A CRITICAL REVIEW OF GRIDHRASI AND THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SIRAVEDHA

The term “Gridhrasi” comes from the word “Gridhra” (vulture), indicating the peculiar gait and posture of the patient due to severe pain, stiffness and difficulty in walking. Gridhrasi is one of the most common Vatavyadhi described in Ayurveda, characterized by radiating pain from the Sphik (hip) to Pada (foot) along with stiffness, tingling sensation and difficulty in walking. Raktamokshanis one of the Panchashodhana procedures which plays an important role in eliminating vitiated Rakta and relieving associated doshadushti .Raktamokshan helps to reduce the local congestion, improve microcirculation, decrease inflammation and relieve nerve compression. Classics texts emphasize Raktamokshan as an effective therapy in Vata-Rakta and Vata-Kapha disorders, which correlates with the pathogenesis of Gridhrasi. Therefore, Raktmokshan holds significant therapeutic importance in the management of Gridhrasi, providing a safe, time-tested and result-oriented approach.