Chickungunya – Ayurvedic Approach

Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted to humans by the bite of infected mosquitoes. Chikungunya usually starts with sudden onset of fever, chills, headache, nausea, vomiting, joint pain with or without joint swelling and rash . The incubation period of Chikungunya can be 2-12 days, but usually 3-7 days. After an incubation period there is a sudden onset of fever (>40° C or 104° F), chills, arthralgia or arthritis, rash, nausea, vomiting, headache, conjunctival suffusion, mild photophobia. The joints of the extremities are swollen and tender. Some patients may have incapacitating arthralgia or arthritis, which may last for weeks to months.

Diagnosis of Chikungunya is mainly made when the epidemic disease occurs with the triad of fever, rash and rheumatic manifestations. Viraemia present in most of the patients during the first 48 hours and in some cases it may be detected after 4 days also. Virus specific IgM antigens are readily detected by capture ELISA in patients recovering from Chikungunya fever and they persist in excess for 6 months. Haemagglutination inhibition (HI) antibodies appear with cessation of viremia. All the patients will be positive by day 5-7 of illness. IgM capture ELISA is the main diagnostic tool to distinguish from Chikungunya.

Though there is no direct reference of Chikungunya, but it can be equated with the condition when Jvara is associated with arthritis. In Ayurvedic literature, we can find such references where fever is associated with arthralgia/ arthritis. The symptoms of Vata Pitta Jvara and Vata Kapha Jvara are similar to the symptoms of Chikungunya fever to some extent. The description of Sandhigata Sannipata Jvara mentioned by Bhava Prakkasha (1550AD) can be equated with Chikungunya fever. Sandhigata Sannipata Jvara is characterised by fever, joint pains and swelling, sleeplessness etc

Amruthotharam Kashayam ,Punarnavadi Kashayam ,Nimbadi Kashayam , Rasnasapthakam Kashayam ,Maharasnadi kashayam , Yogaraja guggulu , Amrutha Guggulu ,Sudarsanam Gulika ,Vilwadi gilika ,Shaddharanam choornam etc are some internal ayurveda medicine showing result for the signs and symptoms more over significant result in arthralgia which can persist after the fever .

External lepa with gruhadhoomadi choornam , kottamchukkadi choornam , jadamayadi choornam etc is useful to manage joint swelling and pain .

An inhouse treatments like abyanga with prescribed ayurvedic oil , svedana  with prescribed method etc are advised for the patients having persisting arthralgia .

Fumigation can help to minimize the micro organisms and mosquito .   

1. Astanga Dhuma : Guggulu, Nimba Patra, Vacha, Kushta, Haritaki, Yava, Sarsapa and Ghrita all mixed together and burnt. 

2. Aparajitha Dhooma : Guggulu,Gandha trina, Vacha, Sarja, Nimba, Arka, Agaru, Devadaru mixed together and burnt.

 Maintenance of personal as well as environmental hygiene is most important factor for same recovery more over to prevent the secondary infections . Intake of sufficient liquids preferably Thulasi boided water and freshly prepared easily digestible food can pay an important role for easy recovery and to keep the quality of life during and after the attack of fever . Since each individuals need specific diagnosis and care , reach the qualified medical professional for care instead of self treatment  . 

Resorce: http://www.ccras.nic.in/Traning_module/6.%20MANAGEMENT%20OF%20CHIKUNGUNYA%20THROUGH%20AYURVEDA%20AND%20SIDDHA-A%20TECHNICAL%20REPORT.pdf