EVALUATE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF MARMA CHIKITSA IN THE PAIN MANAGEMENT OF BRACHIAL NEURITIS: A CASE STUDY

Brachial neuritis, also known as Parsonage–Turner syndrome, is an acute, idiopathic, inflammatory disorder of the brachial plexus characterized by sudden onset of severe shoulder pain, followed by progressive muscle weakness, sensory disturbances, and functional impairment of the upper limb. The condition significantly affects quality of life and daily activities. Conventional management primarily focuses on symptomatic relief and functional recovery through the use of analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, physiotherapy, and neural rehabilitation. Despite these interventions, recovery is often prolonged, and residual weakness or pain may persist in some patients [1]. Marma Chikitsa is an ancient Ayurvedic therapeutic modality based on the stimulation of specific vital points known as marma, which are believed to serve as anatomical and physiological junctions of muscles, nerves, vessels, bones, and joints. Therapeutic stimulation of marma points is traditionally used to modulate pain, improve neuromuscular function, enhance circulation, and restore energy balance. In recent years, Marma Chikitsa has gained attention as a complementary approach in musculoskeletal and neurological disorders. This case study explores the adjunctive role of Marma Chikitsa in the management of brachial neuritis alongside conventional treatment. The intervention was administered over a 12-week period using selected marma points related to the shoulder and upper limb. Clinical outcomes were assessed using standardized measures of pain intensity, muscle strength, and functional ability.