Qualitative and Quantitative Assessment of Vata Dosha in a Case of Gridhrasi (Sciatica) by Nadi Tarangini Device – A Case Study

Aims: To evaluate the qualitative and quantitative assessment of vata doshain a case of gridhrasi by nadi tarangini device.

Introduction: Ayurveda has an unique method of patient examination by ashtavidha pareeksha. i.e. nadi, mutra, mala, jivha, shabda, sparsha, drik and akruti. Amongst which examination of nadi becomes prominent examination which helps in better diagnosis of a disease/vyadhi.

Gridhrasi is shoola pradhana vataja nanatmaja vatavyadhi, affecting the back involving lower limb which hampers patient’s daily routine activity. Line of Management of gridhrasi includes siravyadha, bastikarma and agnikarma. Siravyadha and agnikarma are considered as instant pain relieving methods. Raktamokshana by siravyadha is considered to be ardha chikitsa according to Sushruta. Siravyadha is specially indicated in case of gridhrasi. It is a simple OPD level procedure affordable/economical to all categories of patients and time saving.

As siravyadha gives instant relief and gridhrasi is vataja nanatmaja vyadhi, it is easy for the assessment and understanding of reduction in symptoms by nadi tarangini device. Hence, in this case study an attempt is made to assess the quantitative and qualitative analysis of vata dosha before and after the procedure of siravyadha.

Case Study: A patient, 45 years old; he showed the main clinical signs and symptoms of gridhrasi came to our OPD, had a history of 2 years, and had worsened in the past two days. He underwent a careful examination and we recorded a detailed medical history. With all purva, pradhana and paschat karma, siravyadha procedure was done and nadi tarangini readings were taken before, after and on 10th day of siravyadha procedure.

Place and Duration of the Study: Study was conducted in ‘Sri Jain AGM Ayurved Medical College & Hospital, Varur-Hubballi (Karnatak). Study duration was 10 days.

Results: Patient got marked relief in subjective criteria i.e. stambha, toda, ruk, toda, spandana, gaurava and also in objective parameters i.e. straight leg raise test, lassegue’s test and Oswestry low back pain score. It was seen that, there was visible difference in the analysis of nadi tarangini report.

Conclusion: It can be concluded that, siravyadha gives better relief in gridhrasi. And it was found that nadi tarangini can be used to assess the dosha dushti and many other parameters.