Role of Patrapinda Sweda in Gridrasi w.s.r. to Sciatica

Gridhrasi is one of the painful conditions explained in Ayurveda in the context of vatavyadhi, where in the pain from the Sphik radiates to the Kati, Prusta, Uru, Janu, Jangha and upto Pada.[1] It can be compared to Sciatica as there is close resemblance in the manifestation of both the conditions. Sciatica is a relatively common condition with a lifetime incidence varying from 13% to 40%.[2] The corresponding annual incidence of an episode of sciatica ranges from 1% to 5%.[3] Now a days the most common disorder which affects the movement of leg particularly, low back ache out of which 40% are radiating pain that affects daily routine work. Snehana and Swedana are considered as the general line of treatment for Vata Vikaras[4] which can be taken as the line of treatment for Gridrasi. As per the classics, Swedana possesses Stambhaghna, Gauravaghna and Sheetaghna qualities.[5] Patra Pinda Sweda[6] is a form of Sankarasweda where different Vatahara drugs[7] are used. In this procedure, leaves of medicinal plants having Shothahara and Vedanastapana qualities are fried in medicated oil and tied into a Pottali. Thus, it has both Snehana and Swedana effect which helps in reducing the symptoms of Gridrasi. This paper is review of clinical application of Patrapinda Sweda and its efficacy in Gridrasi