Critical Study of Facial Nerve Palsy WSR To Ayurvedic Disease Ardita

Background: Ardita, a clinical entity described in detail in the classical Ayurvedic treatises — primarily Sushruta Samhita (Nidanasthana 1/68–73) and Charaka Samhita (Chikitsasthana 28/99) — represents a unilateral craniofacial neuromuscular disorder attributed to the aggravation of Vata dosha at the cranial channels (Shirashiras). The condition bears a compelling resemblance to Bell's palsy (idiopathic peripheral facial nerve palsy), the most prevalent form of acute unilateral facial weakness encountered in contemporary neurological practice, with a global incidence of 20–30 per 100,000 persons annually. Objectives: This literature review aims to systematically examine and critically compare the Ayurvedic conceptualisation of Ardita — encompassing its aetiology (Hetu), prodromal features (Purvarupa), clinical signs (Rupa), complications (Upadrava), prognosis (Sadhya-Asadhyata), and therapeutics (Chikitsa) — with the modern biomedical understanding of Bell's palsy and peripheral facial nerve palsy, drawing upon classical Sanskrit textual sources, published peer-reviewed research, and integrative clinical literature. Method: A narrative literature review was conducted through systematic searches of PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, AYUSH Research Portal, and classical Ayurvedic text databases. Studies published between 2000 and 2024 pertaining to Ardita, Bell's palsy, facial nerve palsy, Nasya karma, Panchakarma in neurological disorders, and Vata-vyadhi (Nervine disorders)were included. Classical Ayurvedic references were accessed through authenticated editions of Sushruta Samhita, Charaka Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridayam. Results: A high degree of thematic and clinical concordance was identified between Ardita and Bell's palsy across all major diagnostic domains — aetiology, prodrome, clinical signs, complications, and prognosis. The eight Rupa of Ardita map precisely onto the cardinal signs of lower motor neurone (LMN) facial palsy. Classical prognostic indicators for incurability (Asadhya Lakshanas) correspond with modern features of severe or chronic palsy. Ayurvedic therapeutic modalities — particularly Nasya karma, Nadi Sweda, and Abhyanga — demonstrate mechanistic plausibility and growing clinical evidence as integrative adjuncts in Bell's palsy management. Conclusion: This review establishes Ardita as the classical Ayurvedic equivalent of idiopathic peripheral facial nerve palsy and affirms the translational relevance of classical Ayurvedic diagnostic and therapeutic frameworks in the integrative management of Bell's palsy. The findings call for systematic, randomised clinical trials to generate high-quality evidence for Ayurvedic interventions in this condition.