Role of Patrapinda Sweda in Gridrasi w.s.r. to Sciatica

Gridhrasi is one of the painful conditions explained in Ayurveda in the context of vatavyadhi, where in the pain from the Sphik radiates to the Kati, Prusta, Uru, Janu, Jangha and upto Pada.[1] It can be compared to Sciatica as there is close resemblance in the manifestation of both the conditions. Sciatica is a relatively common condition with a lifetime incidence varying from 13% to 40%.[2] The corresponding annual incidence of an episode of sciatica ranges from 1% to 5%.[3] Now a days the most common disorder which affects the movement of leg particularly, low back ache out of which 40% are radiating pain that affects daily routine work. Snehana and Swedana are considered as the general line of treatment for Vata Vikaras[4] which can be taken as the line of treatment for Gridrasi. As per the classics, Swedana possesses Stambhaghna, Gauravaghna and Sheetaghna qualities.[5] Patra Pinda Sweda[6] is a form of Sankarasweda where different Vatahara drugs[7] are used. In this procedure, leaves of medicinal plants having Shothahara and Vedanastapana qualities are fried in medicated oil and tied into a Pottali. Thus, it has both Snehana and Swedana effect which helps in reducing the symptoms of Gridrasi. This paper is review of clinical application of Patrapinda Sweda and its efficacy in Gridrasi

Agni - Key factor for Shodhananga Snehapana

Agni is termed as Vaishwanara as it takes the person from Mruthyuloka to Swargaloka. It is an important factor and is equitant to Prana; is one among Dashaprana Ayatana. Agni in Shareera is present in different forms with different actions. It is the responsible factor for both health and disease; on the other hand the successful outcome of treatment is also dependant on Agni. Chikitsa (treatment) is the process of bestowing normalcy which is either brought by Shodhana (purificatory) or Shamana (palliative) Karma. Snehapana is a pre-operative procedure for Shodhana Chikitsa where in Sneha Dravya (medicated fat) is administered for attainment of Upasthita Dosha Avastha and further ease in elimination of the vitiated Doshas. Assessment of Dosha, Dushya, Vyadhi Avastha, Roga Bala, Rogi Bala, Agni, Koshta etc. factors are essential for the attainment of Chikitsa Phala. Assessment of Agni not only helps in understanding Vyadhi but also enables to plan the dosage of Sneha to be administered. Thus this paper is an attempt to throw light on the importance of Agni, assessment of Agni and Agni Bala prior to Shodhananga Snehapana