EFFECT OF MARMA CHIKITSA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF GRIDHRASI (SCIATICA) - A LITERATURE REVIEW

Background: Gridhrasi, one of the 80 Nanatmaja Vatavyadhis, corresponds to Sciatica (L4 -S3 sciatic nerve irritation/compression). Classical Ayurveda designates Pakwashaya (colon) as the Ashraya Sthana of Gridhrasi — precisely corroborated by viscero-somatic reflex neuroscience, where constipation, IBS, IBD, and pelvic adhesions perpetuate sciatica through fascial continuity and lumbosacral plexus sensitization.[1,2,3] Objectives: (1) Explore the classical Ayurvedic conceptualization of Gridhrasi. (2) Document the role of intestinal pathology in Gridhrasi causation. (3) Present standardized diagnostic procedures integrating Marma Pariksha and 10 provocative tests. (4) Compile the complete Marma Chikitsa protocol. (5) Review clinical evidence and compare with TCM acupoint therapy. Key Findings: Vatakaphaja Gridhrasi maps precisely to Piriformis Syndrome; constipation can mechanically compress L4-L5 nerve trunks.[32,33]; IBS produces lumbosacral viscero-somatic sensitization[34]; IBD can cause psoas abscess-mediated plexopathy[35]; pelvic adhesions cause traction neuropathy.[36] Nine Marma Sthanas constitute an anatomically coherent therapeutic protocol. Mechanisms are explicable through MTrP deactivation, gate control neuromodulation, Vasa nervorum improvement, and transdermal pharmacology.[24,25,26] Conclusion: Marma Chikitsa with integrated Basti Chikitsa is a clinically sophisticated, anatomically grounded therapeutic system. Classical recognition of intestinal involvement as co-causative factor, validated by modern viscero-somatic reflex science, enriches both diagnosis and treatment.

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