A comparative clinical study on the efficacy of Nasya with Pinyaka / Panchamula Taila and Swalpa Masha Taila in Apabahuka w.s.r. to frozen shoulder

Background: Apabahuka is a Vataja Nanatmaja Vyadhi, in which locomotive functions of Amsa Sandhi are affected mainly due to Vata Dosha Prakopa causing pain, stiffness and restricted movement of the shoulder. Apabahuka can be correlated to Frozen shoulder or Adhesive Capsulitis in modern medicine because of similar symptomatology. Nasya is indicated in Urdhwajatrugata Vikaras. Pinyaka Taila and Swalpa Masha Taila are Vatahara Taila used for Nasya. Method: A single blind randomised clinical study in which 40 clinically diagnosed patients of Apabahuka, fulfilling the inclusion criteria were selected and divided into two groups - Group A treated with Pinyaka / Panchamula Taila Nasya and Group B treated with Swalpa Masha Taila Nasya, comprising of 20 patients each. Result: Statistically Nasya with Pinyaka Taila showed better results in Pain (51.2%), Stiffness (48%), Tenderness (58.33%), with improvement in goniometric readings of shoulder ROM than Nasya with Swalpa Masha Taila in Pain (39.4%), stiffness (40.9%), Tenderness (58%). Discussion: Rukshadi Gunas of Vata are increased in Apabahuka hence Viparita Gunas like Snigdhadi in the form of Brumhana Nasya with Pinyaka Taila was found to be effective in Apabahuka. In the present study Group A Nasya with Pinyaka Taila showed better effect than Group B Nasya with Swalpa Masha Taila.