Nihal N. Kanziya,
Himanshu R. Kanzaria,
- MD Scholar, Department of Kayachikitsa, Government Akhandanand Ayurveda College, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
- Assistant Professor, 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
[This article belongs to Research and Reviews : A Journal of Ayurvedic Science, Yoga and Naturopathy ]
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| Volume | 13 | |
| Issue | 02 | |
| Received | 20/05/2026 | |
| Accepted | 18/06/2026 | |
| Published | 19/06/2026 | |
| Publication Time | 30 Days |