Integrative ayurvedic management of cervical lymphadenitis (apachi): A case study

Introduction

Apachi is a condition mainly described by Acharya Sushruta. It is characterised by firm cystic swelling and commonly correlates with Cervical Lymphadenitis. Acharya Charaka used the term Gandamala rather than Apachi. It is primarily associated with kapha and vata or pitta dosha, mamsa and meda dhatu involvement. To break the disease manifestation, some classical Ayurvedic medicines are used, their safety and efficacy are evaluated as well as an alternative. Case Presentation: A male patient of about 6 years old presented with a glandular swelling associated with fever and mild pain over the right retromandibular fossa for one week. The condition is clinically represented as that of Cervical Lymphadenitis, commonly correlated with ‘Apachi’ as per Ayurvedic literature.