Abstract

EFFECTIVENESS OF ASHWAGANDHA SIDDHA TAILADHARA IN MANAGEMENT OF AVASADA (DEPRESSION) IN ELDERLY PERSONS-A PILOT STUDY

*Dr. Deshmukh Prashant Nareshrao and Dr. Talekar Manisha Tatobaji

Abstract

Introduction: In Indian culture and tradition there is much more importance given to elderly people. But many of them suffer from psychological problems due to mental changes, breakdown in family values and support, economic insecurity, Social isolation which leads to Depression. Shirodhara especially Tailadhara is a well-known Ayurvedic Panchakarma procedure in which medicated oil pour over the fore head of the patient. It is used popularly in Ayurveda practice for the management of headache, insomnia, hypertension and depression. Material and methods: This pilot study has been taken to evaluate the efficacy of Ashwagandha Siddha Tailadhara in the management of Avasada (Depression). For the present study, 10 patients fulfilling the diagnostic criteria of Avasada (depression) were selected from O.P.D. and I.P.D. of Roga Nidana Evam Vikriti Vigyan department of National Institute of Ayurveda Jaipur. The efficacy of Tailadhara was evaluated on the basis of improvement in subjective sign and symptom of Avasada and decrease in HDRS (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale) score. Result: The Ashwagandha Siddha Tailadhara showed statistically highly significant (P<0.0001) improvement in Dukhatva, Atmano Ashaktataa, Apraharsha and in terms of HDRS it showed statistically highly significant result in Insomnia: middle of the night (P=0.0005), Insomnia: early hours of the morning improvement (P=0.0005). It is a quit effective and non- habit forming procedure. Conclusion: The Ashwagandha Siddha Tailadhara is very effective in management Avasada (depression). The study reveals that Tailadhara has a great stress relieving and tranquilizing effect.

Keywords: Depression, Avasada, Ashwagandha, Tailadhara.