Integrated Panchakarma for Managing Trigeminal Neuralgia
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: An Integrated Approach Through Panchakarma in the Management of Trigeminal Neuralgia W.S.R Anantavata
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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Anjani S Pai
PG Scholar, Department of Panchakarma, Government Ayurveda Medical College, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
Shaila Borannavar
Professor, Department of Panchakarma, Government Ayurveda Medical College, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
Ananta S Desai
Professor and Head, Department of Panchakarma, Government Ayurveda Medical College, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: An Integrated Approach Through Panchakarma in the Management of Trigeminal Neuralgia W.S.R Anantavata
Year: 2024 | Doi: 10.47070/ayushdhara.v11i2.1533
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Trigeminal neuralgia, often referred to as tic douloureux, is recognized as an extremely painful condition linked to the disorder of the fifth cranial nerve, characterized by sharp, paroxysmal facial pain. This condition correlates with the Ayurvedic concept of Anantavata, which is marked by symptoms of extreme pain and discomfort primarily affecting the head and neck areas. The chronic nature of trigeminal neuralgia can severely impact the quality of life, often leading patients to rely on pharmacological interventions, such as analgesics and antidepressants. An integrated treatment approach that aims to address the root causes of the condition, relieve pain, and prevent its recurrence is essential.
The Importance of Panchakarma in Treatment
The application of Panchakarma in the management of trigeminal neuralgia involves a series of Ayurvedic therapeutic procedures that focus on detoxification and restoration of balance within the body. The case study highlighted a 57-year-old female patient suffering from facial numbness, shocking sensations, and pain radiating to her upper limbs. The treatment initiated with various therapies, including Sarvanga Abhyanga and Nasya, significantly reduced her symptoms. Notably, the incorporation of Mukhabhyanga improved facial muscle tension and circulation, while Shirodhara provided deep relaxation, addressing both physical and psychological aspects of the condition. This combination not only alleviated pain but also enhanced the patient's overall well-being.
The Role of Shamanoushadhi
In addition to physical treatments, the use of Shamanoushadhi (herbal medication) plays a crucial role in managing trigeminal neuralgia. Various formulations were prescribed, such as Vata vidwamsaka Rasa, Rasna Erandadi Kashaya, and Shirashooladi Vajra Rasa, all aimed at addressing Vata imbalances in the body and alleviating symptoms associated with pain and discomfort. This pharmacological approach complements the Panchakarma treatments by targeting underlying imbalances and reinforcing the therapeutic benefits of the physical interventions. The comprehensive management plan resulted in a remarkable 70% improvement in the patient's condition.
Conclusion
The management of trigeminal neuralgia through an Ayurvedic lens, specifically using Panchakarma and Shamanoushadhi, offers a holistic alternative to conventional treatments. This case study exemplifies the effectiveness of integrated approaches in not only alleviating symptoms but also improving quality of life and preventing recurrence. By addressing both the physiological and psychological aspects of trigeminal neuralgia, this methodology showcases the potential of Ayurvedic treatments in managing complex neurological conditions, advocating for a shift towards more comprehensive care strategies in modern medicine.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is trigeminal neuralgia and how is it characterized?
Trigeminal neuralgia is a severe paroxysmal facial pain disorder affecting the 5th cranial nerve. Symptoms include intense, shocking pain in the face, often triggered by simple actions such as chewing or brushing teeth.
How does Panchakarma treat trigeminal neuralgia effectively?
Panchakarma employs therapies like Abhyanga, Nasya, and Shirodhara to alleviate pain, strengthen affected areas, and prevent recurrence. These treatments focus on reducing Vata dosha and enhancing overall health, thus improving the patient's quality of life.
What improvements did the patient experience after treatment?
The patient reported significant reductions in facial hyperaesthesia, shocking sensations, and headache frequency. Overall, there was a 70% improvement in symptoms, leading to better sleep quality and fewer reliance on medications.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Integrated Panchakarma for Managing Trigeminal Neuralgia�. 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) Vata:
In the context of Ayurvedic medicine, Vata refers to one of the three fundamental bodily humors. In the source text, Vata is a key component related to trigeminal neuralgia corresponding to Vata disorders, indicating an imbalance that causes intense discomfort and pain in specific areas such as the head and neck.
2) Pain:
Pain is a primary symptom experienced by patients with trigeminal neuralgia, described as severe, sharp, and often debilitating. Addressing pain through various Panchakarma treatments such as Nasya, Shirodhara, and Abhyanga is central to improving the patient's quality of life.
3) Nasya (Nashya):
Nasya is one of the Ayurvedic Panchakarma therapies involving the administration of medicinal oils or powders through the nostrils. This treatment was found effective in reducing facial hyperaesthesia, shocking sensations, and recurrence of headaches in the discussed case.
4) Pradesha (Pradesa):
Pradesha refers to bodily regions or areas. In the text, it is mentioned that trigeminal neuralgia affects the Manya, Hanu, Shiras, Lalatadi Pradesha, which are specific anatomical regions affected by the condition.
5) Shirodhara (Sirodhara, Shiras-dhara):
Shirodhara is a therapeutic procedure involving the continuous pouring of medicated liquids over the forehead. It significantly reduced symptoms like shocking sensations and hyperaesthesia, and improved sleep quality in the patient.
6) Sthana:
[see source text or glossary: Sthana]
7) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa in Ayurveda refers to the essential essence formed after the initial digestion and is one of the Dhatus (body tissues). In the context of trigeminal neuralgia, Rasa is considered a Dushya (affected tissue) due to the involvement of Rasa in the pathology.
8) Gandusa (Gandusha, Gamdusa, Gamdusha):
Gandusha is a therapeutic gargling treatment where a medicinal liquid is held in the mouth. The text describes its use with Dashamoola Kashaya to alleviate symptoms related to facial paralysis and head ailments.
9) Kashaya (Kasaya):
Kashaya refers to medicinal decoctions. Dashamoola Kashaya is specifically cited in the context of reducing Vata-related disorders and strengthening muscles and nerves impacted by conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia.
10) Bhasma (Bhasman):
[see source text or glossary: Bhasma]
11) Akshi (Aksi):
In Ayurvedic terms, Akshi refers to the eye. The text discusses various symptoms including Akshi Roga, which are disorders related to the eyes, a part of the trigeminal neuralgia's symptomatology.
12) Madhyama:
[see source text or glossary: Madhyama]
13) Shuddha (Suddha):
[see source text or glossary: Shuddha]
14) Kriya:
[see source text or glossary: Kriya]
15) Taila (Thaila):
Taila refers to medicinal oils used in different Ayurvedic treatments. Different Tailas like Sahacharadi Taila and Ksheerabala Taila were used for Abhyanga and Nasya to alleviate Vata disorders in trigeminal neuralgia.
16) Tridosha (Tridosa, Tri-dosha):
Tridosha signifies the three bodily humors: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Trigeminal neuralgia, identified as Anantavata in Ayurveda, involves Tridosha Vaishamya or imbalance, integrating therapeutic approaches to harmonize these elements.
17) Vatahara (Vata-ahara):
Vatahara refers to treatments that mitigate Vata dosha. The text explains procedures including Mukhabhyanga and Nasya with Vatahara properties, which were effective in alleviating symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia.
18) Kapha:
Kapha is one of the three doshas, representing stability and structure. Treatments are often designed to balance Vata and Kapha, especially when Kapha Sthana is afflicted with Vata, as described with Dhanvantara Taila Nasya.
19) Rasna (Rashna, Rasona, Rasa-una):
[see source text or glossary: Rasna]
20) Sira (Shira):
[see source text or glossary: Sira]
21) Roga:
Roga signifies disease or ailment. The term is frequently used in context with various Ayurvedic treatments aiming to manage conditions like trigeminal neuralgia, correlated with Anantavata in Ayurveda.
22) Pratimarshanasya (Pratimarsanasya, Pratimarsha-nasya):
Pratimarsha-nasya is a form of Nasya therapy where a small dose of medicated oil is administered daily. The patient in the text was advised this treatment post-discharge to maintain the therapeutic effects and prevent recurrence.
23) Pittahara (Pitta-hara):
[see source text or glossary: Pittahara]
24) Brimhana (Brmhana):
Brimhana denotes nourishing or replenishing therapies. These treatments are critical after Vata and Kapha dosha balancing to fortify the depleted tissues, ensuring long-term relief in conditions like trigeminal neuralgia.
25) Avarana:
Avarana involves the obstruction of normal bodily functions, typically by an aggravated dosha. The treatment protocol included measures to remove Avarana, ensuring the unobstructed functioning of Vata for pain alleviation.
26) Anjani (Amjani):
[see source text or glossary: Anjani]
27) Vyadhin (Vyadhi):
Vyadhi refers to disease. In the context of the text, Anantavata is a Vyadhi identified with trigeminal neuralgia, necessitating specific Ayurvedic interventions to manage its symptoms.
28) Mamsa (Mamsha):
[see source text or glossary: Mamsa]
29) Rakta:
[see source text or glossary: Rakta]
30) Avara:
[see source text or glossary: Avara]
31) Kampa:
[see source text or glossary: Kampa]
32) Manya:
Manya refers to the neck region. The text describes pain and symptoms affecting the neck, emphasizing treatments focusing on relieving Vata disorders localized in this area.
33) Ruja:
Ruja means pain. The treatment aimed at alleviating the severe pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia, utilizing Panchakarma procedures and medicinal formulations.
34) Bala:
[see source text or glossary: Bala]
35) Bhru:
[see source text or glossary: Bhru]
36) Sthanasamshraya (Sthanasamsraya, Sthana-samshraya):
Sthana-samshraya refers to the localization of disease in specific body parts. The text correlates trigeminal neuralgia with Anantavata, where doshic imbalance takes Sthana-samshraya in regions like the neck and head.
37) Shuddhagandhaka (Suddhagandhaka, Shuddha-gandhaka):
[see source text or glossary: Shuddha-gandhaka]
38) Shuddhaparada (Suddhaparada, Shuddha-parada):
[see source text or glossary: Shuddha-parada]
39) Tamrabhasma (Tamra-bhasma):
[see source text or glossary: Tamra-bhasma]
40) Jatharagni (Jathara-agni):
[see source text or glossary: Jatharagni]
41) Akshiroga (Aksiroga, Akshi-roga):
Akshiroga refers to eye disorders. The study includes this term as part of symptomatic manifestations in trigeminal neuralgia, treated through specific Ayurvedic interventions.
42) Vajrarasa (Vajra-rasa):
[see source text or glossary: Vajra-rasa]
43) Gandhaka (Gamdhaka):
[see source text or glossary: Gandhaka]
44) Abhyanga (Abhyamga):
Abhyanga is a type of therapeutic massage with oil. The procedure, using Sahacharadi Taila and Ksheerabala Taila, provided notable relief in pain and other symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia.
45) Pradhana:
[see source text or glossary: Pradhana]
46) Rasayana (Rasa-ayana):
Rasayana denotes rejuvenative therapies. These therapies are aimed at nourishing and revitalizing body tissues, crucial for chronic conditions like trigeminal neuralgia to restore overall health.
47) Medicine:
In the context of the paper, medicine involves a blend of oral medications and external treatments aimed at alleviating the symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia through an integrated Ayurveda approach.
48) Guggulu:
[see source text or glossary: Guggulu]
49) Samana (Shamana):
[see source text or glossary: Shamana]
50) Nostril:
Nostril is crucial in the Nasya treatment where medicated oils are administered through the nasal passage, providing significant relief in symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia.
51) Vikara:
Vikara means disorder or disease. The discussion involves managing trigeminal neuralgia (a Vikara) with an integrated approach including Abhyanga, Nasya, and Shirodhara.
52) Shakti (Sakti):
[see source text or glossary: Shakti]
53) Parada:
[see source text or glossary: Parada]
54) Shiras (Siras, Siro, Shirash):
Shiras refers to the head. Many procedures like Shirodhara and Nasya target the Shiras to manage trigeminal neuralgia, focusing on the neurological and vascular components affected by the disease.
55) Pitta:
[see source text or glossary: Pitta]
56) Asthi (Ashthi):
[see source text or glossary: Asthi]
57) Vajra:
[see source text or glossary: Vajra]
58) Tamra:
[see source text or glossary: Tamra]
59) Ahara:
[see source text or glossary: Ahara]
60) Majja:
[see source text or glossary: Majja]
61) Shula (Sula):
[see source text or glossary: Shula]
62) Shrava (Srava):
[see source text or glossary: Srava]
63) Balya:
Balya refers to strength-promoting treatments. These are essential in managing Vata disorders like trigeminal neuralgia, where therapy focuses on both alleviation and strengthening.
64) Hanu:
[see source text or glossary: Hanu]
65) Abhrakabhasma (Abhraka-bhasma):
[see source text or glossary: Abhraka-bhasma]
66) Vyayamashakti (Vyayamasakti, Vyayama-shakti):
[see source text or glossary: Vyayama-shakti]
67) Dravadravya (Drava-dravya):
[see source text or glossary: Drava-dravya]
68) Dhanvantaram:
[see source text or glossary: Dhanvantaram]
69) Aharashakti (Aharasakti, Ahara-shakti):
[see source text or glossary: Ahara-shakti]
70) Nagabhasma (Naga-bhasma):
[see source text or glossary: Naga-bhasma]
71) Vatavyadhi (Vata-vyadhi):
Vata-vyadhi refers to diseases caused by Vata dosha imbalance. Trigeminal neuralgia is categorized as a Vata-vyadhi, where interventions aim to balance this dosha to reduce symptoms.
72) Pranavata (Prana-vata):
[see source text or glossary: Prana-vata]
73) Vyanavayu (Vyana-vayu):
[see source text or glossary: Vyana-vayu]
74) Utkshepana (Utksepana):
[see source text or glossary: Utkshepana]
75) Vatsanabha (Vatsa-nabha):
[see source text or glossary: Vatsanabha]
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 156]
Other Science Concepts:
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