange tailor made courses for your convenience.
You may deposit your fees to the bank account mentioned below:
Bank Name: UCO Bank, Jhorehat br. Howrah
A/C Name: Indian Research Institute for Integrated Medicine A/c Project;
A/c. No. 04030100190624; IFSC Code: UCBA0000403
(After deposition, Pl. inform by Message to 94330 47918/ 98311 11317 along with scan copy of Bank Transaction document)

We sincerely hope our relation will be continued and we will work together like a family.

Thanking you,

Dr. Debasis Bakshi,
Hony. Secy. IRIIM 98311-11317 / 94330-47918

[01/30/19]   January 28, 2019
To
Shri J.P. Nadda
Hon'ble Minister for Health & Family Welfare to Govt. of India
Room No. 348; ‘A’ Wing, Nirman Bhavan,
New Delhi-110 011

Subject: Reminder letter requesting Recognition of Acupuncture as an Independent System of Medicine by Govt. of India and inclusion of all the stakeholders of 3 DHR meets in the preparatory process for granting Recognition

Ref. Letter no. 952745/2018/MIN- HFW of IMEOFICE message to Dr. Debasis Bakshi dated 23.6.18.

Respected Sir,

I, Dr. Debasis Bakshi, on behalf of Acupuncture Science Association (ASA) India, one of the invitee of the high level meeting of Inter-Departmental Committee for identifying new system of medicine/ therapy to consider proposals seeking recognition of ‘Acupuncture’ as a system of medicine, want to draw your kind attention towards the above mentioned subject.

First of all, I convey our heartiest regards to Department of Health Research (DHR) under Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India for taking decision to recommend the status of Acupuncture as an Independent System of Medicine. That will definitely help our Government to provide better and economical healthcare to our nation.

Secondly, we pray and firmly believe that Ministry will take the right judgment, which is long awaited, by giving independent status of Acupuncture but not under or attached with Naturopathy or any other pathy. Acupuncture cannot be clubbed with / under any existing system as it has no similarity with any existing system of medicine including Naturopathy. Acupuncture fulfills all the criteria of a standalone separate system of medicine i.e. basic principle & philosophy, aetiology, pathogenesis, differential diagnosis, treatment, management, prevention of chronic & acute ailments, treatment devices and methodology. Moreover in the definition of Naturopathy by AYUSH, it is clearly mentioned that "Naturopathy is a non-invasive system using only the natural elements". Whereas Acupuncture is an invasive method mainly administered by the Acupuncture needle which is not at all natural in any sense. The detailed document in this regard has already been presented and submitted to DHR, Govt. of India. If required we are ready to submit to your office.
Sir,
Lately my attention was drawn by some acupuncture practitioners to some irresponsible and misleading social media posts circulated by some people. It appears that some people with vested interests are trying to exploit this move of Govt. of India to recognize Acupuncture system by posing themselves as very important persons too deeply involved in recognition process of Govt. of India. Many of the acupuncture practitioners are mislead by these posts and they are approaching them with high hopes for registration and employment. This situation is required to be remedied by discouraging such social media posts and by clarifying the fact that Govt. of India had earlier consulted 4 organisations active in Acupuncture and that Govt. of India will take all of them into confidence while passing any recognition order effecting future of this system.

We sincerely believe that Govt. of India will Recognise Acupuncture as an Independent System of Medicine at the earliest and involve all the stakeholders of the above mentioned DHR meets for Acupuncture Recognition in this unique preparatory process. For your kind information, ASA India is an independent body is not under any network or platform. But ASA India work in coordination with all the like minded organisations or platform for a common cause as done in all the 3 DHR meets.

Eagerly waiting for your kind consideration at the earliest, NAMASKAR.

Thanking you,

Yours truely,
Sd/-
(Dr. Debasis Bakshi)
M.B.B.S (Cal), P.G. Certificate in Acupuncture, Nanjing, China
Registered Acupuncturist (Part A) by Council of Acupuncture Therapy,
Govt. of West Bengal
GENERAL SECRETARY, ACUPUNCTURE SCIENCE ASSOCIATION (ASA) INDIA
Email: [email protected]

Indian Research Institute for Integrated Medicine (IRIIM)

PL. COMMUNICATE TO ALL TO JOIN THIS STANDARD BASIC COURSE STARTING FROM DEC.20, 2018 ON BASIC ACUPUNCTURE AS PER WHO GUIDELINE.
LAST OF ADMISSION IS DECEMBER 6,2018

PL. COMMUNICATE TO ALL TO JOIN THIS STANDARD BASIC COURSE STARTING FROM DEC.20, 2018 ON BASIC ACUPUNCTURE AS PER WHO GUIDELINE.
LAST OF ADMISSION IS DECEMBER 6,2018

Indian Research Institute for Integrated Medicine (IRIIM)

Remembering Prof. Dr. Krishna Dalal
(An Untiring Traveller & Learner for the Cause of Integrated Health Science in India)
D.O.B. 19.09.1950 Santipur, Nadia, West Bengal
D.O.D. 06.09.2018 New Delhi

Remembering Prof. Dr. Krishna Dalal
(An Untiring Traveller & Learner for the Cause of Integrated Health Science in India)
D.O.B. 19.09.1950 Santipur, Nadia, West Bengal
D.O.D. 06.09.2018 New Delhi

Indian Research Institute for Integrated Medicine (IRIIM)

Indian Research Institute for Integrated Medicine (IRIIM)

Photos from Indian Research Institute for Integrated Medicine (IRIIM)'s post

Indian Research Institute for Integrated Medicine (IRIIM)

JOIN ASA INDIA,, BE A MEMBER OF THE LARGEST ASSOCIATION OF ACUPUNCTURISTS IN INDIA COVERING MEMBERS IN 23 STATES OF INDIA AND 8 FOREIGN COUNTRIES

JOIN ASA INDIA,, BE A MEMBER OF THE LARGEST ASSOCIATION OF ACUPUNCTURISTS IN INDIA COVERING MEMBERS IN 23 STATES OF INDIA AND 8 FOREIGN COUNTRIES

Indian Research Institute for Integrated Medicine (IRIIM)

IRIIM HOWRAH CONDUCTED TRAINING COURSES IN 2018-19

IRIIM HOWRAH CONDUCTED TRAINING COURSES IN 2018-19

OUR HOMAGE TO DR. BEJOY KUMAR BASU MB (CAL) MEMBER OF HISTORIC INDIAN MEDICAL MISSION TO CHINA (1938-42)

OUR GREAT TEACHER DR. BASU CHANGED OUR WHOLE LIFE FROM BEING ONLY AN ALLOPATHY PRACTITIONER TO AN ACUPUNCTURIST WHEN WE WERE MERE STUDENTS IN KOLKATA MEDICAL COLLEGE.

IN THE GROUP PHOTO:
Dr. B.K. Basu, Mrs. Indiara Basu and we 4 students at Dr.Basu's Residence in 1971-72
From Left-
Dr.Chandana Mitra, Dr. Bani Prasad Dutta, Dr. Mrigen Gantait & Dr.Debasis Bakshi

Debasis Bakshi is with Tenzin Palzom and 7 others.
Just now ·
IRIIM conducted 3 fully residential Acupuncture certificate courses (from July'17 to June'18 )in 3 batches covering 35 Acupuncturists from more than 15 states.
NEXT BATCH WILL START FROM AUGUST 2, 2018 COVERING A TOTAL PERIOD OF MINIMUM 3 MONTHS. COURSE WILL COVER FULLY RESIDENTIAL TEACHING (THEORY, PRACTICE & CLINIC) IN 2 SESSIONS BY IRIIM SENIOR MOST FACULTIES ALONG WITH SEPARATE COMPULSORY INTERNSHIP UNDER GUIDANCE.
PL. VISIT FOR DETAILS: www.iriim.org

Dr. Debasis Bakshi
MBBS (Cal), Post Graduate Cert. in Acupuncture (Nanjing University of Traditional Medicine, CHINA)
Registered Acupuncturist (Part A) by Council of Acupuncture Therapy, Govt. of West Bengal
Director, Principal, Head Dept. of Acupuncture & Integrated Medicine,
Dr. Ranajit Memorial Hospital & Acupuncture-Yoga-Naturopathy College of Research under
Indian Research Institute for Integrated Medicine (IRIIM)
(Govt. of India Recognised R&D and Govt. of W. Bengal Affiliated Acupuncture & Yoga-NaturopathyTraining Institute)
General Secretary, Acupuncture Science Association (ASA), INDIA([email protected])
H.Q. IRIIM Bhawan, Mourigram Stationpara, P.O.Unsani, Howrah 711 302, W.B. India