Gridhrasi (Sciatica): Mapping Vata-Kaphaja Siddhanta to Neuro-inflammation and Management

Abstract

Gridhrasi is a prominent clinical entity within the 80 types of Vataja Nanatmaja Vyadhis, characterized by radiating pain from the gluteal region to the distal foot. This condition exhibits significant phenomenological overlap with modern Sciatica, primarily caused by lumbar disc herniation and subsequent neuroinflammation. While conventional management often relies on palliative analgesia or invasive decompression, Ayurveda offers a robust framework through the Vata-Kaphaja Siddhanta. This paper maps the classical Ayurvedic symptoms of Tandra (drowsiness), Gaurava (heaviness), and Stambha (stiffness) to the biochemical cascades of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6. Through a comprehensive review of Panchakarma (specifically Basti and Swedana) and para-surgical modalities (Agnikarma and Siravyadha), this study provides an evidence-based integrative approach to management, emp--hasizing the resolution of “neuro-inflammatory stasis” (Avarana).