Ayurvedic Management of Scleroderma

Abstract

Twakgata Vata is a Vata nanatmaja vikara where Vata get localized in Twak (skin), it produces stiffness and pain in skin due to loss of nourishment. Ayurveda adopts a holistic approach in management of disease, where Hetu vipareeta and Vyadhi vipareeta, both aspects of line of treatment are considered for treating a medical condition scleroderma, being identified as an autoimmune pathology affecting the skin, internal organ which is associated with symmetrical thickening and tightening of the skin as a symptom. Incorporating the Dosha-Dushya principles of Vyadhi, such conditions could be managed on line of treatment of Vata dominant Uttana vatarakta associated with Twakgata vata, where Vata dosha vitiation primarily at the level of Rasa-rakta and Mamsa dhatus. Ayurveda has its own understanding of Vyadhi, Shamana and Shodhana, are incorporated in management of symptoms. Hence, utilizing the same principles being adopted in the treatment of Vatarakta and Twakgata vata, a remarkable decrease in the severity of symptoms could be achieved. Aim and Objective: The aim of this study was to access the efficacy of Ayurvedic management of Shamana and Shodhana Chikitsa in Twakgata vata. Material and Methods: It is a single case study, in which 65-year-old female was diagnosed with Twakgata since 2 months, approached to Ayurvedic hospital and was treated with line of treatment of Vatavyadhi for consecutive months. Result: Significant improvement in stiffness and pain in upper and lower extremities with better quality of life was observed.