Panchakarma's role in managing septic arthritis and Krostukasheersha.
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Role of Panchakarma in the Management of Septic Arthritis with special reference to Krostukasheersha
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 Benagaluru, Karnataka, India.
Anita S N
PG Scholar, PG and PhD Studies in Department of Panchakarma, Government Ayurveda Medical College Benagaluru, Karnataka, India.
Ananta S Desai
Professor and Head, PG and PhD Studies in Department of Panchakarma, Government Ayurveda Medical College Benagaluru, Karnataka, India.
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Role of Panchakarma in the Management of Septic Arthritis with special reference to Krostukasheersha
Year: 2024 | Doi: 10.47070/ayushdhara.v11i1.1486
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Septic arthritis, characterized by inflammation of a joint due to bacterial infection, primarily affects larger joints like the knee and hip. It is typically caused by Staphylococcus aureus and can result from infections, surgery, or trauma. Symptoms include fever, pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected joint, leading to significant discomfort and functional impairment. Prompt medical intervention is critical to prevent complications such as septicemia and joint destruction. In Ayurveda, septic arthritis is correlated with a condition known as Krostukasheersha, resulting from the aggravation of Vata and Rakta doshas.
Significance of Panchakarma Therapy
Panchakarma therapy plays a vital role in managing septic arthritis, particularly through Ayurvedic treatments aimed at balancing the Vata and Rakta doshas. In a case study, a 45-year-old female suffering from knee pain and swelling—diagnosed as septic arthritis—underwent several Ayurvedic interventions including Godhumadi Upanaha, Basti, and Rakthamokshana. The Upanaha treatment reduces inflammation and enhances local metabolism, while Basti therapy focuses on alleviating Vata-related discomfort. Overall, these therapies aim to purify the doshas and promote recovery in patients suffering from Krostukasheersha.
Jalaukavacharana and Wet Cupping
Jalaukavacharana, or leech therapy, is employed in cases of Vata and Rakta dosha involvement, helping to alleviate symptoms by removing stagnant blood and toxins. This treatment is supported by the presence of bioactive compounds in the leech saliva, which provide anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant effects, thus promoting healing in the affected area. Similarly, wet cupping therapy acts as a modified form of Raktamokshana, enhancing blood circulation and removing harmful materials, which contributes to symptom relief. Both treatments demonstrate significant improvements in pain, swelling, and overall well-being of the patient.
Conclusion
The case study highlights the efficacy of Ayurvedic treatments like Panchakarma in managing septic arthritis, demonstrating significant symptom relief and improved quality of life for the patient. Krostukasheersha is treated by restoring balance to the affected doshas and addressing the intricate pathological state. The positive results underscore the need for further studies to explore the benefits of these therapies in larger patient populations, reaffirming the potential of Ayurvedic approaches in contemporary medical care for conditions like septic arthritis.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is septic arthritis and its common causes?
Septic arthritis, also known as infectious arthritis, is inflammation of a joint caused primarily by bacterial infection, commonly Staphylococcus aureus. It typically affects larger joints like the knee or hip and can occur due to infections, surgery, or injuries.
How was the patient with septic arthritis treated in the study?
The patient was treated using Ayurvedic techniques including Godhumadi Upanaha, Basti, and Raktamokshana. These treatments aimed to alleviate pain and inflammation, ultimately leading to significant symptom improvement and recovery of joint function.
What are the key findings from the treatment of septic arthritis?
The treatment resulted in marked improvement in symptoms, including reduced pain and swelling. After therapy, the patient experienced significant overall recovery, demonstrating the effectiveness of Ayurvedic approaches like Panchakarma in managing septic arthritis.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Panchakarma's role in managing septic arthritis and Krostukasheersha.�. 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 primary symptom in the case report of septic arthritis, which results from inflammation and vitiation of Vata and Rakta doshas. The Ayurvedic treatments aimed to alleviate this pain involved Basti and Raktamokshana to pacify Vata and purify Rakta.
2) Swelling:
Swelling in the knee joint was noted as a key symptom in the septic arthritis case. This swelling, resembling the head of a jackal (Krostukasheersha), is due to the accumulation of Dusta Rakta in the joint space, aggravated by Vayu and obstructing proper blood flow and lymphatic drainage.
3) Basti:
Basti, an enema therapy, played a crucial role in managing septic arthritis by pacifying Vata dosha and removing Ama (toxins). Specific Basti like Churnabasti and Vaitarana Basti were administered to alleviate symptoms like pain and swelling by cleansing and nourishing the body according to Ayurvedic principles.
4) Rakta:
Rakta (blood) is one of the primary doshas involved in the pathology of septic arthritis. Vitiation and obstruction of Rakta in the knee joint lead to symptoms like pain, swelling, and inflammation. Treatments aimed at purifying Rakta, such as Raktamokshana and Jalaukavacharana, were applied to restore balance.
5) Vata:
Vata dosha, responsible for movement and circulation, plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of septic arthritis. Aggravation of Vata leads to pain and the obstruction of Rakta in the knee joint. Various Panchakarma therapies like Basti help in pacifying Vata to reduce these symptoms.
6) Madhyama:
Madhyama represents a moderate assessment on several scales like Satva (mental strength), Samhanana (body build), Satmya (habituation), and Vyayama Shakti (exercise capacity). This classification helped in tailoring the treatment plan for the patient based on individual tolerance and condition.
7) Vaitarana:
Vaitarana Basti, although not detailed in the Brihatrayee texts but mentioned in later texts, is a type of enema effective in Ama, Shula, and Shotha. It contains drugs with properties that pacify Vata and Kapha, and was part of the treatment for septic arthritis in the case study.
8) Dosha (Dosa):
Dosha refers to the three fundamental bodily humors in Ayurveda: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Imbalance in these doshas, particularly Vata and Rakta (a sub-type of Pitta), is central to the pathology of septic arthritis, leading to symptoms like pain, swelling, and inflammation.
9) Blood:
Blood, or Rakta in Ayurveda, is heavily involved in the inflammatory process of septic arthritis. Vitiation and obstruction of blood flow contribute to the disease’s symptoms. Treatments like Raktamokshana aimed at purifying the blood were crucial in managing the patient’s condition.
10) Burning sensation:
Burning sensation was one of the symptoms experienced by the patient, linked to the inflamed state of the knee joint. This is indicative of the involvement of Pitta dosha along with Vata and Rakta. Treatments aimed to cool and alleviate these symptoms through modalities like Raktamokshana.
11) Raktamokshana (Raktamoksana, Rakta-mokshana):
Raktamokshana is a therapeutic bloodletting procedure used to purify the blood and alleviate conditions caused by its vitiation. In this case study, it helped in reducing pain, swelling, and other symptoms associated with septic arthritis by cleansing the Rakta dhatu.
12) Disease:
Disease, or Vyadhi in Ayurveda, in this context is septic arthritis, characterized by pain, swelling, and joint dysfunction due to bacterial infection. The Ayurvedic correlation is Krostukasheersha, treated with Panchakarma therapies to address the underlying dosha imbalances.
13) Inflammation:
Inflammation is a hallmark of septic arthritis, leading to symptoms like pain, swelling, and warmth. In Ayurvedic terms, it is due to the vitiation of Vata and Rakta doshas, with treatments aimed at reducing this inflammation through Raktamokshana and other Panchakarma therapies.
14) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, offers holistic treatments for septic arthritis through therapies like Panchakarma, focusing on balancing the doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), purifying blood, and improving the patient's overall well-being. It successfully manages septic arthritis without side effects.
15) Avarana:
Avarana refers to the pathological obstruction of channels in the body. In septic arthritis, the obstruction of the Rakta and Vata channels in the knee leads to pain and swelling. Treatments aimed at clearing these blockages, such as Basti and Raktamokshana, were utilized in the case study.
16) Upanaha:
Upanaha is a type of warm, medicinal poultice used in Ayurvedic treatment. In this case study, Godhumadi Upanaha was applied to reduce local inflammation, swelling, and pain, providing warmth and improving circulation at the affected site.
17) Discussion:
Discussion in the case study focused on interpreting the results of Ayurvedic interventions on septic arthritis. The significance of therapies like Basti and Raktamokshana in reducing symptoms like pain, swelling, and functional impairment through dosha balance and purification was emphasized.
18) Prakrita (Prakrta):
Prakrita refers to the natural or normal state. In the case study, it was used to describe normal physiological signs like Jihwa (tongue), Shabda (voice), Sparsha (touch), Drik (vision), and Akruti (shape). It helped provide a baseline for assessing the patient's health status.
19) Avastha:
Avastha denotes the stage or condition, often of a disease. In the treatment of septic arthritis, understanding the avastha of Vata and Rakta doshas helped tailor the Panchakarma therapies like Basti and Raktamokshana to the specific needs of the patient's condition.
20) Sthana:
Sthana refers to the site or location, particularly of a disease. In the case of septic arthritis, Janu sandhi (knee joint) was the primary sthana of dosha vitiation, necessitating local and systemic treatments to address the pathology.
21) Pitta:
Pitta dosha, one of the three humors in Ayurveda, contributes to inflammatory responses. Although primarily Vata and Rakta are involved in septic arthritis, the presence of burning sensation indicates Pitta involvement, requiring cooling and anti-inflammatory treatments.
22) Substance:
Substance refers to the biochemical components used in management, such as the bioactive substances in leech saliva in Jalaukavacharana. These include anti-inflammatory and antibacterial substances that contributed to the reduction of septic arthritis symptoms.
23) Snigdha:
Snigdha means 'unctuous' and is a quality used in Ayurvedic therapies to balance Vata dosha, which is dry and rough by nature. In this case, Snigdha treatments like certain Upanaha applications helped in alleviating symptoms of pain and stiffness.
24) Sandhi (Shandhi, Samdhi):
Sandhi means 'joint' and is relevant here as the knee joint, or Janu sandhi, is significantly affected in septic arthritis. The pathology and treatment of septic arthritis were focused on this site, which presented with swelling, pain, and limitation in movement.
25) Ruksha (Ruksa):
Ruksha translates to 'dry,' a quality that aggravates Vata dosha. In the case of septic arthritis, treatments avoided Ruksha therapies and focused instead on Snigdha (unctuous) treatments to pacify Vata and soothe the inflamed joint.
26) Kapha:
Kapha represents one of the three Ayurvedic doshas, responsible for stability and structure. Though Vata and Rakta are primarily involved in septic arthritis, Kapha's obstruction (Avarana) in the Raktavaha Srotas (blood channels) affects the condition's pathology.
27) Asthi (Ashthi):
Asthi means 'bone' and is one of the Dhatus (tissues) affected in septic arthritis. Since the knee joint and surrounding structures are involved, treatments like Upanaha and Basti aimed to strengthen Asthi and reduce inflammation.
28) Lepa:
Lepa refers to the application of a medicinal paste. In this case study, Jatamayadi Lepa was used externally to alleviate pain and swelling, complementing other therapies by providing localized anti-inflammatory effects.
29) Vayu:
Vayu, or air, is another term for Vata dosha. It plays a crucial role in this case as its aggravation leads to pain and obstruction of Rakta in septic arthritis. Management strategies focused on pacifying Vayu through methods like Basti and Upanaha.
30) Drug:
Drug refers to herbal and other medicinal preparations used in Ayurvedic therapies. In this study, various drugs such as those in Churnabasti and Raktamokshana were employed to treat the symptoms of septic arthritis.
31) Shleshakakapha (Slesakakapha, Shleshaka-kapha):
Shleshakakapha is a subtype of Kapha located in the joints, providing lubrication. Its involvement in septic arthritis causes obstruction and contributes to pain and swelling. Therapies aimed at balancing Kapha helped reduce these symptoms.
32) Madhyamasatva (Madhyama-satva):
Madhyama-satva indicates a moderate mental strength, crucial for enduring the therapeutic processes. The patient's condition was evaluated as such to tailor the Panchakarma treatments to match her mental and physical endurance.
33) Vyayamashakti (Vyayamasakti, Vyayama-shakti):
Vyayama-shakti means 'exercise capacity.' In the case study, it is described as Madhyama, indicating a moderate capacity for exercise, which influenced the tailoring of therapeutic exercises and treatments in the management of septic arthritis.
34) Purification:
Purification, or Shodhana, is essential in Ayurveda for removing dosha imbalances. In the case of septic arthritis, purification of Rakta (blood) through Raktamokshana was crucial to reduce symptoms like inflammation and pain.
35) Janusandhi (Janu-sandhi):
Janu-sandhi refers to the knee joint, which was primarily affected in the case of septic arthritis. Treatments aimed at alleviating issues in this joint included local applications, Basti, and Raktamokshana to reduce inflammation and improve function.
36) Aharashakti (Aharasakti, Ahara-shakti):
Aharashakti refers to the digestive capacity or power to assimilate food. Classified as Madhyama (moderate) in the case study, it helped tailor dietary recommendations and oral medications to support overall treatment of septic arthritis.
37) Raktadhatu (Rakta-dhatu):
Raktadhatu means blood tissue. Its vitiation is central to the pathology of septic arthritis, leading to symptoms like swelling and pain. The treatment focused on purifying Raktadhatu through therapies like Raktamokshana and Jalaukavacharana.
38) Vatavyadhi (Vata-vyadhi):
Vatavyadhi refers to diseases primarily caused by the imbalance of Vata dosha. Septic arthritis (Krostukasheersha) is one such condition, with treatments aimed at pacifying Vata and purifying Rakta to manage symptoms.
39) Shothahara (Sothahara, Shotha-hara):
Shothahara means 'anti-inflammatory' and refers to treatments that reduce swelling. In the case of septic arthritis, therapies like Vaitarana Basti and Jalaukavacharana were applied to achieve Shothahara effects.
40) Pittadosha (Pittadosa, Pitta-dosha):
Pittadosha represents the fire element and is associated with metabolic functions. The burning sensation in septic arthritis indicated the involvement of Pittadosha, which required treatments to pacify Pitta and alleviate inflammation.
41) Kaphadosha (Kaphadosa, Kapha-dosha):
Kaphadosha is responsible for stability and fluid balance. Its obstruction in the blood channels (Avarana) contributed to symptoms of septic arthritis. Treatments aimed to clear this obstruction and balance Kapha were part of the therapeutic approach.
42) Amladravya (Amla-dravya):
Amladravya refers to sour substances. These were part of the Upanaha therapy in the case study for septic arthritis, aimed at balancing Vata and improving localized blood circulation to reduce symptoms.
43) Saindhava (Saimdhava):
Saindhava, or rock salt, is often used in Basti preparations to enhance the therapeutic effects. It was part of the treatment in Churna Basti and Vaitarana Basti, aiding in reducing pain and inflammation in the septic arthritis case.
44) Samprapti:
Samprapti, or pathogenesis, describes the process and mechanisms leading to disease. Understanding the samprapti of Krostukasheersha (septic arthritis) involving Vata and Rakta dosha vitiation guided the Ayurvedic treatments applied in the case study.
45) Shulaghna (Sulaghna, Shula-ghna):
Shulaghna refers to pain-relieving therapies. In the treatment of septic arthritis, Churnabasti and Vaitarana Basti were employed for their Shulaghna effects, reducing the intense pain caused by the joint inflammation.
46) Karnataka:
Karnataka is the state in India where the Government Ayurveda Medical College, Bengaluru, is located. The patient received treatment for septic arthritis at this institution.
47) Vatarakta (Vata-rakta):
Vatarakta is a condition combining Vata and Rakta dosha vitiation, often likened to diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. In the case of septic arthritis, therapies aligned with Vataraktachikitsa were applied to balance these doshas and alleviate symptoms.
48) Amlapitta (Amla-pitta):
Amlapitta refers to hyperacidity. In the case study, the treatment had to be paused (D17-D21, gap) due to the emergence of Amlapitta symptoms in the patient (nausea and vomiting), necessitating adjustments in the therapeutic approach.
49) Samhanana:
Samhanana pertains to body build or structure. Described as Madhyama (moderate) in the patient, it influenced the choice and intensity of treatments to ensure they were suitable for her physical constitution.
50) Vatadosha (Vatadosa, Vata-dosha):
Vatadosha is one of the essential bodily humors in Ayurveda, responsible for movement and communication within the body. Its aggravation leads to pain and joint issues in septic arthritis, necessitating pacifying treatments such as various forms of Basti.
51) Adhishthana (Adhisthana):
Adhistana refers to the seat or location of the disease. In the case of septic arthritis, the knee joint (Janu sandhi) was the chief adhistana, guiding the application of targeted therapies like Upanaha, Basti, and Raktamokshana to alleviate symptoms.
52) Vitiation (Vitiated):
Vitiation of doshas, particularly Vata and Rakta, is central to the development of septic arthritis. Treatments aimed at correcting this vitiation through Panchakarma and oral medications were essential in managing the patient’s symptoms.
53) Stiffness:
Stiffness is a symptom associated with septic arthritis due to inflammation and swelling of the joint. Ayurvedic treatments like Upanaha and Basti aimed at reducing stiffness by improving circulation and alleviating the aggravated doshas.
54) Shatahva (Satahva):
Shatahva (Dill) is one of the ingredients in Churna Basti, with properties that help alleviate Vata and Kapha. It contributed to pain relief and reduced inflammation in the patient treated for septic arthritis.
55) Avarodha:
Avarodha means obstruction, crucial in the pathology of septic arthritis where circulation of Rakta and function of Vata are blocked. Treatments like Raktamokshana and Basti aimed to remove these obstructions to relieve symptoms.
56) Prakriti (Prakrti):
Prakriti refers to the natural constitution of an individual, defined by the predominant doshas. Understanding the patient's Prakriti helped tailor the treatment plan for septic arthritis, ensuring compatibility with her natural state.
57) Vatahara (Vata-ahara):
Vatahara describes treatments that alleviate Vata dosha, which is crucial in managing conditions like septic arthritis. Basti and Upanaha are examples of Vatahara therapies used to reduce symptoms like pain and swelling in the knee joint.
58) Vomiting:
Vomiting (Amlapitta) emerged as a side effect during the treatment of septic arthritis, necessitating a temporary pause (D17-D21) in the interventions. It required attention and adjustments in the treatment plan to prevent exacerbation.
59) Samhita:
Samhita refers to classic Ayurvedic texts. Vaitarana Basti, used in the case study, finds references in texts like Chakradatta and Vrindhamadhava Samhitas, which guide its formulation and application in treating conditions like septic arthritis.
60) Shringa (Srnga, Shrimga):
Shringa (horn) is used in a traditional form of Raktamokshana for bloodletting. It corresponds to wet cupping therapy in modern terms, employed to reduce symptoms of septic arthritis by enhancing blood flow and removing toxins.
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 110]
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Panchakarma's role in managing septic arthritis and Krostukasheersha.�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Basti, Jalaukavacharana, Burning sensation, Pain and swelling, Clinical feature, Dosha avastha, Rogibala, Wet cupping therapy, Significant improvement, Raktamokshan, Vaitarana Basti, Godhumadi Upanaha, Churnabasti, Vataraktahara, Pathological change, Septic arthritis.