Comparative Clinical Evaluation Of Matra Basti And Kati Basti With Mulaka Tailam In The Management Of Grdhrasi Vata Open Parentheses Sciatica Close Parentheses

Grdhrasi which is one among the eighty nanatmaja vata vyadhis. It is caused by vata subsequently there is a kaphanubandha. Grdhrasi, the name itself indicates the gait shown by the patient which mimics the gait of the Grdhra or Vulture.

The cordinal signs and symptoms of Grdhrasi are Stambha(stiffness), Ruk (pain), Toda (pricking sensation), and Muhuspandana (frequent twitching) in the Sphik (hip), Kati (low back), Prusta(back), Uru (thigh), Janu (back of knee), Jangha (calf region) and Pada (foot) in order. In Grdhrasi, Tandra (drowsiness), Gaurava (heaviness), Aruci (anorexia) may be present if kapha is associated with vata. Susruta explained Sakthnot ksepam nigrhniyat.

The clinical features seen in Grdhrasi Vata can be correlated with Sciatica of modern medicine. Sciatica is very painful condition in which there will be compression of sciatic nerve associated with pain begins in lumbar region and radiate along the posterolateral aspect of thigh and leg. Hence movement of affected lower limb is restricted and patient is not able to walk properly.

In changing present day life style, the incidence of sciatica is increasing gradually and affecting many people with a life time incidence is reported to be in between 10% to 40% with an annual incidence of 1% to 5%.

Contemporary medicine has varied therapeutic options such as medication with analgesics, NSAIDS and even surgical corrections in advanced conditions. But, the recurrences are common in this kind of management. Ayurveda pancakarma therapies will be coming into picture to seal them effectively.

In Vatavyadhi Cikitsa Adhyaya of Bhela Samhita, Mulaka Tailam has been indicated in Grdhrasi Vata, which can be administered in the form of Matra Basti and Kati Basti.