An Open Label Single Arm Clinical Study To Evaluate The Efficacy Of Koshtha Shodhana With Eranda Sneha Followed By Vaitarana Basti In Yogabasti Pattern In The Management Of Gridhrasi (Sciatica)

The research proposal titled  An Open Label Single Arm Clinical Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of Koshtha Shodhana with Eranda Sneha Followed by Vaitarana Basti in Yogabasti Pattern in the Management of Gridhrasi (Sciatica). It aims to assess the therapeutic potential of classical Ayurvedic Panchakarma therapies in treating Gridhrasi, which correlates to sciatica in modern medicine. Sciatica, a prevalent and debilitating condition characterized by radiating pain from the lower back to the legs, affects up to 40% of the population and is linked to lifestyle factors such as prolonged sitting, poor posture, and mechanical strain. Modern treatments like NSAIDs and corticosteroids provide only temporary relief and often cause adverse effects, highlighting the need for holistic alternatives.

In Ayurveda, Gridhrasi is classified under Nanatmaja Vata Vyadhi, primarily caused by vitiation of Vata (and sometimes Kapha). The classical management involves Snehana, Swedana, and Basti Karma, among which Basti is the prime therapy for Vata Vyadhi. This clinical study proposes an integrated Panchakarma protocol involving three days of Koshtha Shodhana (purgation) with Eranda Sneha (castor oil) followed by eight days of Yogabasti a combination of Vaitarana Niruha Basti and Sahachara Taila Matra Basti.

A total of 30 patients aged 30–60 years will be selected from OPD/IPD based on diagnostic criteria for Gridhrasi. The study will assess improvements in pain, stiffness, pricking sensations, numbness, and functional mobility using both subjective and objective parameters such as VAS, SLR, Bragard, and Sicard tests. Statistical analysis will evaluate pre- and post-treatment outcomes.

The expected result is significant symptom relief and functional improvement through Shodhana and Shamana actions, offering a safe, cost-effective, and root-cause-oriented management approach for Gridhrasi.