Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies
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Focus Alternat Complement Ther©2005 Pharmaceutical Press
Focus Altern Complement Ther 2004; 9: 155
The aim of this study was to investigate the consistency of approach between three Ayurvedic medicine experts on treatments for inflammatory polyarthritis. A convenience sample of three experienced Ayurvedic practitioners was recruited. These practitioners independently assessed three subjects with inflammatory polyarthritis for health status, treatment history and lifestyle, conducted a physical examination, and then independently determined the treatment plan. The treatment plan was recorded on standardised collection forms. The subject examination order was randomised for each practitioner. Following completion of the assessments, a facilitated discussion among the practitioners permitted each to discuss all aspects of the recommended therapies. Proceedings were audio-taped and the content analysed. All three practitioners agreed on a unified concept of Ayurvedic disease origin, disease diagnosis and treatment approach for each patient. Seven specific treatment groupings (i.e. modalities) emerged: diet, exercise, relaxation, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, immune-enhancing and detoxification/cleansing. Based on the single visit, the practitioners agreed on 17 of 21 treatment groups for the three patients.