AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT IN AUTOIMMUNE MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO VAATRAKTA– A CASE SERIES.

Abstract

An autoimmune disease is a condition arising from an abnormal immune response to a normal body part. There are various types of autoimmune
diseases. Ankylosing spondylitis and Rheumatoid arthritis are of musculoskeletal type. Predominant features of Ankylosing spondylitis are
inflammatory backache and stiffness of spine and that of Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic systemic inflammatory polyarthritis affecting
diarthrodial joints of hands and feet in a symmetrical pattern.
Autoimmunity is the presence of self-reactive immune response via blood cells. This in Ayurveda can be related to Vaatrakta. As described in
Gambhir Vaatrakta by Acharya Charaka, the symptoms are, swelling(shotha), stiffness(stabdhata), pain(arati), burning sensation(daha) etc.
Later on, as described in Madhav Nidan, these symptoms were similar to that ofAamvaata. As per thesamprapti of Aamvaata mentioned in it, the
vidagdhaRasaRakta (aam) circulates in rest of the strotasas via dhamani ('Dhamanipratipadyate') causing Raktadushti. As per AacharyaCharak,
Virechana is one of the treatment for Vaatrakta.
Virechana Karma, here removes vitiated doshas from Rakta, Maansa, Asthiand MajjawahaStrotasas, as these areMadhyammaargagatvyadhis and
thus aids in Raktaprasadana. Here we present cases of musculoskeletal autoimmune disorders (Ankylosing Spondylytis and Rheumatoid
Arthritis), where given Virechanashowed a significant improvement.
Ayurvedic intervention in such disorders is necessary as these patients have become resistant to DMRADs (Disease modifying antirheumatic
drugs) and Steroids, some become dependent upon these and some have irreversible side effects due to chronic use such drugs.