Ankylosing Spondylitis Ayurveda: Types, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

What is Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)?

Ankylosing Spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease primarily affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints. It causes back pain, morning stiffness, progressive fusion of spinal segments in advanced stages, and reduced chest expansion. AS can also affect peripheral joints, eyes (uveitis) and cause systemic symptoms like fatigue.

Our Ayurvedic Strategy for AS

We use an integrated, staged plan:

• Pain control & inflammation reduction: Localized therapies and systemic herbs to reduce active inflammation and pain.
• Detox & Dosha balance: Panchakarma (selective snehana, Swedana, Basti courses) to pacify Vata and clear Ama.
• Tissue nourishment & mobility preservation: Therapies like Njavara Kizhi, Kati/Prishtha/Greeva Vasti to nourish spinal tissues and maintain flexibility.
• Rehabilitation & posture: Physiotherapy, yoga, and strengthening to maintain chest expansion and spinal mobility.
• Herbal support: Anti-inflammatory and Rasayana herbs (Shallaki, Ashwagandha, Guggulu) for joint support and tissue repair.

Therapies We Provide — Useful for Ankylosing Spondylitis (with photos)

Below therapies are especially useful in managing AS symptoms and preserving spinal health. Images are clinic references — each therapy entry explains indications, benefits and typical usage.

Abhyanga

What it is: Warm, full-body herbal oil massage tailored to pacify Vata and relieve muscular tension.

• Relieves muscular spasm around the spine and sacroiliac joints.
• Improves circulation to spinal tissues, reduces stiffness and morning rigidity.
• Prepares body for deeper localized therapies (Vasti, Vasti-related procedures).
• Typical use: daily during intensive phase; maintenance frequency thereafter.

Njavara Kizhi

What it is: Warm boluses of Njavara rice cooked in specific herbal decoctions, applied rhythmically across the back and spine.

• Deeply nourishes spinal muscles, ligaments and periarticular tissues to counter Vata degeneration.
• Reduces chronic stiffness, improves flexibility and supports tissue repair.
• Often used in repeated cycles (weekly sessions over a month) for sustained benefit.

Kati Vasti

What it is: Medicated oil retained over the lower back in a dough ring for prolonged local nourishment.

• Targets lumbar spine and sacroiliac region — reduces deep pain and calms inflamed ligaments.
• Improves spinal mobility and reduces nerve irritation when present.
• Used as a targeted local procedure during rehabilitation cycles.

Basti (Medicated Enema)

What it is: Medicated oil or herbal decoction administered rectally to pacify Vata and nourish tissues systemically.

• Considered a core Panchakarma therapy to pacify Vata that drives AS pathology.
• Improves spinal mobility, reduces pain and helps systemic dosha balance when done as a course.
• Given under clinical supervision with individualized protocols.

Herbal & Medical Support

We use evidence-informed Ayurvedic herbs and formulations to reduce inflammation, strengthen musculoskeletal tissues and support immunity. All internal medicines & doses are individualized.

We coordinate with your rheumatologist for patients on NSAIDs, DMARDs or biologics. Some herbs can interact with medications; monitoring and collaboration is essential.

Rehabilitation — Exercise, Posture & Prevention

Maintaining spinal mobility, chest expansion and core strength is central to limiting long-term disability in AS.

• Daily mobility exercises: Extension-based exercises, gentle spinal mobilizations and thoracic opening to prevent stooping.
• Physiotherapy: Supervised strengthening of paraspinals, hip extensors and core muscles to support posture and gait.
• Breathing exercises & chest expansion: Pranayama and breathing drills to maintain respiratory function.
• Ergonomics & sleep posture: Advice on mattress, pillows and workplace ergonomics to minimize stress on the spine.

Sample Clinic Treatment Plans

Examples only — every plan is individualized after clinical assessment, imaging and coordination with other doctors.

Procedures like Basti and Virechana require pre-treatment evaluation, baseline tests, and are performed under physician supervision.

Quick Reference — Therapies & Roles

Safety, Testing & Medical Coordination

• AS is commonly managed by rheumatologists; we coordinate care when patients are on NSAIDs, DMARDs or biologic therapy.
• Before Panchakarma or intense therapies, we recommend baseline blood tests, imaging review and medical clearance when needed.
• Certain procedures are contraindicated in active infection, uncontrolled systemic illness or unstable medical conditions.
• Therapy plans are adjusted to preserve safety — close monitoring is part of our protocol.