Published Paper Details:

Avabahuk, an Ayurvedic condition classified as an Urdhwajatrugata Vyadhi (disease pertaining to the upper body/head region), is characterized by progressive stiffness and restricted mobility of the shoulder joint, accompanied by pain. Clinically, it presents a striking resemblance to Frozen Shoulder or Adhesive Capsulitis in modern medical parlance. This case report critically evaluates the effectiveness of Marma Chikitsa as the sole therapeutic intervention in a 52-year-old male patient who presented with a chronic, one-year history of right shoulder pain and significant functional limitation consistent with Avabahuk. The core of the treatment involved targeted stimulation of specific Marma points located around the shoulder complex, upper back, and arm. This approach aimed to directly counteract the vitiation of Vata and Kapha Doshas, which are implicated in the pathogenesis of joint immobility and pain in Avabahuk. Notably, within a treatment duration of one month, significant clinical improvements were observed, manifesting as a substantial increase in the shoulder's active and passive range of motion and a marked reduction in pain perception, all achieved without any reported adverse effects. The underlying therapeutic principles of Marma Chikitsa, which involve local tissue and energetic modulation, bear conceptual parallels with modern physical therapy techniques that focus on neuromodulation and fascial release. This case suggests that Marma Chikitsa offers a safe, cost-effective, and highly efficacious alternative to conventional Frozen Shoulder treatments, which often entail prolonged rehabilitation, potential side effects, and considerable expense. The strategic focus on restoring Prana flow, balancing Vata and Kapha, and improving microcirculation formed the cornerstone of this therapeutic strategy. While these findings are profoundly encouraging, they underscore the imperative for more rigorous, controlled clinical trials with larger participant cohorts to scientifically validate this protocol and to establish standardized Ayurvedic management guidelines for Avabahuk.