Abstract

AYURVEDIC APPROACH WITH THE MANAGEMENT OF AMVATA (RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS)

Anshika Rao*

ABSTRACT

Amavata is made up of two words, Ama & Vata. Ama means incomplete digestion of food which result in incomplete/impure formation of Annarasa, circulate in body & reach to target cell where it produces pathology like heaviness in body, loss of strength, drowsiness, aggravation of Vata & improper elimination of waste product, Body ache, not desire to take food, thirst, fever, incomplete digestion of food is the symptoms of Amavata. When disease grow in intensity it become difficult to cure, as well as involved joints of hands, feet, head, ankles, knees & produces pain, swelling, stiffness & tenderness in affected joints. Amavata is the particular type of disease which is mentioned in Ayurveda since the period of Madhavkara (16th century A.D.) under the category of Vata Kaphaja disorders. Nidanas of Amavata narrated by Madhavkara are, Viruddhahara Viruddhachesta, Mandagni, and Exercise after Snigdhahar etc. Amavata is one of the challenging disease for the clinicians due to its chronicity, incurability, complications and morbidity. The allopathic treatment provides the symptomatic relief but the underlined pathology remain untreated due to absence of effective therapy and also giving rise to many side effects, toxic symptoms and adverse reactions also more serious complications like organic lesions. The treatment procedure described are Langhan, Swedan, Tikta-katu dravyas Deepana, Virechan, Basti etc.

Keywords: Amavata, Ama, Vata, Mandagni, Langhan etc.