Abstract

A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS IN LIGHT OF ASTHI-MAJJAGATA VATA AND AYURVEDIC TREATMENT MODALITIES

*Dr. Darshankumar Koppal

Abstract

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic, progressive inflammatory disorder primarily affecting the axial skeleton, leading to pain, stiffness, and potential vertebral fusion. It is strongly linked to the HLA-B27 gene and classified under seronegative spondyloarthropathies. Ayurvedically, AS is similar to Asthimajjagat Vata, where vitiated Vata Dosha affects the Asthidhatu and Majjadhatu, causing symptoms like pain, rigidity, and degeneration. The pathogenesis of Asthimajjagata Vata involves the movement of Vata Dosha into tissues, leading to Dhatukshaya. Clinical signs include Bhedoasthiparvani (cracking in joints), Sandhi Shoola (piercing pain), Mamsabalakshaya (muscle loss), Aswapna (insomnia), and Santataruja (continuous pain), observed in conditions like Kati Graha (lumbar stiffness) and Gridhrasi (sciatica). Conventional treatment for AS includes NSAIDs, biologics, and physical therapy. Ayurvedic management, however, offers a holistic approach with Panchakarma (detox), Snehana (oleation), Swedana (sudation), and Rasayana (rejuvenation) therapies, aiming to balance Vata, nourish the tissues, and slow disease progression. Further clinical studies are needed to validate these Ayurvedic interventions and integrate them with modern medical practices.

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