Ayurvedic Management of Avabahuka (Frozen Shoulder) through Amsa Basti, Nasya Karma, and Internal Medications: A Case Report

Avabahuka is a Vata Nanatmaja Vyadhi characterized by pain, stiffness, and restricted movement of the shoulder joint, closely resembling Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder). This case report describes the successful Ayurvedic management of a 52-year-old female who presented with right shoulder pain and stiffness for six months, associated with difficulty in overhead activities, dressing, combing hair, and sleeping on the affected side. The patient was diagnosed with Avabahuka based on Ayurvedic principles and Frozen Shoulder according to modern clinical criteria. She underwent a 30-day treatment protocol comprising Abhyanga with Mahanarayana Taila, Bashpa Swedana, Amsa Basti with Ksheerabala Taila, Nasya with Anu Taila, oral Ayurvedic medications, and supervised shoulder exercises. Following treatment, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score improved from 8 to 2, shoulder flexion increased from 70° to 155°, abduction from 60° to 150°, external rotation from 15° to 60°, and the SPADI score improved from 78 to 18. These findings suggest that integrated Ayurvedic management may effectively reduce pain, restore shoulder mobility, and improve functional outcomes in patients with Avabahuka.