Critical Study of Brachial Neuritis and Frozen Shoulder WSR to Ayurvedic Diseases Vishwachi and Avabahuka

Frozen shoulder, clinically designated as adhesive capsulitis, is a debilitating musculoskeletal disorder characterised by progressive pain, stiffness, and restriction of the glenohumeral joint, with an estimated global prevalence of 2–5% in the general population and up to 20% in individuals with diabetes mellitus. Despite decades of biomedical research, its aetiopathogenesis remains incompletely elucidated, and long-term outcomes of contemporary therapeutic modalities are inconsistent. Ayurveda, the classical Indian system of medicine, provides a conceptually rich framework for understanding shoulder joint pathologies through the conditions Avabahuka and Vishwachi, described in the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita. This literature review critically examines the classical Ayurvedic descriptions of Avabahuka (analogous to adhesive capsulitis/frozen shoulder) and Vishwachi (analogous to brachial neuritis/neuralgic amyotrophy) alongside contemporary biomedical understanding, with the aim of establishing a meaningful and evidence-informed correlation. The review synthesises classical textual sources, including Charaka Samhita (Chikitsa Sthana 28), Sushruta Samhita (Nidana Sthana 1 and Sharira Sthana 6), and Chakradatta (Chapter 21), alongside peer-reviewed biomedical literature published between 2013 and 2024. Pathophysiological analogies between Vataja Samprapti, fibrotic capsular changes, and neuroinflammatory mechanisms are drawn. The diagnostic criteria, staging systems, risk factors (particularly diabetes mellitus, thyroid dysfunction, and hormonal imbalance), and treatment approaches, including Panchakarma procedures such as Nasya, Basti, Snehana, and Swedana are systematically evaluated. Key gaps in integrative research are identified, and directions for future clinical investigation are proposed. This review demonstrates that Avabahuka and Vishwachi bear substantial conceptual congruence with frozen shoulder and brachial neuritis, respectively, and that classical Ayurvedic therapeutics may offer evidence-aligned, cost-effective, and holistic management strategies worthy of rigorous clinical investigation.