Abstract

ROLE OF AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT IN HEMIPLEGIA: A CASE STUDY

Dr. Sakshi*, Dr. Gayathri M. Prakash and Dr. Sanjeev Sood

Abstract

Hemiplegia refers to severe or complete loss of motor function on one side of the body. It is usually almost or partially incurable. Hemiplegia is known to often leave long-term disability. In Ayurvedic texts, hemiplegia is correlated with Pakshagata according to signs and symptoms. When vata paralysis worsens on one side of the body (right or left), it becomes immobile and is called Pakshagata. The current case study involved a 69-year-old patient with right-sided weakness and inability to walk. She was diagnosed with a right-sided hemiplegic stroke with non-hemorrhagic infarction on CT Head. Ayurvedic diagnosis of Pakshagata was established and treated according to the healing principles mentioned by Acharya Charaka. Snehana, Swedana, along with Panchakarma Basti procedures for 16 days. Maximum improvement in upper and lower limb function was noted at the end of treatment. The patient showed significant recovery of speech and motor skills. Panchakarma is a minimally invasive bio-cleansing procedure that can be used regularly as a preventive measure for lifestyle, metabolic, autoimmune diseases and healthy individuals.

Keywords: Hemiplegia, Pakshagata, Stroke, Panchakarma, Basti karma.