Shodhana and Shamana Chikitsa in Pakshaghata - A Conceptual Study

Abstract

Vata Vyadhis (diseases due to vitiated Vata) are becoming most prevalent diseases now  a days. Diseases caused by Vata (Dosha responsible for cognition and movement) in  its vitiated condition are called Vata Vyadhis. Pakshaghata is one of the Vata Vyadhis which can be correlated with Hemiplegia/Stroke in accordance with the clinical  presentation. In the present era due to bad eating habits and sedentary life style, many  diseases are manifesting like diabetes mellitus, hypertension etc resulting in more  complicated conditions like stroke. A stroke is described as a sudden neurological  episode brought on by reduced blood flow to the brain which lasts for more than 24  hours or leading to death, with no probable cause other than a vascular one. Around 1.8  million people in India suffer from stroke every year. According to the modern sciences  the brain cells once damaged cannot be repaired and regenerated, resulting in poor  prognosis. So the treatment of Pakshaghata (Hemiplegia/Stroke) is challenging in  itself. Ayurveda emphasize on three line of treatment i.e Nidana Parivarjana  (Avoidance of etiological factors) Shodhana (Purification) and Shamana(Pacification). It has shown by the different studies that Shodhana Chikitsa, Shamana Chikitsa and  Pathya Sevan (Intake of Wholesome food) seems to be very effective in alleviating the  disease, improving the quality of life of the affected individual. Therefore it is assumed  that Nidan Parivarjana, Shodhana and Shamana Chikitsa, will be of great help in  alleviating the disease. Keeping the above said fact in mind present the present article  emphasizes on the compilation of various Shodhana and Shamana therapies mentioned  in the classics of Ayurveda for the management of Pakshaghata.