Role of Panchakarma in Managing Psoriatic Arthritis: An Ayurveda View
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Contemplating the Role of Panchakarma in the Management of Psoriatic Arthritis and its Ayurvedic Perspective
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.
Amrutha D C
PG Scholar, PG and PhD Studies in Department of Panchakarma, Government Ayurveda Medical College, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
Ananta S Desai
Professor and Head, PG and PhD Studies in Department of Panchakarma, Government Ayurveda Medical College, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Contemplating the Role of Panchakarma in the Management of Psoriatic Arthritis and its Ayurvedic Perspective
Year: 2023 | Doi: 10.47070/ayushdhara.v10i6.1445
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the skin and joints, occurring in approximately 10-15% of individuals with psoriasis. The disorder is influenced by a combination of genetic, dietary, lifestyle, environmental, and psychological factors, leading to symptoms such as scaly skin lesions, itching, joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. In Ayurvedic terminology, it correlates with "Dhatugata Kusta," where vitiated "Vatapradhanatridosha" infiltrates the deep tissues ("Gambhiradhatus"). Effective management requires a comprehensive treatment approach that considers all disease factors, including "Dosha," "Dushya," "Desha," "Kala," "Bala," and "Avastha." Ayurvedic treatments, particularly Panchakarma, are renowned for their efficacy in eradicating diseases at their roots and preventing recurrence.
The Role of Panchakarma
Panchakarma is a core aspect of Ayurvedic medicine that emphasizes purification and rejuvenation. It employs various therapies, including "Shodhana," which targets the elimination of morbid "Doshas" from the body. Among the diseases effectively treated through this approach are autoimmune disorders such as psoriatic arthritis. As per Ayurvedic texts, a profound change in health can occur only when treatments are directed at the root of a disease rather than its superficial symptoms. Practitioners argue that igniting the body's natural healing processes while removing toxins can prevent recurrences of the disease. The current case study highlights the holistic advantage of a multimodal Panchakarma approach in balancing "Tridosha" and alleviating the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis effectively.
Treating Psoriatic Arthritis through Ayurvedic Principles
A pivotal aspect of the Ayurvedic management strategy involves personalized treatment regimens tailored to individual patient characteristics and symptoms. For a 42-year-old male patient suffering from severe psoriatic arthritis, the treatment plan encompassed various Ayurvedic therapies, including "Virechana," "Takradhara," and "Kustaghna Basti." The treatments aimed to balance "Agni" and remove accumulated toxins from the body, significantly improving patient outcomes over a short period. Marked improvements were observed in multiple symptoms, including scaling, itching, joint pain, and overall health. The case underscores the effectiveness of traditional Ayurvedic principles in addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of chronic conditions.
Conclusion
This case study indicates that a comprehensive Ayurvedic treatment approach can yield significant improvements in managing psoriatic arthritis, impacting both physical symptoms and mental well-being. While presenting promising results, further investigations involving a larger cohort of patients over extended durations are necessary to understand the broader applicability of these findings. The research highlights the importance of integrating traditional practices with modern methodologies for enhanced patient outcomes in chronic inflammatory diseases.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is psoriatic arthritis and its main symptoms?
Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting skin and joints, characterized by scaly lesions, itching, joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. It commonly develops in individuals with psoriasis, influenced by genetic, dietary, and environmental factors.
How does Panchakarma help in treating psoriatic arthritis?
Panchakarma focuses on detoxification and healing by eliminating morbid doshas from the body. Treatments like Shodhana therapy can eradicate diseases at their root, thus balancing the doshas, alleviating symptoms, and preventing recurrence of psoriatic arthritis.
What treatments were used in the case study for psoriatic arthritis?
The patient underwent treatments including Pachana Deepana, Virechana, Takradhara, and Kustaghna Basti. These multimodal approaches aimed to purify the body, enhance digestion, and provide symptomatic relief from both skin and joint issues.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Role of Panchakarma in Managing Psoriatic Arthritis: An Ayurveda View�. 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) Basti:
Basti is a significant treatment in Ayurveda involving medicated enemas. Psoriatic arthritis patients in the study underwent 'Kustaghna basti' using medicinal substances to treat symptoms effectively. It is noted for its potential to cleanse channels and eliminate vitiated doshas.
2) Disease:
A disease, as mentioned here, refers to pathological conditions, specifically psoriatic arthritis in this context. This autoimmune disease involves both skin and joint inflammation, aligning with Ayurvedic terms like Dhatugata kusta and Vatarakta.
3) Pain:
Pain is a major symptom of psoriatic arthritis, affecting the patient's joints. The study highlights that Ayurvedic treatments like Shodhana and Panchakarma considerably reduced joint pain and improved overall health.
4) Shodhana (Sodhana):
Shodhana is a purification technique used in Ayurveda to eliminate morbid doshas from the body. The study describes how Shodhana therapies, such as Virechana, effectively manage psoriatic arthritis by addressing its root causes.
5) Dosha (Dosa):
Dosha refers to the fundamental bodily bio-elements in Ayurveda, namely Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. The condition discussed involves Vata Pradhana Tridosha, indicating a predominant imbalance in all three doshas impacting multiple tissues.
6) Stiffness:
Stiffness, particularly in the joints, is a symptom of psoriatic arthritis. The multimodal Panchakarma treatments like Basti and Takradhara helped in reducing joint stiffness as per the patient’s case study.
7) Madhyama:
[see source text or glossary: Madhyama]
8) Tridosha (Tridosa, Tri-dosha):
Tridosha doctrine in Ayurveda focuses on balancing the three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—to maintain health. The study highlights the Vatapradhana Tridosha vitiation in psoriatic arthritis, underlining the need for therapies to balance these doshas.
9) Shrava (Srava):
Srava refers to oozing or discharge from skin lesions, a primary symptom in psoriatic arthritis. The Ayurvedic treatments administered helped in reducing the occurrence and severity of srava in the patient's condition.
10) Prakrita (Prakrta):
[see source text or glossary: Prakrita]
11) Dhatugata (Dhatu-gata):
Dhatugata means something that has reached or penetrated deep into bodily tissues. Psoriatic arthritis is paralleled with Dhatugata kusta in Ayurveda, where doshas affect deeper dhatus like Mamsa and Asthi.
12) Ananta (Anamta):
[see source text or glossary: Ananta]
13) Taila (Thaila):
Taila refers to medicated oils used in Ayurvedic treatments, often for external application. In the study, Marichyadi Taila was used for external application, showing effectiveness owing to its therapeutic properties.
14) Dhatu:
Dhatus are the seven fundamental tissues described in Ayurveda: Rasa, Raktha, Mamsa, Meda, Asthi, Majja, and Shukra. The study notes how psoriatic arthritis affects these dhatus, particularly the deeper ones.
15) Blood:
Blood, or Raktha in Ayurveda, plays a crucial role in skin and joint health. Psoriatic arthritis is discussed within the context of Raktha being one of the affected dhatus.
16) Guna:
Guna in Ayurveda refers to the inherent qualities of substances. Panchatiktaka guggulu gritha used in the study has tikta (bitter), ruksha (dry), and laghu (light) guna, aiding in dosha and dhatu balance.
17) Shirodhara (Sirodhara, Shiras-dhara):
Shirodhara involves pouring medicinal liquids like takra (buttermilk) on the forehead to alleviate stress and balance doshas. It was used in the study to improve the patient’s mental and physical symptoms.
18) Discussion:
Discussion in the study delves into how different Ayurvedic interventions like Virechana and Basti treatments helped reduce the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis, providing a sustainable treatment approach.
19) Guggulu:
Guggulu is a gum resin used for various therapeutic purposes in Ayurveda. In this study, Panchatiktaka guggulu gritha, containing guggulu, was used for internal administration to treat psoriatic arthritis.
20) Kashaya (Kasaya):
Kashaya, or astringent taste, is a property of many Ayurvedic herbs used for their therapeutic benefits. Ingredients with Kashaya rasa, like in Marichyadi Taila, were used to manage Kleda and other symptoms.
21) Niruha:
[see source text or glossary: Niruha]
22) Panca (Pancan, Pamca):
[see source text or glossary: Pancha]
23) Asthi (Ashthi):
Asthi means bone tissue, one of the seven dhatus. The study indicates that psoriatic arthritis affects deeper tissues including Asthi, causing joint pain and stiffness.
24) Tikta:
Tikta is a bitter taste that has specific therapeutic benefits in Ayurveda. Panchatiktaka guggulu gritha, a medication used in the study, has a tikta rasa, aiding in the treatment of psoriatic arthritis.
25) Agni:
Agni refers to the digestive fire or metabolic energy. Impaired Agni, called Jatharagnimandya or Dhatvagnimandya, is cited as a key factor in the pathogenesis of psoriatic arthritis.
26) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa is the first of the seven dhatus and represents the nutritive fluid. The study reveals that the condition of psoriatic arthritis involves the vitiation of Rasa dhatu among others.
27) Vata:
Vata is one of the three doshas and responsible for movement and coordination in the body. Psoriatic arthritis is described as having Vata dominance, leading to symptoms like pain and stiffness.
28) Drug:
[see source text or glossary: Drug]
29) Anuvasanabasti (Anuvasana-basti):
[see source text or glossary: Anuvasanabasti]
30) Niruhabasti (Niruha-basti):
[see source text or glossary: Niruhabasti]
31) Inflammation:
Inflammation, characterized by redness, swelling, and pain, is a central feature of psoriatic arthritis as discussed in the study. Ayurvedic treatments like Shodhana aim to reduce such inflammation.
32) Samshodhana (Samsodhana):
[see source text or glossary: Samshodhana]
33) Manibhadra:
[see source text or glossary: Manibhadra]
34) Anuvasana:
[see source text or glossary: Anuvasana]
35) Samprapti:
[see source text or glossary: Samprapti]
36) Kandughna (Kandu-ghna):
[see source text or glossary: Kandughna]
37) Vatarakta (Vata-rakta):
Vatarakta is a term in Ayurveda that refers to disorders involving Vata and Raktha, impacting joints and skin. Psoriatic arthritis can be compared to Vatarakta due to its similar symptomatology.
38) Vitiation (Vitiated):
Vitiation refers to the imbalance of doshas or dhatus, leading to pathological conditions. Psoriatic arthritis is described as involving vitiation of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas.
39) Sarshapa (Sarsapa):
[see source text or glossary: Sarshapa]
40) Pradhana:
[see source text or glossary: Pradhana]
41) Rukshata (Ruksata):
Rukshata, or dryness, is a symptom of psoriatic arthritis where patients experience dry, scaly skin. The Ayurvedic treatments administered helped reduce Rukshata effectively.
42) Gambhira:
[see source text or glossary: Gambhira]
43) Rasayana (Rasa-ayana):
Rasayana refers to rejuvenation therapy in Ayurveda aimed at restoring health and balance. The study underscores Rasayana's importance in maintaining dosha equilibrium post-treatment for conditions like psoriatic arthritis.
44) Medicine:
[see source text or glossary: Medicine]
45) Swelling:
Swelling is one of the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis, particularly in joints. The Ayurvedic treatment approach outlined helped alleviate swelling, contributing to the patient's improved condition.
46) Sparsha (Sparsa):
[see source text or glossary: Sparsha]
47) Snigdha:
[see source text or glossary: Snigdha]
48) Vikriti (Vikrti):
[see source text or glossary: Vikriti]
49) Samana (Shamana):
Shamana in Ayurveda refers to palliative care aimed at balancing doshas. Although effective, Acharya Charaka emphasizes that Shodhana treatments are more thorough for conditions like psoriatic arthritis.
50) Sandhi (Shandhi, Samdhi):
Sandhi means joints, which are significantly affected in psoriatic arthritis. Ayurvedic treatments like Basti and Takradhara helped improve symptoms like joint pain and stiffness.
51) Dushya (Dusya):
Dushya refers to bodily tissues affected by a disease. In psoriatic arthritis, multiple dhatus including Rasa, Raktha, Mamsa, and Asthi serve as dushyas, necessitating comprehensive treatment approaches.
52) Rakta:
Raktha, or blood, is a key dhatu impacted in psoriatic arthritis. By aligning the condition with Raktha vitiation, the study highlights the need for treatments focused on blood purification.
53) Bhaya:
[see source text or glossary: Bhaya]
54) Mamsa (Mamsha):
Mamsa, or muscle tissue, is one of the dhatus involved in the pathology of psoriatic arthritis. The study underscores the deep penetration of the disease into tissues like Mamsa.
55) Kleda:
Kleda refers to moisture or pathological fluid. The treatments discussed in the study, like Niruha and Panchatikta Pancha Prasritika Basti, aim to expel Kleda, alleviating symptoms.
56) Kandu (Kamdu):
Kandu means itching, a primary symptom of psoriatic arthritis as noted in the study. Various Ayurvedic treatments helped reduce Kandu significantly in the patient case study.
57) Shula (Sula):
Shula refers to pain, especially in the joints for psoriatic arthritis patients. The multimodal approach reduced joint shula, improving the patient's overall quality of life.
58) Takra:
Takra means buttermilk, used in Shirodhara for stress relief and dosha balance. It is part of the Takradhara therapy administered to manage psoriatic arthritis symptoms effectively.
59) Katu:
Katu refers to pungent taste, important for its therapeutic properties. Ingredients with Katu rasa, such as those found in Marichyadi Taila, aid in reducing symptoms like kleda and inflammation.
60) Medas (Meda, Medash):
Meda refers to fat tissue, another dhatu impacted in psoriatic arthritis. The treatments aim at balancing the doshas affecting Meda to alleviate symptoms like joint pain and stiffness.
61) Kala:
[see source text or glossary: Kala]
62) Human body:
[see source text or glossary: Human body]
63) Saindhavalavana (Saindhava-lavana, Saimdhavalavana):
[see source text or glossary: Saindhava-lavana]
64) Vyayamashakti (Vyayamasakti, Vyayama-shakti):
[see source text or glossary: Vyayamashakti]
65) Abhishyanda (Abhisyanda):
[see source text or glossary: Abhishyanda]
66) Aharashakti (Aharasakti, Ahara-shakti):
[see source text or glossary: Aharashakti]
67) Asthyagni (Asthi-agni):
[see source text or glossary: Asthi-agni]
68) Saptaparna (Sapta-parna):
[see source text or glossary: Saptaparna]
69) Saindhava (Saimdhava):
[see source text or glossary: Saindhava]
70) Karnataka:
[see source text or glossary: Karnataka]
71) Agninasha (Agninasa):
[see source text or glossary: Agninasha]
72) Samhanana:
[see source text or glossary: Samhanana]
73) Vatadosha (Vatadosa, Vata-dosha):
Vatadosha is one of the three doshas involved in psoriatic arthritis. Treatments aimed at balancing Vata, like Shodhana and Basti, are essential in managing this autoimmune condition.
74) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian medical system focusing on holistic healing through balancing doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha). The study utilizes Ayurvedic principles and treatments to manage psoriatic arthritis.
75) Makshika (Maksika):
[see source text or glossary: Makshika]
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 138]
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Role of Panchakarma in Managing Psoriatic Arthritis: An Ayurveda View�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Tridosha, Samshodhana, Holistic approach, Panchakarma Therapy, Virechana Karma, Shodhana Therapy, Chikitsa siddanta, Apathya Ahara, Takradhara, Psoriatic arthritis.