Article by Dr Raghuram Y.S. MD (Ay) & Dr Manasa, B.A.M.S
Greevastambha Which means
The phrase Greevastambha is made up of two phrases –
– Greeva – which suggests neck
– Stambha – which suggests stiffness / rigidity / incapacity to maneuver
Placing each phrases collectively, Greevastambha will be understood as a situation through which an individual who’s stricken by this situation has developed ‘stiffness within the neck’. In consequence, he finds it troublesome to maneuver his neck round simply in distinction to what he may do when he isn’t stricken by this situation.
Greevastambha: A vata nanatmaja vyadhi
There isn’t a elaborate clarification of greevastambha within the Ayurveda treatises. However we will see that Greevastambha has been talked about amongst the vata nanatmaja vyadhis. Vata Nanatmaja Vyadhi / Rogas are these illnesses that are attributable to ‘aggravation of solely vata’ with out involvement or affiliation of some other dosha. They’re eight in quantity and Greevastambha is one amongst them. It’s only a point out and no description of this illness is offered.
However since it’s a vata dysfunction, we have to discover and perceive it.
Nidana: Etiological elements for Greevastambha
The generalized etiological elements which have been talked about as causal for ‘vata vyadhi’ – particular and particular issues attributable to vata – will be thought of as causative elements of greevastambha.
These embody the meals, life-style actions, behaviours, postures, accidents and seasons which result in pathological improve / aggravation of vata.
Samprapti: Pathogenesis of Greevastambha
Extreme consumption or publicity to vata aggravating etiological elements will result in irregular improve of vata within the physique. This vata could cause or provoke a illness course of in any vulnerable space of the physique whereas being in a state of prasara – pathological unfold. In Greevastambha, the neck area is the weak and vulnerable area of the physique which attracts vata.
Vata on getting lodged within the area of the neck, which mainly belongs to kapha, overpowers kapha, causes its dryness and produces stiffness and rigidity of the neck. Vata would additionally dry up the supporting buildings and mushy tissues therein, together with the joints, muscle tissues, tendons, ligaments and veins. This results in Greevastambha. When this pathology occurs solely behind the neck, it will likely be known as Manyastambha.
Extreme consumption / publicity to Vata aggravating Nidanas – etiological elements
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Aggravation of vata in its seat
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Unfold of aggravated vata
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Vata getting localized within the neck area
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Dryness and injury of the tissues within the neck by aggravated vata
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Manifestation of stiffness, issue in transferring the neck, ache and so on signs
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Greevastambha
Signs of Greevastambha
The signs of Greevastambha too haven’t been detailed anyplace. The title of the illness itself displays its chief grievance.
So, the principle symptom of Greevastambha is stambha of greeva i.e. stiffness of the neck.
Not limiting to ‘stiffness’ the that means of stambha contains all different options of the illness which manifest after the neck turns into stiff being stricken by vata.
Incapability to maneuver or rotate the neck freely, ache within the neck, mal-positioning of the neck and headache are among the signs related to greevastambha.
Therapy ideas of Greevastambha
Nidana Parivarjana – Avoidance of etiological elements is the at the beginning precept of managing Greevastambha. All vata aggravating causes needs to be averted. The potential causes which have prompted greevastambha shall be recognized and remoted. This helps in restoration from the situation and prevents its development.
Treating Vata – Since vata is the principle dosha inflicting greevastambha, the manifested instances needs to be handled with vata assuaging and balancing measures and medicines.
Exterior Measures –
The beneath talked about exterior therapies will probably be immensely useful within the therapy of greevastambha –
– Abhyanga – with oils ready with vata assuaging herbs – together with Ksheerabala Taila, Mahamasha Taila, Balashwagandha Taila, Gandharvahastadi Taila, Mahanarayana Taila, Prasarinyadi Taila and so on.
– Swedana – Nadi Sweda – tubular sudation is helpful. Are also helpful – Patrapinda Sweda and Shashtika Shali Pinda Sweda.
– Lepa and Upanaha – Pastes ready with vata assuaging herbs shall be used for anointing and poultice.
– Greeva Vasti – oil pooling over the again of the neck is onen of the perfect and particular cures for greevastambha. It’s administered together with abhyanga and swedana, normally performed after greeva vasti. The identical oils used for abhyanga can be utilized for the aim of greeva vasti.
Inner Measures –
– Snehapana – oral consumption of metered doses of medicated ghee / oil or each – ex – Guggulutiktaka Ghrta, Ksheerabala Taila, Mahamasha Taila
– Nasya – nasal instillation of medicated oils – Ksheerabala Taila 101, Shadbindu Taila, Masha Taila
– Vasti – use of medicated oils / ghee or each within the type of errhine – Guggulutiktaka Ghrita, Ksheerabala Taila,
Useful formulations
– Prasarinyadi Kashayam
– Maharasnadi Kashayam
– Rasonadi Kashayam
– Gandharvahastadi Kashayam
– Dashamula Kashayam
– Balarishtam
– Ashwagandharishtam
– Dashamularishtam
– Yogaraja Guggulu
– Mahayogaraja Guggulu
– Rasnadi Guggulu
– Guggulutiktaka Ghritam
– Mahavatavidhwans Ras
Useful Yoga Poses
– Sukhasana – Straightforward Pose
– Marjari asana – Cat Pose|
– Ushtrasana – Camel Pose
– Tadasana – Mountain Pose
– Balasana – Baby’s Pose
– Bhujanasana – Cobra pose
– Ardha Matsyendrasana – Sitting Half Spina Break up
– Dhanurasana – Bow Pose
– Sethubandhasana – Bridge Pose
– Matsyasana – Fish Pose
Trendy Correlation
Greevastambha has been popularly in comparison with Cervical Spondylosis. It’s a situation which impacts the discs in between the cervical vertebrae as part of age-related put on and tear. There may be dehydration and shrinkage of the discs. It’s a quite common situation which worsens with ageing. Greater than 85% of stricken individuals are older than 60 years of age. Ache and stiffness of the neck are the frequent signs of this situation.
Associated Studying – Cervical Spondylosis
