Management of Anidra through Shirodhara with Jala, Ashwagandha Kwatha, TilaTaila: a comparative clinical study

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Insomnia (Anidra) is known as one of the most vital factors for person’s well-being. Shirodhara in Ayurveda is a recognized therapeutic measure which significantly improves sleep quality. In this study, we check the efficacy of Shirodhara with different liquids which would consequently give an insight about the role of liquids in Shirodhara. Materials and Methods: In this study, eligible candidates were randomized into three groups of Shirodhara, that is, Group A: JalaShriodhara, Group B: Ashwagandha Kwatha (decoction) Shirodhara, Group C: TilaTailaShirodhara. All groups were given Shirodhara for 14 days, 30 min duration and were assessed on first, seventh, 14th, and 30th day on the basis of Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), Hamilton’s Anxiety Scale, Hamilton’s Depression Scale, World health organization (WHO)–Quality of scale (Bref.), serum cortisol (only for six patients two from each group), electroencephalogram (EEG) (only for six patients two from each group) and AnidraLakshanas—Jrumbha, Tandra, Angamarda, Shiroroga, Shirogaurav, Akshigaurav, Jadya, Glani, Bhrama, Apakti, Vataroga. Results: A similar kind of result was found in all the groups. In AIS, a decline of 16.71, 18, and 15.71 was seen in groups A, B, and C, respectively. In HAS, a decline of 22.5, 26, and 25.43 in groups A, B, and C, respectively. In HDS, a decline of 28.57, 33.86, and 33.86 was seen in groups A, B, and C, respectively. In all the domains of WHO QOL, an overall improvement of 214, 199.01, and 206.85 was found in all the three groups A, B, C, respectively. In Ayurveda Lakshana of Anidra, a decline of 20.86, 24.57, and 22.28 was found in all the three groups A, B, and C, respectively. Conclusion: The efficacy of all the three groups was almost similar, evidencing the fact that the effect of liquid medicament is predominantly low.