A Pilot Study on Role of Kati Basti in the Management of Gridhrasi W. S. R. Sciatica

Abstract

Background: Gridhrasi is one of the eighty Nanatmaja Vata Vikara (Diseases only due to vitiated Vata) according to Acharya Charaka, who has also mentioned its types as- Vataja and Vata-Kaphaja. Acharya Sushruta has also considered it as a Vataja disorder and given its description in Vatavyadhinidana chapter. Acharya Vagbhatt has also included it among eighty Vataja disorders. Considering the cardinal symptoms which are Ruka (pain), Toda (pricking sensation), Stambha (stiffness) and Muhurspandana (twitching) in the waist, hip, back of the thigh, knee, calf region and foot respectively, it can be best correlated to sciatica. Sciatica is defined as pain along with the course of the sciatic nerve which is felt in the back of the leg running from the buttock down to the back of the thigh into the calf and foot. It is a symptom that arises due to compression or inflammation of the sciatic nerve. Kati Basti is an unparalleled treatment in painful conditions caused mainly by VataDosha, usually in degenerative diseases. Kati Basti is used mainly to relief from pain and stiffness (catch) associated with bone, joint and or musculoskeletal pains.

Material And Method: In this study, Kati Basti was done in 10 patients selected from Panchkarma OPD, GAMC&H, Akhnoor, for 15 days for the management of Gridhrasi and the results were recorded after every follow up each with a gap of 5 days.

Results: The results observed based on the relief obtained on the subjective and objective parameters taken for consideration for this study and were found significant on all the above parameters.

Conclusion: It showed that Kati Basti significantly helped in reduction of the signs and symptoms of the Gridhrasi.