Abstract

REVIEW OF VISHWACHI (CERVICAL RADICULOPATHY) AND ITS MANAGEMENT BY SAHACHARA TAILA NASYA

Akhilesh Rawat*, K. K. Sharma and Alok Srivastava

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Abstract

Cervical radiculopathy is a common disorder in the contemporary age, which most often develops as a result of degenerative changes in the cervical spine, usually occurring in people in their fourth and fifth decades of life.[1] These issues are largely caused by excessive screen time, insufficient physical activity, and work-related stress, all of which contribute to an increased number of cases.[2] It interferes with daily life, causing neck pain, radiating pain and sensory changes. The increasing prevalence of cervical radiculopathy highlights the overwhelming role of changing lifestyle patterns on musculoskeletal well-being, necessitating the adoption of preventive measures ahead of time.[3] Ayurveda's Sushruta Samhita Nidana Sthana categorizes Vishwachi as Vata Vikara in the neck and upper limbs with symptoms very much akin to cervical radiculopathy.[4] Both conditions have clinical manifestations of Ruka (Pain), Stambha (Stiffness), Toda (Pricking sensation), Karmakshaya (Functional impairment), and Chestapaharan of Bahu (Arm weakness), with the dominating Dosha being Vata, which is responsible for Shoola (Pain).[5] The article discusses the role of Nasya Karma in the management of Vishwachi. As per Acharya Dalhana, the treatment of Vishwachi is the same as that of Gridhrasi, a disease of the lower limbs, which is divided into Vataja and Vatakaphaja types.[6] Vishwachi also shows remarkable parallels with cervical radiculopathy, a condition of degenerative nature of the cervical spine. In Ayurvedic texts, Nasya Karma is widely used for the treatment of Shirogata Vyadhis (Diseases of the head and neck region). Dhatukshaya (Tissue depletion) has been regarded as a major causative pathological factor in the formation of Vishwachi. The study intends to augment the knowledge base of the disease and its total management. Being an Urdhwajatrugata Vikara (Upper body disorder), Nasya Karma has been projected as the first line of management. Dhatukshaya (Tissue degeneration) and Margavarana (Obstruction of channels) have been considered chief causative factors responsible for symptoms such as Vishwachi. Thus, to evaluate an effective therapy, the current study includes Snehana Nasya with Sahachara Taila.

Keywords: Vishwachi, Cervical radiculopathy, Nasya Karma, Sahachara Taila.