Abstract

A CLINICAL CASE STUDY OF PANCHAKARMA AND RASOUSHADHI PRACTICE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF PAKSHAGHATA

Basavaraj S. Shirur* and Yashwitha Ramesh

ABSTRACT

The term Pakshaghata literally means "paralysis of half of the body" where "paksha" denotes either half of the body and "Aghata (paralysis)" denotes the impairment of Karmendriyas, Gyanendriyas and Manas. Gyanendriya constitute an important part of the sensory system, while Karmendriyas denote an important part of the motor system and Manas is supposed to control both. Pakshaghata is a maha vatavyadhi classified under vatajananatmaja vyadhi[1] Pakshaghata can be correlated with hemiplegia which results after stroke. Stroke is defined as sudden onset of neurologic deficit from vascular mechanisms 85% is ischemic and 15% are primary haemorrhages.[2] According to world health organization 15 million people suffer stroke worldwide each year, of these, 5 million die and another 5 million are permanently disabled.[3] The existing line of treatment aims only instabilizing the patient from acute manifestation but it doesn’t give much scope for complete recovery so that the patient can take part in his routine activities without any hindrances. In order to bring about complete recovery from disability, we have to rely upon Ayurveda where we can find many approaches in the practice of Panchakarma as well as Rasoushadhi to tackle the disease Pakshaghata. It is need of the hour to develop blended approach of both Panchakarma and Rasoushadhi based on different stages and presentations of the disease. In this regard, a case study was conducted on the patient suffering from Pakshaghata who got significant improvement by the administration of certain specific Panchakarma and Rasayogas.

Keywords: Pakshaghata, Panchakarma, Rasoushadhi.