Multimodal Ayurvedic Approach in the Management of Chronic Lymphatic Filariasis (Sleepada)

Abstract

Sleepada, described in Ayurvedic classics under Shotha Vyadhi, is a chronic disorder characterized by progressive limb swelling, heaviness, pain, and functional impairment. It bears close resemblance to lymphatic filariasis in modern medicine. Conventional management largely offers symptomatic relief with limited success in reversing chronic pathology, whereas Ayurveda offers a holistic approach addressing Dosha, Dhatu, and Srotas involvement with individualized treatment modalities which is found to be effective in the disease. This case study reports the management of a 41-year-old male with chronic unilateral lower-limb swelling, pain, heaviness, skin thickening, and restricted mobility, diagnosed as lymphatic filariasis and correlated as Kapha-Pitta predominant Tridoshaja Sleepada involving Rasa, Rakta, and Mamsa Dhatu with Srotorodha. Treatment followed classical Ayurvedic principles comprising Deepana-Pachana, Shodhana and Shamana Chikitsa, external therapies including Lepa, Dhoopana, Jalaukavacharana, and Pichu, and lifestyle modifications. Significant improvement was observed in limb circumference, pain, tenderness, heaviness, erythema, burning sensation, oozing, skin texture, and overall quality of life, without adverse effects. This case highlights the potential role of Ayurvedic interventions in the effective management of Sleepada and suggests scope for integrative and evidence-based approaches in larger controlled studies to validate these observations.