Abstract

TO EVALUATE THE EFFICACY OF RAKTAMOKSHANA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SIRAJA GRANTHI W.S.R. TO VARICOSE VEINS – A SINGLE CASE STUDY

Dr. Rita Singh*, Dr. C.B. Singh, Dr. Pankaj Kumar Shukla and Dr. Madhu Ranjan

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Siraja Granthi, a disease described in Ayurveda can be correlated with Varicose veins. Varicose veins are tortuous, elongated and dilated veins occurs due to accumulation of blood caused by damaged or weakened valves. It is common problem in general adult population having prevalence of 10 – 15% with a predisposition towards female gender. The clinical features are not life threatening but are definitely life disturbing in nature that range from swelling, discolouration, fatigue, night cramps to ulcer formation in later stages. The disease is termed as Kutila – Sira in Ayurveda and is also covered under the description of ‘Siraja Granthi’. This disease does not have a promising conservative management by conventional treatment modalities and many patients have to undergo surgery. Therefore a study was planned to come out with a safer, effective and economical solution through Ayurveda using leech therapy. Ayurveda offers Raktamokshana as a potent treatment modality in vascular disorders. Materials and Methods: This is a single case study about the effective management of Siraja Granthi with Raktamokshana. Based on the presenting clinical features shown by the patient, it was diagnosed as Siraja Granthi. Management of Siraja Granthi with repeated Jaloukavacharana and Cupping therapy session was conducted. The duration of treatment 3 months. Result: The patient got relief in all symptoms with appreciable changes in pain, cramps, tortuous swelling over both legs. Discussion: Varicose veins are dilated veins due to improper function of valves. This leads to stasis, thickening of blood and finally ulceration. As stasis is the main reason, Shodhana of Rakta is the best treatment. Raktamokshana proves to be effective, time saving, affordable and acceptable treatment in varicose ulcer. We can roughly conclude the Ayurveda can give a ray of hope in the treatment of varicose veins and prevent varicose ulcer.

Keywords: Siraja Granthi, Varicose veins, Kutila Sira, Raktamokshana, Jaloukavacharana, Cupping therapy.