1.Introduction
Naga Manjula, a 29-year-old female, presented to SLNS Nature Cure with persistent back pain as her primary concern. Despite prior physiotherapy and orthopedic consultations, her symptoms persisted without relief. Diagnosed as SLE positive, she exhibited no other systemic symptoms. At SLNS Nature Cure, she underwent holistic treatments, combining naturopathic care and lifestyle modifications, which successfully resolved her back pain. Her case highlights the potential of natural therapies in addressing chronic pain and supporting overall health.
2. Patient Information
Name: Naga Manjula
Gender: Female
Age: 29 years
Naga Manjula, a 29-year-old female, sought treatment at SLNS Nature Cure for persistent back pain, which had become her primary concern. Doctors had previously informed her that conceiving would be unlikely due to her underlying health conditions, including lupus and PCOD. This led to emotional strain, with her husband contemplating divorce due to the challenges posed by her condition. She had been diagnosed with PCOD, causing irregular menstrual cycles and hormonal imbalances. She was also managing Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), which presented with symptoms such as chronic fatigue, joint pain, low-grade fevers, and photosensitive skin rashes since 2years. These compounded health issues significantly impacted both her physical health and emotional well-being.
3. Medication History
| S.No | Present medication | Medication (After treatment) | Mechanism of the drug |
| 1 | Ibuprofen 200mg 0-0-1 | Tapered | Inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, particularly COX-2, reducing prostaglandin synthesis, thereby alleviating pain, inflammation, and fever. |
| 2 | Hydroxychloroquine Sulphate 200 mg 1-0-1 | (1/2-0-1/2 ) Tapered 100mg | Inhibits protein synthesis by blocking DNA and RNA polymerase in susceptible organisms |
| 3 | Paracetamol 500mg 1-0-1 | Tapered | inhibits prostaglandin synthesis in the central nervous system by selectively blocking COX-2, leading to pain relief and fever reduction. |
| 4 | menthol and capsaicin containing cream | 0-0-1 | activates TRPM8 receptors, producing a cooling sensation, while capsaicin binds to TRPV1 receptors, depleting substance P and reducing pain signaling in sensory neurons. |
| 5 | Vitamin D supplement | Tapered | Supplement |
Ibuprofen 200 mg was tapered and its functions by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, particularly COX-2, thereby reducing prostaglandin synthesis to alleviate pain, inflammation, and fever. Hydroxychloroquine Sulphate, initially prescribed at 200 mg (1-0-1), was tapered to 100 mg (1-0-1), and it inhibits protein synthesis by blocking DNA and RNA polymerase in susceptible organisms. Paracetamol 500mg was tapered and works by selectively inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis in the central nervous system via COX-2, providing pain relief and fever reduction. A cream containing menthol and capsaicin, adjusted to 0-0-1 application, activates TRPM8 receptors to produce a cooling sensation, while capsaicin binds to TRPV1 receptors, depleting substance P and reducing pain signaling in sensory neurons. Lastly, a vitamin D supplement was tapered to maintain overall health.
4. Naturopathic and Lifestyle Interventions
Naturopathic treatments: Including spinal baths and therapeutic massages to relieve back pain and improve muscle flexibility.
Anti-inflammatory foods: Turmeric, ginger, and leafy greens were incorporated into her diet to manage inflammation linked to SLE.
Physical Exercise: Regular yoga, focusing on gentle stretches and postural correction, enhanced her strength and reduced strain.
Detoxification: Adequate hydration and sun exposure supported bone health, while deep breathing exercises promoted relaxation.
5. Results and Follow-Up
| S.NO | BIOMARKER | BEFORE TREATMENT | AFTER TREATMENT |
| 1 | Homocysteine | 13 | 8 |
| 2 | Anti-CCP levels | 28 | 14 |
| 3 | HS-CRP | 10.8 | 0.2 |
| 4 | HbA1c | 5.9 | 5.5 |
| 5 | Fructosamine | 200.7 | 184.8 |
| 6 | TSH | 8.3 | 4.1 |
The laboratory findings show remarkable improvements in key health indicators. A decrease in Homocysteine from 13 to 8 indicates better cardiovascular and metabolic health. The slight reduction in Anti-CCP levels from 28 to 14 reflects progress in managing inflammation related to autoimmune activity. A dramatic reduction in HS-CRP from 10.8 to 0.2 suggests a significant decrease in systemic inflammation. The Fructosamine decrease from 200.7 to 184.8 and HbA1c reduction from 5.9 to 5.5 indicate improved glycemic control. Additionally, the normalization of TSH from 8.3 to 4.1 reflects effective management of thyroid function. These results highlight the success of the treatment plan in improving overall health and mitigating systemic risks.
Symptom Tracker
| S.No | Symptoms | Before | After |
| 1 | Dry skin | 3 | 0 |
| 2 | Depression | 3 | 0 |
| 3 | Fatique illness | 4 | 1 |
| 4 | Muscle pain | 3 | 1 |
| 5 | Arthritis | 4 | 1 |
| 6 | Restlessness | 3 | 0 |
| TOTAL | 20 | 3 | |
EULAR Score
| Category | EULAR | Score Before Treatment | Score After Treatment |
| 1 | Joint Involvement | 6 | 4 |
| 2 | Fever | 2 | 2 |
| 3 | Acute Cutaneous Lupus | 6 | 4 |
| Clinical Score Total | 14 | 10 | |
| Total EULAR Score | 14/51 | 10/51 | |
6.Discussion
The patient’s lab results show excellent improvement in overall health. Lower homocysteine and HS-CRP levels indicate reduced cardiovascular risk and inflammation, while decreases in fructosamine and HbA1c confirm better blood sugar control. The normalization of thyroid levels reflects effective treatment of thyroid dysfunction. These outcomes highlight the effectiveness of combining appropriate medications, dietary changes, and lifestyle adjustments. Continued monitoring will help maintain these health benefits.
7.Conclusion
In conclusion, Naga Manjula’s journey at SLNS Nature Cure exemplifies the transformative power of a holistic approach in overcoming complex health challenges. Key lab results, including reductions in homocysteine, HS-CRP, and fructosamine, alongside normalized thyroid levels, reflect the success of her integrative treatment plan. Despite the initial prognosis that conceiving would be unlikely due to her lupus and PCOD, and the emotional strain these conditions caused in her personal life, Naga’s dedication to naturopathic treatments and lifestyle modifications led to remarkable improvements. Her back pain, which had been persistent for years, was completely alleviated, and her PCOD was successfully reversed, restoring her hormonal balance and regular menstrual cycles. Most significantly, despite earlier discouragement, Naga conceived naturally and delivered a healthy baby one year after completing her treatment. Today, she is not only free from the physical and emotional burdens that once weighed her down but is also enjoying a fulfilling life with her husband and their happy baby. Naga’s case highlights the profound impact of integrating conventional and naturopathic therapies, offering hope for long-term well-being and restored happiness.
The symptom tracker and EULAR score comparison reveal a significant improvement following the treatment. Symptoms such as dry skin, depression, and fatigue showed marked reduction, with the total symptom score decreasing from 20 to 3. Similarly, the EULAR score highlighted progress, with the clinical score improving from 14/51 to 10/51. This indicates notable relief in joint involvement, fever, and acute cutaneous lupus, reflecting enhanced patient well-being and effective treatment outcomes.