World Journal of
Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences

REVIEW ARTICLE ON VIDDHAGNIKARMA IN KATIGRAHA

Nirmala Bidari* and Srinivas Masalekar

ABSTRACT

Katigraha is commonest encountered problem. It is characterized by stiffness (katisthamba), pain (katishula) and impaired functioning of lumbar spine region due to vitiation of Vata in Katipradesha.[1] Though it is not life threatening, this condition impedes daily activities. Kati itself is one of the seats of Vata Dosha and the root cause of disease is Vata.[2] According to Ayurveda, it is produced because of involvement of Asthivaha Srotas. About 80% of the industrial population and 60% of the general population suffers from low back pain due to wrong posture. It can be co-related with Lumbar spondylosis, a senile degenerative disorder affecting lumbar vertebrae, discs & is characterized by severe low back ache, stiffness, numbness of lower limb.[3] Sometimes pain is so severe that it affects the routine. Presently the condition is managed with analgesics NSAIDs, Steroids etc. These medications have adverse effects like gastric irritation, hyper acidity, peptic ulcer formation, GI bleeding, anemia, heart burn, osteoporosis and weight gain. The condition is managed in Ayurveda using therapies like, snehana, swedana, basti and treatment told for vatavyadhi which will provide pain relief for some period. Along with these measures, Sushruta emphasized that in case of tivraruja (severe pain) due to asthi, mamsa, tvak, sandhi, twachagata vata - Agnikarma should be performed.[4] Time tested classical Agnikarma using panchaloha shalaka is done to mitigate the acute pain. Acupressure also provides pain relief in some patients. This study aims to present a comprehensive review of the efficacy of Viddhagnikarma, a treatment that combines acupuncture with agnikarma using monopolar cautery, specifically in patients with lumbar spondylosis (Katigraha).

[Full Text Article]   [Download Certificate]