Diabetic Neuropathy and Kayachikitsa: A Comprehensive Review

Diabetic neuropathy remains one of the most frequent and disabling complications of diabetes mellitus, affecting a substantial proportion of patients and imposing a heavy burden on quality of life. In Ayurveda, this condition is not explicitly named as a single disease entity; rather, its manifestations—such as numbness, tingling, burning sensations, and muscle wasting—are described as prodromal features or complications (upadrava) of Prameha and Madhumeha. The classical treatises, especially the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, provide a framework for understanding neuropathy through the vitiation of Vata dosha, often in combination with Pitta or Kapha, along with concepts of dhatukshaya (tissue depletion) and avarana (obstruction of channels). This review synthesizes the Ayurvedic conceptual basis with contemporary pathophysiological insights and outlines a stage-wise management approach rooted in Shodhana (purification), Shamana (pacification), and Rasayana (rejuvenation) therapies.