Abstract

ROLE OF AGNIMANDYA AND SROTORODHA IN THE PATHOGENESIS OF AMAVATA

Dr. Chandan Gakhar*, Dr. Pooja Arora

Abstract

Amavata is a common and painful disease of joints explained in Ayurveda. It causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in the body and especially in sandhi (joints). The main reason behind this disease is the presence of Ama and disturbance of vata dosha. In the development of Amavata, two main factors play an important role—Agnimandya and Srotorodha. When the digestive fire (Agni) becomes weak (Agnimandya), food does not get properly digested. This forms Ama, a sticky and toxic substance. This Ama mixes with dosha and dhatu and starts moving in the body. After some time, it causes blockage in the body channels (Srotorodha). Because of this blockage, the normal flow of nutrients and waste material is disturbed. At this stage, vata dosha gets aggravated and carries Ama to the joints, leading to the typical signs of Amavata. From the modern point of view, Amavata is compared with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Here also we see faulty digestion, metabolic changes, and immune disturbances. The weak digestion can be linked with poor enzymatic activity, and the blockage in channels can be compared with inflammatory changes in joints. Thus, both Agnimandya and Srotorodha are the key events in the pathogenesis of Amavata. Understanding them helps not only in diagnosis but also in prevention and treatment. Classical knowledge gives us a clear explanation that matches with modern understanding, showing the depth of Ayurvedic wisdom.

Keywords: Amavata. Agnimandya. Srotorodha. Ama. Samprapti. Vatavyadhi.