A clinical study to evaluate the efficacy of siravedha in the management of gridhrasi w.s.r. to sciatica

Gridhrasi is one of the Vatavyadhi caused by aggravated Vatadosha. It is characterized by radiating pain, tingling sensation & numbness at posterior aspect of leg, which makes the patient difficult to walk. There is no specific curative remedy in modern medical science except pain killers. Acharya Charaka and Sushruta mentioned Siravedha in management of Gridhrasi and Acharya Sushruta has mentioned Siravedha as superior therapeutic procedure among others as it gives instant relief. Thus the objective of present study was to evaluate the efficacy of Siravedha in the management of Gridhrasi. Study was performed at OPD level in Dept. of Panchkarma Rishikul Govt. Ayurvedic College Haridwar, Uttarakhand. In Ayurved, Acharya Charaka and Sushruta stated Siravedha in management of Gridhrasi. Aims: To evaluate the efficacy of Siravedha in the management of Gridhrasi w.s.r. to sciatica. Materials and Methods: it is an open randamized clinical trial. A total of 20 patients suggesting Gridhrasi on the basis of sign and symptom and clinical examination were selected from O.P.D. and I.P.D. of Dept. of Panchkarma was treated with 3 sitting of Siravedha [place four anguls above and below JanuSandhi (knee joint) and AntarakandaraGulfa (Ankle joint) ] with an interval of 15 days in between. Assessment was done after the completion of therapy on the basis of subjective criteria (pain, stiffness, tingling and pricking sensation, numbness and twitching and objective criteria (SLR, scoliosis, Walking Time). Results: Siravedha was found to be significantly effective in reducing pain and other symptoms. Conclusion: Siravedha gives instant relief in Gridhrasi.