Role of Panchakarma in the Management of Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Role of Panchakarma in the Management of Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
Priyanka Kumari
PG Scholar, P.G. Dept. of Panchakarma, Rajiv Gandhi Govt. Post Graduate Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Paprola, Dist. Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Charu Supriya
Lecturer, P.G. Dept. of Panchakarma, Rajiv Gandhi Govt. Post Graduate Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Paprola, Dist. Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Role of Panchakarma in the Management of Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head
Year: 2023 | Doi: 10.47070/ayushdhara.v10iSuppl2.1194
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Osteonecrosis, also referred to as avascular necrosis, is a progressive condition characterized by the death of bone tissue due to insufficient blood supply, often resulting from factors such as trauma, excessive alcohol use, smoking, and steroid therapy. This condition is particularly common in the femoral head and can lead to significant pain and loss of mobility. In Ayurvedic medicine, osteonecrosis can be correlated with the condition known as "Asthi-majja gata vata," which involves vitiation of Vata dosha affecting the bone and bone marrow. This study proposes Panchakarma therapy as a primary treatment for osteonecrosis of the femoral head.
The Role of Panchakarma in Treatment
Panchakarma therapy, a cornerstone of Ayurvedic treatment, includes several techniques, one of which is Basti karma, administered to address Vata-related disorders. In this case report, a 44-year-old male with stage 2 osteonecrosis underwent a comprehensive treatment regimen that involved multiple modalities: Sarvang abhyanga (full body oil massage), Tikta ksheerasarpi basti (medicated enema), and Shashti shali pinda swedana (a type of steam treatment using rice). These treatments are aimed at promoting circulation, nourishing the tissues, and alleviating pain through oil application and thermal therapy, intended to restore balance to the affected areas.
Pain Management and Recovery Metrics
The treatment's effectiveness was assessed through various metrics such as the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, goniometry for joint range of motion, and the Harris Hip Score (HHS) to evaluate functional recovery. Before treatment, the patient reported severe pain (VAS score of 8) and significant limitations in hip motion. After completing the treatment regimen, the pain score dramatically decreased to 1, and improvements in range of motion for the hip joint were recorded across multiple movements, indicating a substantial recovery. The HHS improved from 34 (indicating poor condition) to 71 (fair condition), showcasing the positive impact of the Panchakarma therapies.
Conclusion
The study demonstrates that Panchakarma treatments, particularly Basti karma combined with Shashti shali pinda swedana and Sarvanga abhyanga, can be effective in managing stage 2 osteonecrosis of the femoral head. This approach provides relief from pain and enhances joint mobility without the need for surgical intervention, which is often accompanied by complications. The promising results warrant further investigation with larger sample sizes to validate the efficacy of Ayurvedic treatments in the context of osteonecrosis and to potentially establish a holistic treatment protocol for this condition.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is osteonecrosis and its common causes?
Osteonecrosis is a condition where blood supply to a segment of bone is disrupted, leading to bone death. Common causes include trauma, excessive alcohol intake, smoking, and prolonged corticosteroid therapy.
How is osteonecrosis related to Ayurvedic concepts?
In Ayurveda, osteonecrosis can be correlated with 'Asthi-majja gata vata,' a condition characterized by vitiated Vata residing in bone and bone marrow, indicating a need for specific treatment modalities.
What Panchakarma treatments were used for osteonecrosis management?
The study utilized extensive Panchakarma treatments, including Sarvanga abhyanga, Shashti shali pinda swedana, and Tikta ksheerasarpi basti, aimed at alleviating symptoms and improving joint function in patients with osteonecrosis.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for 鈥淩ole of Panchakarma in the Management of Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head鈥�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Pain:
Pain is a key symptom in osteonecrosis, evaluated using the Pain Visual Analog Scale, where values range from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain). In the case study, the patient's pain score decreased significantly after treatment.
2) Basti:
Basti, an Ayurvedic therapeutic enema, is crucial for treating Vata dosha disorders like osteonecrosis. It involves administering medicated substances, providing relief by acting directly on the colon where Vata predominates.
3) Vata:
Vata is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, primarily responsible for all movements and functions in the body. It is considered vitiated in conditions like osteonecrosis and is treated by pacifying therapies such as external and internal oleation.
4) Shali (Sali):
Shali, specifically Shastika Shali (red rice), is used in Shastika Shali Pinda Swedana. This treatment enhances microcirculation and muscle nourishment, contributing to the management of osteonecrosis.
5) Asthi (Ashthi):
Asthi dhatu refers to the bone tissue in Ayurveda. In osteonecrosis, Vata dosha vitiated in the Asthi is managed through treatments like Basti and Sneha therapies.
6) Pinda (Pimda):
Pinda, as in Shastika Shali Pinda Swedana, involves rice bolus applications for therapeutic sweating. This helps in improving microcirculation and relieving stiffness and pain, essential for osteonecrosis management.
7) Tikta:
Tikta rasa (bitter taste) is used medicinally in Ayurveda for treating bone-related ailments like osteonecrosis. Tikta Dravyas (bitter substances) are part of Tikta ksheersarpi basti, aiding in the proper formation of Asthi dhatu.
8) Majja:
Majja dhatu refers to bone marrow in Ayurveda. Disorders in Majja are often seen alongside Asthi issues like osteonecrosis and are treated using therapies that target both bone and marrow tissues.
9) Karma (Karman):
Karma, in the Ayurvedic context, refers to the actions or treatments undertaken to address a specific condition. Basti karma, particularly Tikta ksheersarpi basti, is highlighted for managing osteonecrosis.
10) Asthimajjan (Asthimajja, Asthi-majjan):
Asthi-majja refers to the relationship and involvement of bone (Asthi) and bone marrow (Majja) in disorders. Osteonecrosis is treated by targeting both these tissues through specific Ayurvedic therapies.
11) Disease:
Osteonecrosis, a progressively debilitating disease impacting the femoral head, is treated using Panchakarma therapies in Ayurveda to mitigate symptoms and improve quality of life.
12) Dosha (Dosa):
Dosha refers to the fundamental bodily bio-elements in Ayurveda. Vata dosha is particularly implicated in osteonecrosis, necessitating treatments aimed at balancing this vital energy.
13) Vatadosha (Vatadosa, Vata-dosha):
Vata-dosha is the primary dosha aggravated in osteonecrosis, leading to symptoms such as joint pain and stiffness. Ayurvedic treatments focus on pacifying Vata to manage the disease.
14) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, provides a holistic approach to managing osteonecrosis through Panchakarma and other therapeutic practices aimed at balancing the doshas.
15) Abhyanga (Abhyamga):
Abhyanga involves the therapeutic application of oils to the body, often used in treating conditions like osteonecrosis to lubricate joints and tissues, thereby reducing pain and stiffness.
16) Dhatu:
Dhatu refers to the seven bodily tissues in Ayurveda. In osteonecrosis, treatments target Asthi (bone) and Majja (marrow) dhatus to promote healing and restore function.
17) Blood:
Blood circulation is vital for bone health. Osteonecrosis, caused by impaired blood supply to bone tissue, is managed in Ayurveda by enhancing microcirculation through treatments like Shashtika shali pinda swedana.
18) Bastikarman (Bastikarma, Basti-karman, Basti-karma):
Basti-karma is the practice of administering medicinal enemas to treat Vata disorders. It is a primary treatment in managing osteonecrosis by delivering therapeutic agents directly to the colon.
19) Dravya:
Dravya refers to medicinal substances used in Ayurvedic treatments. In managing osteonecrosis, specific dravyas like Tikta dravya and Panchatikta ghrita are used for Basti therapies.
20) Taila (Thaila):
Taila, or medicated oil, is extensively used in Abhyanga and other therapies. Ksheerabala taila is one such oil used in Anuvasana basti for treating osteonecrosis by pacifying Vata dosha.
21) Bala:
Bala refers to an herb used in Ayurvedic treatments. Bala moola is a key ingredient in Shastika shali pinda swedana, providing nourishment and enhancing muscle strength in osteonecrosis management.
22) Anuvasanabasti (Anuvasana-basti):
Anuvasana-basti is a type of therapeutic oil enema used for Vata disorders. In the treatment of osteonecrosis, Ksheerabala taila is used for its nourishing and Vata-pacifying qualities.
23) Tiktadravya (Tikta-dravya):
Tikta-dravya, or bitter substances, are used in Ayurvedic treatments like Tikta ksheersarpi basti to manage bone conditions such as osteonecrosis by aiding proper tissue formation.
24) Anuvasana:
Anuvasana involves the administration of oil-based enemas, beneficial in treating Vata disorders like osteonecrosis. These enemas provide lubrication and nourishment to deeper tissues.
25) Snigdha:
Snigdha means oily or unctuous. Oleation (internal and external) uses Snigdha substances, essential in treating Vata-related conditions like osteonecrosis to lubricate joints and tissues.
26) Ghrita (Ghrta):
Ghrita, or clarified butter, is extensively used in Ayurvedic medicine. In osteonecrosis treatments, Panchatikta ghrita is used in Basti to pacify Vata and nourish bones and marrow.
27) Kumari:
[see source text or glossary: Kumari]
28) Sneha:
Sneha refers to unctuous substances like oils and ghee used in Ayurveda. These are employed in both internal and external applications to treat Vata disorders like osteonecrosis.
29) Sarpis (Sarpi, Sarpish):
Sarpi is another term for ghee used in Ayurvedic treatments. Tikta ksheerasarpi basti involves ghee with bitter herbs to treat bone and marrow conditions like osteonecrosis.
30) Caru:
[see source text or glossary: Charu]
31) Drug:
Drugs used in the case study include Ayurvedic formulations like Maha yograj guggulu and herbal preparations such as Dashmoolarishta, all aimed at managing osteonecrosis symptoms.
32) Shatapushpa (Satapuspa, Shata-pushpa):
Shatapushpa (Anethum sowa) is an Ayurvedic herb used in multiple treatments, including Basti, for its therapeutic properties beneficial in conditions like osteonecrosis.
33) Majjadhatu (Majja-dhatu):
Majja-dhatu is the bone marrow in Ayurvedic medicine. Treatments for osteonecrosis aim to restore the health of Majja-dhatu, which is often affected by the disease.
34) Balataila (Bala-taila):
Bala-taila is an oil preparation used in Ayurvedic treatments. Due to its nourishing properties, it is used in Anuvasana basti for managing Vata disorders like osteonecrosis.
35) Brimhana (Brmhana):
Brimhana refers to nourishment therapies in Ayurveda, essential for treating debilitating conditions like osteonecrosis by strengthening and regenerating tissues.
36) Medicine:
Medicines used in the study include both classic Ayurvedic preparations and modern herbal formulations, aimed at alleviating symptoms of osteonecrosis and improving joint function.
37) Samanya:
Samanya refers to common or general observations. In the case study, general observations such as present pain levels, range of motion, and overall health status were recorded.
38) Bhasma (Bhasman):
Bhasma refers to calcined mineral or metal preparations in Ayurveda, such as Mukta shukti bhasma, used for its medicinal properties in treating conditions like osteonecrosis.
39) Family:
Family history was explored to identify genetic predispositions or shared environmental factors that might contribute to the development of osteonecrosis in the patient.
40) Nature:
The nature of pain progression and other symptoms was assessed to categorize the stage of osteonecrosis and determine the appropriate Ayurvedic treatment protocol.
41) Death:
Osteonecrosis leads to the hypoxic death of bone tissue due to impaired blood supply, requiring treatments to restore circulation and promote healing.
42) Shuktibhasma (Suktibhasma, Shukti-bhasma):
Shukti-bhasma, a calcined oyster shell preparation, is used in Ayurveda for its medicinal properties, often included in treatments for bone-related disorders like osteonecrosis.
43) Niruhabasti (Niruha-basti):
Niruha-basti, also known as Asthapana basti, involves the administration of a decoction enema. It's used for cleansing and treating Vata disorders like osteonecrosis.
44) Tuberculosis:
There was no history of pulmonary tuberculosis in the patient, an important exclusion detail in understanding the patient鈥檚 overall health status.
45) Asthidhatu (Asthi-dhatu):
Asthi-dhatu is the bone tissue in Ayurveda. Its health and integrity are crucial in conditions like osteonecrosis, which see a breakdown of this tissue.
46) Vatavyadhi (Vata-vyadhi):
Vata-vyadhi refers to diseases caused by Vata dosha imbalance. Osteonecrosis, manifesting through joint pain and degeneration, is considered a Vata-vyadhi.
47) Ashtavidha (Astavidha, Ashtan-vidha):
Ashtavidha Pariksha encompasses eight methods of examination in Ayurveda to diagnose and manage diseases like osteonecrosis, including pulse, urine, stool, tongue, sound, touch, appearance, and build.
48) Discussion:
The discussion section of the journal article elaborates on the efficacy of Ayurvedic treatments for osteonecrosis, including improvements seen in symptoms and functional status.
49) Alcoholism:
Alcoholism is one of the risk factors for osteonecrosis, as excessive drinking can impair blood supply to the bone tissue, contributing to the disease鈥檚 progression.
50) Mahabhuta (Maha-bhuta):
Mahabhutas are the five great elements in Ayurveda: earth, water, fire, air, and ether. Tikta rasa predominantly contains Akash (ether) and Vayu (air), which have specific therapeutic effects.
51) Stiffness:
Stiffness in the joints is a common symptom of osteonecrosis, addressed in Ayurveda through therapies like Shastika shali pinda swedana to improve flexibility and range of motion.
52) Pariksha (Pariksa):
[see source text or glossary: Pariksha]
53) Vatahara (Vata-ahara):
Vatahara refers to therapies or substances that alleviate Vata dosha. Treatments like Basti and Abhyanga aim to pacify Vata to manage osteonecrosis effectively.
54) Mutation:
Genetic mutations, such as those in the hypoxia-inducible factor V Leiden, can contribute to osteonecrosis by affecting the blood supply to bones.
55) Guggulu:
Maha Yograj Guggulu is an Ayurvedic formulation used in managing osteonecrosis; it includes ingredients that pacify Vata and support bone health.
56) Ashraya (Asraya):
Ashraya refers to the relationship of mutual dependence between doshas and dhatus. In osteonecrosis, the Ashraya-Ashraya relationship between Vata dosha and Asthi dhatu is significant.
57) Rasnadi:
Rasnadi kwath is an herbal decoction used in complementary treatments for conditions like osteonecrosis to manage pain and inflammation.
58) Siddha:
[see source text or glossary: Siddha]
59) Shabda (Sabda):
[see source text or glossary: Shabda]
60) Ruksha (Ruksa):
Ruksha means dry, a property opposite to Snigdha. Ruksha properties are relevant in balancing moist or oily conditions but are generally avoided in treating Vata disorders like osteonecrosis.
61) Shukti (Sukti, Su-ukti):
[see source text or glossary: Shukti]
62) Akriti (Akrti):
[see source text or glossary: Akriti]
63) Niruha:
[see source text or glossary: Niruha]
64) Kangra:
[see source text or glossary: Kangra]
65) Vyadhin (Vyadhi):
Vyadhi means disease in Ayurveda. Osteonecrosis is classified under Vata Vyadhi, requiring specific treatments to balance Vata dosha and support bone health.
66) Thirst:
[see source text or glossary: Thirst]
67) Madhu:
Madhu, or honey, is used in various Ayurvedic formulations, including Tikta ksheersarpi basti, for its medicinal properties and ability to enhance the effects of other ingredients.
68) Medha (Medhas):
Medha Dhatu in Ayurveda refers to the fat tissue that nourishes bones and marrow. Proper Medha metabolism is crucial for the health of Asthi and Majja Dhatus in osteonecrosis management.
69) Kalka:
Kalka refers to herbal paste used in Ayurvedic formulations. For instance, Shatapushpa kalka is used in Anuvasana basti, aiding in treating conditions like osteonecrosis.
70) Laghu:
Laghu means light, a property that contrasts with Guru. Due to their lightness, Laghu substances are not typically used in treating Vata disorders like osteonecrosis, where unctuous and heavy substances are preferred.
71) Jihva:
[see source text or glossary: Jihva]
72) Ushna (Usna):
Ushna means hot, and it describes the warm nature of certain therapeutic oils used in treatments like Anuvasana basti to pacify Vata dosha in osteonecrosis.
73) Mutra:
[see source text or glossary: Mutra]
74) Mukta:
[see source text or glossary: Mukta]
75) Bahya:
Bahya means external, referring to treatments such as external oleation (Abhyanga) used in managing osteonecrosis to relieve pain and improve joint mobility.
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 88]
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: 鈥�Role of Panchakarma in the Management of Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head鈥�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Anuvasanabasti, Vatadosha, Panchakarma Therapy, Avascular necrosis, Visual analog scale, Asthi majja gata vata, Goniometer, Sarvang Abhyanga, Brimhana chikitsa, Harris Hip Score, Corticosteroid therapy.