Management of Ardita (Bell’s palsy) through Ayurveda - A Case Report

Introduction: Bell’s palsy is acute onset peripheral facial nerve palsy. It is a common disorder at all ages from infancy through adolescence usually developing suddenly about 2 weeks after a viral infection. In Ayurveda it can be correlated with Ardita which is one among the 80 Vatananatmajavyadhi. Different Acharya attributed the root cause of Ardita to highly vitiated Vata Dosha due to Avarana or Dhatukshaya and management is primarily based on Vatshamak Aharvihara and Urdhva Sharira Chikitsa. Methods: This is a case study of 13 years old female child brought by her parents to Balrog OPD having complaints of Right sided facial weakness and numbness, incomplete closure of right sided eye, deviated mouth angle to left side, heaviness and mild swelling over right face since about 4 days. After relevant examination and screening it was diagnosed as Bell’s palsy. Fifteen days of treatment included Sthanik Snehana, Sthanik Swedana, Akshitarpana, Karnapoorana, Nasya, Jivha Pratisarana along with internal medications. Result: The patient got speedy recovery from all the symptoms of Ardita within two weeks which is much early than the self-resolving period of 6 months. Discussion: Classical Ardita Chikitsa mentioned in Ayurveda text is effective in the management of Bell’s palsy.