Abstract

MANAGEMENT OF GṚDHRASI VATA WITH VYOṢADYA TAILA KAṬI VASTI: A CASE STUDY

M. Ashok Naik* and K. Harshavardhana Appaji

Abstract

Grdhrasi is mentioned under Vataja nanatmaja vyadhi. It is caused by Vāta subsequently there is a Kaphanubandha. The cardinal symptoms of Grdhrasi are Stambha (Stiffness), Ruk (Pain), Toda (Pricking pain), Graha (Tightness) and Spandana (Frequent twitching) in the Sphik, kati, prsta, uru, janu, jangha and psda in order (Ca.Ci28:56). Tandra (Drowsiness), Gaurava (Heaviness) and Aruci (Anorexia) are also found in kaphanubandha type of gṛdhrasi in addition to above symptoms. Susruta explained the involvement of kandara in the pathogenesis of Grdhrasi. He specified that there will be an important sign ‘Sakthnot ksepam nigrhniyat’ i.e., restriction in lifting the affected leg. It maybe worth mentioning here that Acarya Caraka listed the symptomatology of the illness and Acarya Susrta was particular about the signs of disease there by completing the total clinical presentation of Grdhrasi. The signs and symptoms found in Grdhrasi are similar to the condition ‘Sciatica syndrome’ mentioned in modern system of medicine. Sciatica is a term used to explain a set of symptoms including pain, numbness, tingling and weakness starting from the low back and or buttocks and radiating towards the foot through the back of the thigh, knee joint and leg when one or more of the 5 nerve roots forming the sciatic nerve, itself is either compressed or irritated. Vyoṣadya taila (Vṛnda Madhava 22(227– 230)) is selected for the present study, where there is a direct indication for Gridhrasi. Ayurvedic treatment protocol planned with a course of Abhyanga and swedana for 3 days. Kati vasti with Vyoṣadya taila for 14days. The efficacy of treatment was assessed by Objective Parameters (Standard methods of international scoring) and by adopting scoring methods for the Subjective Parameters. Assessment was done initially before the medical intervention, immediately after the completion of treatment.

Keywords: Grdhrasi Vata, Sciatica, Kati Vasti, Vyosadya taila.