Abstract

AYURVEDA TREATMENT FOR AMAVATA DISEASE

Dr. Hemlata*

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Abstract

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic progressive and disabling autoimmune disease that causes inflammation (link is external) (swelling) and pain in the joints, the tissue around the joints,joint deformity and other organs. The RA has been described as Amavata in Ayurveda in which the vitiated Vata and Ama afflicts the lining of the joints, causing Shula (pain) & Shotha(swelling). The treatment module for Amavata includes Shamana (conservative) and Shodhana (biological purification of the body) Chikitsa. Depending upon the stages (acute / chronic) and Doshas involved, many measures are advised such as Langhana (a method of depletion of body tissues), Deepana (increase digestive fire), and Pachana (digestion of food) for accumulated Ama (digestion of undigested material); Snehapana (oleation), Swedana (fomentation), Virechana (purgation) and Basti (enema therapy) for elimination of Doshas from body. Further the drugs used in management of Amavata should possess Katu (pungent) and Tikta (bitter) Rasa (taste); Ushna (hot in potency), Laghu (easily digestible) and Tikshna (penetrating property through tissues) qualities which are Vata-Kapha Dosha Hara and Amapachaka.

Keywords: Inflammation, Ayurveda, Ama, Shotha, Deepana, Basti, Tikshna.