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 implies neck
–         Stambha – which implies stiffness / rigidity / lack of ability to maneuver

Placing each phrases collectively, Greevastambha may be understood as a situation by which an individual who’s bothered by this situation has developed ‘stiffness within the neck’. Because of this, he finds it tough to maneuver his neck round simply in distinction to what he may do when he isn’t bothered by this situation.

Greevastambha: A vata nanatmaja vyadhi

There is no such thing as a elaborate clarification of greevastambha within the Ayurveda treatises. However we are able to see that Greevastambha has been talked about amongst the vata nanatmaja vyadhis. Vata Nanatmaja Vyadhi / Rogas are these ailments that are brought on by ‘aggravation of solely vata’ with out involvement or affiliation of another 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 obtainable.

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 problems brought on by vata – may 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 principally belongs to kapha, overpowers kapha, causes its dryness and produces stiffness and rigidity of the neck. Vata would additionally dry up the supporting constructions and comfortable tissues therein, together with the joints, muscle mass, tendons, ligaments and veins. This results in Greevastambha. When this pathology occurs solely behind the neck, it will likely be referred to as Manyastambha.

Extreme consumption / publicity to Vata aggravating Nidanas – etiological elements

Aggravation of vata in its seat

Unfold of aggravated vata

Vata getting localized within the neck area

Dryness and injury of the tissues within the neck by aggravated vata

Manifestation of stiffness, issue in shifting the neck, ache and many others signs

Greevastambha

Signs of Greevastambha

The signs of Greevastambha too haven’t been detailed wherever. The title of the illness itself displays its chief criticism.

So, the principle symptom of Greevastambha is stambha of greeva i.e. stiffness of the neck.

Not limiting to ‘stiffness’ the which means of stambha consists of all different options of the illness which manifest after the neck turns into stiff being bothered by vata.

Incapability to maneuver or rotate the neck freely, ache within the neck, mal-positioning of the neck and headache are a few of the signs related to greevastambha.

Remedy rules of Greevastambha

Nidana Parivarjana – Avoidance of etiological elements is the in the beginning precept of managing Greevastambha. All vata aggravating causes ought to be prevented. The potential causes which have brought about 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 circumstances ought 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 remedy 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 many others.
–         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 very best and particular treatments for greevastambha. It’s administered together with abhyanga and swedana, often carried out after greeva vasti. The identical oils used for abhyanga can be utilized for the aim of greeva vasti.

Inside 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 – Simple Pose
–         Marjari asana – Cat Pose|
–         Ushtrasana – Camel Pose
–         Tadasana – Mountain Pose
–         Balasana – Youngster’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 bothered 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