Understanding the action of vaitaranabasti in grdhrasi – a case study
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Understanding the action of vaitaranabasti in grdhrasi – a case study
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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*Nicy Wilson
PG Scholar, Dept. of PG studies in Kayachikitsa, SKAMCH & RC, Vijayanagar, Bengaluru
Prashasth MJ
Co-Guide & Lecturer, Dept. of PG studies in Kayachikitsa, SKAMCH & RC, Vijayanagar, Bengaluru
Muralidhara Dr
Professor & HOD, Dept., of PG studies in Kayachikitsa, SKAMCH & RC, Vijayanagar, Bengaluru
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Understanding the action of vaitaranabasti in grdhrasi – a case study
Year: 2017
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The article discusses the Ayurvedic condition known as 'Grdhrasi,' which is similar to sciatica and characterized by radiating pain from the lower back to the legs. It highlights the views of ancient Ayurvedic scholars, such as Acharya Caraka, Sushruta, and Vagbhata, who describe the affliction of lower limbs due to vitiation of Vata dosha. The paper presents a case study of a 54-year-old female patient suffering from severe low back pain radiating into her legs for six months. The treatment administered was 'Vaitarana Basti,' which showed promising results in relieving her symptoms and improving her daily functioning.
The Role of Vaitarana Basti in Treating Grdhrasi
'Vaitarana Basti' is a significant therapeutic procedure in Ayurveda specifically designed to address Vata-related disorders, including Grdhrasi. This method involves administering a herbal formulation through the anal route, which facilitates the expulsion of morbid doshas from the body. The article explains the various mechanisms through which Vaitarana Basti functions, such as absorption into systemic circulation, stimulation of the enteric nervous system, and promoting excretion. The ingredients used in Vaitarana Basti, such as Gomutra and Saindhava, are noted for their properties that help alleviate symptoms of Vata dosha and strengthen the affected tissues.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Grdhrasi
The case study emphasizes the importance of a thorough diagnosis based on the patient's history and MRI findings. The patient's symptoms included unremitting low back pain radiating to the right leg, aggravated by prolonged standing and activity. After confirming the diagnosis of Grdhrasi, the treatment plan was devised, incorporating both external and internal therapies. The article outlines the specific Ayurvedic medications and procedures used, such as Kati Basti and oral doses of Maha Rasnadi Kada and Trayodasanga Guggulu. Following treatment, the patient reported significant improvements in pain levels, mobility, and overall well-being, showcasing the effectiveness of the chosen Ayurvedic therapies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the article highlights the effectiveness of Vaitarana Basti in treating Grdhrasi, as evidenced by the case study of the patient. The administration of Basti not only addressed the vitiated doshas but also provided systemic benefits by nourishing and strengthening affected tissues. The findings support the use of Ayurvedic treatments in managing chronic pain conditions like sciatica, reinforcing the importance of holistic approaches in modern healthcare. The study illustrates how traditional practices can yield considerable improvements in patients' quality of life, emphasizing Ayurveda's relevance in contemporary medical therapy.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Grdhrasi and how does it relate to sciatica?
Grdhrasi is a painful condition affecting the lower limbs, similar to sciatica. It involves pain radiating from the low back to the legs, particularly affecting the tendons due to vitiation of Vata dosha, leading to mobility issues.
What treatment was used for the 54-year-old female patient?
The patient was treated with Vaitarana Basti, a traditional Ayurvedic enema treatment, along with Kati Basti and oral herbal medications. This therapy aimed to restore the Vata dosha's balance and relieve pain and mobility issues.
What were the outcomes of Vaitarana Basti treatment?
After four days of Vaitarana Basti treatment, the patient reported a 40% reduction in pain, improved leg movement, and the ability to walk continuously for 12 minutes. These results showed significant progress in her condition and daily functioning.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Understanding the action of vaitaranabasti in grdhrasi – a case study”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Basti:
Basti is a therapeutic procedure used in Ayurveda involving the administration of medicinal substances into the rectum. It's considered an essential treatment, especially for conditions like Vata Vyadhi and Grdhrasi, and is renowned for its efficacy in detoxification and balancing Vata dosha.
2) Pain:
Pain is the primary symptom experienced in conditions like Grdhrasi (sciatica). The document emphasizes the shooting type of pain radiating from the lower back to the lower limbs, characteristically associated with Vata-dosha vitiation in Ayurveda.
3) Vata:
Vata is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda responsible for movement and vitality. Its vitiation can lead to various Vata vyadhi (Vata-related diseases) like Grdhrasi, characterized by pain and limited movement due to increased Vata.
4) Gridhrasi (Gridhrashi, Grdhrasi):
Grdhrasi, akin to modern sciatica, entails severe radiating pain from the low back down to the lower limbs. The term is discussed extensively in Ayurvedic texts, citing Vata and its combination with Kapha as primary factors for its manifestation.
5) Vaitarana:
Vaitarana refers to a specific type of Basti (enema) in Ayurveda, noted for its ability to expel morbid doshas. Vaitarana Basti is used in severe Vata-vyadhi cases like Grdhrasi to provide substantial relief from symptoms and aid in purification.
6) Vatavyadhi (Vata-vyadhi):
Vatavyadhi refers to disorders caused primarily by the vitiation of Vata dosha. Grdhrasi, characterized by pain and restricted movement due to aggravated Vata, falls into this category.
7) Vyadhin (Vyadhi):
Vyadhi in Ayurveda denotes disease or illness. Conditions like Grdhrasi fall under the category of Vata Vyadhi, where an imbalance in doshas, particularly Vata, leads to symptoms such as pain and stiffness.
8) Dosha (Dosa):
Dosha in Ayurveda signifies the governing principles of the body, namely Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. In Grdhrasi, the vitiation of Vata dosha leads to symptoms such as radiating pain and restricted movement.
9) Drug:
Drug refers to therapeutic substances used in Ayurvedic treatments. In the case of Grdhrasi, specific Ayurvedic drugs like Maha Rasnadi Kada, Trayodasanga Guggulu, and Ksheera Bala are administered to restore dosha balance and alleviate symptoms.
10) Dravya:
Dravya refers to the medicinal substances used in treatments. In Vaitarana Basti, dravyas like Guda, Saindhava Lavana, Dhanwantara Taila, and others are used for their therapeutic properties to treat Grdhrasi.
11) Kati:
Kati signifies the lower back region, a common area affected in Grdhrasi. Pain in this region radiating to the lower limbs is the hallmark of Grdhrasi, necessitating targeted Ayurvedic therapies.
12) Lakshana (Laksana):
Lakshana means symptoms or clinical features of a disease. In the context of Grdhrasi, Pratyatmaka Lakshana includes pain radiating from the lower back to the limbs, stiffness, and muscle spasms.
13) Disease:
Disease in Ayurveda, like Grdhrasi, involves the imbalance of doshas resulting in specific symptomatic manifestations. Managing the underlying dosha imbalance through therapies like Vaitarana Basti is crucial.
14) Kapha:
Kapha is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, responsible for stability and structure. When combined with the vitiation of Vata dosha in Grdhrasi, it can lead to symptoms like numbness, heaviness, and additional discomfort.
15) Asthi (Ashthi):
Asthi refers to bones in Ayurvedic terminology. In diseases like Grdhrasi, the Asthi dhatu (bone tissue) is often affected, necessitating treatments that target and nourish the bones.
16) Taila:
Taila means oil in Ayurveda, often used in various therapeutic procedures. Oils such as Maha Vishagarbha Taila are used in Kati Basti for their ability to alleviate pain and inflammation in disorders like Grdhrasi.
17) Kala:
Kala refers to the membranous layers in the body that house different dhatus (tissues). In Grdhrasi, the Pureeshadhara Kala is particularly important for treatments like Basti, which target vitiated doshas affecting this membrane.
18) Food:
Food (Ahara) plays a crucial role in Ayurveda for maintaining and restoring health. Specific dietary recommendations are given to support treatments like those for Grdhrasi to avoid aggravating Vata and to aid in the healing process.
19) Vatadosha (Vatadosa, Vata-dosha):
Vata-dosha is the dosha associated with movement and air. In conditions like Grdhrasi, it becomes vitiated, leading to pain and restricted movement, managed through treatments like Vaitarana Basti.
20) Saindhava (Saimdhava):
[see source text or glossary: Saindhava]
21) Anuvasana:
Anuvasana Basti is a type of enema involving medicated oils. In Grdhrasi, it helps in nourishing and lubricating the tissues, thus aiding in the management of Vata dosha and related symptoms.
22) Adhikara:
Adhikara denotes a chapter or section in Ayurvedic texts dedicated to specific treatments or topics. Vaitarana Basti is discussed in sections like Bastikarma Adhikara, outlining its application in conditions like Grdhrasi.
23) Pradesha (Pradesa):
Pradesha refers to regions or specific areas of the body. In Grdhrasi, the pain often affects the Kati Pradesha (lower back region) and radiates down to the lower extremities.
24) Kandara (Kamdara):
Kandara in Ayurvedic terminology refers to tendons. In Grdhrasi, the affliction of leg tendons by Vata dosha causes pain radiating towards the ankles or toes, limiting the extension of the leg.
25) Nature:
[see source text or glossary: Nature]
26) India:
[see source text or glossary: India]
27) Maha (Maha°):
[see source text or glossary: Maha]
28) Agni:
Agni refers to the digestive fire in Ayurveda, crucial for digestion and metabolism. Disturbance in Agni can exacerbate conditions like Grdhrasi, making treatments aimed at balancing it like Vaitarana Basti necessary.
29) Bala:
Bala signifies strength or power. In the context of Grdhrasi treatment, therapies aim to improve Adho Saka Bala, indicating strengthening of the lower limbs to alleviate symptoms and improve functionality.
30) Guda:
Guda, or jaggery, is one of the components used in Vaitarana Basti. It helps in forming a homogeneous solution for the enema, aiding in the therapeutic process for conditions like Grdhrasi.
31) Pada:
Pada means foot in Ayurveda. In Grdhrasi, the pain often radiates down to the foot, emphasizing the need for treatments targeting the entire affected pathway.
32) Guna:
Guna refers to the qualities or attributes of substances. In treating Grdhrasi, specific Guna of the substances like Tikshna and Sukshma help in penetrating and addressing the root cause of the ailment.
33) Saindhavalavana (Saindhava-lavana, Saimdhavalavana):
[see source text or glossary: Saindhava-lavana]
34) Anuvasanabasti (Anuvasana-basti):
[see source text or glossary: Anuvasana-basti]
35) Niruhabasti (Niruha-basti):
Niruha Basti is a type of decoction-based enema used in Ayurveda. It is used to expel vitiated doshas from the body, proving effective in treating Vata disorders like Grdhrasi.
36) Bastikarman (Bastikarma, Basti-karman, Basti-karma):
Bastikarma Adhikara is the section in Ayurvedic texts dedicated to the therapeutic use of enemas (Basti), discussing treatments like Vaitarana Basti beneficial for conditions like Grdhrasi.
37) Discussion:
[see source text or glossary: Discussion]
38) Irritation:
[see source text or glossary: Irritation]
39) Vitiation (Vitiated):
[see source text or glossary: Vitiation]
40) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is the traditional system of medicine from India focused on balancing the body's doshas. Treatments like Vaitarana Basti for Grdhrasi are based on these principles to restore health.
41) Vagbhata:
Vagbhata is one of the classical Ayurvedic scholars whose texts are foundational. His discussions on Vata vyadhi and treatments like Basti form the basis for managing conditions like Grdhrasi.
42) Shodhana (Sodhana):
Shodhana in Ayurveda refers to purification therapies such as Basti. These are essential for cleansing the body of vitiated doshas, as emphasized in the treatment of Grdhrasi.
43) Rukshana (Ruksana):
Rukshana is a therapeutic approach in Ayurveda aimed at drying excess Kapha and fluids. Ingredients like Chincha in Vaitarana Basti have Rukshana properties to help counteract symptoms of Grdhrasi.
44) Pradhana:
[see source text or glossary: Pradhana]
45) Spandana (Spamdana):
[see source text or glossary: Spandana]
46) Samhita:
Samhita refers to the classical Ayurvedic texts compiling medicinal knowledge. These texts like Cakradatta and Vangasena detail Basti treatments, including Vaitarana Basti, for conditions like Grdhrasi.
47) Guggulu:
Guggulu is a resin used in Ayurvedic medicine known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Tablets like Trayodasanga Guggulu are administered internally in treating Grdhrasi.
48) Lekhana:
Lekhana refers to scraping or cleansing actions in Ayurveda. Gomutra, possessing Lekhana properties, is included in Vaitarana Basti to aid in Srotovishodhana and managing symptoms of Grdhrasi.
49) Sukshma (Suksma, Shukshma):
Sukshma denotes the minute or subtle quality of a substance. For instance, Saindhava possesses Sukshma Guna allowing deeper penetration into tissues during treatments like Basti for Grdhrasi.
50) Snehana:
Snehana involves oleation therapy in Ayurveda, essential for lubricating and nourishing tissues. In Grdhrasi, Anuvasana Basti provides Snehana to pacify Vata and alleviates symptoms.
51) Prakopa:
[see source text or glossary: Prakopa]
52) Gomutra (Go-mutra):
Gomutra, or cow urine, is used in Ayurvedic preparations for its medicinal properties. It plays a role in Vaitarana Basti for its Lekhana, Pachana, and Agni Deepana effects in treating Grdhrasi.
53) Brimhana (Brmhana):
Brmhana refers to nourishing therapies in Ayurveda. These are part of the treatment for Grdhrasi to restore strength to the affected tissues and balance Vata dosha.
54) Tikshna (Tiksna):
Tikshna signifies sharpness or penetrating quality. Ingredients like Saindhava used in Vaitarana Basti possess Tikshna Guna, aiding in the treatment's efficacy by ensuring deeper tissue action in Grdhrasi.
55) Rasnadi:
[see source text or glossary: Rasnadi]
56) Samana (Shamana):
Samana refers to balancing doshas. Ingredients like Chincha in Vaitarana Basti have Samana properties, specifically balancing Vata and Kapha, crucial in treating a condition like Grdhrasi.
57) Kukshi (Kuksi):
[see source text or glossary: Kukshi]
58) Caraka:
Caraka refers to the ancient Ayurvedic sage authoring the Caraka Samhita, a foundational text. His definitions and treatments of Vata Vyadhi like Grdhrasi are pivotal in Ayurvedic medicine.
59) Sandhi (Shandhi, Samdhi):
[see source text or glossary: Sandhi]
60) Kshara (Ksara):
[see source text or glossary: Kshara]
61) Jangha (Jana-ogha, Jamgha):
[see source text or glossary: Jangha]
62) Dipana:
Dipana involves kindling the digestive fire, Agni, in Ayurveda. Gomutra in Vaitarana Basti has Dipana properties to enhance digestive function and aid in the management of Grdhrasi.
63) Dushya (Dusya):
[see source text or glossary: Dushya]
64) Sthana:
[see source text or glossary: Sthana]
65) Nidana:
[see source text or glossary: Nidana]
66) Lavana:
[see source text or glossary: Lavana]
67) Niruha:
[see source text or glossary: Niruha]
68) Nabhi:
[see source text or glossary: Nabhi]
69) Ghora (Ghoradarshana):
[see source text or glossary: Ghora]
70) Ushna (Usna):
[see source text or glossary: Ushna]
71) Snayu:
[see source text or glossary: Snayu]
72) Virya:
[see source text or glossary: Virya]
73) Dhatu:
[see source text or glossary: Dhatu]
74) Shula (Sula):
Shula means pain in Ayurvedic terms. Grdhrasi is characterized as a Shula Pradhana Vata Vyadhi (pain-dominant Vata disorder), highlighting the shooting pain experienced by the patient.
75) Balya:
[see source text or glossary: Balya]
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 86]