To Know the Efficacy of Shirodhara with Ksheerbala Taila in Anidra W.S.R to Insomnia: Single Case Study

Introduction

Charaka Acharya has mentioned Ahara, Nidra, Brahmacharya as Trayoupastambha [1]. These three factors play an important role in the maintenance of health of a living organism. Sukha, Dukkha, Pushti, Karshyam, Vrusha, Klibata, Gyana and Agyana and Jivita and Ajivita all these factors depends on Nidra [2]. Asamyak Nidra or Anidra causes opposite of all these. Ayurveda has given more importance to Nidra, by considering it one among the Trayo Upasthambha which is said to be a Vata Nanatmaja Vyadhi which can be correlated to Insomnia play an important role. Hence Acharyas gave importance to Ksheerabala Taila [3], which is used here is having Vatashamaka, Vedanasthapana, Pushti of Dhatus and thus acts on Anidra. Objectives of this case study are to evaluate Shirodhara with Ksheerabala Taila in Anidra. Trayo Upasthambha, Vata, Vatashamaka Ahara, Nidra and these three factors play an important role in the maintenance of Dukha, Pushti and Agyana, Jivita is depends on Nidra [2]. Asamyak Nidra or Anidra causes opposite of all these. In modern science we can consider insomnia. It is a condition of inadequate quantity or quality of sleep. Also it is the complaint of difficulty in initiating or maintaining sleep, waking too early and not being able to get back to sleep or waking feeling un refreshed and lethargic. Ayurveda has a very good approach towards the treatment of insomnia by both internal and external treatment modalities.

A female patient aged 37 years came to Panchakarma O.P.D at Rishikul campus Uttrakhand Ayurved University Haridwar with complaints of Anidra (insomnia), Krodh (Anger), Shokh (Sorrowness), Ajirn (indigestion), Katishoola (back pain) since 30 year. The patient was unable to get proper sleep since 2 year. She was always worrying of her parents and also feels insecure of her life. Since then her could not get proper sleep and symptoms Krodha, Bhaya, Chinta increased. She was finding difficulty in initiation of sleep and also disturbed and broken sleep at night. Patient consulted different doctors but did not get satisfactory relief. Stress regarding the disease was present and patient was very anxious about the problem. So patient came to Rishikul campus for further Ayurveda management. No any past history Psychiatric disorder was present.

Observation and Results

Till time of Treatment patient had moderated relief in sleep pattern and duration of sleeping time. Patient was not so anxious about the disease and was feeling better. There was marked improvement in sleep initiation and disturbed sleep as result patient was getting happier and patient was satisfactory due to feeling of wellbeing. On follow up after 1 month patient had sustained improvement in symptoms. Patient was happy and satisfied with the management.

Discussion

Manobhigata (mental trauma) and Pragyaparadha may be triggering factor for the mental disorder. Tridosha plays an important role in the manifestation of the disease Anindra. Vata is a Niyanta (controller) and Praneta (motivator) of mind and seems role play a major role in the onset of Anidra [6]. Vata is also reponsbile for Manovyapara (mental disturbance) and gives rise to symptoms like Bhaya, Moha, Shoka, Dainya and Pralapa further leading to Balahani and Sukhahani [6]. The impact of Pitta Prakopa in general and Sadhaka pitta and Alochaka Pitta dusthi in particular and other causative factors are responsible for Anidra.

Shirodhara therapy is extensively used for alleviation of psychic and psycho-somatic aliments. The drugs under Ksheerbala Taila Vatapitta shamak properties and Vedanasthapana as well as Balya and Brimhaniya to Sharira dhatus. The milk used in Shirodhara has Madhuras, Singdha guna, Seeta Virya and Madhur Vipak which subsidees Vata. Pitta, Dosha and Increase Kapha Dosha. In Shirodhara prolonged and intermittent stimulation by driping of oil may provide afferent input to the cerebral cortex leading to a tranquilizing effect. It is deeply relaxing and induces a relaxant state. Detoxification of blood circulation channels in the brain and the rejuvenation of the nervous functioning are the main objectives of Shirodhara. The mode of action of Shirodhara depends on therapeutical effect, physical effect and application of heat. Shirodhara has a good effect in the mental aliment by soothing mind. Continuous flow of Shirodhara on Shira may improves the Dhi (intellect), Dhiriti (etention), and Smirti (memory). There is a balance of Raja and Tama Dosha and improvement of Satva Guna. Through its mechanical effect, Shirodhara restablishes the functional integrity between the Doshas located in Shira or Hridya and helps the patient to concentrate which eventally leads to stability in the functions of mind.

Conclusion

There was significant improvement in the case of Anidra Shirodhara with Ksheerbala Taila and Panchkarma is a ray of hope in managing such case. The present study sets an example in management of Anidra. Ayurveda internal medicine can be good option for better management