Efficacy of Ashwagandha tail and Mahavishgarbha tail in the management of Sandhivata (Osteoarthritis) - A Case Report

Abstract

According to Ayurveda, free from disease is not only good health but to be healthy, a person should be happy mentally, physically – strong, socially and spiritually wellbeing. Disturbance in Dosha is called as Roga. Sandhivatais a disease of the elderly. Sandhi (joint) basically means a union, but in the present context, the union of two or more bone is Sandhi especially the movable joints which help for movements.It mainly affects weight-bearing joints of the body specially knee, hip, lumbar spine. Being commonest form of articular disorders, sandhigatavata poses a huge hindrance in day to day activities of the sufferer like walking, dressing and bathing etc.In  Ayurveda osteoarthritis can be  correlated with Sandhivata. Osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease) is the most common joint disorder. It mostly affects cartilage. The top layer of cartilage breaks down and wears away.Sandhivata (osteo arthritis) is most common and stands second most prevalent disease after diabetes. Especially in India, high incidence of Sandhivata is due to genetic predisposition, obesity, sedentary lifestyle and poor diet. A holistic approach with changing of diet and life style, certain internal medication and Panchakarma procedures may give promising results.Here is a case of bilateral knee Osteoarthritis who was advised arthroplasty. After completion of the therapy, significant improvement was seen in pain, swelling, range of movement and walking distance. The patient was successfully managed with internal medication, Janu basti and Matra basti therapy. It can be concluded that severe osteoarthritis may be managed with Ayurvedic intervention and use of Panchakarma chikitsa requires to be exploited to a greater extent owing to its higher safety and efficacy profile.