TREATING KARNA SRAVA THROUGH AYURVEDA – A CASE STUDY

Karna (ear), the organ of hearing is considered as one among the Navadwaras which is predominant in Akasha Mahabhuta. Karna Srava is one among the 28 Karna Rogas explained by Acharya Sushruta. The present article emphasises the importance of Sthanika Chikitsopakramas used to treat the disease Karna Srava successfully. A 24-year male patient approached Shalakya tantra OPD of SPSAMCH and RC, Arju-nabettahalli, Nelamangala with the complaints of right ear pain for 3 days associated with itching. On ex-amination, pus and fungus mass were found in the right ear and tympanic membrane was not visible. It was treated accordingly using appropriate Sthanika Chikitsopakramas like Karna Prakshalana and Karna Dhupana and Shamanoushadhis which gave complete relief to the patient. Based on the Lakshanas in the present case, Karna Srava is corelated to otomycosis which is having the similar symptoms. Otomycosis is a fungal infection of the ear canal with the symptoms of pain, itching, discharge and ear block. Any ail-ment connected with the ear should be treated as early as possible due to the importance of organ of hear-ing and also due to its delicacy and inaccessibility.