Abstract

AN AYURVEDIC APPROACH TO DISEASE - ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS

Deepti Pandey*, Vikram Gupta and Praphull Goyal

ABSTRACT

Arthritis at a young age is curse to an individual. At this age, an individual is like a growing sapling. Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) not only limits person physically but also disturb his psychological status, which further worsen the quality of life. Ankylosing Spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory arthritis with the predilection for the sacroiliac joints and spine. It is characterized by progressive stiffness and fusion of the axial skeleton. As there is no promising treatment available in Modern System of Medicine, patient comes to Ayurveda with great hope. So there is a need of study in Ayurveda, which guaranty patients a promising management & a suitable treatment which is easier & cost effective with no or little adverse effects. On the basis of its pathogenesis and symptoms, AS can be mirrored clinically under Vata Vyadhi. Vata Vyadhies can be considered as a group of such diseases, which Modern Science has given different names. According to Ayurveda, we can consider AS to Trik-Prisht-Kati Grah, one of the Vata Nantamaja Vyadhi. Pure Vata alone or Vata with Aam Dosha get vitiated, thus producing pain and stiffness in Trik and Prisht Sandhi Pradesh. As per Ayurveda, Vata Vyadhi is caused either by Dhatukshayajanya or by Marga Avrodhajanya & so treatment differs likewise. In pure Vata Vyadhi, firstly Vata Shamana with Snehana etc is done & in Marga Avrodhajanya Vata Vyadhi, firstly removal of obstruction & then Vata Shamana measures are done. Snehana, Swedana, Nasya, Mridu Virechan, Anuwasana Basti, Niruha Basti etc Vata Shamaka & Vata Anulomana measures are done to cure Vata Vyadhi. Basti is considered best among all Panchkarmas in pacifying all types of Vata Rogas caused either by only Vata or along with any other Dosha or Dushya like Kapha, Pitta, Ama etc.

Keywords: Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), Panchakarma, Vata Vyadhi, Trik-Prisht-Kati Grah, Basti, Ama.