A pilot clinical study to evaluate the effect of wet cupping in the management of gridhrasi

Summary of article contents:

Introduction: In a developing country like India most of the working class population suffers from Low Back Pain. A large study reported an incidence of 28.0 episodes per 1000 persons per year and for low back pain with sciatica an incidence of 11.6 per 1000 persons per year. Gridhrasi is the most obstinate and prominent, one amongst the 80 types of Vataja Nanatmaja Vyadhis and is classified into Vataja Gridhrasi and Vatakaphaja Gridhrasi. The line of management includes Basti Chikitsa, Agnikarma, and Raktamokshana. As the principle of Alabu, Shringa or Ghatiyantra are same as that of Hijama or Cupping therapy we can correlate cupping therapy as the modified form of Raktamokshana by Alabu / Shringa.

Objective: To understand the effect of Wet cupping therapy in management of Gridhrasi.

Methods: A minimum of 10 patients were taken for the study and were assessed using parameters Stambha, Ruk, Toda, SLR & Visual numerical rating scale.

Intervention: In the present study, patients having symptoms of Gridhrasi were treated by Raktamokshana using a specific instruments called AL-Hijama cups.

Results: Significant changes were observed in al the patients on average of “p value” 0.01.

Discussion: Raktamokshana reduces the Pain by removing Avarodha due to Kapha. It also removes Avarana of Kapha Dosha over Vyana Vayu and establishes normal blood circulation.

Conclusion: When the regular treatment with Shadvidhopakrama fails to give any relief, then one should consider the involvement of Rakta in pathogenesis and is best treated by Raktamokshana.