Ayurvedic management of Nasa Arsha w.s.r. to Nasal Polyp - A Single Case Study

Abstract

Arshas is described as one of the Asta Mahagada Roga by Acharyas and is also explained as a fourfold treatment such as Bheshaja, Shastra, Kshara and Agni Karma. The Nasa Arshas means Arshas located in the nasal cavity causing nasal obstruction. The predominant Dosha is Kapha and Dushya is Twak, Mamsa and Medho Dhatus. Nasa Arshas can be correlated with nasal polyps. Nasal polyps are non-neoplastic masses of oedematous, prolapsed, pendenculated nasal or sinus mucosa. It can be treated by medical and surgical methods. Prolonged usage of anti-histaminics, steroids, antibiotics, nasal decongestants cause drug resistance, decreases the immunity, rebound congestion and there is a lot of chance for reoccurrence, even after the surgery especially in ethmoidal polyp. In Ayurveda, several treatment modalities have been planned for the treatment of Arsha as Shastra Karma (operative procedure), Kshara Karma (applying some alkaline drugs), Agni Karma (cauterization) and Bhaishaja (conservative/medical treatment). Here the present case study was planned to evaluate the efficacy of Anu Taila Nasya with Shamanaoushadhas.