Abstract

GRIDHRASI: AN AYURVEDIC POINT OF VIEW

Dr. Sandhya Kushwaha* and Dr. Padma Lochan Sankhua

Abstract

Each and every human being desire to live a happy and comfortable life but the changing life style of modern era has created several disharmonies in his biological system. Due to the increased and prevalent improper food habits, busy and overexerting day to day work in addition to lack of proper sleep, the modern-era human is more susceptible to increased incidences of musculoskeletal disorders. The pain arising from the lumbar region and radiating to the foot through thigh, knee, leg and ankle has become a common phenomenon in this present era. These common features are described in Ayurveda as Gridhrasi. Gridhrasi comes under Vata Vyadhi, having symptoms like Toda (piercing pain), Spandana (twitching), Graha (rigidity), Stambha (stiffness) and Vedana (Pain) radiating from Kati-Pradesh (lumbosacral region) to Padanguli (foot). On the basis of the symptom’s sciatica can be correlated with Gridhrasi in Ayurveda. It is common between 41-50 yrs. of age. It is a pain dominant disease and reduces human activity in terms of personal as well as social and professional life. Ayurveda categorized Gridhrasi as one of diseases caused by vitiation of Vata which is responsible for the movement and functions of the body, even Kapha vitiation along with Vata also causes Vata-Kaphaja Gridhrasi. As far as treatment of the disease sciatica is concerned, use of analgesics and physiotherapy will help to certain extent but are not the ultimate cure. Surgery is moreover expensive, and again there are chances of recurrence as well. Ayurveda gives better options in the management of this painful disorder.

Keywords: Gridhrasi, Sciatica, Vata, Kapha, Ayurveda, Chikitsa.