Ayurvedic treatment modalities in carpal tunnel syndrome: a case report

Summary of article contents:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is due to the entrapment of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel in the wrist and is a very common neuropathy, which leads to paraesthesia, tingling sensation, numbness, and muscle weakness. In Ayurveda, it can be compared with dysfunction of Vyana vayu (~factor governing peripheral nerve activity) within the median nerve due to Kupitavata (Vitiated Vata Dosha) . We hereby report a case of 62 years old female patient with complaints of pain, tingling sensation, numbness, and weakness in the right thumb, index finger, and wrist which was treated for two 6 months under an allopathic surgeon with no significant relief and advised for surgery. With these complaints, she came to the OPD of the Panchakarma department for further management. The Ayurvedic treatment includes Snehadhara with Kottamchukkadi taila on the affected area for a period of 15 days followed by Shashtik shali pinda sweda for 15 days along with Shaman chikitsa (~oral medicines). Significant clinical improvement was reported in pain, numbness, and tingling sensation after treatment. During treatment, the patient got relief from most of the signs and symptoms. Therefore, it can be concluded that the selected treatment modality is beneficial in managing carpal tunnel syndrome and can avoid surgery and other proceeding complications. Keywords: Carpal tunnel syndrome, Shashtik shali pinda sweda, Snehadhara INTRODUCTION Carpal Tunnel Syndrome