Abstract

CLINICAL EVALUATION OF RAKTAMOKSHANA BY MODIFIED SHRINGA YANTRA (WET CUPPING THERAPY) IN THE MANAGEMENT OF KATIGATAVATA (LUMBAR SPONDYLOSIS): A PROSPECTIVE SINGLE-ARM PILOT CLINICAL STUDY

Dr. Monali Bhagwat*, Dr. Pramod Mandalkar

Abstract

Background: Low back pain is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide and is frequently associated with lumbar spondylosis. Despite advances in pharmacological and rehabilitative management, recurrence, chronicity and adverse effects associated with long-term medication continue to challenge clinicians. In Ayurveda, the clinical presentation of lumbar spondylosis closely resembles Katigatavata, a Vata-dominant disorder characterized by pain, stiffness and restricted lumbar movements. Among the various therapeutic procedures described for Vatavyadhi, Raktamokshana occupies a unique place because of its rapid pain-relieving action. Modified Shringa Yantra (Wet Cupping Therapy) is a contemporary adaptation of the classical Shringa Raktamokshana technique; however, clinical evidence regarding its efficacy remains limited. Aim: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Raktamokshana by Modified Shringa Yantra (Wet Cupping Therapy) in patients diagnosed with Katigatavata. Materials and Methods: A prospective, open-label, single-arm pilot clinical study was conducted on 20 patients fulfilling the diagnostic criteria of Katigatavata. All participants underwent two sittings of Modified Shringa Yantra at an interval of seven days. Clinical assessment was performed on Day 0, Day 7 and Day 14 using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Straight Leg Raising (SLR) test and Schober's test. Statistical analysis was carried out using paired t-test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test and McNemar test wherever appropriate. Results: The mean VAS score significantly decreased from 4.05 ± 1.57 at baseline to 1.05 ± 0.69 on Day 14 (p

Keywords: Katigatavata, Raktamokshana, Wet Cupping Therapy, Modified Shringa Yantra, Lumbar Spondylosis, Low Back Pain.