Wha is Frozen Shoulder? How to Treat Frozen Shoulder with Ayurveda

Frozen shoulder, known as Ababahuka in Ayurveda, results from an imbalance of Vata dosha, which leads to stiffness, pain, and restricted movement in the shoulder joint. This condition is often associated with factors like prolonged immobility, injury, or degenerative changes.

Types of Frozen Shoulder in Modern Science

Modern medicine classifies frozen shoulder into the following stages:
1. Freezing Stage:
• Pain gradually increases, and shoulder movement becomes restricted.
2. Frozen Stage:
• Pain may decrease, but stiffness worsens, significantly limiting movement.
3. Thawing Stage:
• Movement gradually improves, and stiffness decreases.

Frozen shoulder can be Primary (Idiopathic) when no specific cause is identified or Secondary when linked to conditions like diabetes, injury, or surgery.

Ayurvedic vs. Modern Management of Frozen Shoulder

Aspect Ayurvedic Approach Modern Approach
Focus Root cause healing through dosha balance Symptom management
Diagnosis Dosha assessment, Nadi Pareeksha Clinical examination, imaging (X-rays, MRI)
Treatment Panchakarma, herbs, external therapies Painkillers, corticosteroid injections, physiotherapy
Pain Management Herbal oils, massages, internal herbs NSAIDs, nerve blocks
Movement Restoration Yoga, Marma therapy Physiotherapy
Side Effects Minimal Potential side effects from medications

Common Ayurvedic Protocol for Healing Frozen Shoulder

1. Detoxification (Shodhana):
• Snehan (Oleation): Application of medicated oils externally
• Virechana (Purgation therapy): Removes accumulated toxins
2. Herbal Support (Shamana):
• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): Reduces inflammation and strengthens tissues
• Guggulu (Commiphora mukul): Anti-inflammatory properties
• Rasna (Pluchea lanceolata): Relieves joint pain
• Dashamoola: Effective for pain management
3. External Therapies:
• Abhyanga (Oil Massage): Using medicated oils like Mahanarayan oil or Dhanvantaram oil
• Swedana (Sudation Therapy): Fomentation to reduce stiffness
• Pinda Sweda: Herbal bolus therapy for pain relief
• Marma Therapy: Activation of energy points
4. Dietary Guidelines:
• Anti-inflammatory diet: Include warm, light, and Vata-pacifying foods
• Avoid cold, dry, and processed foods
5. Lifestyle Modifications:
• Gentle shoulder exercises and yoga asanas (like Gomukhasana and Paschimottanasana)
• Stress management through meditation and pranayama
6. Nidana Parivarjana (Avoidance of Root Cause):
• Avoid prolonged immobility of the shoulder
• Maintain regular movement and posture correction

Would you like detailed yoga recommendations or recipes for anti-inflammatory foods to complement this treatment?