AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF GRIDHRASI W.S.R TO SCIATICA WITH MODIFIED CUPPING THERAPY: A CASE STUDY

Abstract

Gridhrasi is one among eighty Nanatmaja Vatavyadhi, with the symptoms of Stambha, Ruk, Toda, Graham, and Spandana in Sphik, Kati, Uru, Janu, Pada and Sakti utkshepa nigraha. Kapha is also occasionally found as Anubandha Dosha, in which Arochaka, Tandra, and Gourava are observed. Gridhrasi can be compared to Sciatica as there is a close resemblance in the manifestation of both conditions. Sciatica is one of the diseases that is gaining more and more attention from scientists globally. Many institutions and Medical Schools are trying to find the perfect remedy for this burning problem. Ayurvedic treatment has a good scope in managing gridhrasi with Cupping Therapy. Because of the decompressive nature of cupping, this is a beneficial therapy to relieve pressure and pain associated with Sciatica. It is considered as a modified form of “ALABU.” Alabu works on the principle “Vacuum suction”. Here in this case study, a female patient aged 45 years with complaints of low back pain radiating to posterior aspect of right lower limb, difficulty in walking and numbness in right foot for 2 months, approached Panchakarma OPD of KVG Ayurveda Medical College and Hospital. The patient was treated with two sittings of Cupping Therapy with the gap of 7 days gap. After treatment a significant improvement was noted in patient’s signs and symptoms.