Patient Baseline
47-year-old male diagnosed with Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD) confirmed by anti-U1-RNP and ANA positivity.
Presenting complaints included persistent morning stiffness, muscular rigidity, cold extremities, dry mouth, fatigue, and anxiety with intermittent low-grade feverish sensation.
Panchakarma Protocols
- Tikta Ksheer Basti (16 days): Primary procedure for Vata pacification and deeper Dhatu nourishment, improving joint flexibility and reducing stiffness.
- Anuvasana Basti (alternate days): With medicated Tikta Ghrita to support blood purification (Rakta Shodhana) and strengthen connective tissues.
- Patra Pinda Swedana: Warm herbal leaf bolus fomentation to enhance microcirculation, relax muscular rigidity, and relieve fatigue.
- Kashaya Dhara: Pouring of warm decoction prepared from blood-purifying herbs over the body to reduce inflammatory load and restore Agni.
- Nadi Swedana: Localized steam therapy to relieve coldness in extremities and improve peripheral blood flow.
Improvements Observed
- Within 3 weeks, morning stiffness duration reduced from 90 minutes → 25 minutes.
- Muscular stiffness and feeling of heaviness decreased by 70%.
- Coldness in feet improved markedly after 15 days of Swedana therapies.
- Dryness in buccal cavity subsided with enhanced hydration and Agni balance.
- ESR decreased from 58 → 32 mm/hr, CRP from 21 → 10 mg/L.
- Anxiety and feverish feeling reduced; patient reported improved sleep and appetite.
- Sustained energy levels achieved by the end of third month with no new inflammatory episodes.
Treatment Outcome
This case of Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD) managed through a Vataja Vatarakta protocol demonstrates the depth of Ayurvedic management in autoimmune overlap disorders.
By targeting Agni restoration, Rakta Shodhana, and Vata pacification, Panchakarma therapies helped achieve remarkable clinical remission — with improved mobility, emotional balance, and systemic stability within six months of integrative treatment at Sukhayu Ayurved, Jaipur.