Role of Raktamokshana by Ghati Yantra in treatment of Gridhrasi (sciatica): A pilot study

Abstract

Introduction:The incidence rate of Gridhrasi (sciatica) is quite significant as more than three-quarters of the world's population are affected by the disease. It is characterized by the onset of Ruja (pain), Toda (pricking), and Stambha (stiffness), initially in Sphika (gluteal region) and then radiating distally to Kati-Prishtha (low back), Janu (knee), Jangha (thigh) till Pada (feet). The patients suffering from Gridhrasi have restricted movements due to painful limb, affecting the daily routine activities.Aim:To assess the role of Raktamokshana (blood letting) done by Ghatiyantra in the patients suffering from Gridhrasi.Materials and Methods:The study was conducted on twenty patients who had reported for the treatment of Gridhrasi at an Ayurvedic hospital. Raktamokshana was done on Sphik (gluteal region) or Kati (low back) region with the help of 18 no. needle and Ghatiyantra (Kanchapatra) in four settings (0, 5th, 10th and 15th day). The sign and symptoms, namely Ruka, Toda, Stambha, and Spandana (fasiculation) were given scores depending on their severity. The patients were also assessed for straight-leg raise (SLR) test. Follow-up was done at an interval of 5 days for three times and the scores were noted down before and after treatment. The scores were analyzed by SPSS 18 software using Student's t-test.Results:Marked reduction in severity of mean scores of Ruja, Toda, Stambha, and Spandana was seen in the patients after the use of Ghatiyantra for Raktamokshana, which was statistically significant.Conclusions:Ghatiyantra is the simple and effective treatment (in adjunct to other treatment) for reducing Ruka, Toda, Stambha, and Spandana in Gridhrasi.

Protocol based pain management by Ayurveda parasurgical procedures W.S.R to musculoskeletal pain and its critical appraisal – An open labeled clinical trial

“…Mean of VAS scores and standard deviation were taken from the previous published research works. 20% of dropouts were anticipated and calculated with a formula n = [(Z α/2 + Z β ) 2 × {2(ó) 2 }]/(μ1 - μ2) 2 which turned out to be 84, so 100 patients were recruited considering the dropouts as it was single arm trial [ [10] , [11] , [12] ].…”

“…The study was an open labeled clinical trial, subjects were enrolled through specially framed pain management protocol ( Fig. 2 ) [ [12] , [13] , [14] , [15] , [16] ]. The data were recorded systematically and analyzed using appropriate statistical methods.…”

“Chheam:” Classical Indochina phlebotomy wisdom

“…[5] Furthermore, Raktamokshana has a clear indication and proof for several disorders such as eczema[5] and sciatica. [6] Focusing on the technique, there is a specific site of the body for performing Raktamokshana for each disease, but the chheam is usually done at lower back and used for counteracting the pain symptoms, the main focus is to promote circulation in the body. There is no specific knowledge for the direction of blood flow in specific organs as described in Raktamokshana .…”