Abstract: This case study reviews the use of Trailokya Vijaya Vati in the treatment of pain during periods (menstrual pain/cramps). Menstrual cramps or period pain is caused largely by hormones called prostaglandins which are released from the lining of the uterus, the hormone also causes inflammation which aggravates the pain.
Recent studies suggest that the female reproductive system has cannabinoid receptors and hence cannabis can prove effective in the treatment of menstrual pains, also that Cannabis has anti-inflammatory properties.
This is a case of a 32 yr old female with a history of dysmenorrhoea for the last 12 yrs. She would usually take anti-inflammatory medicines to cope up with her routine as the excruciating pain she experienced during her periods would not allow her to fulfil even the most simplistic tasks of the day.
Ayurveda Perspective
According to Ayurveda, during the menstrual cycle, the APANA VAYU which is connected to the VATA DOSHA and is responsible for the downward flow of the energy and mass to the pelvis aggressively works to cleanse uterine lining. The increased VATA DOSHA hence causes SHOOLA (RAJASHOOLA)
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. Ayurveda Rasatarangini has attributed 29 pharmacological indications for Vijaya in which RAJASHULA is included.
Introduction
With the legalization of cannabis in many countries of the world, more interest has been drawn to discover the potential health benefits of cannabis. Also, there is no shortage of cannabis products out of which more than 50% of products claim to ease period pain (menstrual pain). In such a case, can cannabis be the ticket to pain relief? The easiest answer is … we don’t really know. But there is growing evidence of the effectiveness of cannabis in period pains across the globe.
Case Report
Patient description
A 32-year-old female was presented with complaints of severe cramps / throbbing pain in the lower abdomen. Along with lower back pain and pain in her upper thighs.
Case history
She has had the same set of complaints for the past 12 years. Such kind of pain arises 2-3 days before her periods and continues through the first 3 days of menstruation. The patient has been prescribed Meftal Spas tablets (mefenamic acid and dicyclomine Hcl tablets) which she takes twice every day from the day the pain starts till the day the pain stops.
The patient is a working woman and hence complained of missing her days of work while on periods as she was unable to cope up with her daily agenda. Also, lately she observed that she would have less menstrual bleeding if she would take the tablet and the duration of bleeding would increase.
Physical examination results
The gait of the patient was quite antalgic and she could not sit in the same position for more than a minute.
Treatment plan
Medicines to be used – Trailokya Vijaya Vati She was prescribed Trailokya Vijaya Vati only once a day if the pain would still persist twice a day after food from the day the pain starts till the day the pain stopped. It was also advised that she eats warm and fresh food, takes good rest and avoids travelling or any rigorous activity during her periods.
Expected outcome
It was expected not immediately but gradually that the patient would find relief with her cramps and also that she should be able to carry out her daily activity with some ease.
Actual outcome
The patient came for a follow up on the 4th day of her menstrual cycle. There was a gradual improvement in her lifestyle after opting for Trailokya Vijaya Vati during her periods. There was a significant reduction in the amount and duration of pain. She took only 1 tablet a day and could cope up well with her basic daily activities. She would not feel the discomfort of sitting at one position for a long time and taking the tablet did not affect the bleeding.
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 gradually.
Conclusion
This case study shows that Menstrual Cramps can be successfully managed with Trailokya Vijaya Vati. It is supportive for further research, using Vijaya on different types of chronic pains.
Case Study shared by: Dr. Radhika Mohite, Consultant Ayuvedacharya Published by: HempStreet
