Role of Panchakarma in Facial Nerve Palsy (Bell\'s Palsy): A Case Report

Background: Panchakarma (Penta biopurification) and allied therapies are a boon for Ayurvedic physicians.Ardita is one among the asheeti vata vikara (80 disorders of morbid vata) that affects uttamanga.Symptoms of Ardita mimic those of Bell's palsy.We will get a description of Ardita in various Ayurvedic literatures.Case description: A 22-year-old female patient approached the Panchakarma OPD of the Rajeev Institute of Ayurvedic Medical Science and Research Centre, Hassan, with the complaint of deviation of mouth towards the right side, unable to close the left eye, and unable to raise the eyebrows on the affected side with pain and swelling below the left ear towards the left cheek up to the angle of mouth.A neurologist in the city diagnosed the condition as Bell's palsy and informed the patient that complete recovery is not possible.With the ray of hope, she approached the Panchakarma department for better treatment.Bell's palsy or facial nerve palsy is a condition where the functions of the facial nerve are paralyzed.In this case study, various Panchakarma therapies, such as Shirovasti (medicated oil retained on the head) and Ksheeradhooma (vaporized medicated milk), are initially administered for 1 week, followed by Nasya (errhine therapy/nasal medication) and Kukkutanda Pinda Sweda for the latter half.Results: Patient was completely recovered in a short span of 18 days of treatment.House-Brackmann grade came from V to I (score 2/8 to 8/8) after the complete course of treatment.Conclusion: Ayurveda has a potential line of approach that can manage conditions like facial nerve palsy (Bell's palsy) vis-à-vis Ardita effectively.