Evaluation of Efficacy of Marma Therapy with Janu Basti in the Management of Janu Sandhigata Vata (Osteoarthritis of Knee)

Background: Janu Sandhigata Vata (Osteoarthritis of knee) is one of the most disabling musculoskeletal disorder. It is a type of Vata-vyadhi (Vata disorder), involving the Janu Sandhi (knee joint), whose symptoms include Shoola (pain), Shotha (swelling), Stabdhata (stiffness), and Atopa (crepitus). Ayurvedic texts recommend repeated use of Snehana (oleation) and Swedana (sudation) therapies for its management. In recent years, Marma Therapy has also been used for the management of various Vata disorders. Methodology: The present study explores the efficacy of Marma Therapy (on four Marma points of the legs, i.e. Kshipra, Gulpha, Indravasti and Janu) with Janu Basti (with Ksheerbala Taila) in the management of Janu Sandhigata Vata. The therapeutic procedure was administered for 9 days, with a followup of one month, when the patients did self-administration of Marma Therapy and massage at home. Twenty patients completed the study. Results: Significant improvement was observed in all the subjective parameters (Shoola, Shotha, Stabdhata, and Atopa) and objective parameters (WOMAC Index, Range of Motion, Walking Time) analyzed during the study. Mean values of all the parameters decreased continuously during the study period, including intervention time and follow-up. Verbal feedback taken about six months after the completion of the study period indicated almost complete relief for 4 patients (pursuing Marma Therapy regularly), and self-management by 10 others through regular Marma Therapy and massage. Conclusion: The present study illustrates the significant efficacy of the administered therapeutic intervention in the management of Janu Sandhigata Vata, both with regards to short-term relief, and long-term self-management.