Ayurvedic Management of Cervical Spondylotic Compressive Myelopathy Through Sequential Panchakarma

Abstract

Cervical compressive myelopathy is a progressive condition caused by spinal cord compression, commonly due to disc herniation, osteophytes, or trauma. Conventional management is surgical decompression, but Ayurveda offers an integrative approach using Panchakarma (bio-purification) and internal medication. Patient Details: A 42-year-old male presented with bilateral lower limb weakness (left>right), tingling, hand clumsiness, and bowel disturbances. MRI showed C5–C6 level cord compression with edema. Therapeutic Intervention: The patient underwent two phases of Ayurvedic therapy, including Baluka (sweating induced by warm sand packs), Deepana-Pachana (appetizer and digestive stimulation- Triphala Churna 5gm+ Nimba Churna 5gm as Paniya-6 days), Snehapana (internal oleation 30 to 120ml in Arohana kram- 5 days ), Sarvanga Abhyanga Swedana (Application of oil to body and fomentation- 5 days), Virechana (therapeutic purgation), Samsarjana Krama (post-therapy dietary regimen for revival of digestion- 5 days), Kala Basti (course of sixteen therapeutic enemas (decoction- 450ml, oil-60ml)), Pristha Basti (therapeutic retention of oil over thoracolumbar region-14 days), and Shirobasti (therapeutic retention of oil over head -14 days), along with Ayurvedic medicines and dietary regimen. Results: Over time, the patient showed motor recovery (5/5 in all limbs), gait improved, bowel movements normalized, sleep improved, and cumulative weight loss of 5.5kg in this sitting. Minor tingling in fingers persisted. A follow-up MRI showed no major spinal cord compression. Conclusion: This case suggests that Ayurvedic Panchakarma treatments help improve symptoms and quality of life in cervical myelopathy patients. More research is needed to confirm these results.