MANAGEMENT OF ARDITA THROUGH PANCHAKARMA: A CASE STUDY

The prevalence of Vatavyadhi (neurological disorders caused by Vata Dosha (biological principle governing movement), such as Pakshaghata (hemiplegia), Gridhrasi (sciatica), and Ardita (facial palsy), has been increas-ing in recent years. Ardita (facial palsy), among the eighty Vataja Nanatmaja Vyadhis (diseases caused exclu-sively by Vata Dosha (biological principle governing movement)), is correlated with Bell’s palsy in contempo-rary medicine and represents the most common form of unilateral lower motor neuron facial palsy with sudden or spontaneous onset. Aggravation of Vata Dosha (biological principle governing movement) predominantly af-fects the facial region, leading to dysfunction of facial muscles. This case study reports the management of Ardi-ta (facial palsy) in a 21-year-old female patient presenting with ear pain, inability to close the eye, and difficulty in rinsing the mouth. The patient was treated with Panchakarma (bio-purificatory therapies) procedures, includ-ing Snehana (oleation therapy) and Svedana (sudation therapy), followed by Nasya (nasal administration of med-icated oil), along with appropriate internal Ayurvedic medications. Clinical assessment was done based on im-provement in signs and symptoms. The patient showed significant improvement in facial muscle function with marked reduction in symptoms, and no adverse effects were observed. This case suggests that Panchakarma (bio-purificatory therapies) therapy is a safe and effective approach in the management of Ardita (facial palsy).