Abstract: This case study focuses on the use of Trailokya Vijaya Vati in the treatment of Dysmenorrhea. Dysmenorrhea is defined as difficult menstrual flow or painful menstruation.
Dysmenorrhea is caused by the release of prostaglandins that triggers muscle cramping or minor contraction of the uterus. These in turn reduce the blood supply to the uterus and cause painful spasms. There’s not much in the medical armoury to help dysmenorrhea. There are oral contraceptives that stop ovulation and therefore prostaglandin production, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and paracetamol; but each of these have their enlisted side effects of course! On the other hand, Cannabis serves to be an ideal option as it interacts with the cannabinoid receptors on the lining of the uterus and acts as a muscle relaxant and anti-inflammatory compound altogether.
This is a case of a 22 yr old female with a history of dysmenorrhea for the last 2 years. She would usually take anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic medicines to stop the agonizing pain that she experienced in the first 2 days of her period. The 3rd and 4th days would be a little better as compared to the beginning. Due to her condition, she has been missing some of the most important lectures, practicals, or even family events, which she regrets. She always had a feeling of being left off during these days and can hardly leave the room unless extremely important.
Ayurveda Perspective
According to Ayurveda, when VATA DOSHA aggravates due to disturbed diet and lifestyle, it creates an obstruction in the functioning of VATA DOSHA. It vitiates RASA DHATU and ARTAVAVAHA SROTASA. The APANA VAYU moves in the upward direction and influences menstrual bleeding by causing pain. The chikitsa sutra mentions that yoni never takes place without the vitiation of VATA, hence VATA should be regularized. Vijaya is having Tikta Rasa Ushna Virya it has laghu Tiksnha Guna and Katu Vipaka. Hence it pacifies the Vata Dosha and helps in the treatment of VATAJA SHOOLA and also in KASHTA ARTAVA. Ayurveda Rasatarangini has attributed 29 pharmacological indications for Vijaya in which all kinds of SHOOLA are included.
Introduction
For many women, painful periods are all-too-common. When it comes to soothing symptoms, there are a number of over-the-counter and prescription medications available. However, some of these come with their own side effects, and not all of them are effective for each individual. Therefore, most women turn to natural alternatives like cannabis in an effort to manage their symptoms and cannabis has proven to be extremely effective in it.
Now one may ask, why is cannabis so effective? The answer is enciphered within us. Our body carries the Endocannabinoid system, which is a biological system full of cannabinoid receptors that live inside the brain, organs, connective tissue, glands, and immune cells. When we use cannabis, the cannabinoids bind with the receptors in the body and help to promote homeostasis.
Case Report
Patient description
This is a case of a 22-year-old female with a history of dysmenorrhea for the last 2 years. She would usually take anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic medicines to stop the agonizing pain that she experienced in the first 2 days of her periods. The 3rd and 4th days were a little better as compared to the beginning.
Case history
The patient had painful periods for the last 2 years, she has a disturbed eat – sleep schedule. The pain is usually confined to the lower abdomen and lower back area and it aggravates even with the slightest of movements. She always dreads having those 4 days every month due to the unbearable pain it brings. She keeps confined to her room during the first 2 days and then gradually starts coping up with the schedule since the third day.
Treatment plan
Medicines to be used – Trailokya Vijaya Vati. She was prescribed only Trailokya Vijaya Vati twice a day, for the first 2 days and once a day if pain still persists post the second day of cycle. It was also advised that she eats warm and fresh food and takes enough of sleep, all of this on time.
Expected outcome of the treatment plan
It was expected that the patients’ pain would subside and allow her to do normal activities for the day throughout the cycle.
Actual outcome
The patient came for a follow up after her menstrual cycle. She was completely satisfied with the treatment. Trailokya Vijaya Vati was the only medicine prescribed to her and she was amazed at how a single tablet could help her so much with her pain (Though she mentioned a little heavy headedness in the morning which would gradually lessen till breakfast).
The patient mentioned that “she had no feeling of pain during her periods. She could attend her college and could also manage throughout the day without any issues. Also, the tablet did not affect the amount of bleeding at all.”
Discussion
The treatment was decided on the basis of the predominance of VATA DOSHA involvement. The Vijaya as mentioned has anti-inflammatory properties and is also an effective VATAGHNA herb. It helps in reducing the pain effectively.
Conclusion
This case study shows that Dysmenorrhoea can be successfully managed with Trailokya Vijaya Vati. While there are some trials and studies that promote the use of medical cannabis in the treatment of dysmenorrhea, more studies need to be encouraged to collect strong scientific evidence supporting the same.
Case Study Shared by Dr. Kiran Kalyankar, Consultant Ayuvedacharya
Published by HempStreet
