Abstract

ROLE OF RUKSHA SWEDANA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF AAMVATA W.S.R. TO RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Dr. Sangita Devi*, Dr. Nimisha Mishra, (Dr.) Punita Pandey and
Prof. (Dr.) D.K. Goyal

Abstract

Today Rheumatoid Arthritis has become a leading cause of disability. It is long term autoimmune inflammatory disorder that primarily affects joints. According to Arthritis Foundation, Rheumatoid Arthritis is second most common type of arthritis and is widely prevalent throughout the world. In India the prevalence has been estimated 0.7 percent. Onset of Rheumatoid Arthritis is most frequent during middle age and women are affected 2.5 times as frequently as men. The symptoms of ‘Aamavata’ mentioned in Ayurveda keep resemblance with that of Rheumatoid Arthritis. The pathology of Aamvata starts with long term incidence of ‘mandagni’ in body which leads to formation of ‘Aama’. This Aama gets mix with vitiated Vata and enters trika region or sandhis (joints), leading to stiffness of body. Such condition is known as ‘Aamavata’. Understanding the pathology is very first step towards treatment of any disease. As both Aama and Vayu are involved in the pathogenesis of Aamvata, it is necessary to understand Aama properly. All the symptoms of Aama like heaviness in body, weakness, lethargies, indigestion etc. can be seen very clearly in diseased person. Thus the treatment principle must include two facts – Changing ‘aama’ status into ‘nirama’ and pacification of vata. ‘Ruksha Swedana’ can be considered as ideal method of treatment in such situation due its aamashoshana and vatashamana properties. In context of same, randomized trials can be performed to get promising clinical results of Ruksha swedana in Aamavata. The present study of ‘Aamavata’ is an effort to understand the ‘samprapti’ and to explore various modes of treatments accordingly.

Keywords: Aamashoshana, Vatashamana, Samprapti.