Clinical evaluation of Agnikarma along with payas made with Sunthi churna & Eranda beeja churna in management of Gridhrasi w.s.r Sciatica

For the management of sciatica various modalities are available like conservative treatment (analgesics), epidural steroid injection, peri-radicular infiltration in modern medicine having their own limitations and complications.

Sushruta has mentioned Agnikarma as para-surgical procedures in Gridhrasi as superior to other treatment modalities. The common indications of thermotherapy include pain relief, stiffness, muscle spasm and inflammatory conditions. These symptoms are observed in the patients of sciatica. Hence considering above facts this study has been planned with aim and objective to evaluate the effect of classical Agnikarma in the management of Gridhrasi (sciatica).

In Ayurvedic literature several methods of treatment like Snehana, Upanaha, Agnikarma, Raktamoksana Panchakarma etc. are advised for Vatik disease. Among these Agnikarma due to its Usna Suksma, Asukari guna pacifies the Vata Kapha Dosa and removes Srotavarodha. Patient is effectively relived from stiffness, pain and other associated symptoms. Ayurvedacharya has mentioned various dravyas for Agnikarma procedure but in this study panchadhatu salaka will be used. It is suitable for heat transfer and to produce samyak dagdha vrana.

To control the degenerative process rasayana, balya, vatasamak amapachana drugs are suitable. To solve this problem Payasa making with Sunthi churn & Eranda bija churn was selected for internal use to pacify the vitiated vata kapha dosa.