MANAGEMENT OF PARALYSIS (PAKSHAGHATA) IN AYURVEDA – A CASE STUDY

Abstract

Pakshaghat is a combination of the phrases Paksha (half of the body) and Aghat (loss of function). Ayurvedic literature contains several literary references that address Pakshaghat in great detail. It is recognised as the principal Vata Dosha, Vyadhi. Usually, one side of the patient's body is weak, or the other half is nonfunctional. Face may or may not be involved. Prognosis depends on many factors including Vaya, Bala, Dosha involvement etc. In modern science all the motor activities are controlled by brain. Cerebrovascular accidents are mainly responsible for loss of function in body and due to maximal similarity they can be correlated with Pakshaghat. In modern science there is usually treatment of symptoms but when it comes to Ayurveda there is treatment of root cause along with symptoms. In Ayurveda, treatment of diseases is divided in to two parts Samshodhana and Samshamana. Panchkarma is Shodhana Pradhana therapy, which includes five major procedures for Shodhana of body. Along with it there are many allied processes which help in symptomatic relief by directly acting on the part being affected. Pakshaghat is best treated with Mridu Samshodhana and Vata Shamaak Snehana Chikitsa. In the present case patient presented with right side Pakshaghat and treated with Panchakarma therapy, which included Nasya, Vasti and Akshitarpana. Initially Nasya and Akshitarpana given for 15 days. Patient was called for second sitting after 16 days and given in Kala Vasti Karma. After treatment patient was 100% cured.