GRIDHRASI

Prasad et al.
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research

World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
SJIF Impact Factor 8.084
Volume 13, Issue 1, 945-959. Review Article ISSN 2277–7105
MANAGEMENT OF GRIDHRASI – A CLINICAL PERSPECTIVE

1
*Dr. P. V. N. R. Prasad, 2Dr. K. J. Lavanya Lakshmi and Dr. P. L. Alaekhya
1
Professor, Dept. of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, Dr. NRS. Govt. Ayurvedic
College, Vijayawada-AP.
2
Associate Professor, Dept. of Agada Tantra and Vidhi Vaidyaka.
3
P.G. Scholar, Dept. of Panchakarma.
ABSTRACT
Article Received on
Gridhrasi is a crippling disease that hampers the routine of life. It is
15 November 2023,
Revised on 05 Dec. 2023, considered one amongst the most Obstinate & Prominent types of Vata
Accepted on 26 Dec. 2023
Vyadhis and is categorized under Nanatmaja Vata Vyadhi though
DOI: 10.20959/wjpr20241-30863
occasional Kaphanubandha is seen. Its description is available in
almost all the Classics of Ayurveda. The classics of Ayurveda have not
mentioned any specific etiological factors but etiology of Vata Vyadhi
is usually considered for Gridhrasi also. Gridhrasi is correlated to
Sciatica of contemporary Medicine where it is considered as a
*Corresponding Author symptom but not disease. It originates in the lumbar region,
Dr. P. V. N. R. Prasad specifically in Sphik, Kati and Pakvashaya travelling along the sciatic
Professor, Dept. of Rasa
nerve's path, before ending at the outside of the foot. The most frequent
Shastra and Bhaishajya
Kalpana, Dr. NRS. Govt.
causes are disc herniation and degenerative changes, trauma such as
Ayurvedic College, spine twisting, carrying heavy objects, or exposure to cold which are
Vijayawada-AP. frequently present in the past. The modem life style, dietary habits,
injudicious ways of physical activities and also mental strain are said
to have definite role in the occurrence. But the remedial measures & modalities available so
far are unsatisfactory. Ayurveda offers a range of better options in the management of
Gridhrasi. Though Apana and Vyana Vayu vitiation is observed, most of the times Kapha
remains as associated Dosha. Hence, Ayurveda recommends drug with Madhura, Amla,
Lavana rasa, Snigdha, Ushna guna, Vata shamaka, Kapha shamaka, Vatanulomaka, Dipana
Pachana (digestive carminative), and Shula prashamana properties. Sushruta has advocated
Agnikarma and Siravedha in Gridhrasi as superior to other treatment modalities and in
addition to the conventional Panchakarma procedures.
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Prasad et al. World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
KEYWORDS: Vata Vyadhi, Nanatmaja Vyadhi, Gridhrasi, Sciatica, Siravedha.
INTRODUCTION
Gridhrasi (Sciatica) is one amongst the most Obstinate & Prominent types discussed by all
the Acharyas of Ayurveda under Vata Vyadhi and is considered as a Nanatmaja Vata
Vyadhi[1] though occasional Kaphanubandha is seen. It is a crippling disease that explains a
set of symptoms starting from the low back, hip and or buttocks and radiating towards the
foot along posterior or lateral aspect of thigh, knee joint and leg due to either irritation or
compression of one or more of the five nerve roots forming the sciatica nerve or prolapsed
Inter Vertebral Disc. The disease is so named since the gait of the patient indicates walks like
a Grudhra, the Vulture due to severe persistent migrating pain.
According to contemporary medicine, Gridhrasi is a symptom not a disease which is

progressive and hampers the routine life. It is first described by Contugno in 1770 and is
called as Contugno's disease. But the terminology sciatica came into use about the beginning
of 19th century. The condition is gaining prevalence three times more in males than the
female sex in the present scenario with lifetime incidence of Sciatica more than 40%, and
Clinically significant Sciatica occurring only in 4-6% of population.
The pain is caused in the hip and to the whole path of sciatic nerve. The modem life style,
dietary habits, injudicious ways of physical activities and also mental strain are said to have
definite role in the occurrence and the remedial measures & modalities available so far are
unsatisfactory.
NIDANA
In Ayurvedic works, no specific Nidana has been mentioned for Gridhrasi, but the causative
factors mentioned for Vata Vyadhi and also the provocative factors of Vata are taken as the
causes of Gridhrasi. These factors are explained in the following four categories.[2]
S.No. Category Details

Ruksha, Sheeta, Laghu, Alpa Anna, Katu, Tikta,
1. Aharaja Nidana
Kashaya Rasa, Langhana, Abhojana
Ativyayama, Ativyavaya, Atiprajagara, Vishama
2. Viharaja Nidana Upachara, Plavana, Atiadhva, Diwaswapna,
Vegadharana
3. Manasika Nidana Chinta, Shoka, Krodha & Bhaya
Ati Asruk Sravana, Dhatukshaya, Varsharitu,
4. Anya Nidana
Marmabhighata, Margavarana, Rogatikarshana etc.
Charaka Samhita also makes a mention of Trauma on Lumbo-sacral spine (Abhighata),

Postural defects (Vishamachesta), Overloading (Bharavahana), Abrupt unbalanced
movements (Atichesta), Continuous jerky movements, Sedentary lifestyle as well as
Psychological factors like Chinta, Shoka, etc., as contributory factors for Sciatica.[3]
SAMPRAPTI GHATAKA
S.No. Factor Details
1. Dosha Vata, Vata-Kapha, Rarely Pitta
2. Dushya Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa, Asthi, Majja, Sira, Snayu
3. Marma Involved Kukundara, Nitamba
4. Srotas Rasavaha, Raktavaha, Mamsavaha, Asthivaha, Majjavaha
5. Sroto-Dushti Sanga, Margavarodha
6. Roga Marga Madhyama
7. Udbhava Sthana Pakwashaya (Vataja), Amashaya (Vata-Kaphaja)
8. Vyakta Sthana Sphik, Kati, Prishta,Uru, Janu, Jangha, Pada
9. Vyadhi Swabhava Chirakari
10. Sadhyasadhyata Yapya
CLASSIFICATION[4]
S.No. Category Cause Conditions Included
Degenerative Disc Disease, Lumbar Spondylosis,
Vataja Dhatu
1. Degenerative Spondylosis, Lumbar Arthritis, Disc
(Degenerative) Kshaya
Herniation, Lumbar Compression Fracture
Spinal lesions and Tumors, Spinal Infections or
Inflammation, Lumbar Spinal Stenosis, Birth
Abnormalities, Violent injuries to the Lower Back
Vata –
(gunshots, falls, auto accidents), Spinal Arterio-
Kaphaja
2. Margavarana Venous Malformations (AVMs), Spinal
(Cauda Equina
Hemorrhages (subarachnoid, subdural, epidural),
Syndrome)
Post-operative Lumbar Spine Surgery
Complications, Radiculopathies, Compressive
Myelopathies, Listhesis.
SYMPTOMS
S.No. Category Symptoms
Ruk (pain), Toda(pricking sensation), Stambha (stiffness), Muhuh
Spandana (tingling sensation)[5], Sakti Kshepana Nigrahanti[6], Sakti
1. Vataja
Utkshepana Nirgrahanti[7], Pada Uddharane Asakthi (Aruna Dutta),
Dehasyapi Pravaktrata[8]
In addition to the above symptoms the following additional
symptoms are seen. Tandra (drowsiness), Gaurava (heaviness),
Agnimandya (loss of appetite), Arochaka (anorexia)[9], Mukha
2. Vata – Kaphaja praseka (hyper salivation)[10], Pain and stiffness in the neck, back, or
lower back, Burning pain that spreads to the arms, buttocks, or
down into the legs (sciatica), Numbness, cramping, or weakness in
the arms, hands, or legs, Loss of sensation in the feet, Trouble with
hand coordination, “Foot drop”, weakness in a foot that causes a

limp, Loss of sexual ability, Loss of bowel or bladder control,
Severe or increasing numbness, between the legs, inner thighs, and
back of the legs, Severe pain and weakness that spreads into one or
both legs, making it hard to walk or get out of a chair.
SYMPTOMS OF NERVE INVOLVEMENT

Nerve
S.No. Symptoms
Involved
Sudden onset of back pain, Increase of pain intensity while standing or
1. D - 12 walking, A decrease in pain intensity while lying on the back, Limited
spinal mobility, Eventual height loss, Eventual deformity and disability.
Tingling or numbness, Weakness of muscles, Increased sensitivity, Pain
2. L-1
in the back, and limbs
Difficulty in walking up the Stairs, Radiation of pain into the front of
3. L-2 Thigh, Weakness of Ileo – Psoas Muscle, Numbness, Tingling, Burning
sensation around Psoas area
Sharp shooting pain in the Thigh, Burning pain in the inner part of the
leg, Diminished or absent patellar reflex, Diminished Knee-Jerk, Mid-
4. L-3
Thigh Paraesthesias, Quadriceps weakness, Diminished sensation in
Front of Lower thigh
Tingling, numbness (pins & needles), burning sensations in the foot and
legs, Weakness in the feet and legs, May have trouble to Stand or Walk,
5. L-4 Diminished or absent patellar reflex, Altered sensation in front of lower
thigh, Knee, Weakness of Quadriceps and Tibialis Anterior, Diminished
Knee-jerk and Heel walk
Numbness down the side of the leg, Numbness into the top of the foot,
Diminished or absent Achilles reflex , altered sensation in Back of Thigh,
Lateral Aspect of Leg, Dorsum of Foot & Big Toe, Weakness in Extensor
6. L-5
Hallusis Longus muscle, Diminished Knee-jerk, Pain & Numbness in the
Top of the Foot, particularly in the Wave Between the Great Toe and The
2nd Toe
Numbness down the back of the leg into the outside or bottom of the
foot, Weakness is another symptom of nerve root compression,
Decreased function in the muscles supplied by the compressed nerve
7. S-1 root, Diminished or absent Achilles reflex, sensory loss at Back of Leg,
Lateral aspect of the Foot and Sole, Wasting of Calf Muscles and Plantar
Reflexors weakness, Diminished Knee-jerk, Difficulty in walking on Toe
- tips
DIAGNOSIS
Thorough Clinical Examination and Lasegue’s Test (SLR), Bragard Test, Bowstring Test, X
– Ray, C.T. Scan, M. R. I., E. M. G.
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
Lumbar Radiculopathies, Peripheral Artery Disease, Meralgia Paraesthetica, GTPS, Hip –
OA, S.I.J., Deep-Gluteal / Pyriformis Syndrome, AVN of Hip, Focal Neuropathies,
Inflammatory / Metabolic causes.
PROGNOSIS
The prognosis in Gridhrasi depends upon the chronicity of the onset, Intensity of Etiological
factors, Severity of the condition and Extent of damage and also associated conditions & Co-
morbidities and it can be explained as under:
S.No Category Conditions
1. Sukha Sadhya Recent Origin with no associated conditions
Conditions associated with Avruta Vata and where
2. Kashta Sadhya
the treatment is delayed
If associated with Vatarakta, Madhumeha, Kshaya,
3. Asadhya
Malignancies and Compressive Myelopathies
UPASAYA & ANUPASAYA

S.No Category Upasaya Anupasaya
Godhuma, masha, Purna Shali, Mudga, Kalaya, Brihat Shali,
1. Ahara Patola, Vartaka, Rasona Taila, Yava, Kodrava, Kshara, Tikta
Ghrita, Taila and Ksheera and Kashaya Rasa
Abhyanga, Tarpana, Swedana, Chinta, Bhaya, Krodha,
2. Vihara Nirvata Sthana, Atapa Sevana, Chankramana, Anasana, Vega-
Nasya and Vasti vidharana, Jagarana
CHIKITSA
SAMANYA CHIKITSA
S.No System Treatment Modalities
Nidana Parivarjana, Shamana Chikitsa, Vata-Vyadhi
1. Ayurveda
Chikitsa, Rasayana Chikitsa
Conservative Management, Epidural Steroid Injection,
2. Modern Medicine
Peri-Radicular Infiltration, Physiotherapy, Surgery
Ayurveda offers a range of better options in the management of Gridhrasi. Though Apana
and Vyana Vayu vitiation is observed, most of the times Kapha remains as associated Dosha.
Hence, Ayurveda recommends drug with Madhura, Amla, Lavana, Snigdha, Ushna guna,
Vatashamaka, Kaphashamaka, Vatanulomaka, Dipana-Pachana (digestive-carminative), and
Shulaprashamana properties.[11]
Sushruta has advocated Agnikarma and Siravedha procedures in gridhrasi as superior to other
treatment modalities.[12] In Vata-Kaphaja Gridhrasi Vamana plays important role in Kaphaja
symptoms. It expels the antigens causing inflammatory changes in body especially in

vertebral column region thereby inflammation will be reduced and the compression over the
nerves is released. Though Chakrapani indicated Urdhwa Shodhana[13] (Vamana) in
Gridhrasi, Vagbhata and Sushruta have contraindicated Vamana in Vata Vyadhi.
VISHESHA CHIKITSA OF GRIDHRASI

S.No Text Treatment Modalities
Vamana, Virechana, Dipana, Pachana, Vasti, Siravyadha,
1. Charaka Samhita[14]
Agnikarma & Shirovasti (in some commentaries)
Siravedha along with all the conventional treatment modalities
2. Susruta Samhita[15] explained for Vatavyadhi as applicable basing on the
presenting symptomatology
Snehana, Swedana, Mrudu Samshodhana, Vasti, Agnikarma,
3. Ashtanga Hridaya[16] Siravedha at Indravasti marma & all the general measures of
Vatavyadhi
4. Vrindamadhava[17] Vamana, Virechana, Vasti, Vidarana & Agnikarma
Pachana, Vamana, Vasti, Vidarana, Siravedhana, Agnikarma,
5. Chakradatta[18]
Dagdha Karma, Lepana
Karshana, Rookshana, Dipana, Pachana, Ishtika Sweda,
6. Vangasena Samhita[19]
Upanaha Sweda, Siravedhana followed by Gunja kalpa lepana
7. Harita Samhita[20] Abhyanga, Swedana, Rakta Mokshana
8. Bhela Samhita[21] Rakta Mokshana
9. Yoga Ratnakara[22] Agnikarma, Siravedhana
SNEHANA[23]
S.No Category Oils
Kottamchukkadi, Prabhanjana Vimardana, Murivenna,
1. Acute Pain
Nirgundi, Maha Narayana Taila
Rigidity/ Karpasastyadi, Maharaja Prasarinyadi, Laghu Chinchadi,
2.
Spasticity Sahacharadi, Vishagarbha Taila
3. Degenerative Gandha, Maha Masha, Ksheerabala, Balaswagandha Taila
Karpasastyadi, Dhanwantara, Narayana, Bala, Ketaki Muladi,
4. Paraesthesias
Chandana Bala Lakshadi, Khajita Pinda Taila
5. Listhesis Dhanwantara, Mahanarayana Taila
6. Compressions Prabhanjana Vimardana, Narayana, Maha Vishagarbha Taila
Karpasastyadi Taila, Kottamchukkadi Taila, Nirgundi Taila,
7. Muscular
Karpuradi Taila
Tendons & Gandha Taila, Murivenna, Karpasastyadi Taila, Chinchadi
8.
Ligaments Taila
SWEDANA[24]
S.No Category Swedana
1. Vataja Nadi Sweda, Shashtika Shali Pinda Sweda, Kaya Seka
Nadi Sweda, Valuka Sweda, Churna Pinda Sweda, Jambeera Pinda
2. Vata Kaphaja
Sweda, Patra Pottali Sweda
VIRECHANA[25]
S.No Category Virechana
1. Vataja Gandharva Hastadi, Eranda Taila
2. Vata Kaphaja Misraka Sneha, Nirgundi – Eranda Taila, Trivrit Leha
VASTI[26]
S.No. Vasti Condition
1. Panchatikta Ksheera Basti Pain, Tenderness, and Positive SLR test, Bragard’s sign
2. Mustadiyapana Yoga Basti Pain and Positive SLR test
Pain, Pricking sensation, stiffness, Catching type of
3. Vaitarana Basti pain, Twitching sensation, Drowsiness, Gourava,
Aruchi and Positive SLR test
4. Bhrimhana Ksheera Basti Pain, Stiffness, Positive SLR test
5. Dashamula Kwata Niruha Basti Pain, Stiffness, Pulsation, Aruchi and Positive SLR test
6. Erandamula Ksheera Basti Pain, Stiffness, Numbness and Positive SLR test
Pain, Pricking sensation, Stiffness, Twitching sensation,
7. Dashamula Niruha Basti
Positive SLR test and Bragard’s sign
Pain, Pricking sensation, Numbness, Twitching
8. Vrishyadi Niruha Basti sensation, Anorexia, Drowsiness, Gourava and Positive
SLR test, Walking distance
Pain, Pricking sensation, Numbness, Twitching
9. Karma Basti
sensation and Positive SLR test
10. Vajigandhadi Taila Kala Basti Pain, Tenderness, Positive Bragard’s sign
The final outcome of Vasti Karma vary basing on the method of administration,
Pratyagamana Kala, Drugs selected, Condition of the disease in which Vasti is given, Age of
the patient, Matra and quality of Vastidravya, Season and skill of the person administering
the Vasti.
RAKTA MOKSHANA
Rakta mokshana is one of the fascinating and satisfactory answers for Gridhrasi. It is
predominantly indicated in rakta, pitta and kapha’s vyadhis or when pitta or kapha is in
anubandha to vata dosha. Sushruta has mentioned that when measures like snehana, swedana,
lepadi kriya are ineffective, Rakta Mokshana gives quick relief. It is the only shodhana
procedure where the vitiated dosha’s are taken out from the shakha’s by creating an artificial
route. Rakta takes important role in spreading the disease from one part to the other part of
the body by carrying the toxins or vikruta dosha’s.[27]
Siravyadha is considered as the procedure of choice amongst Rakta Mokshana in Gridhrasi

since it offers satisfactory answers and quick relief in Gridhrasi and was advocated by many
Acharya, including Charaka, Sushruta, Vagbhata, Chakradatta, and Yogratnakara with

various sites for Siravyadha. Bhela claimed that Gridhrasi responds well to Raktamokshana.
Siravedha is done in an acute condition of diseases having pain as prominent feature and also
in conditions of Vata prakopa due to Kapha avarana, to remove the avarana of Kapha dosha
giving way for anulomana gati of vitiated vata thus directly cures the Vatika symptoms along
with symptoms produced by Kapha dosha.[28]
SITES FOR RAKTA MOKSHANA

S.No Author Site for Rakta Mokhshana
1. Charaka[29] Antara kandara of Gulpha sthana
2. Sushruta[30] At Janu sandhi after sankocha (Flexion) of Janu sandhi
3. Vagbhata[31] Four angula above or below Janu pradesha
4. Yoga Ratnakara[32] In the area of four angula around Basti and Mutrendriya
AGNI KARMA[33]
According to Sushruta and Vagbhata, in the management of sira, snayu, asthi, and sandhigata
vyadhi, Agnikarma is indicated and Gridhrasi being one of the diseases of these samprapti,
Agnikarma is very effective in treating the chief complaint of pain in patient suffering from
sciatica. Acharyas have suggested different sites for agnikarma as under:
S.No Author Site for Agni Karma

1. Charaka[34] Antara kandara of Gulpha sthana
2. Harita[35] Four angula above the gulpha in tiryak gati
3. Chakradatta[36] Pada kanishthika Anguli (little toe of the affected leg)
Posterior side of the leg at four angulas below the Indra
4. Susruta[37]
Basti Marma
5. Vrindamadhava[38] Pada kanishthika Anguli (little toe of the affected leg)
6. Yoga Ratnakara[39] Pada kanishthika Anguli (little toe of the affected leg)
INTERNAL ADMININSTRATION
GUGGULU YOGA
S.No. Category Guggulu Yoga
Lakshadi Guggulu, Panchatiktaka Ghrita Guggulu, Shiva
1. Vataja – Degenerative
Guggulu, Swayambhuva Guggulu
Kaisora Guggulu, Navaka Guggulu, Punarnavadi
2. Vata – Kaphaja Guggulu, Simhanada Guggulu, Vyadhi Shardula
Guggulu, Yogaraja Guggulu
Lakshadi Guggulu, Sama Sharkara Guggulu, Shadushana
Desiccation – Protrusion
3. Guggulu, Suddha Guggulu, Vatari Guggulu, Maha
– Prolapsed
Yoga-raja Guggulu
4. Involvement of Muscles – Abha Guggulu, Rasnadi Guggulu, Swayambhuva
Tendons - Ligaments Guggulu, Trayodasanga Guggulu
RASAUSHADHA
S.No. Rasaushadha Indications
1. Vata Gajankusha Rasa Acute, Non-inflammatory, Aruchi, Tandra & Gaurava
2. Vata Vidhwamsana Rasa Acute, Inflammatory, Arachnoiditis, Neuritis etc…
3. Mahavata Vidhwamsana Rasa Acute, Inflammatory, Fever, Pain-Chest, Nausea/Vomiting
4. Vata Rakshasa Rasa Chronic, Recurrent, Radiculopathies, Muscle Wasting etc.
5. Rasaraja Rasa Degenerative, Neuropathies, Neuro-Muscular, Palcies
Myelopathies, Radiculopathies, Intense & Pulsating pain,
6. Ekangaveera Rasa
Spasticity, Rigidity etc.
7. Samirapannaga Rasa Vata-Kaphaja, Stenosis, Listhesis, Stiffness etc.
8. Brihadvata Chintamani Rasa Chronic, Neuropathies, Paraesthesias etc.
9. Yogendra Rasa Rigidity, Spaasticity, Emaciation etc..
Rigidity of Ligaments & Tendons, Wasting of Muscles,
10. Chaturmukha Rasa
Nerve Debility, Spondylosis
11. Agni Tundi Vati Deepana, Pachana, Shulaghna, Vata – Kaphaja Gridhrasi
12. Vishatinduka Vati Inflammatory pathologies, Vata-Kaphaja, Spondylitis
PATHYA[40]
1. Rasa Lavana
2. Shuka Dhanya Godhuma
3. Simbi Dhanya Masha, Kulattha
4. Mamsa Varga Kukkuta, Chataka, Jangala Mamsa
5. Shaka Varga Patola, Kushamanda, Shigru, Mulaka
6. Phala Varga Dadima, Badara, Draksha
7. Anya Dravya Lashuna, Punarnava, Jeeraka
8. Karma Abhyanga
APATHYA[41]
1. Rasa Kashaya, Tikta, Kat
2. Simbi Dhanya Mudga, Kalaya, Chanaka
3. Shaka Varga Bimba, Kareera
4. Vihara Chinta, Prajagara, Vegadharana, Shrama
5. Karma Chardi, Langhana
PHYSIOTHERAPY
S.No. Modality Benefits
Reduce pain, Increase Circulation, Increase mobility of
Soft Tissues, Muscle Spasm & Tendinopathy, Muscle
1. Ultra Sound
Injury secondary to IVPD,
Muscle Strain Injuries
Delivers continuous deep stimulation into the affected
Interferential
2. tissue, Pain Relief, Increased Blood Flow, Muscle
Therapy
Stimulation, Decrease Oedema
Trans-cutaneous
Useful in both Acute & Chronic Pain, Neuropathies,
3. Electrical Nerve
Radiculopathies
Stimulation
Increase the inter-vertebral space by distraction, Exert
4. Lumbar Traction centripetal force at the back of the joint and suction to
draw the disc protrusion towards the center of the joint
Boosts Flexibility & Mobility in muscles, Improve
performance in physical activities, Decrease risk of
injuries, Help joints move through their full range of
5. Stretching Exercises
motion, Increase muscle blood flow, Enable muscles to
work most effectively, Improve ability to do daily
activities
Increase the strength of specific or groups of muscles,
Encourages the growth, increasing the Muscle Strength,
Strengthening
6. Decrease energy expenditure as muscles are more
Exercises
efficient, Reduce risk of injury, Improve function &
Improve quality of movement
YOGA
S.No. Yogasana Benefits
Improves Balance, Flexibility & Posture, Tone up & Energize
Spinal Nerves & Muscles, Stretches Thigh Muscles, Improve the
strength of Calf, Thigh & Gluteus Muscles, Improves flexibility
1. Pada Hastasana
of Hamstrings, Strengthens Quadriceps, Hip – Flexors and Knee
Joints and Stretches Lower – Back and Piriformis muscle thereby
relieving Sciatic Pain
Releases tension in the Back, Shoulders & Chest, Stretches &
2. Balasana Lengthens the Spine, Gently stretches Hips, Thighs & Ankles,
Stretches Muscles, Tendons & Ligaments in the Knee – Joint
Helps stretch and tone the back muscles, strengthens the legs and
feet, Lengthens the spine, Strengthen the arms, legs and lower
Adhomukha
3. body, Stretch the chest, back, calves and feet and relieve lower
Svanasana
back pain, Increase strength and flexibility, Relieves Spasm in
Tendons & Ligaments
Enhance flexibility and decrease the stiffness of the lower back,
4. Bhujangasana Gives the upper & lower back a reasonable extension. Thus,
helping in strengthening spine
Helps to strengthen back muscles, Helps in repairing and
5. Shalabhasana
replenishing the entire spinal cord, Strengthens the hip bones
Ardha Kati Provides stretch to Spine & Keeps it Flexible, Tones the Muscles
6.
Chakrasana around Hip, Waist & Abdomen, Strengthens the hip bones
Helps in the agility of the spine, Elongate and restores natural
alignment of Spine, Release stiffness in lower-back muscles,
Ardha Matsyendra-
7. Increase the flexibility of Skeletal muscles and Para-spinal
sana
ligaments & Tendons, Increase Blood circulation in the Pelvic
area.
Stretches Hip Flexors, Strengthens Lower-back, Decompresses
8. Setu Baddhasana
Spine, Strengthens Lower Back
9. Pavana Muktasana Strengthens back and abdominal muscles, Tones up the core
muscles of legs and arms, Stimulates pelvic muscles, Stretches

neck and back effectively, Loosens spinal vertebrae and makes it
flexible, Cures back pain.
It stimulates spine and neck, Provides good stretch to neck, back,
10. Marjaryasana hips and abdomen, Increase the flexibility of the spinal cord and
improve the blood flow to the lower back muscles.
Strengthens the muscles of the spine and legs, improve their
Flexibility and Range of Motion, Increases the flexibility of the
11. Padangushtasana
thigh muscles and Increases range of motion of the spine and the
hip joint.
Strengthens the body’s core muscular system, Helps in toning
Supta Padangusht-
12. hamstrings, hips and leg muscles, Helps in lower back pain
asana
through dynamic control of core-stabilizing muscles
Releases lower body tension and improve circulation in the hips,
lower back and legs, and thighs, Stretches Gluteus, Hamstring &
13. Supta Kapotasana
Quadriceps, Strengthens Hip – Flexors, Improves Range of
Motion & Flexibility of Hip
Ekapada Raja Increases hip mobility, Uses core strength to keep hips level,
14.
Kapotasana Targets the Psoas Muscle and Hip flexors.
Promotes relaxation by activating the parasympathetic nervous
system, Alleviates stress, Enhances self-healing, Aids in better
15. Viparita Karini
Circulation, Eases tension in the lower back and hamstrings,
Reduces Muscle cramps
Elongates spine and corrects bad posture, Strengthens the
16. Gomukhasana muscles of the back, hips, ankles, shoulders, thighs, inner
armpits, triceps, and chest.
DISCUSSION
Gridhrasi is one of 80 Nanatmaja Vata Vyadhi i.e., it is caused only because of vitiated Vata
and hence, Vataprakopaka Lakshanas are seen as the cardinal symptoms in the disease.
Depending on the Karma & Sthana, the influence of Apana and Vyana Vayu Dusti can be
assessed. The Vitiation Vata is reflected through Dhatukshaya and Margavarodha. Because of
the Samprapti Vishesha, the same Nidanas produce different manifestations according to the
Sthana where Dosha-Dushya Sammurchhana takes place and also Vyanjaka Hetu (exciting
cause).
The internal medications used in the treatment of Gridhrasi possess Vatashamaka,

Kaphashamaka, Amapachana, Dipana, Vedana Sthapana and Rasayana properties. Due to
Ushna Virya and Vatanulomana properties, they normalize the movement of Apana Vaayu
and Vyana Vayu. Furthermore, it checks blockage of path occurred due to Kapha and so
helps to relieve Stambha and Shotha (edema) and they corrects Agni and relieves generalized
symptoms such as Aruchi, Tandra, and Gaurava too.
According to Sushruta and Vagbhata, in the management of sira, snayu, asthi, and sandhigata
vyadhi, Agnikarma is indicated and Gridhrasi being one of the diseases of these samprapti,
Agnikarma is very effective in treating Gridhrasi.
The Panchakarma procedures advocated liquefies the Doshas and expand the srotas, thereby
facilitating the doshas to travel toward their own sthana resulting in the Sroto sanga vighatana
(breakdown the pathogenesis by removing obstruction in the micro channels). With each
therapy being tailor made to suit the severity and requirements specific to the patient, the
benefit is quite encouraging.
CONCLUSION
Ayurveda has identified since ancient times and uniquely named this disease as Gridhrasi.
Ayurvedic classics have described various treatment modalities in the management of
Gridhrasi since ancient times. These have stood the test of time and even today, are useful in
bringing relief to the sufferers of this dreadful disease. With each therapy being tailor made to
suit the severity and requirements specific to the patient.
As per the Ayurvedic treatment principle, Shodhana with Shamana followed by Vasti is the
line of treatment of Vata situated in Adhobhaga. The overall therapeutic effect of the above
mentioned therapies indicate that the collaborative approach of various Panchakarma
procedures can results in comprehensive cure and recovery in Sciatica.
Physiotherapy and regular practice of prescribed Yogasana helps in increasing the Strength
and flexibility of Muscles decrease the rigidity and Stiffness in Tendons & Ligaments,
improves range of Motion of Joints and functional capacity of Muscles and Joints and thus
contribute significantly in comprehensive recovery of the patient from sciatica and its
associated issues.
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Prasad et al.

World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research

Volume 13, Issue 1, 945-959. Review Article ISSN 2277–7105

MANAGEMENT OF GRIDHRASI – A CLINICAL PERSPECTIVE

KEYWORDS: Vata Vyadhi, Nanatmaja Vyadhi, Gridhrasi, Sciatica, Siravedha.

According to contemporary medicine, Gridhrasi is a symptom not a disease which is

S.No. Category Details

Charaka Samhita also makes a mention of Trauma on Lumbo-sacral spine (Abhighata),

hand coordination, “Foot drop”, weakness in a foot that causes a

SYMPTOMS OF NERVE INVOLVEMENT

UPASAYA & ANUPASAYA

symptoms. It expels the antigens causing inflammatory changes in body especially in

VISHESHA CHIKITSA OF GRIDHRASI

Siravyadha is considered as the procedure of choice amongst Rakta Mokshana in Gridhrasi

Acharya, including Charaka, Sushruta, Vagbhata, Chakradatta, and Yogratnakara with

SITES FOR RAKTA MOKSHANA

S.No Author Site for Agni Karma

Tendons - Ligaments Guggulu, Trayodasanga Guggulu

muscles of legs and arms, Stimulates pelvic muscles, Stretches

The internal medications used in the treatment of Gridhrasi possess Vatashamaka,

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