Abstract

AN AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF SHEETAPITTA W.S.R. TO URTICARIA- A CASE STUDY

*Dr. Pooja Hui and Dr. Sonalika Jena

ABSTRACT

Sheetapitta is a Vatapradhana Tridoshajavyadhi with the involvement of Dushya Rasa & Rakta. Sheetapitta occurs after exposure to cold breeze. This dominantly leads to the vitiation of kapha and vata dosha associated with pitta dosha and circulate all over the body manifesting as maculopapular rash. It is one of the Twak Vikara mentioned in ancient ayurvedic Samhita. Sheetapitta is characterized by lakshanas like varateedamstravath shotha (erythema due to wasp sting or wheals), kandu (itching), daha (burning sensation), chardi (vomiting), jwara (fever), toda (pricking type of pain) for more than six weeks. The symptoms include varatateedamstravath shotha and kandu due to dominance of kapha, shula due to vata and daha caused by vitiation of pitta dosha. Sheetapitta can be correlated with urticaria due to resemblance of etiological factors and symptomatology. Urticaria is a red, itchy rash caused by vasodilation, increased blood flow and increased vascular permeability. In Ayurveda this condition has a close resemblance to sheetapitta, due to exposure to cold the vitiated kapha and vata dosha gets aggravated with pitta dosha. They circulate throughout the srotas and vitiate the raktadi dhatus and produces mandalotpatti on the surface of skin. Aims & Objectives: The study aims to assess the efficacy of Ayurvedic management (Shamana Chikitsa & Shodhana Chikitsa) in sheetapitta. Materials & Methods: A 36 year old male presented with complaints of elevated reddish irregular lesions over back region, right hand and back side of neck region associated with gradual onset of itching and burning sensation that regions since two months. Itching starts immediately after the consumption of food items like brinjal, lady’s finger, citrus fruits, spices, non-veg, dairy products, dry fruits and nuts. The symptoms aggravated more in the night time and gradually subside in the morning. The diagnosis was done as sheetapitta. Result: Ayurvedic management was done by using shodhana and shamana chikitsa can effectively manage sheetapitta treatment was significantly effective in treating urticaria.

Keywords: Sheetapitta, Urticaria, Shamana chikitsa, Shodhana chikitsa.