Published Paper Details:

Gridhrasi, is one of the Nanatmaja Vatavyadhi described in Ayurveda, is characterized by pain, stiffness, and radiating discomfort from the sphik (buttock) down to the pada (foot). The symptomatology resembles Sciatica in modern medicine, typically associated with lumbar disc herniation and nerve-root compression. Contemporary management includes analgesics, muscle relaxants, steroids, and surgical decompression in refractory cases, but these carry risks of recurrence, dependency, and adverse effects. Ayurveda provides both Shodhana (purificatory) and Shamana (palliative) modalities for Gridhrasi. Among these, Viddhakarma (therapeutic puncturing with needles) and Rasnadi Gutika (a classical formulation from Chakradatta) have shown notable results. Viddhakarma provides rapid symptomatic relief through Srotoshodhana and Vata Shamana, while Rasnadi Gutika -composed of Rasna,Guggulu, and Ghrita-addresses the root pathology by correcting Vata-Kapha Dushti and nourishing tissues. This review explores the classical foundations, pharmacological basis, probable mode of action of both therapies, emphasizing Viddhakarma as a minimally invasive and proposed Ayurvedic procedure for Sciatica.