Ayurvedic Management of Vatika Pakshavadha (Hemiplegia): A Case Study

Year : 2026 | Volume : 13 | 02 | Page :
    By

    Nihal N. Kanziya,

  1. MD Scholar, Department of Kayachikitsa, Government Akhandanand Ayurveda College, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

Abstract

Background: Pakshavadha, described in Ayurveda under the category of Vāta Vyādhi, is a neurological disorder caused by aggravated Vāta doṣa affecting one half of the body. Clinically, it is correlated with hemiplegia or post-stroke neurological deficits, particularly following ischemic cerebrovascular accidents. Stroke remains a leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide, often leaving patients with residual weakness, gait disturbances, and impaired speech despite modern rehabilitation. Ayurveda offers a holistic approach through Vāta shamana, brimhana, balya, Panchakarma therapies, and rehabilitative measures aimed at restoring neuromuscular coordination and independence. Case Presentation: A female patient presented with left-sided hemiplegia following ischemic cerebral infarction. MRI revealed multifocal acute internal watershed infarcts in the right cerebral hemisphere with age-related atrophy. Clinically, she exhibited severe weakness of the left upper and lower limbs, inability to walk independently, loss of functional movement in the left hand, impaired posture, and slurred speech. Ayurvedic assessment confirmed Vātika Pakshavadha involving śirā, snāyu, dhamanī, māṃsa dhātu, and majjā dhātu. Intervention: The patient was managed with a comprehensive Ayurvedic protocol including abhyanga with medicated oils, swedana, selected Panchakarma procedures, and internal medicines possessing Vātahara, balya, brimhana, medhya, and rasāyana properties. Rehabilitation exercises such as assisted mobilization, posture correction, limb movements, and speech clarity practices were incorporated. Outcome: After one and a half months of continuous treatment, the patient demonstrated marked improvement: independent walking, enhanced gait and posture, recovery of upper limb movements, improved grip strength, and clearer speech. Conclusion: This case highlights the potential role of Ayurveda in post-stroke rehabilitation. Panchakarma procedures, internal medicines, and rehabilitative exercises acted synergistically to improve neuromuscular coordination, speech clarity, and functional independence. Although limited to a single case, the encouraging outcome underscores the need for systematic studies with larger cohorts to establish Ayurveda’s role in neurorehabilitation and hemiplegia management.

Keywords: Pakshavadha, Vātika Pakshavadha, Hemiplegia, Stroke Rehabilitation, Ischemic Stroke, Ayurveda, Panchakarma, Vāta Vyādhi, Neuromuscular Disorder, Ayurvedic Management

How to cite this article:
Nihal N. Kanziya. Ayurvedic Management of Vatika Pakshavadha (Hemiplegia): A Case Study. Research and Reviews : A Journal of Ayurvedic Science, Yoga and Naturopathy. 2026; 13(02):-.
How to cite this URL:
Nihal N. Kanziya. Ayurvedic Management of Vatika Pakshavadha (Hemiplegia): A Case Study. Research and Reviews : A Journal of Ayurvedic Science, Yoga and Naturopathy. 2026; 13(02):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjoasyn/article=2026/view=248161


References

  1. World Health Organization. Global Health Estimates: Leading Causes of Death. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/the-top-10-causes-of-death .
  2. Jain N, Bhatnagar V, Lahange SM. Conceptual Study. Journal of Ayurveda. 2017 Oct;11(4).
  3. Chavan SG, Prashanth AS. Enlightening the concept of Snayugatavata and its management through Ayurvedic aspect in correlation to Tennis Elbow. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences. 2019 Aug 31;4(04):225-30.
  4. Shastri KN, Chaturvedi GN. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesha, Vol. 2, Chikitsa Sthana; Chapter 28, Vatavyadhi Chikitsa, Verse 54-55. 2011 ed. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Bharti Academy; 2011.
  5. Shastri KN, Chaturvedi GN. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesha, Vol. 2, Chikitsa Sthana; Chapter 28, Vatavyadhi Chikitsa, Verse 54-55. 2011 ed. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Bharti Academy; 2011.
  6. Suresh S, Prithiviraj E, Lakshmi NV, Ganesh MK, Ganesh L, Prakash S. Effect of Mucuna pruriens (L.) on oxidative stress-induced dopaminergic neuronal loss in a striatal nigral tract lesion model of Parkinson’s disease. J Ultrastruct Mol Struct. 2010; 23:1–14.
  7. Mishra BS. Bhavaprakasha of Shri Bhava Mishra, Vol. 2, Madhyama Khanda; Chapter 24, Vatavyadhi Adhikara, Verse 171-172 (Mashatmaguptadi Kwatha). 11th ed. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Sanskrit Bhawan; 2010.
  8. Mishra BS. Bhavaprakasha of Shri Bhava Mishra, Vol. 2, Madhyama Khanda; Chapter 24, Vatavyadhi Adhikara, Verse 174-175 (Mashadi taila). 11th ed. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Sanskrit Bhawan; 2010.
  9. Mahanta V, Dudhamal TS, Gupta SK. Management of tennis elbow by Agnikarma. Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine. 2013 Jan;4(1):45.
  10. Mewara H, Mewara J. A critical review on etiology of Vandhytwa through Scientific approach. IJRAR-International Journal of Research and Analytical Reviews (IJRAR), E-ISSN. 2020:2348-1269.
Ahead of Print Subscription Case Study
Volume 13
02
Received 20/05/2026
Accepted 18/06/2026
Published 19/06/2026
Publication Time 30 Days
17

Login


My IP

PlumX Metrics