Case Study Of Ayurveda For Osteoarthritis

Samprapti Ghataka

Dosha: Vata pradhan dosha Dushya: Ras, asthi dhatu

Srotas: Ras vaha, anna vaha, asthi vaha

Adhishthan: Sandhi

Nidana: Vata increasing diet that contains dry, light, cold items, over thinking, fasting, ignoring natural urges of body, improper care after delivery, overweight etc.

Chikitsa Sutra

• Nidana parivarjan – Avoid things in diet and routine that accelerates progression of disease

• Shaman Chikitsa – Vata shaman, pachan, srotoshodhan, anuloman, rasayan

• Shodhan Chikitsa – Some effective and easy to implement methods are discussed to practice at home

• Sattvavjay Chikitsa – Patient education, expectation management and approach of treatment is shared

Specific Advice:

Pathya: Patient was advised to boil Methi-dhaniya in clean water, cool it and drink it in the morning, regular gentle massage with lukewarm oil, fomentation on affected part, drink lukewarm water as much as possible, drink aloevera juice, practise yoga and physical exercises as per physical strength.

Apathya: Avoid eating heavy diet or consuming things with cooling potency things, curd, rice, pickles, cauliflower, baingan, chhole, rajma, matar, urad, citrus fruits, non-veg, exposure to cold weather etc.

Modifications/Changes made in prescription during course, Below changed medicines were given as per patient’s feedback:

Note – No change was done in drug combination. Medicines, which were given the first time, were continued till last month when she reported significant relief during this short duration.

Outcome

Since beginning of treatment, patient reported good recovery in all aspects. Within a span of three months, she recovered very well and there was no further need of painkillers. Her disturbed digestion also came to normal without experiencing any trait of old condition. To her surprise, her pain did not recur even in winter season which usually used to be severe.

Parameters before, during & after treatment

Discussion:

Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, is one of the oldest and most common types of arthritis. It is characterized by a breakdown of the joint’s cartilage. Cartilage is the part of the joint that cushions the ends of bones. Cartilage breakdown causes bones to rub against each other, causing pain and loss of movement. Osteoarthritis can range from very mild to very severe, and most commonly affects middle-aged and older people.

According to Ayurveda, Osteoarthritis occurs due to aggravation of Vata Dosha and is known as Sandhivata (Sandhi means the joint and Vata stands for Vata Dosha). Vata is an Ayurvedic humor that symbolizes air or wind and governs all movements in the body as well as mind. The condition of Sandhivata is caused when the activities of Vata increase inside the Sandhis or joints. Because Vata is dry in nature, it absorbs the fluidity from any part of the body. Ayurvedic treatment of Osteoarthritis not only prevents further deterioration in the joints but also rejuvenates damaged cartilages. Vata-alleviating treatments through specific herbs are also suggested for lubrication and strengthening of joints.

Dasavtar churna – Vata shaman, sroto shodhan, pachan, anuloman, rasayan

Peedantak churna – Vata shaman, pachan, srotoshodhan, anuloman

Bhudhatri rasayan – Vata shaman, anuloman, pachan Rasna vishesh – Vata shaman, sroto shodhan

Go amrit bhasma – Vata shaman

Sandhi roghar guggulu – Vata shaman, pachan, anuloman, srotoshodhan

Maha yograj guggulu – Vata shaman, sroto shodhan, rasayan

Punaroday vati – Vata shaman, pachan, anuloman, rasayan

Maha rasnadi kwath – Vata-kapha shaman, sroto shodhan, pachan, anoloman

Pain calm oil – Vata shaman, sroto shodhan, snehan

Digestol tablets – Vata shaman, pachan, anuloman, sroto shodhan