Comparative Clinical Study on the Efficacy of Kati Vasti and Kati Pichu with Sahachara Taila with Sinhasya Dantee Kashaya in the Management of Gridhrasi

Abstract

Sciatica described in modern medicine closely resembles Gridhrasi, which is mentioned in classical Ayurvedic texts. The present study aimed to compare the efficacy of Sahachara Taila (ST) with Kati Vasti (KV) and Kati Pichu (KP) along with oral administration of Sinhasya Dantee Kashaya (SDK) in the management of Gridhrasi. A randomized clinical trial was conducted on 60 patients of Gridhrasi who were randomly allocated into two groups. Group A received KV with ST along with oral SDK, while Group B received KP with ST along with the same internal medication for 14 consecutive days. Assessment was carried out using subjective parameters such as Ruk (pain) Toda (pricking sensation) Aruchi (loss of appetite), Stambha (stiffness), and Spandana (twitching), Suptata (numbness), Ayama (stretching sensation), and Daha (burning sensation) and objective parameters including Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Straight Leg Raising Test (SLRT). Both groups showed statistically significant improvement in pain intensity and clinical symptoms (p<0.001). Group A demonstrated comparatively better improvement in Ruk, Toda Ayama, Suptata, and Daha, whereas Group B showed relatively better improvement in, Ruk,Toda Stambha, and Spandana. Overall clinical improvement and vertebral mobility were better in the Kati Vasti group. The study concludes that combined therapy of oral Sinhasya Dantee Kashaya with Sahachara Taila Kati Vasti is more effective than the combination with Kati Pichu in the management of Gridhrasi.