PAKSHAGHATA - A CLASSICAL REVIEW

*Dr. Mohankumar V. R. and Dr. Siddayya Aradhyamath

ABSTRACT

The term Pakshaghata literally means “paralysis of one half of the body” where “Paksha” denotes either half of the body and “Aghata (=paralysis)” denotes the impairment of Karmendriyas, Gyanendriyas and Manas. Pakshaghata, is a vatavyadhi. It can be correlated to the biomedical Cerebrovascular condition called „stroke‟. The lakshanas include, Ruja, Vakstambha, etc. Its types are Kaphanubandha and Pittanubandha. Even though Pakshaghata is a Vata vyadhi, and mentioned in the Nanatmaja vataja vikaras of charaka, it is not a Shuddha vataja condition. There is Samsarga of Pitta and Kapha, clearly mentioned by Susrutha and Madhava Nidana. In all the above explanations it is clear that Raktadushti leading to Vata prakopa is the underlying cause of the disease.

Keywords: Pakshaghata, Stroke, Vatavyadhi.