E-ISSN:2456-3110

Case Report

Vatajanya Manyastamba

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2025 Volume 10 Number 7 JULY
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Ayurveda management of Vatajanya Manyastamba - A Case Study

Abiram AK1*, Das CR2, Ponsingh J3
DOI:10.21760/jaims.10.7.49

1* Amirtha Kadesh Abiram, Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Panchakarma, Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Ayurveda Medical College and Hospital, Nazarethpettai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

2 Chitta Ranjan Das, Principal and HOD, Department of Panchakarma, Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Ayurveda Medical College and Hospital, Nazarethpettai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

3 Jeniffer Ponsingh, Assistant Professor, Department of Panchakarma, Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Ayurveda Medical College and Hospital, Nazarethpettai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

Introduction: Manyastamba characterized by stiffness and restricted movement of the neck, is classified under Vataja Nanatmaja Vyadhi in Ayurveda. It typically arises due to vitiation of Vata or Vata-Kapha Doshas. The condition commonly manifests with neck stiffness and pain, often impacting individuals with sedentary or strain-inducing occupations, such as driving.

Methods: A 37-year-old male driver with a 1 ½ years history of neck stiffness and restricted movement, without neurological deficits, was diagnosed with Manyastamba with Vata Pradhana Lakshana are seen. The treatment protocol included both internal medication and external therapies. The patient was treated over 14 days. Assessment tools included the Copenhagen Neck Functional Disability Scale (CNFDS) and measurements of cervical range of motion (ROM).

Results: Post-treatment, the CNFDS score improved significantly. The cervical ROM also showed considerable improvement across all measured directions. The patient reported marked reduction in stiffness and pain and the improvements were sustained during a one-month follow-up.

Discussion: The outcomes suggest that the Ayurvedic treatment protocol effectively pacified vitiated Vata, alleviated muscle spasm, and improved cervical joint mobility. The internal medicines possessed Vata-Shamaka, anti-inflammatory, and Rasayana properties, while the external treatments enhanced local circulation, reduced stiffness and pain.

Conclusion: This case study demonstrates the efficacy of Ayurvedic treatments in managing Manyastamba, The Ayurvedic approach targeting Vata vitiation led to significant symptomatic relief and functional improvement.

Keywords: CNFDS, Manyastamba, Stiffness, Vataja Nanatmaja Vyadhi

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Amirtha Kadesh Abiram, Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Panchakarma, Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Ayurveda Medical College and Hospital, Nazarethpettai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Email: 		Abiram AK, Das CR, Ponsingh J, Ayurveda management of Vatajanya Manyastamba - A Case Study. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2025;10(7):318-322.
Available From
https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/4498/

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2025-05-19 2025-05-26 2025-06-06 2025-06-16 2025-06-26
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
None Nil Not required 10.34

© 2025 by Abiram AK, Das CR, Ponsingh J and Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

J Ayu Int Med Sci 2025;10(7)318
Download PDFBack To ArticleIntroductionCase ReportResultsDiscussionConclusionReferences
Amirtha KA et al. Ayurveda management of Vatajanya Manyastamba

Introduction

Manyastamba forms of two words Manya means back of neck and Stamba means stiffness or rigidity. Manyastamba which constitutes meaning of stiffness at back of neck.[1] Here Stamba is not only stiffness but also limits movement and change in posture. According to classics Manyastamba is caused either by only Vata dosha or Vata associated with kapha. According to Manyastamba is being one of eighty Vataja Nanatmaja Vyadhi.[2] According to some Acharyas were Kapha Dosha hammers function of Vata Dosha leads to stiffness of neck and limitation in movements.[3] Manyastamba may be due to Dhatukshayajanya Vyadhi that is age related degeneration or Vata Prakopa Vikaras. The Dhatukshayajanya Vyadhi of Manya can be seen in condition called cervical spondylosis. The prevalence of cervical spondylosis may affect males earlier than females. 66% of adults experience neck pain in their lifetime.[4] In this case study presentation of Manyastambha resembles Prakopa of Vata in Manya region which causing stiffness and associated complaints. The treatment protocol has been scheduled both internal medication and external therapies for stipulated time period to restore condition.

Case Report

Name - XYZ
Age - 37
Gender - Male
Occupation - Driver
OP number - 465/24
IP number - 183/24

Chief complaint

Patient came to Panchakarma OPD with presenting complaints of severe stiffness in posterior aspect of neck region associated with pain and restricted movements of neck since 1½ years.

There are no associated complaints like radiating pain and numbness noted.

History of illness

Patient was apparently normal before 1½ years, as his occupation is relating to driving, due to improper position results in strain at neck region which eventually developed severe stiffness and restriction of movements.

Medical History

Diabetic - Under Allopathy medication
Fasting - 159
Post prandial - 300

Family History

No relevant family history noticed

Table 1: Personal History

DietMixed
AppetiteRegular
SleepSound
BowelIrregular (Sometimes constipated)
MicturitionNormal
HabitsNIL
AddictionsAlcoholic (Occasionally)

Table 2: General Examination

BP120/80mmHg
RR16
EdemaAbsent
IchterusAbsent
PR69
NailsNormal
LymphnodesNormal
Weight78 Kg
PallorAbsent
CyanosisAbsent

Table 3: Ashta Sthana Pareeksha.

NadiVata Pitta
MalaSushka
MutraPrabhoota
JihwaNirlipta
ShabdaMadhyama
SparshaAnushnasheeta
DrikMadhyama
AkruthiMadhyama

Table 4: Dasavidha Pareeksha

PrakrutiVata Pitta
VikrutiVata
SaraMedas
SamhananaMadhyama
PramanamMadhyama
SatmyamSarvarasa
SatvahMadhyama
VayahMadhyama
Ahara ShaktiMadhyama
Vyayama ShaktiAvara

J Ayu Int Med Sci 2025;10(7)319
Amirtha KA et al. Ayurveda management of Vatajanya Manyastamba

Line of Treatment

Manyastamba comes under Urdhvajatrugata Roga and Nanatmaja Vata Vyadhi

In classics line of management for Vata Vyadi like Abhyanga, Swedana, Nasya etc. are incorporated in the case study.[5]

Intervention Plan

Table 5: Internal Treatment

SNMedicineDosageAnupanamTime
1.Astavarga Kashayam15ml45ml of luke warm of waterBid - Before Food
2.Yogaraja Guggulu500mg45ml of luke warm of waterBid - Before Food
3.Vishatinduka Vati250mg45ml of luke warm of waterBid - After Food

Table 6: External Treatment

SNProcedureMedicineDuration
1.AbhyangaKarpasasthyadi Taila14 days
2.Patra Pinda SwedanaVatahara leaves like Sigru, Nirgundi, Eranda etc. are added along with medicated Choornam.7 days
3.NasyaAnu Taila 2ml/Nostril7 days

Assessment Criteria

1. Copenhagen neck functional disability scale (CNFDS)[6]
2. Range of movement (ROM)

Results

After completion of treatment, the patient condition was reassessed. The patient’s stiffness is reduced and neck pain improved. CNFD Scale score decreased.

The patient was discharged after 14 days and condition was stable in the follow-up period of 1 months.

Copenhagen Neck Functional Disability Scale

Before TreatmentAfter Treatment
24/3010/30

Table 7: Range of Movement

Range of MovementBefore TreatmentAfter Treatment
Flexion20°45°
Extension20°50°
Lateral Flexion (Lt)25°40°
Lateral Extension (Rt)20°40°
Lateral Rotation (Lt)20°35°
Lateral Rotation (Rt)25°40°

Discussion

Probable mode of action of internal medicine

Astavarga Kashayam is mentioned in Sahasrayoga. Its ingredients are Bala, Sahachara, Eranda, Shunti, Rasna, Devadaru, Nirgundi, Lasuna have the properties of Vatashamaka (pacify the vitiated Vatadosha), Vedana Sthapana (sedative) and Shoola Prashamana (analgesic), Balya (promote strength), Rasayana (rejuvenation), and Sroto Shodana (purifying channels). As the drugs used in the present study have the above properties, they are beneficial for diseases originating by vitiation of Vata Dosha and help in improving the qualities of Asthi Dhatu (bones) and reformation of wasting tissues. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of these drugs are scientifically proved.[7]

Yogaraja Guggulu preparation contains 29 herbal drugs. but according to the different acharyas the ingredients are different. Mainly the drugs having property like Tikta, Kashaya, Katu Rasa and Ushna, Ruksha Guna, Ushna Virya and acts as Kaphavatahara. Yogaraja Guggulu due to its Lekhana property scraps away the excessive Jalamsha and Amatva which has got accumulated in the joints. Ushna guna helps in bringing back the vitiated Vata into normalcy. Most of the drugs of the compound act as Vata Shamaka. The drugs act as Vedana Sthapaka, Nadi Balya, Shulashamaka, Shothahara which is most essential in promoting symptomatic relief in Vatavyadhi.[8]

Vishatinduka Vati the primary component is Kupilu, supplemented by Maricha, Chincha Phala, and Phugphala. Kupilu possesses properties such as calming Vata, alleviating depression and strengthening the heart. Kupilu soothes symptoms like anxiety and agitation due to its antidepressant properties and addresses issues such as running nose, diarrhea, muscular pain, and joint pain through its properties such as Grahi and Vatshamak. These drugs share characteristics like a pungent-bitter taste, dryness, warmth, sharpness, hot potency, and the ability to pacify Vata and Kapha Doshas.[9]

Probable mode of action of external therapies

Abhyanga does not have their actions confined to skin alone. The drugs with which these are boiled permeate through the skin and reach different tissue elements of the body.


J Ayu Int Med Sci 2025;10(7)320
Amirtha KA et al. Ayurveda management of Vatajanya Manyastamba

Karpasasthyadi Taila is said to be the best in treating Vata Vyadhi and all the details pertaining to its ingredients are explained in Sahasra Yoga and AFI Part-1. The medicated oil used for massage remain in the skin for 300 seconds and gradually and consecutively permeates through different tissues elements like Rakta, Mamsa, Meda, Asthi, Majja.[10] Abhyanga acts on the site for Vatadosha, Abhyanga directly acts on the lymphatic drainage. Lymph exhibits large amount of amino acid tryptophan. The internal fluid of the skin is subjected to movement in the massage because of osmotic pressure. Thus, massage results into mechanical hydrostatic pressure in the extra-cellular compartment. Massage helps fluid enter into viscera, tissues and dilute the accumulated toxins. After the completion of procedure, when it refills the peripheral vessels, the diluted toxins are brought into general circulation and during the course; they are expelled out via elimination procedures.[11]

Patra Pinda Sweda is highly effective in pain as local Snehana and Swedana directly acts at the site of Samprapti. This is a procedure in which both Snehana and Swedana are incorporated. Before Patra Pinda Swedana, Abhyanga was done, Abhyanga has kapha Vata Nirodhan properties.[12] Application of heat causes vasodilation and improves blood circulation. Swedana helps eliminating Mala Dravyas (toxins) along with sweat, decreases heaviness and stiffness.

Anutaila Nasya is Vataghna, Brmhana and Snehana. It is Sukshma Srtoto Shodhana, Chest, head, pallet and throat is invaded with Kapha Dosha are eliminated. Anu Taila firstly mobilizes the Kaphadi Doshas from these Sthana and then it acts there as Brimhana. Oil reaches to minute channels and remove all the doshas. The Sneha reaches in the Srotas, Olation and Strengthening action takes place on ligaments and tendons of upper part of the Body. Thus, it is helpful in facial palsy, immobilization of jaw, headache, migraine, stiffness of neck, hair fall etc.[13]

Conclusion

In the present study stiffness at the neck, pain during neck movements were commonly observed symptoms in the patient. Most of the aforesaid symptoms were due to muscle spasm and nerve compression.

The results were assessed on the basis of symptomatic improvement using Copenhagen neck functional disability scale and ROM. Here the Vatahara Chikitsa is incorporated. Improvement was observed in most of the symptoms like reduction in stiffness and spasmic pain provided by both internal and external intervention.

References

1. Easy Ayurveda. Manyastambha: Meaning, symptoms, treatment [Internet]. 2024 Apr 15 [cited 2025 Aug 8]. Available from: https://www. easyayurveda.com/2024/04/15/manyastambha-meaning-symptoms-treatment/#meaning_of_manyastambha [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

2. Agnivesha. Charaka Samhita, revised by Charaka and Dridhabala, with Ayurveda Dipika commentary by Chakrapanidatta. Edited by Acharya YT. Sutrasthana, Chapter 20, Shloka 11. Varanasi: Chaukambha Sanskrit Series Office; 2016 [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

3. Charaka A. Charaka Samhita, revised by Agnivesha, Charaka and Dridhabala, with Ayurveda Dipika commentary by Chakrapanidatta. Edited by Acharya YT. Chikitsasthana, Chapter 28, Shloka 43. New Delhi: Chaukambha Publication; 2016. p. 618 [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

4. Domino F. The 5-minute Clinical Consult. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2008. p. 240 [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

5. Chaturvedi G. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesha Elaborated by Charaka & Drudhabala. Sutrasthana, Chapter 20, Shloka 13. Varanasi: Vidhyotini Vyakhya, Choukhambha Bharati Academy Prakashan; 2008. p. 402 [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

6. Jordan A, Manniche C, Mosdal C, Hindsberger C. The Copenhagen Neck Functional Disability Scale: a study of reliability and validity. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1998 Oct;21(8):520–7. PMID: 9798180 [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

7. Abeena P, Acharya S. A comparative clinical study on the effect of Ashtavargam Kashaya and Gandharvahastadi Kashaya in the management of Katigraha w. s. r. to lumbar spondylosis. Int Ayurvedic Med J. 2020;8:4036–42. doi:10.46607/iamj0208082020 [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]


J Ayu Int Med Sci 2025;10(7)321
Amirtha KA et al. Ayurveda management of Vatajanya Manyastamba

8. Rohitakumar, Chavan RR. A critical review on Yogaraja Guggulu. Int J Trend Sci Res Dev. 2021 Aug;5(5):29–31. Available from: www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd43744.pdf [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

9. Understanding and addressing opium addiction: drug review on Vishtindukadi Vati. World J Pharm Med Res. 2024;10(6):152–8. . [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

10. Susruta. Susruta Samhita with Nibandha Sangraha commentary of Dalhana. Chikitsasthana, Chapter 31, Shloka 2. Edited by Acharya YT. 8th ed. Varanasi: Chaukambha Orientalia; [year not specified] [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

11. Sinha K, Lohith BA, Kumar MA. Abhyanga: Different contemporary massage technique and its importance in Ayurveda. J Ayurveda Integr Med Sci. 2017;3:245–51. doi:10.21760/jaims.v2i3.8238 [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

12. A case study on Ayurvedic management of Manyastamba with special reference to cervical spondylosis. World J Pharm Med Res. 2023;9(6):149–52. . [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

13. UJAHM. [Internet]. [cited 2025 Aug 8]. Available from: http://ujconline. net/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/10-UJAHM-15165 [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

Disclaimer / Publisher's Note: The statements, opinions and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of Journals and/or the editor(s). Journals and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content.


J Ayu Int Med Sci 2025;10(7)322