Successful management of Vātakaṇṭaka (Plantar Fasciitis) by Iṣṭikā Sveda with Chincha Kwātha: A Pilot Clinical study

Sushma Markam; Atul Pawar; Chitralekha Thakur

doi:10.70805/ija-care.v9i4.830

Sushma Markam PG Scholar, Department of Panchkarma, R.D. Memorial Ayurveda P.G. College and Hospital, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh India http://orcid.org/0009-0003-5598-3411
Atul Pawar Professor and H.O.D., Department of Panchkarma, R.D. Memorial Ayurveda P.G. College and Hospital, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh India http://orcid.org/0009-0009-9072-3803
Chitralekha Thakur Associate Professor, Department of Panchkarma, R.D. Memorial Ayurveda P.G. College and Hospital, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh India http://orcid.org/0009-0003-0269-6910

DOI: https://doi.org/10.70805/ija-care.v9i4.830

Keywords: Ayurveda, Chincha Kwatha, Heel Pain, Istika Sweda, Pain Management, Plantar Fasciitis, Svedana Karma, Vatkantaka

Abstract

Vātakaṇṭaka (Plantar Fasciitis) is one of the most common causes of heel pain, characterized by inflammation and stiffness of the plantar fascia leading to discomfort during walking or standing. Conventional treatment approaches often provide limited relief, necessitating exploration of effective Āyurvedic modalities. This pilot study reports successful management of Vātakaṇṭaka through Iṣṭikā Sveda using Chincha Kwātha (Tamarind decoction) as Svedopakrama twice daily for one week for 15 minutes. Ten patients diagnosed with Vātakaṇṭaka were included and assessed daily for one week using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain and Foot Function Index (FFI) for functionality. Remarkable improvement was observed, with mean pain reduction from 8.7 to 2.6 and corresponding enhancement in foot function. The therapy provided prompt relief, improved mobility, and minimized tenderness without any adverse effects. The clinical outcomes suggest that Iṣṭikā Sveda with Chincha Kwātha is an effective, safe, and non-invasive Āyurvedic approach for managing Vātakaṇṭaka.