Management of Ardita through Nasya with special reference to Bell's Palsy : A Single Case Study

Abstract

In modern era, prevalence of neurological disorders are rising due to fast-paced and stressful lifestyle. Ayurveda categorizes neurological disorder as Vata Vyadhi. Of the 80 Nanatmaj Vatavyadhi, Ardita is the one. Ardita is the disease characterized by Mukhardha Vakrata & results in Facial asymmetry & dysfunction. Ardita can be correlated to Bell's Palsy. Bell's Palsy is a neurological condition that involves the 7th cranial nerve & results in facial drooping and weakness. As per Acharya Charaka, Nasya is the specific treatment for Ardita. Nasya is one of the Panchakarma procedure in which the drug (medicated oil / ghee / decoction / powder, etc.) is administered through Nasa, essentially to eliminate the vitiated Dosha present in Shira. The present case deals with the 50 years old man diagnosed with Ardita and treated with Ayurvedic Shaman Aushadh along with Nasya. Patient got complete relief in all symptoms with appreciable changes. Criteria of assessment was based on House-Brackmann facial paralysis scale. To explore and elaborate the role of Nasya in Ardita with special reference to Bell's Palsy, various Samhitas along with contemporary books, research articles available on Nasya and Ardita are studied. Panchakarma procedure like Nasya proves to be the promising Ayurvedic management in Ardita.