What is the Ayurvedic Approach to Frozen Shoulder (Apabahuka)?

Frozen shoulder, known as Apabahuka in Ayurveda, is a condition characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. Ayurveda classifies this disorder primarily as a Vata Vyadhi (a disease caused by aggravated Vata dosha), leading to dryness, stiffness, and restricted movement.

Types of Frozen Shoulder in Modern Science

Modern medicine classifies frozen shoulder into three stages:
1. Freezing Stage (Painful Stage) – Gradual onset of pain and increasing stiffness, lasting from weeks to months.
2. Frozen Stage (Adhesive Stage) – Severe restriction in shoulder movement with persistent stiffness. Pain may decrease but motion remains limited.
3. Thawing Stage (Recovery Stage) – Gradual improvement in mobility as the shoulder heals, but full recovery may take months to years.

Modern medicine attributes frozen shoulder to factors like inflammation, postural issues, diabetes, and trauma, leading to thickening of the shoulder capsule.

Difference Between Ayurvedic and Modern Treatment

Aspect Ayurvedic Treatment Modern Treatment
Approach Root-cause healing by balancing doshas and rejuvenating tissues Symptomatic relief through pain management and physiotherapy
Pain Management Herbs, external therapies like Snehana (oleation), Swedana (sudation), Agnikarma NSAIDs, corticosteroid injections, physiotherapy
Mobility Improvement Panchakarma therapies like Basti, Nasya, Pinda Sweda Physiotherapy, stretching exercises
Long-term Relief Works on reversing Vata imbalance and strengthening muscles Surgery in severe cases

Common Ayurvedic Protocol for Healing the Root Cause

1. Nidana Parivarjana (Removing the Root Cause)
• Avoid cold exposure, sudden heavy lifting, and excessive stress on the shoulders.
• Manage associated conditions like diabetes or cervical spondylosis that may contribute to frozen shoulder.

2. Shodhana Chikitsa (Detoxification & Panchakarma Therapies)
• Snehana (Oleation Therapy): Application of medicated oils like Mahanarayan Taila, Bala Taila to reduce dryness and stiffness.
• Swedana (Fomentation Therapy): Herbal steam therapy to relieve pain and improve flexibility.
• Basti (Medicated Enema): Helps pacify Vata dosha and rejuvenate joints. Oils like Dashmoola or Ksheerbala Taila Basti are beneficial.
• Nasya (Nasal Therapy): Application of Anu Taila or Shadbindu Taila to strengthen nerve function and reduce Vata aggravation.

3. Shamana Chikitsa (Herbal Medicines for Pain & Healing)
• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) – Strengthens muscles and relieves pain.
• Guggulu (Commiphora mukul) – Reduces inflammation and improves flexibility.
• Rasna (Pluchea lanceolata) – Effective in relieving joint pain and stiffness.
• Dashmoola – A powerful anti-inflammatory formulation used in decoctions and oils.
• Eranda Taila (Castor Oil) – Acts as a natural pain reliever and Vata pacifier.

4. Agnikarma (Thermal Cauterization Therapy)
• An effective procedure for chronic cases, where controlled heat application reduces stiffness and improves mobility.

5. Diet & Lifestyle Modifications (Pathya-Apathya)
• Include: Warm, oily foods, soups, ghee, milk, nuts, and sesame seeds.
• Avoid: Cold foods, excess dry and raw foods, smoking, and alcohol.
• Exercises: Gentle shoulder rotations, Yoga asanas like Gomukhasana (Cow Face Pose), Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose), Dhanurasana (Bow Pose) to improve flexibility.

Conclusion

Ayurvedic treatment for frozen shoulder focuses on root-cause healing by balancing Vata dosha, improving circulation, and nourishing joints. Unlike modern treatments, which focus primarily on pain relief and physiotherapy, Ayurveda works holistically to restore shoulder mobility, prevent recurrence, and improve overall well-being.