Management of Gridhrasiw.s.r Sciatica by Erand-muladibasti and Leech Application: a Case Study

Gridhrasi is counted among 80 Nanatmaja Vata disorders by Acharya Charaka who has mentioned its two types namely Vataja and Vatakaphaja. Ruka (pain), Toda (pricking sensation), Stambha (stiffness) and Muhurspandana (twitching) in waist, hip, back of the thigh, knee, calf and foot respectively are the main symptoms. Accordingly, the disease most closely resembles sciatica which is characterised as pain or discomfort associated with Sciatic Nerve. The patient presented here with pain in lower back radiating to both legs along with numbness and paraesthesia. The treatment as specified by Acharyas in various texts is focused on Basti Karma, Siravedha (at Janu) and Agnikarma. Following the same treatment line Basti in the form of Erand–muladi Niruha Basti indicated by Acharya Charak in pain of lower back, waist and lower limbs is chosen here. The VataKapha alleviating, analgesicanti-inflammatory properties of the contents helped in relieving the symptoms. In addition the application of medicinal leech helped in relieving the symptoms like pain, inflammation and stiffness.