Skip navigation
FACT
Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies

Other Complementary Therapies

Agreement among Ayurvedic practitioners

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.

Prlic HM, Lehman AJ, Cibere J et al. Agreement among Ayurvedic practitioners in the identification and treatment of three cases of inflammatory arthritis. Clin Exp Rheumatol 2003; 21: 747–52.
Top | Next: Massage for pre-term infants»
© Pharmaceutical Press 2008
Accessibility | Terms and Conditions