Gridhrasi — sciatica
Sushruta described Gridhrasi as pain that starts in the buttock and travels down the back of the leg — a clinical description that maps exactly to L5/S1 sciatic radiculopathy. Two subtypes: Vataja (pure Vata, dry pain) and Vatakaphaja (with stiffness and heaviness). Treatment differs slightly.
Kerala-specific therapies
Kati Basti — a doughnut-shaped ridge of black gram flour built on the lower back and filled with warm medicated oil for 30 minutes — is the signature local protocol. Pizhichil (continuous warm oil pouring + simultaneous massage) is more intensive, traditionally a 7- or 14-day Royal-Treatment course. Both are well-documented in modern outcome studies.