IJAMS I International Journal of Ayurveda & Medical Sciences ISSN: 2455-6246

ABSTRACT

Neurological Clutters in Perspective of Vata Vyadhi

Nitin Pandey, Nishant Rai Jain 1, Pankaj Kumar Rajvanshi

2

Department of Kayachikitsa, 1Department of Swasthavritta,

2 Department of Rachna Sharir, Himalayiya Ayurvedic Medical College, Dehradun, Uttarakhand.

INTRODUCTION Ayurveda, the ancient holistic science of India is treating

neurological diseases since its inception. Ayurveda considers

neurological disorders to be the result of a disorder of Vata (one of

the three humors mentioned in Ayurveda), whose vitiation causes an

imbalance and disharmony in the human system which leads to

neurological disorders. Ayurvedic treatments for neurological

disorders aim to rectify this Vata imbalance and bring the Vata

dosha in harmony with Pitta and Kapha dosha, so as to eliminate

the disease in an individual. [1]

Ayurveda has acknowledged more

than 80 types of neuro-disorders including neuro-degenerative

diseases as Vatavyadhi, [2]

influenced broadly by the deranged effect

of „Vata’ humor.

In context of neurological disorders, as per Ayurveda, Vata

dosha can be vitiated in three ways- Vata vriddhi (neural

hyperfunctioning), Vata kshaya (neural hypofunction) and Avarana

(masked functioning).

Accepting the fact that majority of Vata diseases are incurable,

Ayurvedic texts have narrated diverse treatment regimens, including

„Panchakarma‟ (five actions of purification of body), yoga, massage

and herbal medicine that can make life easier and increase life

expectancy too. “Satvavajaya” (a type of mind-control based

Ayurvedic psychotherapy) with/without yoga is indicated to restore

memory, intellect and fortitude of a patient. [3, 4]

For diverse neurological problems ranging from epilepsy to

several psycho-dermatoses, Ayurveda has suggested many

nutritional, psychological and lifestyle modifications along with

other “nidans” (cause of disease) or therapies. [5,6]

Re-establishing

the harmony of a person’s physical, emotional and spiritual levels is

the fundamental principle of Ayurvedic healing as it perceives

disease being the end result of the disharmonious state of one’s basic

constitution.

As per Ayurveda, the tridoshas vata, pitta, kapha constitute

three regulatory systems respectively controlling input/output, turn

over and storage, thus making them universal properties of all the

living systems. Among these, the supremacy of vata is explained by

all our Acharyas. Vata is the only principle having predominance of

Vayu mahabhuta (one of the elementary constituent of universe) and

its main lakshana (symptom) is gati (movement) and gandhana

(knowledge/smell perception), [7]

which are generally attributed to

nervous system of contemporary science as it exhibits the same

functional properties. Hence, most of the vata disorders discussed in

Ayurveda are being diagnosed under neurological disorders in

modern medicine.

Predisposing factors for Vata vitiation: [8]

The factors which leads to the vitiation of vata are-

Ativyayama (excessive exercise),

Corresponding author: Dr. Nishant Rai Jain,

Assistant Professor, Department of Swasthavritta, Himalayiya

Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital, Majri Grant,

Dehradun,Uttarakhand, India. Email: drnishantjain2010@gmail.com

REVIEW ARTICLE

The vast majority of the neurological manifestations start from brain tissue or neurons as they continue on with phenomenal symptoms or

illness related outcomes due to the non-regenerative farthest point of neurons. Neurological signs like epilepsy, loss of movement and

neuropathies etc. are commonest presentation and have poor accommodating outcome.In spite of marked development in diagnostic

facilities,treatment of neurological disorders remain unchanged, as modern molecules fail to regenerate central nervous tissues. Present

chemical therapeutics can only stimulate or suppress neuro-conduction. Whereas nature's endowment of herbs, minerals and creature assets

either alone or in mix with medications reduces exhibiting manifestations as well as induces some fix by managing the neural biokinesis.

Amongst these, Ayurvedic medicines are good ones and quite helpful in treating a wide range of neurological issues. The impacts of Ayurvedic

medicine can be furthered by applying its complete methodology, i.e. Panchakarma, palliative medications, illness explicit Rasayana (immuno-

modulators), dietary proposals, suggestions for ways of life and Yoga treatment.

Key words: Ayurveda , Neurological disorders, Panchakarma, Rasayana, Yoga

Pandey N et al: Neurological Clutters in Perspective of Vata Vyadhi

International Journal of Ayurveda & Medical Sciences I October-December 2017 I Vol 2 I Issue 4

79

Ativyavaya (excessive sexual activity),

Ati adhyayana (excessive study),

Langhana (fasting),

Plavana (swimming),

Pratarana (falling),

Ratrijagarana (awakening at night),

Vegadharana (suppression of urges),

Excessive intake of katu (pungent), tikta (bitter), kasaya (astringent)

rasa etc.

TABLE-1 Symptoms of Vrridha (increased), kshaya (decreased)

and Avarana janya (covered/obstructed) vata [9-11]

Vrridha Vata Kshaya Vata Avarana Vata

Sankocha (contraction) Anga saada (weakness) Depends upon the type of

avarana i.e. two doshas,

seven dhatus, three malas

Stambhana & Shoola

(stiffness & pain) of joints

Alpa bhashana

(decrease speech)

Lomaharsha (horipillation) Alpa sangya (decrease

conscious),

Pralapa (delirium) Moha (delirium)

Graham (spasticity) of

hands, back as well as

head

Pangulya (total paralysis

of leg) & kubjata (hunch-

back)

Shosha (atrophy) of body

parts

Kampana (tremors)

Bala indriya bhramsa (loss

of strength and sensory

function)

Pralapa ( incoherent talk)

Bhrama (giddiness), etc.

TABLE-2 Variants of Vata and their physiological function: [12]

Types

of Vata

Physiological functions

Prana

Vata

Buddhi-Indriya-Chitta-Hridaya dharana (Intellectual activities like

judgement, decision making. Helpful in retention and recollection of

recent and past experiences-Intellectual, emotional, motor activities-

holds functions of hridaya)

Shwasa, Anna pravesha, Kshavathu, Nishteeva, Udgara (dyspnea,

salivation and deglutition, sneezing, spitting, belching)

Udana

Vata

Vakpravritti, Prayatna, Urja-Balakara-Varnakara-Smritikaraka

(promotes speech, swallowing, respiration etc. All other functions can

be included in it as speech is an integrated outcome of motivation,

emotion, sensory adaptation in terms of performance of an individual)

Vyana

Vata

Gati, Rassamvahana-Sweda asrik sravana, Yoni sukra pratipadana,

Sroto vishodhana (voluntary movements; circulation of rasa along with

other dhatus like rakta, outflow of blood and sweat depends on effective

contraction of heart and calibre of vasculature; deposition of semen

inside the vaginal cavity; increased circulation to muscle helps in better

supply of oxygen and removes the waste products)

Samana

Vata

Annam grihnati- Pachati- Vivechayati- Munchati (Vagal, glosso

pharyngeal reflexes facilitate the entry of the food into stomach,

secretion of the digestive juices through vagovagal reflex, sympathetic

stimulation, discrimination of essence and waste products of digested

food. The movement of the residue from colon to rectum and anus is by

gastro-colic, duodeno-colic reflexes transmitted by myoenteric plexus

by initiation of para sympathetic nerves which are stimulated by over

distension of colon)

Apana

Vata

Mutra-Sakrit-Sukra-Artava-Garbha nishkramana [Emptying of bladder-

bowel defecation-movement of sukra (semen) from vrishana to

sishnendriya (penis) and its ejection; artava is described both as

menstrual blood and ovum, hence here menstruation, ovulation both can

be considered, bearing down the foetus during labour]

TABLE-3 List of some Vata Vyadhi and their probable co-

relations: [13]

Vata Vyadhi Modern co-relations

Akshepaka Convulsions

Apatantraka Hysterical convulsions

Apatanaka Tetanus like convulsions

Ardita Facial paralysis with or without hemiplegia

Vishwachi Brachial neuritis

Gridhrasi Sciatica

Kampavata Tremors and palsy, Parkinsonism

Khalayakhanja Lathyrism

Pakshaghata Hemiplegia / Paraplegia

Snayugatavata Disease of tendons and ligaments

Principles of Management: [14]

It can be divided as follows general measures and specific measures.

A. General measures

In all type of diseases, Nidana Parivarjana is must i.e., to

avoid the predisposing factors including Vata Vyadhis.

For all Vata disorders, oleation, fomentation, palliation and

purification should be used.

The Snehana (oleation) and Swedana (sudation) therapy be

performed repeatedly.

Use of Ghrita- Taila- Vasa- Majja etc. (different oleaginous

substances) for oleation therapy is only indicated in vata

vyadhis without Avarana.

Use of Nasya karma (nasal insufflations) is indicated in all

types of vataja vyadhis.

Use of food that contains Madhur- Amla –Lavana rasa along

with other Brmhana (which nourishes the body) dravyas for

vataja disorders.

In case of avarana janya vata vyadhi, first treat avarana, if

vata is avarita by both kapha and pitta then pitta will be

treated first.

B. Specific measures

It includes Shodhana (purificatory) therapy and Shamana (use

of pacifying medicines) therapy.

Shodhana therapy-

Use of Mridu Virechana (mild purgatives) with any kind of

oily substances, if Vaatika disorders having greater strength

of doshas.

Use of Anuvasana basti (oil based enema) for vata

aggravation due to tissue loss.

Use of Niruha basti (decoction based enema) in those

persons having vatika disorders, who are weak and not

suitable for Virechana karma (therapeutic purgation).

Use of Anuvasana basti and Yapana basti in Aavrita vata.

Shamana therapy-

Use of herbal and herbo-mineral preparations.

Pandey N et al: Neurological Clutters in Perspective of Vata Vyadhi

International Journal of Ayurveda & Medical Sciences I October-December 2017 I Vol 2 I Issue 4

80

Use of Rasayana chikitsa specially in case of avarana.

Some Single Herbs useful in Neurological Disorders

Aswagandha (Withania Somnifera) Bala (Sida cordifolia)

Eranda (Ricinus communis), Bramhi (Bacopa monnieri)

Kapikacchu (Mucuna prurita), Bhallataka (Semecarpus

anacardium)

Kuchla (Strychinos nuxvomica), Guduchi (Tinospora

cordifolia)

Sarpagandha (Rauwolfia serpentina), Vacha (Acorus

calamus)

Some Classical Herbo-mineral Preparations Useful in

Neurological Disorders

Brihat Vatachintamani Rasa, Ekangavir Rasa, Mahavata

Vidwansana Rasa, Kumar Kalyana Rasa, Khanjankari Rasa,

Vatagajankush Rasa, Yogendra Rasa,

Rasraja Rasa.

Some common Rasayana Kalpa Useful in Neurological Disorders

Rasona, Guggulu, Bala, Nagbala, Abhyaamlak, Shilajeet

Rasayana, etc.

DISCUSSION

It has been studied that in excess of 60 million Indian population

experience mental disarranges, but the nation lingers a long way

behind the world for medications and in fact spends heavily for such

mental issues. About 1-2% Indians experienced schizophrenia and

bipolar issue though 5% population demonstrated normal mental

clutters like gloom, tension, spasm, and so forth. Ayurvedic system

of medicine has traditionally been used in several neurological

conditions and have been proved to be effective in headache,

epilepsy, seizure, agitation, loss of motion, memory misfortune

(Alzheimer's), a sleeping disorder, tension, Parkinson's malady,

craziness, wretchedness, and so forth. The availability and cost

viability of plant items offer impressive advantages for promoting

their therapeutic use. Nowadays much consideration is drawn

towards the built up customary frameworks of home grown

solutions for many brain related maladies, thus producing positive

trusts in the patients. The present review undeniably clears up that

the Ayurvedic plan of medicine is incredible delivered for treating

most by far of the mind related dissipates through various treatment

modalities including panchakarma treatment. Along these lines, it

could be deduced that the Ayurvedic course of action of home

developed remedy is emphatically a treasury of plant drugs which

can easily cater to treatment of many neurological issues and with

no or unimportant reactions.

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Varanasi, 2012, Reprint edition, p. 703-728.

How to cite this article: Pandey N, Jain NR, Rajvanshi PK.

Neurological Clutters in Perspective of Vata Vyadhi. Int J

Ayurveda & Med Sc 2017; 2(4): 78-80.

Source of Support: Nil. Conflict of Interest: None declared.