A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF ASTHI KSHAYA IN RELATION TO VATA VRIDDHI: CLINICAL INSIGHTS AND DIAGNOSTIC RELEVANCE

Abstract

Background: In Ayurvedic physiology, Asthi Dhatu (bony tissue) and Vata Dosha share a unique and interdependent relationship. The classical texts highlight that Asthi Kshaya (depletion of bony tissue) leads to Vata Vriddhi (aggravation of Vata Dosha), resulting in various clinical manifestations, particularly those resembling osteopenic and degenerative disorders in modern medicine. Aim & Objectives Aim -To critically evaluate the clinical correlation between Asthi Kshaya and Vata Vriddhi based on classical Ayurvedic literature and modern clinical understanding. Objectives-To explore the classical Ayurvedic references on Asthi Dhatu and Vata Dosha. To analyze the cause-effect relationship between Asthi Kshaya and Vata Vriddhi. To correlate the symptoms of Asthi Kshaya with modern degenerative disorders. To highlight diagnostic and prognostic significance of this relationship in clinical practice. Materials and Methods: This review is based on a comprehensive analysis of classical Ayurvedic texts including Charaka Samhitā, Suśruta Samhita, and Astanga Hridaya, along with recent scholarly commentaries and peer-reviewed journals in modern medicine. Cross-referencing with pathophysiological correlations like osteoporosis, degenerative joint diseases, and neurological dysfunctions has been applied. Results: The review reveals that Asthi Kshaya manifests through signs such as dental fragility, hair fall, nail brittleness, and skeletal weakness, which clinically correlate with conditions like osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and spinal degeneration. These conditions often coincide with Vata dominance symptoms like pain, stiffness, crepitus, and dryness. The classical Ayurvedic understanding offers a predictive model for early diagnosis and holistic management. Conclusion: The dynamic relationship between Asthi Dhatu and Vata Dosha serves as a diagnostic and therapeutic cornerstone in Ayurveda. Recognition of Asthi Kshaya as a trigger for Vata Vriddhi can improve early diagnosis, enable preventive care, and guide treatment protocols for degenerative disorders in integrative medicine