ROLE OF NABHIPICHU WITH DHANWANTARAM THAILAM IN NEUROGENIC BLADDER INCONTINENCE: A CASE REPORT

Neurogenic bladder refers to dysfunction of the urinary bladder caused by internal or external trauma, disease, or injury affecting the central, autonomic, or somatic nervous systems involved in micturition control. From an Ayurvedic perspective, the dysfunction of Vata Dosha, particularly Apana Vata, along with Prana Vata and Vyana Vata, plays a key role in the pathogenesis of neurogenic bladder. The vitiation of these Doshas leads to Mootravaha Srotodushti (impairment of the urinary channels) and Atipravritti (excessive elimination) of Mootra (urine), contributing to the symptoms of urinary incontinence and retention. This case report explores the effect of Nabhipichu (navel oil application) with Dhanwantaram Thailam in alleviating the symptoms of neurogenic urinary incontinence and improving the patient’s quality of life. A 67-year-old male patient presented with weakness in the left upper and lower limbs, slurred speech, and difficulty in controlling micturition for the past 2 months. He was diagnosed with Acute infarcts and small vessel ischemic changes in the bilateral centrum semiovale, corona radiata, and periventricular region are indicative of a type of stroke (CVA) involving the brain's deep white matter based on a brain computed tomography (CT) scan. As part of the management, Nabhipichu (oil retention at the navel) with Dhanwantaram Thailam was administered for 30 days. This intervention helped regulate Vata Dosha, particularly Apana Vata, thereby improving bladder control. The therapy resulted in a reduction in symptoms of neurogenic urinary incontinence, as evidenced by an improvement in the patient's International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF) score and quality of life of the patient also improved.