Published Paper Details:

Gridhrasi is one of the eighty Nanatmaja Vatavyadhi mentioned in various Ayurvedic texts, caused by the vitiation of Vata Dosha. One of the most common symptoms of Gridhrasi is Ruka (low back pain of radiating type) and its incidence has increased over time as a result of changing lifestyle of human being's. On the basis of its symptoms, it can be compared with sciatica in modern science and its treatments mainly aims at relieving pain, using analgesics, muscle relaxants or physiotherapy, and even surgery in certain cases and all these carry some side effects. So, it is the need of the time to search good (safe and cost-effective) treatment modality. In Ayurveda, many procedures like Snehana, Swedana, Raktamokshana, Agni Karma etc. along with various formulations have been described by our ancient Acharyas, which carry no or minimal side effects and are very easy to use. The present study entitled "Comparative Clinical Evaluation of Shiva Guggulu and Jalauka Avcharana in Gridhrasi (Sciatica)" was chosen by me because to its high prevalence. Aim & Objective: To evaluate and compare the efficacy of both Shiva Guggulu and Jalaukavchran in the treatment of two different groups of patients of Gridhrasi. Methods: Over 30 patients of Gridhrasi selected from OPD and IPD of Shalya Tantra department, U.A.U Gurukul Campus, Haridwar on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria after initial screening. Raktamokshana (Jalaukavchrana) and shiva Guggulu were selected for this study. The patients were divided into two groups of 15 patients each according to simple randomization. In Group A, Shiva Guggulu Vati (500mg each) was given (4 Vati twice a day, after the meal with lukewarm water). In Group B, Raktamokshana using Jalauka was done. Results: The results were concluded by applying appropriate statistical test. The trial drug and therapy showed significant result on patients with Gridhrasi. The results obtained by application of statistical tools were significant and showed that the effect of Raktamokshana (Jalaukavchrana) was more than the effect of Shiva Guggulu. Overall assessment was done for subjective parameters based on significance of the statistical test. In Group-A, 66.67% patients showed moderate improvement, 26.67% patients showed mild improvement and 6.67% patients got marked improvement in signs and symptoms. In Group-B, 53.33% patients showed marked improvement, 46.67% patients showed moderate improvement. Discussion: Group A- In accordance with these Rasa, Guna, Veerya, and Vipaka, the Shiva guggulu can function in Gridhrasi samprapti Vighatana as Vata kapha Shamaka, Shoolahara, Sothahara, Vatanulomaka, Agnideepana, balya, and Rasayana. Shiva Guggulu's contents are said to provide analgesic, spasmolytic, and anti-inflammatory effects by current standards. As a result, its anti-inflammatory and analgesic qualities will aid in the reduction of pain, and its spasmolytic qualities will ease stiffness. Group B- Ruja Pradhan Vyadhi, or Gridhrasi, is mostly caused by the vitiation of Vata Dosha. Thus, by eliminating Margavrodha brought on by the buildup of vitiated Dosha, Raktamokshana employing Jalauka would induce Anuloma Gati of vitiated Vata Dosha, which will alleviate pain. Furthermore, Jalauka's Snughda, Shlakshna guna, and Madhura rasa qualities aid in calming the vitiated Vata Dosha. Conclusion: No side effect of both the interventional modalities were observed during and after the study, suggesting that both are safe to use and can be good alternative options to treatment used in modern science which carry side effects.