A study on the efficacy of Rakshoghna Dravya Dhupana in Management of Karna Strav

Abstract

Salakya tantra is one among the eight branches of Astang Ayurved, which deals with disease of Netra, Nasa, Karna, Shir evam Mukha Roga. There are 28 Karna Roga described in Astang Ayurved. From 28 Karna Roga, Karna Strav is one distinguished by ear discharge. This condition is linked to Acute Suppurative Otitis Media. Modern medicine mentions several therapeutic modalities. However, discharge from the ear may be reduced or stopped by following therapy; if not, surgical treatment is the sole option to treat. In many cases, discharge reappears after surgical treatment thereby causing hearing problems. Aacharya Shushrut outlined various processes for Karna Strav in Samhita, including Shirovirechan, Karna Dhupan, Karna Puran, Karna Pramarjan, and Karna Dhavan. For Karna Strav, Karna Dhupan is the choice of treatment. Acharya Charaka had mentioned that the treatment of Karnasrava should be done accordingly to the Vrana Kriya (wound management). In Karna Strav, one type of Vran occurs in tympanic membrane and then discharge occurs. If Karna Strav considered as Vran in the tympanic membrane and Rakshoghna Dhup as Vrana Dhupan, it may substitute Rakshoghna Dhup for Karnadupan in Karna Strav. To find out the efficacy of Rakshoghna Dhupan in the management of Karna Strav, a case report of 44-year-old female patient with chief complaints of Karna Gauravata (heaviness in both the ears), Karna Shul (mild pain), Karna Strav (purulent discharge) from both the ears associated with Karna Shravan Alpata (reduced hearing), Karna Avidhyaman Dhvani Shruti (ringing sound), Karna Kandu (itching), Nasa Strav (watery discharge from nose) and Shiro Gauravta (heaviness of head) in recurrent condition was reported here. The main objective of treatment should be to eliminate the Eustachian tube obstruction, ventilate the middle ear cleft, and regulate the secretions. Oral systemic medication was also used. Karnasrava was induced by Vata Dosha, according to our ancient literature. Karna dhoopana not only dries out the Srava, but it also inhibits the growth of microorganisms. Ayurvedic medications can treat the condition known as Karnasrava, which has been around since ancient times and is co-related to acute suppurative otitis media. The ingredients of Rakshoghna Dhup, including Guggal, Agru, Sarjras, Vacha, Gaursarshap, Nimba Patra, and Aja Ghrit, aid to reduce ear discharge. The outcomes of treatment are encouraging which proves that Ayurvedic medications offer durable and risk-free advantages.