Abstract

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF ARDITA (BELL’S PALSY): A CASE STUDY

Dr. Nehal Patel*, Dr. Dharmik Dave, Dr. Khushbu Gondaliya, Dr. Ratna Patel

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Abstract

Bell’s palsy is an acute idiopathic lower motor neuron facial paralysis. Mainly characterized by sudden onset paralysis or weakness of the muscles to one side of face controlled by the facial nerve. In contemporary medicine steroids and antiviral medicine are choice of treatment. Symptoms of Bell’s palsy similar to Ardita mentioned in Ayurvedic classics which is included amongst the eighty Nanatmaja vata vikara by Acharya Charaka. Navana nasya and Nadi-sweda are prime treatment modalities for Ardita described by Acharya Charaka. Snehana is considered best Vata shamaka. Aim and objective: There are Several works that has been done on Ardita. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of Nasya, Shiropichu and kheerdhooma with Shamana Chikitsa in the management of Ardita. Material and Method: A single case study of 68 years old male patient with left LMN left hemifacial palsy with symptoms of drooping of angle of mouth on left side, difficulty in speech, difficulty in wrinkling of forehead on left side, dribbling of food at the left side of the mouth and numbness in left side of face. He was treated with Nasya of 101 avarti Ksheerabala taila in vardhamana matra, Shiropichu with Bala taila and Dashamoola ksheera dhuma Swedana. Result: After completion of treatment, the patient shown almost complete recovery without any adverse effect within 15 days. Thus, this whole treatment can prove to be effective in management of Ardita by reducing the symptoms and correcting the pathophysiology.

Keywords: Ardita, Bell’s palsy, Nasya, Ksheeradhuma.