Efficacy of Ushma Swedana and Upanaha Swedana in the Management of Janu Sandhigata Vata w.s.r. to Knee Osteoarthritis- An Open Labelled Randomized Comparative Clinical Trial

Introduction**:**

Sweda means sweat and the therapy in which the perspiration is produced is known as Swedana. In Ayurveda, different types of Swedana procedures are described based on the methods of transferring the heat energy as per the Dosha condition. Swedana Karma is mainly indicated for Vata and Kapha dosha conditions. Different varieties of Swedana have been described in various texts. Out of which four types of Swedana have been described by Acharya Sushruta and Acharya Vagbhatta. Here, Ushma and Upanaha Swedana are selected amongst the four types of Swedana described by Acharya Sushruta and Vagbhata. Varied indications are mentioned for the use of different types of Swedana Karma. Amongst them the most common condition found in daily practice is Sandhigata Vata.

Significance:

Swedana Karma has four major actions over body. Stambhaghna, Gauravaghna, Sheetaghnata, Swedakarakta. In Knee osteoarthritis, it is found that there is pain of the joint followed by spasm of Hamstring muscles, deformity of Tibia and Valgus deformity. There is swelling around the joint along with Quadriceps atrophy. It is generally managed by Analgesics, Steriods orally or injected locally, supplements, etc. for a long duration. In order to relieve the stress caused on the joint, a safe and reliable treatment in the form of Swedana Karma were selected. Acharya Sushruta has also mentioned Snehana, Upanaha, Agni Karma, Bandhana and Mardana as the treatment of Sandhigata Vata. Thus, taking these principles into consideration 2 methods of Swedana i.e. Ushma Swedana and Upanaha Swedana were selected for the present study.

Aim & Objectives**:**

Evaluation and Comparison of the efficacy of Ushma Swedana and Upanaha Swedana in the management of Janusandhigata Vata w.s.r. Knee Osteoarthritis*.*

Materials and Methods:

30 Diagnosed and newly diagnosed Patients of Janusandhigata Vata (Knee Osteoarthritis) will be enrolled in two groups. Group A patients received intervention with Ishtika Ushma Swedana Karma andGroup B patients received Upanaha Swedana with Kolakulatthadi Churna.

Results and Discussion:

Statistically Highly significant results were seen in both the groups in the subjective and objective parameters. Whereas on comparison insignificant results were seen between groups. Both the procedures proved effective in management of Knee OA as the temperature change of the substance and knee joint lead to pacification of both the Doshas. Therefore improvement in symptoms was seen.

Follow up:

After completion of therapy, follow up was done after 15 days to assess the status of patient.

Adverse effects:

No adverse reaction of drug or procedure was seen during entire study period.

Conclusion:

Hence Null hypothesis was accepted and Alternate hypothesis were rejected.