A clinical study of Matra Vasti and an ayurvedic indigenous compound drug in the management of Sandhigatavata (Osteoarthritis)

Abstract

Sandhigatavata is described under vatavyadhi in all ayurvedic classical texts. Osteoarthritis is the most common articular disorder which begins asymptomatically in the second and third decades and is extremely common by age 70. Here Matra Vasti (therapeutic enema) was given with Bala taila as Vasti is the best treatment for vatavyadhies. It has vatashamaka and rasayana properties. Indigenous compound drug containing Guggulu, Shallaki, Yastimadhu, Pippali, Guduchi, Nirgundi, Kupilu and Godanti was given in one group along with Matra Vasti. In this study, 33 patients of Sandhigatavata completed the treatment. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. Sixteen patients in Group-A (sarvanga Abhyanga-swedana + matravasti) and 17 patients in Group-B (sarvanga Abhyanga–swedana+ matravasti + indigenous compound drug). The results of the study indicate that the patients of both the groups obtained highly significant relief in almost all the signs and symptoms of Sandhigatavata.

Multimodal Ayurvedic management for Sandhigatavata (Osteoarthritis of knee joints)

“…[1] Osteoarthritis[2] (OA) of modern medical science is considered to be its close equivalent. [3]4] According to a survey, osteoarthritis tops all the ailments in the country. In India, the prevalence is more among women, especially menopausal women.…”

Evaluation of Efficacy of Marma Therapy with Janu Basti in the Management of Janu Sandhigata Vata (Osteoarthritis of Knee)

“…In this disease, the glue that binds the cells of the cartilage, is disrupted, leading to cartilage damage at the affected site; oil, due to its properties like Tikshna (sharp) and Sukshma (minute), penetrates the cartilage, and helps in binding together the cartilage cells through its Snigdha (unctuous) and Guru (heavy/thick) properties -this property of oil is termed as Sandhaniya [27]. Also, since Snehana has properties similar to those of Kapha, it helps in bringing back Sthanika Kapha (Shleshaka) to normalcy, which further contributes to the management of this disease [4].…”

“…as ingredients, with Tila Taila (Sesame oil) as base. Due to its Snigdha (unctuousness), Pichchhila (sliminess) Guna, Madhura Rasa, Madhura Vipaka and Sheeta Veerya, Bala has Vata -Pitta pacifying and Rasayana (rejuvenating) properties [27,29]; milk has Madhura Rasa (sweet in taste), Snigdha Guna (oily property), Sheeta Veerya (cold in nature) and Madhura Vipaka (effect after bio-transformation), which pacify Vata and Pitta Doshas [30]; and, Tila Taila pacifies Vata by its Guru (heavy/thick) and Snigdha (unctuous) Guna, and, Ushna (hot in nature) Veerya, and it also has Sandhaniya and Rasayana (rejuvenating) properties [3,26,29,31]. These properties of Ksheerbala Taila, as well as the Swedana (sudation) induced by the warm oil, must have contributed to the observed therapeutic benefit in the present study.…”

“…Janu Basti was followed by Nadi Sweda over the Janu Sandhi, with Dashamoola Kwatha (local application of medicated steam generated from the decoction of Dashamoola). Swedana is Agni Deepaka (enhances the digestive fire), Srotoshuddhikara (cleans the subtle micro-channels), Sandhicheshtakara (improves joint movement), and Kaphavatanirodhaka (pacifies Kapha and Vata Doshas) [27]. Swedana supports the activation of local metabolic process, causes an increase in the local blood flow, and hence leads to an increase in the absorption of Sneha (oil) through the skin [3,4].…”

“…Swedana supports the activation of local metabolic process, causes an increase in the local blood flow, and hence leads to an increase in the absorption of Sneha (oil) through the skin [3,4]. Sandhigata Vata is characterized by Sanga type of Srotodushti; Swedana relieves this Sanga, leading to the pacification of Sandhigata Vata [3,4,27]. Swedana produces sweating, and reduces stiffness and heaviness in the body [27,32].…”