Abstract

A RANDOMISED CLINICAL STUDY TO EVALUATE THE EFFECT OF NITYA VIRECHANA AND SNEHA PURVAK VIRECHANA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF PAKSHAGHATA

Savita Gupta*, Niranjan Rao, Padmakiran C. and Sandesh Shetty

.

Abstract

Background: Pakshaghata, commonly correlated with stroke or hemiplegia, is a major disorder described in Ayurveda under Vatavyadhi. Virechana, a purificatory therapy, is advocated in its management. This study evaluates the effectiveness of Nitya Virechana and Sneha Purvak Virechana in the treatment of Pakshaghata. Methods: A randomized clinical study was conducted with 30 patients divided into two groups: Group A (Nitya Virechana) and Group B (Sneha Purvak Virechana). Patients underwent treatment for 7–10 days, followed by a 14-day observation period. Assessments were conducted using subjective parameters (clinical symptoms) and objective parameters (muscle strength, reflexes, and sensory functions). Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: Both treatment groups showed improvement in clinical symptoms and motor function, with Group B demonstrating marginally better outcomes in knee flexion, elbow flexion, and deep tendon reflexes. However, changes in muscle tone, speech loss, and foot drop were statistically nonsignificant in both groups. Conclusion: Sneha Purvak Virechana exhibited slightly superior efficacy in motor recovery compared to Nitya Virechana. Further large-scale studies with extended follow-up periods are needed to substantiate these findings.

Keywords: Pakshaghata, Virechana Karma, Snehana, Swedana, Gandharva Hastadi Eranda taila, Stroke.