Résumé
Shirodhara is a procedure consisting of continuous pouring of a stream of medicated oil, milk, buttermilk, etc. on the forehead of the patient from a specific height for a specified period. Acharya Vagbhatta has described four types of Murdha Tail i.e., Abhyanga, Parishek, Pichu, and Shirobasti, which is successively more beneficial than the previous one. Shirodhara or Shiroparishechan is one of them. Indication of Shirodhara was found in our ancient textbooks in various diseases like Ardhavabhedaka, Suryavarta, Ardita, Pakshaghata, Hanugraha, Akshishula, Nidranasha, Shirogata Vata and Shirahkampa. In the modern era, it is a very widely used Panchakarma therapy and in this review article, an evidence-based approach is used to define the type, procedure, indication contraindication, mode of action, complications and management and evidence of efficacy etc. of Shirodhara. Based on evidence Shirodhara has been found effective in various disorders like Insomnia, Psoriasis, ADHD in children, Shirah Shoola, essential hypertension, cerebral ischemic stroke and premature ejaculation when accompanied with other treatment modalities. Shirodhara was found effective on subjective as well as scientific parameters or modern biochemical markers parameters in various studies.
Résumé
Authentic texts describe Grudhrasi under Vata Roga. One of its main clinical features is a pain that radiates from Sphik Pradesha (buttocks) to Pada (foot). It can be corelated with sciatica. Piyusharnava, describes that Parisheka Sweda using Nauclea orientalis (Bakmi) as a treatment for Katigaha (Lumbago). Vasti Karma using N. orientalis (Bakmi) is in practice and Vasti is the best treatment for Vata Roga. Seventy-five patients suffering from Grudhrasi (sciatica) were treated with Parisheka Sweda, Vasti and combined therapy. Parisheka Sweda was carried out for a period of seven days. Vasti was performed as Yoga Vasti. Both therapies were carried out in combined therapy group; namely, Parisheka Sweda followed by Yoga Vasti. All three groups showed statistically significant reduction in all the symptoms but there was no statistical difference between groups. Parisheka Sweda and Yoga Vasti using Nauclea orientalis (Bakmi) can be recommended as an effective treatment for Grudhrasi (sciatica).