Abstract

AN INTEGRATED APPROACH TO VISARPA VYADHI: A CASE STUDY

Pooja Nijanand Adkine* and Siddharth S. Parchure

Abstract

Visarpa is a common skin disorder mentioned in Ayurvedic texts, characterized by the spreading of disease in various directions across the body. It is considered to be caused by an imbalance of Dhatus and Doshas, particularly Pitta dosha, and corresponds to herpes zoster (Shingles) in modern medicine, which is caused by the Varicella zoster virus. Visarpa presents with symptoms such as burning sensation (Daha), fever (Jwara), swelling (Anunnatashopha), and pain (Vedana). The prevalence of skin diseases like Visarpa is significant, with 20-30% of the population affected by various skin ailments. The incidence of herpes zoster ranges from 3.9 to 11.8 per 1,000 individuals annually, with higher recurrence rates among immunosuppressed patients. Ayurvedic treatment for Visarpa often includes Raktamokshan, specifically jaloukavacharana (leech therapy), which has shown to be highly effective in managing the condition. The case Presented here is 77 year female who came with complaints of Pitika over right upper limb, lower limb and neck region along with Severe kandu and daha since 6 days. Assessment of treatment was done on the basis of improvement of signs and symptoms of visarpa vyadhi. Main aim of managing visarpa is shaman chikitsa, local ointments (Bahyaupchar) and Raktamokshan along with modern medicines.

Keywords: Visarpa, Skin, Ayurveda, Anunnatshopha, Shaman chikitsa, Bahyaupchar, Raktamokshan.