Management of Ardita through Ayurveda: A case series

Abstract

The prevalence of Vatavyadhis (neurological diseases) such as Pakshaghata (hemiplegia), Gidhrasi (Sciatica), Ardita (Facial palsy) has increased. Arditavata can be correlated in contemporary medicine with Bell’s palsy, affecting the unilateral side of the face. This is the most common unilateral lower motor neuron facial palsy that usually develops suddenly or spontaneously. Ardita was successfully managed with Ayurveda treatment such as Snehana (oleition), Svedana (fomentation) followed by Nasya (nasal medication) and intake of other Ayurveda medicines. The aim of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of Navaneeta (butter) used for Abhynaga along with Ksheerbala oil for Nasya and Talam in the management of patients suffering from Ardita. The study was a consecutive case series done on an OPD basis to study the pre- and post-effect of the treatment regime mentioned earlier on patients suffering from Ardita. This study was conducted on four patients of Ardita, in whom Abhynaga with Navaneeta (butter), Nasya with Ksheerbala oil was done for seven days followed by an intake of Shamana medicines for the next 14 days. Use of Navaneeta (butter) for Abhyanga (massage), Ksheerabala oil for Nasya and Talam (medicinal application in scalp) showed significant improvement in the symptoms of patients with Ardita without any adverse effects in seven days, and most of the symptoms disappeared within 14 days of treatment. For pre- and post-assessment of the patients, House-Brackmann facial nerve grading system was used. Hence, the use of Navaneeta for Abhyanga, Ksheerbala Taila for Nasya and Talam helps is alleviating the symptoms of patients with Ardita.