EFFICACY OF PANCHAKARMA IN SANDHIVATA W.S.R. TO KNEE ARTHRITIS

Abstract

Inflammation of knee joint is called knee arthritis. Among various forms of knee arthritis common is degenerative type of knee osteoarthritis It is the major cause of loco motor disability in old age people particularly among women. Analgesics and Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are the current available pharmaceutical management of knee osteoarthritis which are associated with adverse side effects. Thus, there is need of research in traditional system of medicines for cost effective and long-term management of knee OA. Degenerative Knee osteo arthritis is almost similar to the Sandhivata describes in Ayuveda with respect to aetiology, pathology and clinical features. With the use of medicines Ayurveda also employs the prospective of Panchakarma in the various therapeutic measures, which is a kind of Shodhan Chikitsa. Panchakarma provides various therapeutic benefits as detoxification, improved circulation, spasm and pain relief. Hence objective of this review article is to describe the efficacy of Panchakarma in knee-arthritis with taking consideration of disease mentioned in Ayurvedic classics as Sandhivata