Panchkarma Therapies in the Management of Kati Pristha Trika Graha (Ankylosing Spondylitis)

Abstract

One illness that presents a significant burden to the health-care system is ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Inflammatory stiffness of the spine, which affects the sacroiliac joints and the spine's cartilaginous joints, is the disease's hallmark. Steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the preferred medications in traditional systems, but they don't offer a full recovery. Although Ayurveda makes no explicit mention of the illness, treatment can be planned based on the clinical picture. Based on the clinical characteristics, the illness is comparable to Ayurvedic Kati Prishtha Trika Graha (stiffness of hip and sacral joints). For 16 days, Prishtha Dhara (therapeutic pouring of oil over thoracolumbar region) and Erandamooladi Basti (medicated enema) in Kala Krama (16 days schedule), combined with Shamana (palliative) therapy, rehabilitated a 28-year-old man with AS who had bilateral hip arthritis for the previous six years. AS Disease Activity Score was used to analyse the disease activity. For the assessment, other quality of life metrics were also included. Following therapy, there was a noticeable improvement in subjective parameters, as well as a reduction in discomfort, a resolution of stiffness, and an improvement in appetite. Additionally, spinal motion was enhanced. According to quality-of-life metrics, the patient had significantly improved.