Case Study: Ayurvedic Treatment of Autoimmune Connective Tissue Disorder
Patient: Mrs. Sunita Shukla | Age: 52 Years | Gender: Female
Consultant: Vaidya Dr. Pardeep Sharma, M.D. (Ayurveda)
Institution: Sukhayu Ayurved, Jaipur
Treatment Duration: March 2018 onwards
Diagnosis: Autoimmune Connective Tissue Disorder – likely Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome / SLE with overlap features
Ayurvedic Diagnosis: Gambheer Vatarakta
Clinical Background (Pre-Treatment – February 2018)
Key Serological Findings
| Test | Result | Normal Range | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANA | >169.00 Units | <20.00 | Strong Positive |
| SSA/Ro | 153.76 Units | <20.00 | Strong Positive |
| SSB/La | 118.93 Units | <20.00 | Strong Positive |
- Strong autoimmune response suggestive of systemic involvement.
- Hypothyroidism (TSH: 11.13 uIU/mL).
- Clinically symptomatic with fatigue, dryness, joint discomfort.
Ayurvedic Assessment
| Dosha | Dhatu | Srotas | Vikriti |
|---|---|---|---|
| Predominant Vata with Rakta Dushti | Rasa, Rakta, Majja | Rasavaha, Raktavaha, Majjavaha | Gambheer Vatarakta |
The condition was identified as Gambheer Avastha due to:
- Deep dhatu involvement (Majja & Ojas)
- Strong autoimmunity (Dhatugat level)
- Presence of Aam, Srotorodha, and Dhatu Shaithilya
Ayurvedic Chikitsa Siddhanta: Gambheer Vatarakta
Therapeutic Goals:
- Aam Nirharana – To clear Srotas and pacify Sama Vata
- Rakta Shodhana – Detoxify and purify vitiated Rakta
- Vata Anulomana – Balance deranged Vata in deeper tissues
- Majja Dhatu Poshanam – Rejuvenate Majja and Ojas
Follow-up Reports (Post-treatment – September 2018)
Immunological Improvement
| Test | Feb 2018 | Sept 2018 | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSA/Ro | 153.76 | 125.40 | ↓ 18.3% |
| SSB/La | 118.93 | 95.20 | ↓ 20% |
Significance: Reduction in autoantibody titres reflects improved immune balance and reduced autoimmune aggression.
Metabolic Stability
- TSH: Normalized from 11.13 → 4.05 uIU/mL
- HbA1c: 6.1% → Early-stage insulin resistance noted and managed
- CRP: Positive (mild inflammation persisting)
- ESR: 28 mm/hr (within acceptable limit)
Therapies Administered at Sukhayu Ayurved
| Panchakarma | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Mridu Virechana | Aam Nirharana, Rakta Shodhana |
| Tikta-Ksheer Basti | Vata-Shamana & Majja Dhatu Poshana |
| Nasya | Majja-Srotas Shuddhi |
| Dhara | Stabilizing Prana and Majja |
| Rasayana Support | Long-term tissue rejuvenation |
Clinical Outcome
- Subjective improvement in fatigue, dryness, and sleep
- Objective improvement in thyroid and immune markers
- Reduction in inflammatory signs (joint stiffness, malaise)
- Improved digestion, sleep, and sense of well-being
Conclusion
The application of Gambheer Vatarakta Chikitsa led to meaningful clinical and laboratory improvements in an established autoimmune case. This highlights the profound potential of Ayurvedic wisdom—when aligned with the stage-specific dhatu avastha—to modulate deep-seated systemic autoimmunity.
