A Case Study on Bells Palsy and its Ayurvedic Management
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: A Case Study on Bells Palsy and its Ayurvedic Management
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
Prerna
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Kayachikitsa, Abhilashi Ayurveda Research Institute and College, Chachiyot, Chailchowk, Mandi, H.P., India.
Neetu Tegta
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Swasthvrita, Abhilashi Ayurveda Research Institute and College, Chachiyot, Chailchowk, Mandi, H.P., India.
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: A Case Study on Bells Palsy and its Ayurvedic Management
Year: 2023 | Doi: 10.47070/ayushdhara.v10i4.1298
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Bell’s palsy is a neurological disorder characterized by unilateral facial paralysis resulting from the complete interruption of the facial nerve. It can be likened to the Ayurvedic condition known as Ardita, classified as a Vata Nanatmaja Vyadhi. The disorder commonly presents with symptoms such as mouth deviation, facial numbness, and inability to close one eye, often following episodes of dull pain behind the ear. Various factors, such as stress, improper sleeping positions, and dietary habits, are identified as contributing to the vitiation of Vata dosha, which plays a prominent role in the onset of the condition. Treatment in Ayurveda aims to address the underlying imbalance of doshas through herbal formulations and therapies.
Importance of Ayurvedic Management
The management of Bell’s palsy in Ayurveda emphasizes the use of specific therapies and herbal preparations. Key interventions include facial muscle strengthening exercises, protective measures for the eyes, and the use of Nasya therapy with Anu taila. Ayurvedic formulations like Vishmushti Vati and Brihatvata Chintamani Ras are employed to target the underlying Vata imbalance. The implementation of Nasya therapy is of particular significance; it is believed to facilitate the expulsion of morbid doshas and enhance blood circulation to affected areas, ultimately aiding in symptom relief. Such comprehensive approaches contribute to the holistic treatment of the condition rather than merely addressing symptomatic relief.
Role of Nasya and Herbal Formulations
Nasya therapy, which involves administering medicated substances through the nostrils, is highlighted as a critical aspect of Ayurvedic treatment in cases of Bell's palsy. This method is thought to reach the cranial regions and affect various related channels, thereby improving blood flow and accelerating the removal of accumulated doshas. Alongside Nasya, the formulations used, such as Ekangveer Ras and Dashmool, target Vata disorders and have been noted for their effectiveness in managing neurological conditions. These formulations not only help with symptomatic relief but also support the overall rejuvenation of the nervous system.
Conclusion
The case study elucidates a successful treatment pathway for Bell’s palsy utilizing Ayurvedic techniques, focusing particularly on Nasya and specific oral formulations. The patient demonstrated marked improvement in symptoms after adhering to the prescribed Ayurvedic regimen over three months, showcasing the efficacy of non-invasive treatments. The integration of lifestyle, dietary adjustments, and therapeutic modalities underscores the holistic nature of Ayurvedic management in addressing complex neurological disorders like Bell's palsy, emphasizing that a multi-faceted approach can lead to significant recovery without the need for surgical intervention.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Bell's palsy and its Ayurvedic equivalent?
Bell's palsy is a neurological disorder resulting in unilateral facial paralysis. In Ayurveda, it is referred to as 'Ardita,' a condition classified under 'Vata Nanatmaja Vyadhi' due to vitiated Vata dosha.
What symptoms did the patient exhibit in this case study?
The patient, a 37-year-old female, experienced mouth deviation to the left, numbness in the right side of her face, swelling in the lower lip, and difficulty in closing her right eye, indicating facial nerve involvement.
What Ayurvedic treatments were administered for Bell's palsy?
The treatment included facial strengthening exercises, Nasya with Anu taila, Ayurvedic formulations like Vishmushti Vati, and Brihatvata chintamani Ras, along with regular follow-up and Panchakarma procedures for symptom improvement.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “A Case Study on Bells Palsy and its Ayurvedic Management�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Ardita (Arddita):
Ardita is a condition in Ayurveda considered as a Vata Nanatmaja Vyadhi, which affects primarily the facial muscles. In this case study, Ardita is correlated to Bell's palsy, where there is a unilateral facial paralysis due to vitiation of the Vata dosha.
2) Nasya (Nashya):
Nasya is a therapeutic treatment in Ayurveda where medicinal oils or powders are administered through the nostrils. It is used in this case to manage Bell's palsy by reaching the Shiras (head) and alleviating symptoms caused by vitiation of doshas.
3) Dosha (Dosa):
Dosha in Ayurveda refers to the three fundamental bodily bio-elements: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Vitiation of Doshas is central to disease manifestation, with Vata Dosha being particularly implicated in Ardita or Bell's palsy.
4) Vata:
Vata is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, primarily responsible for movement and neurological functions. In the case of Bell's palsy (Ardita), a disturbance in Vata leads to symptoms like facial paralysis and numbness.
5) Pain:
Pain is a symptom experienced by the patient with Bell's palsy, described as dull and radiating to the right side of the head, particularly behind the ear. The pain often precedes the manifestation of facial paralysis.
6) Disease:
Disease in Ayurveda is often attributed to the imbalance and vitiation of Doshas. In this case study, Bell's palsy is considered as a disease (Vata Nanatmaja Vyadhi) where the primary dosha involved is Vata.
7) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is the traditional system of medicine from India, which uses principles of balance between the doshas for health. This case study demonstrates Ayurvedic management of Bell's palsy with treatments like Nasya and Ayurvedic formulations.
8) Drug:
Drug in the context of Ayurveda refers to herbal and mineral formulations used for treatment. Examples in this study include Vishmushti Vati and Brihat Vata Chintamani Ras, which are part of the intervention for Bell's palsy.
9) Blood:
[see source text or glossary: Blood]
10) Medicine:
Medicine in the Ayurvedic context refers to therapeutic preparations like Vishmushti Vati and Brihatvata Chinthamani Rasa. These are used to manage conditions like Bell's palsy through balancing the doshas.
11) Anutaila (Anu-taila):
Anu-taila is a specific medicated oil used in Nasya therapy. In this case study, Anu taila is administered through the nostrils to alleviate symptoms of Bell's palsy by reaching the Shiras and treating the vitiated doshas.
12) Swelling:
Swelling is one of the symptoms experienced by the patient with Bell's palsy. The patient reported a feeling of swelling in the lower lip, which is indicative of facial nerve involvement.
13) Nostril:
Nostril administration is crucial in Nasya therapy, where medicinal substances like Anu-taila are instilled to treat conditions affecting the head, including Bell's palsy (Ardita).
14) Vyadhin (Vyadhi):
Vyadhi in Ayurveda refers to disease or ailment. Bell's palsy is considered a Vyadhi known as Ardita in Ayurveda, characterized by facial paralysis due to vitiation of the Vata dosha.
15) Shiras (Siras, Siro, Shirash):
Shiras refers to the head region in Ayurveda. Treatments like Nasya aim at reaching the Shiras to expel morbid doshas in diseases like Bell's palsy.
16) Murdha (Murdhan):
Murdha in Ayurveda refers to the head. Procedures like Tailabhyanga (oil massage) and Nasya are performed to treat conditions associated with the head, including Bell's palsy (Ardita).
17) Taila (Thaila):
[see source text or glossary: Taila]
18) Sira (Shira):
[see source text or glossary: Sira]
19) Nasa (Nasha):
Nasa refers to the nose in Ayurveda and is considered the gateway to the head. Nasya therapy involves administering medicinal substances through the Nasa to treat disorders like Bell's palsy.
20) Food:
[see source text or glossary: Food]
21) Pratimarshanasya (Pratimarsanasya, Pratimarsha-nasya):
Pratimarsha-nasya is a form of Nasya therapy that can be performed daily and even at home. This was recommended to the patient post-hospitalization to manage symptoms of Bell's palsy.
22) Sutrasthana (Sutra-sthana):
[see source text or glossary: Sutra-sthana]
23) Tailabhyanga (Taila-abhyanga):
Tailabhyanga involves the application of medicated oil over the head. It is recommended in Ayurveda for treating conditions like Ardita (Bell's palsy) to balance Vata dosha.
24) Tridoshahara (Tridosahara, Tridosha-hara):
Tridoshahara refers to an Ayurvedic remedy that balances all three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). Dashmool, used in this study, is an example of a Tridoshahara formulation, especially effective in Vata disorders.
25) Inflammation:
[see source text or glossary: Inflammation]
26) Pakshaghata (Paksaghata, Paksha-ghata, Paksha-aghata):
[see source text or glossary: Pakshaghata]
27) Shringataka (Srngataka, Shrimgataka):
Shringataka refers to a crucial site in the head where several cranial nerves converge. Nasya therapy targets the Shringataka marma to treat disorders like Bell's palsy.
28) Cintamani (Cinta-mani, Cimtamani):
[see source text or glossary: Chinthamani]
29) Agnimantha (Agni-mantha, Agnimamtha):
Agnimantha is one of the ten roots included in Dashmool. Dashmool is used for alleviating Vata disorders, making it relevant in treating conditions like Bell's palsy in Ayurveda.
30) Vatadosha (Vatadosa, Vata-dosha):
[see source text or glossary: Vatadosha]
31) Discussion:
Discussion in the case study elaborates on the Ayurvedic correlation of Bell's palsy with Ardita, the efficacy of Nasya, and the role of doshas, particularly Vata, in disease presentation and management.
32) Irritation:
Irritation caused by administered nasal drugs increases brain blood circulation, helping expel morbid doshas, which is a principle utilized in Nasya therapy for treating Bell's palsy.
33) Salivation:
[see source text or glossary: Salivation]
34) Vataroga (Vata-roga):
[see source text or glossary: Vata-roga]
35) Adhishthana (Adhisthana):
[see source text or glossary: Adhistana]
36) Vitiation (Vitiated):
Vitiation of doshas in Ayurveda leads to the manifestation of diseases. In the case of Bell's palsy, the vitiation of Vata-dosha is primarily responsible for its symptoms.
37) Gokshura (Goksura, Go-kshura):
Gokshura is one of the ten roots in Dashmool, which is utilized in Vata disorders like Bell's palsy because of its Tridoshahara properties.
38) Goghrita (Goghrta, Go-ghrita):
[see source text or glossary: Goghrita]
39) Leprosy:
[see source text or glossary: Leprosy]
40) Mineral:
Mineral preparations in Ayurveda, like Brihat Vata Chintamani Ras containing minerals such as gold, silver, and mica, are administered to treat neuro-muscular diseases like Bell's palsy.
41) Hygiene (Hygienic):
Hygiene in this case study is mentioned as the patient having good oral hygiene with no palpable lymph nodes, aiding in the differential diagnosis process.
42) Bhasma (Bhasman):
Bhasma refers to the ash obtained from minerals and metals used in Ayurvedic formulations. Medicines like Brihatvata Chinthamani Rasa, containing gold and mica Bhasma, were used for Bell's palsy treatment.
43) Sandhi (Shandhi, Samdhi):
[see source text or glossary: Sandhi]
44) Sthana:
[see source text or glossary: Sthana]
45) Brihat (Brhat):
Brihat is part of the Ayurvedic formulation Brihat Vata Chintamani Ras, indicating its role in managing severe Vata disorders such as Ardita (Bell's palsy).
46) Vihara:
[see source text or glossary: Vihara]
47) Kantha (Kamtha):
Kantha refers to the throat. Nasya therapy reaches the entire head and Kantha, helping alleviate symptoms of diseases localized to these areas like Bell's palsy.
48) Nature:
[see source text or glossary: Nature]
49) Silver:
[see source text or glossary: Silver]
50) Indian:
Indian system of medicine, specifically Ayurveda, provides treatments like Nasya and uses formulations such as Brihat Vata Chintamani Ras for managing Bell's palsy.
51) Snayu:
[see source text or glossary: Snaayu]
52) Pitta:
[see source text or glossary: Pitta]
53) Kapha:
[see source text or glossary: Kapha]
54) Sutra:
[see source text or glossary: Sutra]
55) Marma:
Marma points in Ayurveda are vital points in the body where various tissues intersect. Shringataka is a Marma point in the head targeted by Nasya therapy in treating Bell's palsy.
56) Mamsa (Mamsha):
[see source text or glossary: Mamsa]
57) Ahara:
[see source text or glossary: Ahara]
58) Netra:
[see source text or glossary: Netra]
59) Bilva (Vilva):
Bilva is one of the ten components of Dashmool, which is used to alleviate Vata disorders like Bell's palsy because of its Tridoshahara properties.
60) Ayus (Ayush):
[see source text or glossary: Ayush]
61) Barre:
[see source text or glossary: Barre]
62) Aahar:
Aahar refers to diet in Ayurveda, crucial in managing the doshas. In the treatment of Ardita or Bell's palsy, consuming Vatashamaka (Vata pacifying) aahar is recommended.
63) Edema (Oedema):
[see source text or glossary: Edema]
64) Pearl:
[see source text or glossary: Pearl]
65) Fever:
[see source text or glossary: Fever]
66) House:
[see source text or glossary: House]
67) Roga:
[see source text or glossary: Roga]
68) Rasa (Rasha):
[see source text or glossary: Rasa]
69) Mica:
[see source text or glossary: Mica]
70) Vati:
[see source text or glossary: Vati]
71) Nadi (Nadin):
[see source text or glossary: Nadi]
72) Ras (Rash):
[see source text or glossary: Rash]
73) Gold (Golden):
[see source text or glossary: Gold]
74) Viru:
[see source text or glossary: Viru]
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �A Case Study on Bells Palsy and its Ayurvedic Management�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Ardita, Anutaila, Pratimarshanasya, Ayurvedic Management, Bell's Palsy, Nasya therapy, Vata Nanatmaja Vyadhi, House-Brackmann Scale, Ekangveer Ras, Dhoompan, Lower motor neuron disease.