Management of Kampvata Using Ayurveda and Traditional Medicine in Sri Lanka: A Case Study

Abstract

Most of the diseases associated with Vata dosha (~one fundamental dosha) are degenerative disorders related to nervous system. Eighty (80) types of Vataja nanatmaja vikara (~diseases that are caused purely by Vata dosha) are described in Ayurveda texts. Kampavata (~caused by the vitiation of Vata dosha) is one among them with Karapaadatale kampa (~shaking of the hands and feet), Matiksheena (~mentally exhausted), and Nidra-bhanga (~disturbed sleep). Kampavata can be correlated with Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological disorder. It  is commonly affect People between the ages of fifty to sixty and gradually leads to motor symptoms such as rigidity, bradykinesia, tremors and impaired balance and walking disability. Symptoms start slowly and first symptom may be a barely noticeable tremor in one hand or sometimes a foot or the jaw. The disorder also cause stiffness, slowing of movement and trouble with balance that raises the risk of falls, mental health and sleep. A 70 year old male patient presented with Shirsha Kampa (~head shaking) 01 year duration and both hands shaking 6 months ago (~right hand dominant) with some other Vata-dominant complains. Treatment protocol primarily focused Vata shamana (~pacification of Vata) and Rasayana (Rejuvenation) therapy. Internally, decoctions along with other Traditional and Ayurveda formulations were administered. Externally, Snigdha (oleation) and Sweda karma (Sudation therapy) used to support the treatment process. Results showed significant reduction of main symptoms of Kampavata with the treatment and improved the quality of life of the patient.