Abstract

EFFICACY OF VAITARANA BASTI AND VIRECHANA KARMA ALONG WITH SHAMAN CHIKITSA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF AMAVATA (RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS) - A CASE STUDY

Dr. Sangita Medi* and Dr. Dilip Wange

Abstract

Amavata (Rheumatoid Arthritis) is a kind of painful disorder affecting the musculoskeletal system. It is a long standing auto immune disorder that primarily affects the joints. The joints affected by Rheumatoid Arthritis are usually hot swollen and painful. Pain and stiffness worsens after a period of rest. The underlying mechanism involves the body’s immune system affecting the joints. This results in inflammation and thickening of joints capsule. It also affects underlying bones and cartilage. In modern therapy, understanding of initiating pathogenic pathway of Rheumatoid Arthritis remains a sizable barrier to its cure and prevention. Treatment is limited in allopath i.e. NSAIDs, Glucocorticoids, DMARDs, and Biologics. But Ayurveda has more potential to cure Rheumatoid Arthritis. A 50 year old female patient reported hospital with chief complaints of pain, swelling and stiffness of wrist joints and knee joints. Based on clinical examination and blood investigations, diagnosis of Amavata was made and Ayurvedic treatment was advised with Vaitarana Basti and Virechana Karma and some Shaman Chikitsa. Assessment was done by taking consideration of both subjective and objective parameters. There was substantially significant improvement and patient felt relieved of pain and inflammation of the joints after the treatment. This case study reveals the potential of Ayurvedic treatment in management of Amavata and may form a basis for further detailed study of the subject.

Keywords: Amavata, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Vaitaran Basti, Virechana Karma, Shaman Chikitsa.