Single Arm Clinical study to access the Efficacy of Brihatyadi Upanaha Sweda in the Management of Janu Sandhigatavata

Sandhigatavata is one of the non-threatening diseases affecting the mobility of multiple joints. Even though multiple joints are affected, knee joints are more prone for damage, since they are weight bearing joints. Mobility is the important feature of life, which is dependent on the structural as well as functional character of the body. As the age advances, though the proper nourishment is available, the body loses its qualitative capacity of the structure and functions.

In Ayurveda, Sandhigatavata is not described as a separate disease. It is mentioned by the Acharyas as one of the Vatavyadhi. When age gets older & older undergoes kshaya, which results in Vataprakopa & makes people more prone to a wide range of disease.

Sandhigatavata is characterized by symptoms like Sandhishotha (Joint swelling), Vatapurna Druti Sparshah (which is palpable as an air-filled bag) and Prasaaran-Aakunchanayo Pravruttischa Vedana (painful joint movement).

Aggravation of Vayu in the joint gives rise to oedema, which on palpation appears as an air-filled bag and pain while making efforts for flexion & extension of the joint.

Sandhigatavata is one of the most common Vatavyadhi, which can be correlated with Osteoarthritis, the Prevalence Rate of Osteoarthritis is total 14.8% in which Knee Osteoarthritis Prevalence Rate is 10.8%.

Sandhigatavata is the most prevalent type of articular disorder, which restricts daily activities, due to painful joint movements that make the patient disabled. Specially Janu Sandhigatavata is one among the few encounted disease in the hospitals with higher prevalence in India.

Sushruta has mentioned Upanaha Sweda in Vataroga. In case of Sankuchita (Contracture), Rujartha (Acute Pain), & Stabdhagatra (Stiffness) Upanaha Sweda is indicated.

Upanaha Sweda is one of the types of Swedana which is safe procedure and it can gives good result in Janu Sandhigatavata, due to its Vataghna properties and also due to its Ushna and Snigdha guna it acts against Vata guna like Ruksha, Khara, and Laghu.

The toxic metabolic products are eliminated, as a result of the elevated temperature through increased blood flow & perspiration.

Upanaha Sweda has been used as the therapy modality. Because of its composition with several drugs that have different properties; it quickly relieves pain and stiffness. Therefore, Upanaha Sweda plays a specific role in the management of Janu Sandhigatavata without affecting the body’s systemic health.