Application of Panchakarma Modalities in the Treatment of Shiro Roga: A Review

Abstract

Panchakarma is unique and super specialized therapy in the Ayurveda. It is very particular and result oriented natural therapy of body purification. Panchakarma includes five natural methods of Purification or elimination viz, Vaman, Virechan, Basti, Nasya and Raktamokshana. Panchakarma therapy has promotive, preventive and curative approach towards curing various disorders in Shalakya Tantra. Shalakya Tantra is one of the important aspects of the Ayurveda which deals with the treatment of disease associated with body parts above the neck i.e.,Netra (eye), Karna (ear), Nasika (nose), Kantha (throat), Aushtha (lips), Danta (teeth), Dantamoola (root of teeth), Jihwa (tongue), Taalu (palate), Kantha (throat), Sarvasar (mouth) and Shira or Kapala (head). Four out of five sense organs are included in Shalakya Tantra, so it is very important to protect them from diseases and also maintain their proper functioning. Administration of drugs by the Nasal route is termed as Nasya. Panchakarma is the most essential part of Ayurveda treatments. For administration of medicine, different routes are used in Ayurveda, but to reach the “Shira” (Head) it is difficult with other routes, there by the “Nasya” Karma was developed. Nasya Procedure is to eliminate vitiated Kapha Dosha associated Pitta disorders or diseases originating or settled in the place of Kapha.