Comprehensive Ayurvedic Management of Ardita (Bell’s palsy): A Case Study

Abstract

Bell’s palsy is an acute idiopathic lower motor neuron paralysis of the facial nerve, characterized by unilateral facial weakness and facial asymmetry. In Ayurveda, this condition correlates with Ardita, a disease described under Vata Vyadhi. The present case study was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of a comprehensive Ayurveda treatment protocol of Shirsha-Mukha Abhyanga with Mahanarayana Taila, Pottali Swedana, Upanaha Swedana and Nasya with Anu Taila along with selected internal Ayurvedic medications, in the management of Ardita. A 45-year-old female patient presented at the Indoor Patient Department (IPD) of Ayurveda Hospital, Rathnapura, Sri Lanka, with left-side facial weakness of four days duration. She was diagnosed as Ardita presented with facial asymmetry, incomplete closure of the left eye, absence of forehead wrinkling, drooping of the angle of the mouth, slurred speech, dribbling of saliva, and difficulty in mastication. Following written informed consent, the patient received a 28-day treatment regimen combined with selected internal Ayurvedic medications. A two-week follow-up period was maintained. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the House-Brackmann Facial Nerve Grading System before and after treatment. Significant improvement was observed in all assessed clinical parameters, including the nasolabial fold, slurring of speech, dribbling of saliva, and trapping of food between the gums and cheeks. The smiling sign showed marked improvement, and the facial nerve grading improved from grade V to grade I. Based on the results, the study concluded that comprehensive management with Shirsha-Mukha Abhyanga, Pottali Swedana, Upanaha Swedana, and Nasya Karma is effective in the management of Ardita Roga (Bell’s Palsy).