A COMPARATIVE CLINICAL STUDY ON MATRA BASTI WITH BALA TAILA AND SAHACHARA TAILA

Basti is said to be the best therapy for pacifying aggravated Vata Dosha. It is considered as Ardha Chikitsa due to the capacity to cure diseases of either Abhyantara, Bahya or Madhyama Roga Marga when used judiciously. It is broadly classified into Niruha, Anuvasana and Uttara Basti Anuvasana Basti believed to nourish the body and increase Bala (strength) and Varna (complexion). Matra Basti is a type of Anuvasana Basti in which the Sneha is administered in the lowest dosage. Gridhrasi is one among Vataja Nanatmaja Vikara characterised by Stabdhata (stiffness), Vedana (pain), Toda (pricking sensation) in the lumbar region radiating to the lower limb. Gridhrasi is of two types viz Vataja and Vata Kaphaja Gridhrasi. Vataja Gridhrasi is characterized by severe pain whereas, Vata Kaphaja Gridhrasi has symptoms viz Tandra (drowsiness), Gaurava (heaviness of body) and Aruchi (ano- rexia). Bala Taila contains Madhura Rasa, Snigdha, Vatahara, Balya, Brumhana properties. Sahachara Taila contains Madhura Tikta Rasa, Ushna Veerya and Vata-Kaphahara properties. This study was undertaken to com- pare the efficacy of Matra Basti with Bala Taila and Sahachara Taila in the management of Gridhrasi to ascer- tain a better modality. Statistical analysis showed that both groups showed good improvement in various parame- ters of Gridhrasi. When compared between the groups it revealed that there was not statistically difference except in S Lanss Pain Score (p<0.05). Hence it can be concluded that both Bala Taila Matra Basti and Sahachara TailaMatra Basti may be practiced in treating patients with Gridhrasi (Sciatica) to reduce both signs and symptoms successfully.Keywords: Matra Basti, Gridhrasi, Bala Taila, Sahachara Taila