Management of Gridhrasi - A Case Study

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Near husaini complex shri Ram nagar kurkheda tah. kurkheda dis. Gadchiroli.
Contact No. : 9404827838, Email : pallavisukare1996@gmail.com

Date of Acceptance : 12 Sep 2024

Date of Publication : 27 Sep 2024

Article ID : SD-IJAY_111

How to cite this article : http://doi.org/10.55552/SDNJAY.2024.2314

Abstract

Ayurveda described sciatica as Gridhrasi. It is one of the most common disorders of Vata observed in the majority of people. Gridhrasi word itself describes the disease, i.e., Gridhra (Eagle), like walking. The disease is caused by vitiation of vata; sometimes even Kapha vitiation along with vata also causes sciatica. The symptoms seen in Gridhrasi, which closely resemble sciatica in modern terminology. Sciatica is a very painful condition in which pain begins in the lumbar region and radiates along the posterolateral aspect of the thigh and leg. Hence, movement of the affected leg is restricted, and the patient is not able to walk properly. Modern medicine has limitations in giving short-term relief in pain or surgical intervention with side effects. Gridhrasi can be successfully treated by Ayurvedic medicines and procedures described in the ancient text of Ayurveda. Here is a case study. The patient was suffering from sciatica due to herniation of the L3-L4 and L4-L5 intervertebral discs. He was treated with 2 courses of Matrabasti with Sahacharadi Taila along with Abhyaang, Nadisweda, and internal medication. The patient shows remarkable improvement.

Introduction

The evolving lifestyle of modern humans has resulted in the emergence of numerous deformities. With the progress of hectic work and social life, incorrect sitting posture in offices and factories, excessive physical effort, jerky movements during travel, and participation in sports, these factors apply excessive pressure on the spinal cord and significantly contribute to the development of low backache and sciatica. This condition is most prevalent among the working population.

Sciatica is the pain that radiates down the course of the sciatic nerve, namely accompanied by tingling numbness, pricking sensations, and stiffness. The lifetime prevalence of sciatica ranges from 13% to 40%. Men experience a higher incidence of the condition compared to women.

According to Ayurveda, sciatic illness is similar to gridhrasi, which encompasses over 80 forms of nanatmaja vata viakara disorders. Patients with this condition exhibit a characteristic walk that closely resembles that of a ghridra (vulture). Hepatic ghridrasi is classified into two categories according to the dosha involved. Among the two, one is keval vataja, and the other is vata-kaphaja. The indications and manifestations of keval vataja include stambha, ruk, toda in the sphika, kati, uru, janu, jangha, and pada in sequential sequence, such as sakthikshepa nigraha, which refers to the limited elevation of the leg. Vata-kaphaja gridhrasi contains the presence of Tandra gourauam aruchi.

In Ayurveda, the diagnosis of ghridhrasi is addressed through vata vyadhi, which primarily involves basti chikitsa as shodhan karma and internal medicine as a shaman chikitsa.

Discussion

In this particular case study, the patient received treatment through Shodhan chikitsa, also known as basti, and Shaman chikitsa, the practice of internal medicine. Matra basti was administered in conjunction with snehana and swedana. Administer Matra basti with a daily dose of 60 ml of Sahacharadi taila for 16 days. After 16 days, a patient had abhyanga with Bala Taila for 14 days while continuing internal treatment. Add 2 grammes of Bala Aswagandha Shatawari to each 40-ml ksheerpak twice daily, and take 2 tablets of Trayodasang Guggulu at 500 grammes twice daily.

Following all the treatment, the patient significantly improved his health, with pain and stiffness reduced by 70-80%. Currently, he is able to adequately carry out all of his regular activities.

Conclusion

This case study involved the treatment of a patient with ghridhrasi using a therapeutic enema called Matra basti with Sahacharadi Taila, along with prescribed internal medicine. Ghridhrasi is a type of nanatamaja vata vikara, such that basti is considered the fundamental treatment for all Vata Vyadhi and is considered the Ardhachikitsa, which accounts for 50% of all treatment methods in Ayurveda.

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