Efficacy of Ayurvedic Therapeutic Interventions in the Management of Ankylosing Spondylitis A case study

Ayurveda is an ancient medical science that promotes balance and wellness through time-tested practices. With rising chronic and lifestyle-related diseases, Ayurveda offers preventive healthcare solutions. There are many aspects of the human health where Ayurveda thrives and offers long term relief along with an improved quality of life, one of those aspects is autoimmunity. One peculiar disease caused by autoimmunity which hampers the overall lifestyle of a patient is Ankylosing spondylitis. Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic and progressive inflammatory disorder that affects axial skeleton and eventually causes pain, and stiffness. Sometimes structural deformities are also seen in people with this disease. In Ayurveda, its clinical presentation closely resembles Asthi-Majja Gat Vata, a condition characterized by vitiation of Vata Dosha affecting the bone (~Asthi) and marrow (~Majja). This case study is of a 30 year male presenting with severe lower back pain, morning stiffness and restricted spinal movement. He was HLA-B27 positive, so he was diagnosed with Ankylosing spondylitis. The treatment protocol included Snehana (~oleation), and Nadi Swedana (~sudation) and internal medications like Tryodashang Guggulu, Balarishta and Maharasnadi Kwath. Ayurvedic interventions addressed the root cause and pathogenesis involving vata vitiation, provided symptomatic relief and improved quality of life. After 30 days, the patient showed marked improvement in all the symptoms. This case study suggests that a comprehensive Ayurvedic approach based on the principles of Asthi-Majja Gat Vata can be effective in the management of Ankylosing Spondylitis, offering a promising strategy for long-term disease control and symptom relief.