Hemiplegia (paralysis or hemiparesis) is known as ‘pakshaghata’ or ‘pakshavadha’ in Ayurveda. It is classified under 80 diseases due to the vitiation of vata dosha (nanatmaja vata vyadhi). There is complete or partial paralysis of the arm, leg, and trunk on one side of the body. The most typical cause of hemiplegia is cerebrovascular stroke. A stroke affecting the corticospinal tract results in hemiplegia. Other causes are trauma, diabetes, infections affecting the nervous system, neoplasms, demyelination disorders, congenital disorders, multiple sclerosis, parasomnia etc. As per Ayurveda pathophysiology, the vitiated vata dosha afflicts half of the body by causing desiccation of nerves or blood vessels (sira) and muscles or tendons (snayu). It finally results in the signs and symptoms of pakshaghata. [Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 53-55] Rehabilitation is the primary treatment of hemiplegia to regain maximum function and quality of life. It includes both physical and occupational therapy. Ayurvedic management is vatahara (pacification of vata dosha) in nature. It can improve motor functions by vatanulomana (proper elimination of flatus, faeces, urine etc., by proper functioning of vāyu) and balya (which provides strength) forms of medications.
| Section/Chapter/topic | Concepts & Contemporary Practices/Diseases/Pakshaghata |
|---|---|
| Authors | Adarsh P. M. 1, Deole Y.S. 2 |
| Reviewer & Editor | Basisht G.3 |
| Affiliations |
1 Charak Samhita Research, Training and Development Centre, I.T.R.A., Jamnagar, India 2 Department of Kayachikitsa, G. J. Patel Institute of Ayurvedic Studies and Research, New Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat, India 3 Rheumatologist, Orlando, Florida, U.S.A. |
| Correspondence emails | dryogeshdeole@gmail.com, carakasamhita@gmail.com |
| Publisher | Charak Samhita Research, Training and Development Centre, I.T.R.A., Jamnagar, India |
| Date of publication: | October 10, 2023 |
| DOI | In process |
National Ayurveda Morbidity code: AAC-24
ICD code for: G81.90
Causes (hetu)
Aggravating factors of vata dosha lead to hemiplegia. These include following:
· Excessive intake of tikta (bitter), katu (pungent) and kashaya (astringent) tastes.
· Consuming insufficient quantity of food
· Excess intake of food items having dry quality.
· Late-time food consumption
· Suppression and provocation of natural urges.
· Avoidance of sleep at night
· Excess talking in a loud tone
· Excessive application of purificatory therapies
· Fear, grief, excessive thinking
· Excess exercise and sexual intercourse beyond one’s capacity. [A. Hri.Nidana Sthana 1/14-15][1]2
· Injury to vital organs (marmaghata)
· Untreated chronic inflammations or infections