Ayurvedic Management of Manyagata Vata (Cervical Dystonia): A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Manyagata Vata, a Vata-predominant disorder of the cervical region described in classical Ayurveda, closely correlates with Cervical Dystonia (Spasmodic Torticollis), a chronic focal dystonia for which conventional pharmacotherapy (anticholinergics, muscle relaxants) offers only partial and often temporary relief. Objective: To evaluate the effect of a combined Panchakarma and Ayurvedic Rasayana protocol on the severity and functional impact of Manyagata Vata in a single patient. Methods: A 52-year-old male with a one-year history of involuntary cervical stiffness, pain and tremor was managed as an in-patient over approximately six weeks with Manya Basti (Prasarini/Ksheerabala Taila), a Vatahara Yapana-Anuvasana-Niruha Basti series, Sarvanga-Sthanika Snehana-Swedana, Nasya Karma, and internal Vata-Rasayana with Anulomana Chikitsa. Outcomes were assessed using the Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale (TWSTRS) severity subscale, daily dystonic-episode frequency, and subjective symptom grading. Results: TWSTRS severity score reduced from 17/35 at baseline to approximately 9–12/35 over the course of treatment. Frequency of dystonic episodes reduced from a peak of 18/day to 3–4/day. Subjective Manya Stambha, Shoola and Kampa showed progressive improvement, with overall symptomatic relief (Upashaya) exceeding 60% at discharge, without any adverse effect. Conclusion: A combined Basti-Snehana-Rasayana Ayurvedic protocol produced encouraging symptomatic and objective improvement in a case of Manyagata Vata (Cervical Dystonia), supporting Basti as a principal therapeutic modality in Vata Vyadhi and warranting evaluation in larger, controlled studies.