Ayurvedic Management of Gridhrasi w.s.r. to Sciatica - A Case Study
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Ayurvedic Management of Gridhrasi w.s.r. to Sciatica - A Case Study
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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Jayashree Gunjigonvi
PG Scholar, Department of PG Studies in Kayachikitsa, S.V.M. Ayurvedic Medical College Ilkal, Karnataka, India.
Venkatesh Polampalli
Assistant Professor, Department of PG Studies in Kayachikitsa, S.V.M. Ayurvedic Medical College Ilkal, Karnataka, India.
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Ayurvedic Management of Gridhrasi w.s.r. to Sciatica - A Case Study
Year: 2021 | Doi: 10.47070/ayushdhara.v8i3.753
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Low back pain is a prevalent issue affecting a significant portion of the population, estimated at 70% to 80%, and it impacts individuals across various age groups. Among the different causes of low back pain, sciatica, or Gridhrasi in Ayurvedic terminology, is particularly notable. This condition is characterized by pain radiating along the sciatic nerve, which extends from the lower back down to one or both legs. While conventional medical treatments often focus on short-term pain relief or surgical interventions, Ayurvedic management offers a holistic approach through therapies aimed at addressing the underlying causes and improving the overall well-being of the patient.
Ayurvedic Management of Gridhrasi
The case study presented elaborates on the Ayurvedic management of a 42-year-old female patient suffering from low back pain radiating to her right lower limb for four years. Following unsuccessful treatments in allopathic settings, the patient sought Ayurvedic intervention at a specialized clinic. The Ayurvedic diagnostics indicated that the condition resembled Gridhrasi, necessitating a treatment plan focused on alleviating Vata dosha-related issues. The management strategy included Panchakarma procedures, notably Kati Basti and Yogabasti, combined with oral medications tailored to address her specific symptoms and improve her quality of life.
Prominent Treatment Techniques
One of the standout treatment techniques highlighted in the study is Kati Basti, a procedure utilizing Kottamchukkadi taila, which effectively alleviates pain and stiffness in the lower back area. This targeted therapy enhances blood circulation, reduces swelling, and provides relief in the surrounding soft tissues. Another critical procedure was the use of Niruha Basti, specifically Erandamoola, known for its Vata-haring properties. Together, these treatments resulted in remarkable amelioration of the patient's symptoms, as evidenced by significant improvements in her ability to perform daily activities and a marked reduction in pain, which was quantitatively assessed through various parameters.
Conclusion
This case study exemplifies the efficacy of Ayurvedic treatments in the management of Gridhrasi, particularly in cases resistant to conventional methods. The comprehensive approach, integrating Shodhana (purification) and Shamana (palliative) therapies, proves to be effective in providing lasting relief from chronic pain without adverse side effects. The positive outcomes observed in this patient underscore the potential of Ayurvedic practices as a reliable form of treatment for individuals suffering from sciatica and related conditions, advocating for further exploration and application of such holistic methodologies in contemporary healthcare settings.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the primary complaint of the patient in the case study?
The patient, a 42-year-old female, primarily experienced low back pain radiating to the right lower limb, which she had been suffering from for four years, causing difficulty in walking and sitting.
What Ayurvedic treatments were used for managing Gridhrasi in this case?
The treatment included Kati basti with Kottamchukkadi taila, Sarvangabasphasweda, and two types of Basti (Niruha and Anuvasana), alongside oral medications like Sahacharadi kasaya and Cap Neuro XT.
How effective was the Ayurvedic treatment in improving the patient's condition?
After treatment, the patient showed significant improvement in symptoms, with the Oswestry Disability Score reducing from 68.88% to 22.22%, indicating moderate disability and allowing better daily activity performance.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Ayurvedic Management of Gridhrasi w.s.r. to Sciatica - A Case Study�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Pain:
Pain is a primary symptom experienced in a condition like Sciatica (Gridhrasi), characterized by radiating discomfort along the lower back and legs.
2) Gridhrasi (Gridhrashi, Grdhrasi):
Gridhrasi, synonymous with Sciatica in modern medicine, involves symptoms like pain starting from the hip (Sphik) and radiating down to the foot (Pada).
3) Basti:
Basti is an Ayurvedic therapeutic procedure involving medicated enemas to treat conditions like Gridhrasi. Specific types include Niruha Basti and Anuvasana Basti.
4) Varanasi (Varanashi):
Varanasi is referenced as the location of the publisher Chaukambha Orientalia, which published foundational Ayurvedic texts like Charaka Samhita and Astanga Hridayam.
5) Taila (Thaila):
Taila refers to medicinal oils used in Ayurvedic treatments like Katibasti for managing conditions like Gridhrasi. Examples include Kottamchukkadi Taila and Sahacharadi Taila.
6) Kati:
Kati refers to the waist or lower back region, a primary area affected in Gridhrasi, where pains originate before radiating down the leg.
7) Kashaya (Kasaya):
Kasaya is a type of herbal decoction used for internal medicine in Ayurveda. Sahacharadi Kasaya is used in the treatment detailed in the study.
8) Food:
Food (Ahara) is noted for its relevance in causing or alleviating symptoms based on its qualities, such as Katu and Ruksha, which can impact Vatadosha.
9) Niruhabasti (Niruha-basti):
Niruha Basti, also known as Eandamoola Niruha Basti, is a type of medicated decoction enema used to alleviate symptoms of Gridhrasi.
10) Niruha:
Niruha refers to a cleansing enema used in Panchakarma therapy, often effective in treating conditions like Gridhrasi.
11) Janu:
Jaanu denotes the knee area, one of the regions affected by pain in a condition like Gridhrasi where pain radiates from the lower back.
12) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa can refer to taste or essence but in this context, it forms part of the Dusya in pathology, influencing the symptoms in conditions like Gridhrasi.
13) Vatavyadhi (Vata-vyadhi):
Vatavyadhi encompasses diseases caused by an imbalance in Vatadosha, including Gridhrasi, which is associated with symptoms like pain and stiffness.
14) Ashtavarga (Astavarga, Ashtan-varga):
Astavarga refers to specific therapeutic formulations in Ayurveda. Astavarga Kasaya is mentioned as part of the follow-up medication in the case study.
15) Stiffness:
Stiffness (Stamba) is one of the symptoms of Gridhrasi, indicating rigidity and reduced movement in the affected limbs.
16) Shodhana (Sodhana):
Shodhana refers to detoxification or cleansing processes in Ayurveda, crucial for managing Gridhrasi through therapies like Basti and Panchakarma.
17) Samhita:
Samhita denotes classical Ayurvedic texts that outline foundational principles and treatments. Charaka Samhita is frequently referenced in the study.
18) Chandra:
Vd. Harish Chandra Singh is an author cited for the Charaka Samhita, providing classical Ayurvedic guidelines relevant to managing Gridhrasi.
19) Jangha (Jana-ogha, Jamgha):
Jangha indicates the calf region, another area where pain manifests in the condition of Gridhrasi, extending from the lower back.
20) Sutra:
Sutra in Ayurvedic context refers to aphorisms or principles that guide treatments; the Chikitsa Sutra for Gridhrasi includes Basti, Siravyadha, and Agnikarma.
21) Sarvangasundara (Sarvanga-sundara, Sarvamgasumdara):
Sarvanga-sundara is a commentary on the Astanga Hridayam by Vagbhata, providing explanations on the therapeutic approaches mentioned in classical texts.
22) Indriyasthana (Indriya-sthana):
Indriyasthana is a section in Charaka Samhita dealing with sensory and diagnostic principles, important for understanding disorders like Gridhrasi.
23) Arunadatta:
Arunadatta is a commentator on Ayurvedic texts such as Astanga Hridayam, offering insights into classical treatment approaches for conditions like Gridhrasi.
24) Samprapti:
Samprapti outlines the pathogenesis of a disease in Ayurveda, detailing the Nidan sevan leading to Vatavruddi and subsequent symptoms in Gridhrasi.
25) Karnataka:
Karnataka is mentioned as the location where the Ayurvedic medical college and hospital involved in the case study are situated.
26) Vatadosha (Vatadosa, Vata-dosha):
Vatadosha is the dosha primarily responsible for Gridhrasi, characterized by qualities like dryness and roughness leading to symptoms of pain and stiffness.
27) Agnikarma (Agni-karma):
Agnikarma involves the use of thermal cautery to treat specific conditions, including Gridhrasi, by providing pain relief and managing dosha imbalances.
28) Vagbhata:
Vagbhata is the author of the Astanga Hridayam, a key text in Ayurveda prescribing treatments including Basti and Agnikarma for conditions like Gridhrasi.
29) Sanskrit:
Sanskrit is the classical language in which foundational Ayurvedic texts like Charaka Samhita and Astanga Hridayam are written.
30) Sundara (Shundara, Sumdara):
Sundara refers to the Sarvanga Sundara commentary on Astanga Hridayam, which elucidates classical Ayurvedic treatments relevant to conditions like Gridhrasi.
31) Ashtanga (Astanga, Ashtan-anga):
Astanga refers to the Astanga Hridayam, a classical Ayurvedic text by Vagbhata, outlining treatments for disorders such as Gridhrasi.
32) Samana (Shamana):
Shamana therapy involves palliative treatments in Ayurveda aimed at managing symptoms and dosha imbalances, as applied in Gridhrasi.
33) Disease:
Disease in this case is referring to Gridhrasi (Sciatica), which involves symptoms like radiating pain and requires treatments like Katibasti and Basti.
34) Vaidya:
Vaidya refers to a traditional Ayurvedic practitioner, such as Bhisagacharya Vaidya, who is cited in the study for classical treatments.
35) Nature:
Nature here could refer to the natural characteristics (Swabhava) of a disease, like Chirakari, which denotes long-standing conditions as seen in Gridhrasi.
36) Dosha (Dosa):
Dosha are the three bodily humors in Ayurveda (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), with Vatadosha primarily responsible for conditions like Gridhrasi.
37) Ganda (Gamda):
Ganda in this context refers to Ganda Taila, an oil used for its Vatapittahara properties to strengthen bones and manage Gridhrasi symptoms.
38) Shula (Sula):
Shula translates to pain, a major symptom in conditions like Gridhrasi, where it is often addressed through therapies like Katibasti and Basti.
39) India:
India is the context where this Ayurvdeic treatment and study took place, specifically in Karnataka and referencing Varanasi for classical texts.
40) Viman:
Viman is one of the sections of Charaka Samhita, encompassing essential principles including those for conditions like Gridhrasi.
41) Sphik:
Sphik refers to the hip region from where the pain of Gridhrasi typically originates before radiating downward.
42) Katu:
Katu refers to the pungent taste, one of the dietary qualities implicated in aggravating Vatadosha and contributing to conditions like Gridhrasi.
43) Vata:
Vata is one of the three doshas whose imbalance results in conditions like Gridhrasi, characterized by symptoms like pain and stiffness.
44) Anuvasanabasti (Anuvasana-basti):
Anuvasana-Basti are oil-based enemas in Ayurveda, used for their soothing and balancing effects on Vatadosha, beneficial in Gridhrasi.
45) Vatapittahara (Vatapitta-hara):
Vatapittahara describes substances or treatments that pacify both Vata and Pitta doshas, important in managing complex conditions like Gridhrasi.
46) Tridoshahara (Tridosahara, Tridosha-hara):
Tridoshahara denotes treatments effective against all three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), such as those mentioned for the comprehensive management of Gridhrasi.
47) Inflammation:
Inflammation in Gridhrasi is managed through Ayurvedic therapies like Katibasti, using medicated oils like Kottamchukkadi Taila to reduce swelling.
48) Bastikarman (Bastikarma, Basti-karman, Basti-karma):
Bastikarma refers to enema therapies in Panchakarma, effective in treating Vatavyadhi conditions like Gridhrasi through procedures like Niruha Basti.
49) Discussion:
Discussion in this context evaluates the efficacy of Ayurvedic treatments like Basti and Katibasti in managing the symptoms and pathogenesis of Gridhrasi.
50) Anuvasana:
Anuvasana, a type of oil enema, is used to pacify Vatadosha in conditions like Gridhrasi, aiding in pain relief and lubrication of tissues.
51) Lekhaniya:
Lekhaniya drugs, utilized in therapies like the application of Kottamchukkadi Taila, help in conditions like Gridhrasi by scraping away toxins and promoting healing.
52) Ashtavidha (Astavidha, Ashtan-vidha):
Astavidha Pariksha refers to the eightfold examination in Ayurveda, used to diagnose and assess the patient's condition, such as identifying Vatakaphaja gridhrasi.
53) Kaphavata (Kapha-vata):
Kaphavata denotes the combined influence of Kapha and Vata doshas, conditions in which these doshas are imbalanced often involve symptoms seen in Gridhrasi.
54) Suradaru (Sura-daru):
Suradaru, one of the ingredients in Sahacharadi Kasaya, is used for its therapeutic properties in Ayurveda, helping to balance doshas and alleviate symptoms of Gridhrasi.
55) Pariksha (Pariksa):
Pariksha, meaning examination, is vital in diagnosing and formulating treatment plans in Ayurveda, as applied to conditions like Gridhrasi through various diagnostic criteria.
56) Vatahara (Vata-ahara):
Vatahara describes substances or treatments that alleviate Vata-related disorders, essential in managing conditions like Gridhrasi where Vata is the primary dosha involved.
57) Medicine:
Medicine in this context refers to the Ayurvedic formulations and therapies used to treat Gridhrasi, like Panchakarma procedures, Taila applications, and oral decoctions (Kasaya).
58) Swelling:
Swelling is a symptom associated with Gridhrasi, targeted by treatments like Katibasti with anti-inflammatory oils such as Kottamchukkadi Taila.
59) Tamarind:
Tamarind, referred to as Chincha Rasa, is an ingredient in Kottamchukkadi Taila, used for its properties in Ayurvedic treatments for conditions like Gridhrasi.
60) Snehana:
Snehana therapy involves oleation, used in treatments like Katibasti, to soothe and balance Vatadosha in conditions like Gridhrasi.
61) Sparsha (Sparsa):
Sparsha refers to touch, an aspect of Astavidha Pariksha, used in physical examination to assess the condition in disorders like Gridhrasi.
62) Prakara:
Prakara denotes the type or nature, in this context, Srotodusti Prakara refers to the obstruction in channels as part of the pathology of Gridhrasi.
63) Ghataka:
Samprapti Ghataka outlines the factors involved in the pathogenesis of a disease like Gridhrasi, detailing doshas, dhatus, and srotas involved.
64) Samaka (Shamaka):
Shamaka describes medicines or therapies that pacify doshas, important in the management of Gridhrasi to alleviate symptoms and restore balance.
65) Amavata (Ama-vata):
Amavata is a condition involving accumulation of toxins (Ama) and Vata, similar in nature to Gridhrasi, treated with preparations like Kottamchukkadi Taila.
66) Shabda (Sabda):
Shabda, or sound, is one aspect of Astavidha Pariksha, used to assess patients in Ayurveda, but has limited direct application in Gridhrasi examination.
67) Ruksha (Ruksa):
Ruksha (Dryness) is a quality of Vata that worsens conditions like Gridhrasi, leading to increased pain and stiffness, addressed by Snehana (oleation) therapies.
68) Vihara:
Vihara refers to lifestyle factors influencing health. Lack of proper sleep (Vihara) is mentioned as a contributing factor to Vatadosha imbalances causing Gridhrasi.
69) Tandra (Tamdra):
Tandra (lethargy) is a symptom associated with Kaphavata aggravation in Gridhrasi, characterizing the heaviness and reduced mobility in the patient.
70) Srotas (Shrotas):
Srotas refers to the bodily channels or systems involved in the pathogenesis of Gridhrasi, particularly the Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa, Asthi, and Majja Srotas.
71) Vataja (Vata-ja):
Vataja conditions are disorders primarily caused by Vata dosha imbalance, such as Gridhrasi, characterized by pain and stiffness radiating from the lower back.
72) Shosha (Sosa):
Shosha refers to wasting or emaciation, often linked with chronic Vata disorders like Gridhrasi, where muscle and nerve-related issues are prevalent.
73) Stamba:
Stamba (stiffness) is a symptom of Gridhrasi due to Vata aggravation, characterized by rigidity and reduced mobility in affected limbs.
74) Bitter:
Bitter (Tikta) tastes, like those in some medications used for Gridhrasi, are known to pacify heat and dryness by balancing Pitta and Vata doshas.
75) Kalpa:
Kalpa refers to formulations or recipes in Ayurveda, like those mentioned in the Charaka Samhita, relevant for preparing medications for Gridhrasi.
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 98]
Other Science Concepts:
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