Abstract

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF PULMONARY SARCOIDOSIS WITH SHODHANA CHIKITSA (VAMANA & VASTI): A CASE REPORT

Aditi Acharya*, Manir Uddin Dewan, Jayanta Sharma

Abstract

Background: Pulmonary sarcoidosis is a chronic multisystem granulomatous disease of unknown etiology that predominantly involves the lungs and intra-thoracic lymph nodes. Conventional treatment is primarily based on corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents, which often provide only symptomatic relief and are frequently associated with relapse and inadequate long-term disease control. Although pulmonary sarcoidosis is not explicitly described in Ayurvedic classics, it may be interpreted as an Anukta Vyadhi. Based on its predominant manifestations—dry cough, scanty expectoration, chest discomfort, and nocturnal aggravation—it can be correlated with Kapha-anubandha Vataja Kasa, a disorder affecting the Pranavaha Srotas. Case Summary: A 60-year-old female with a clinically and radiologically confirmed diagnosis of pulmonary sarcoidosis since 2018, who had experienced inadequate relief with conventional therapy, presented with recurrent nocturnal dry cough with scanty sputum, chest discomfort, and loss of appetite for two weeks. She was treated with a classical Ayurvedic Shodhana protocol comprising Deepana-Pachana, Snehapana with Kantakari Ghrita, Sarvanga Abhyanga, Swedana, a therapeutic purificatory procedure i,e Vaman, Samsarjana Krama, and subsequently Kala Basti, including Anuvasana Basti with Kantakari Ghrita and Niruha Basti prepared with a Dashamoola Kwatha-based formulation. Results: The patient attained Samyak Yoga Lakshana, indicating adequate purification following the Shodhana procedure. A progressive and sustained reduction in cough, sputum production, chest discomfort, and anorexia was observed from baseline through post-purification and post-Basti assessments. The patient remained symptom-free during a three-month follow-up period, with no evidence of recurrence. Conclusion: This case highlights the potential of a classical Ayurvedic Shodhana-based therapeutic approach in providing significant symptomatic relief and sustained remission in Pulmonary sarcoidosis, particularly in a patient with an inadequate response to conventional treatment. The findings support the need for larger, well-designed controlled studies to further evaluate the efficacy and safety of this integrative approach.

Keywords: Pulmonary Sarcoidosis, Kasa, Anukta Vyadhi, Panchakarma, Vamana, Vasti, Kantakari Ghrita, Case Report.