Article: AN OVERVIEW ON BELL’S PALSY WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO ARDITA IN AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE

Article Category: Review articles

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.10011

Pages: 1-3

Author: Bhavya B.M. *, Tejaswini C

Abstract: In Ayurvedathere is description of a condition called Arditaunder vatarogawhich manifests with the features more similar to facial palsy such as deviation of face, loss or decreased function of the affected muscle, numbness or pain on the affected side of the face. The symptoms here are exhibited based on the doshawhich are predominantly affected. Although the most commonly known cause of facial paralysis (FP) is Bell’s palsy, there are actually many different causes of Facial Paralysis, the treatment and prognosis of which varies considerably depending on the cause. Among these, Bell’s palsy can be a condition related to arditaand the treatment principles are almost identical. The incidence of this is 20-30 cases for 100,000 and accounts for 60-70% of all cases of unilateral peripheral facial palsy with the recurrence range of 4-14%. Management of Facial Paralysisin Ayurvedaincludes oil massage, mild fomentation, nasyatherapy (nasal drops), administration of the medicaments which are possessing snigdha(unctuous), amla(sour) and lavana rasa andvatahara oushadhas (vatabalancing medicines). The general goal of therapy is to maintain the health and function of the facial muscles while the nerve heals and stimulates facial nerve through administration of steroids, antivirals, eye protective measures along with physiotherapy. As the disease is recurrent, it often needs regular monitoring along with rehabilitating and rejuvenating treatments which can be successfully managed by our ancient treatment principles either as a stand-alone or assisted with alternative treatment modalities wherever necessary and the concept has been framed accordingly. 

Keyword: Ardita, Vataroga, Bell’s palsy, Facial Paralysis