CASE STUDY: ROLE OF VIRECHANA KARMA WITH SHAMANA CHIKITSA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF EKKUSTHA

Kapil Kumar* and Ankur Sinha

ABSTRACT

Ekkustha (psoriasis) is a non communicable and an auto immune disorder which disturbs the patient at both physical and mental level. It is also a kind of chronic inflammatory disease of the skin which has affected almost 0.44 to 2.8 % population in india.[1] Ekakustha is considered under ksudra kustha in Ayurveda, which can be compared with psoriasis in Modern medicine. In Ayurveda, the main reason behind the occurrence of this disease is due to the Rakta dusti. Later on this disease disturbs the balance of all three Doshas along with Twaka, Rakta, Mansa and Lasika.[2] Rakta Dusti occurs due the Nidana (etiology) described in our Samhita like - Virodhi Annapaan[3] and Past Birth Sins.[4] It has special features like well demarcated erythematous plaque with silvery scale. As there is no proper cure of psoriasis in Modern medicine so it has become a great challenge to get rid of this disease to a desired level. To treat this disease very effectively, Ayurveda has stated to go for proper Shodhana and Shamana Chikitsa. Shodhana Chikitsa like Vamana, Virechana, Raktamokshana, Nasya are to be prescribed along with various formulations. Method: It is a single case study of a 34-year-old male patient having complaints of silver scaly patches all over the body since last 5 years with generalized weakness. In the case mentioned above, Virechana treatment was given as Shodhana Chikitsa to the patient. For this, Panchtikta Ghrit[5] was used for Snehan with initial dose of 30ml in first day. Then the dose was increased gradually up to 240ml depending upon the Kostha of the patient. On the 6th day, Samayak Snigdha Lakshan was noticed. After that, two days Sarvanga Abhyangam and Sarvanga Swedan was done. Then on the 9th day, the patient was given Virechana with Danti and Trivritt along with Triphala decoction[6] according to the Kostha of the patient. After the Samayak Virechan, patient followed the Sansarjana karma for next 7 days. Once the Sansarjana karma was done, Shamana Aousadh was prescribed for 21 days. Result: After taking the proper Shodhana and Shamana Chikitsa for 37 days, there was a marked reduction in the patches on the body. Also, the symptoms like itching and generalized weakness were effectively controlled.

Keywords: Ekakustha, Psoriasis, Shodhan, Shaman, Silver scale.