EFFICACY OF MARMA CHIKITSA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SCIATICA (GRIDHRASI)-A SINGLE CASE STUDY
Sachin Patidar*, Rita Marwaha, Pankaj Gupta, S. D. Panda and Neha Mishra
ABSTRACT
The lifetime prevalence of low back pain ranges between 60% and 80%, while sciatica has a lower lifetime prevalence of 2% to 4%. Acharya Charaka identifies two types of Gridhrasi: Vataj and Vatakaphaja. In Vataj Gridhrasi, pain starts in the buttock (Sphik) and radiates to the lower back (Kati), back (Prushta), thigh (Uru), knee (Janu), calf (Jangha), and foot (Paada), accompanied by stiffness (Stambha), pain (Ruka), pricking sensation (Toda), and twitching (Spandana). In Vatakaphaja Gridhrasi, additional symptoms include anorexia (Aruchi), drowsiness (Tandra), and heaviness (Gaurava). Marma Chikitsa involves treating specific vital points to re-channelize Pranna (the body's vital force). Touching a Marma point can alter the body's biochemistry, leading to significant chemical changes. This stimulation triggers the body to produce neurochemicals that promote healing. In this treatment, the Marma points Pada Kshipra, Pada Talahridaya, Gulpha, Indravasti, Ani, Janu, and Urvi were manipulated. Each Marma point was stimulated in rhythm with respiration, approximately 18 times per minute. Marma Chikitsa was performed every other day for two weeks.
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