Abstract

IMPORTANCE OF AGNI AND ITS ROLE IN AMAVATA (RA) CHIKITSA- A BRIEF STUDY

Nripen Kanjilal* and Bijita Majumder

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Abstract

Agni is the Ayurvedic word for digestive fire and is a powerful transformative factor responsible for digesting and metabolizing food. It is also known as the biological fire and is a very important component for metabolic physiology and pathology. Essentially, agni determines our longevity, vitality, life force, strength, energy and clarity of mind. When agni or digestive fire is balanced we will have symptom-free digestion, circulation, strong immunity, healthy tissues and glowing skin. Agni is responsible for transforming all food, assimilating nutrients, and revitalizing the body. 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; 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: Agni, Inflammation, Ayurveda, Ama, Shotha, Deepana, Basti, Tikshna.