Abstract

CONCEPTUAL STUDY OF NIDAN AND CHIKITSA OF SANDHIGATA VATA W.S.R. TO OSTEOARTHRITIS

*Dr. Suraj Kumar Ramsukh Pathak and *Prof. Dr. Sharayu Kore

Abstract

Sandhigata Vata is the most common form of chronic disorder of synovial joints. It is a type of Vatavyadhi which mainly occurs in Vriddhavastha due to Dhatukshaya. Therefore, there is mainly asthivaha and majjavaha strotas dushti. This disorder limits everyday activities such as walking, dressing, bathing etc. thus making patient disabled / handicapped. It being a Vatavyadhi, located in Marmasthisandhi and its occurrence in old age makes it Kashtasadhya. Vata Dosha plays main role in the disease. In Charak Samhita, it has been described for the first time in the name “Sandhigata Anila”. Its symptoms mentioned are: - 1) Vatapurana driti sparsha i.e. on palpation it fills like air filled bag, 2) Shotha i.e. swelling, 3) Prasarana aakunchanyoha pravruttishcha savedana i.e. pain during flexion and extension movements. In modern science, it is compared with Osteoarthritis. It is characterized by progressive degenerative changes in the articular cartilages over the years, particularly in weight bearing joints. There is no specific treatment for osteoarthritis in modern science. Analgesics, physiotherapy are of some help to keep joint moving and build up strength. Comprehensive management of this condition in Ayurveda includes a judicious combination of external therapies (Bahya Chikitsa) and internal medication (Abhyantara Chikitsa). The Bahya Chikitsa includes Snehana (oleation), Abhyanga (massage), Basti (medicated enema), Agni karma (cautery), etc. Abhyantara Chikitsa includes the internal medications in the form of Choorna (powder of a single herb/ combination of herbs), Kashaya (decoction), Vati (pills) etc.

Keywords: Sandhigatavata, Osteoarthritis, Abhyanga, Swedana, Analgesics.