An Ayurvedic Approach To Amavata - A Case Study

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Abstract

• ABSTRACT : Amavata is composed of two words namely- Ama and Vata. The Ama is the product of incomplete digestion which circulates throughout the body and induces heaviness, loss of taste and appetite, body ache, joint swelling and stiffness, constipation etc like symptoms. The Amavata is described under Vata-Kaphaja vikaras since the period of Madhavkara (16th century). It is a chronic inflammatory systemic disorder affecting mainly the synovial joints in the body. It resembles with Rheumatoid Arthritis in the modern pathology. The Amavata is known to be a crippling, chronic and progressive disorder making it difficult to cure. The symptomatic relief is attained by modern medicine but the root cause and pathology of the disease remains untreated. In Ayurveda, the basic treatment principles of Deepana, Langhana, Swedana, Virechana, Basti, Tikta-Katu dravyas are applied for effective management of the root cause of Amavata. A 38 year old female patient with complaints of Shoola, Shotha and Sthamba of the knee, wrist, ankle and metacarpophalangeal joints of both hands was reported in our hospital OPD an year ago. According to the Lakshanas and the blood investigations, the diagnosis was made as Amavata and treatment was planned. Oral medication with Sinhanad Guggul, Vatavidhwans Ras, Arogyavardhini vati, Dashamularistha and Shunti-Eranda kwath along with Valuka sweda was advised. The assessement was made on the basis of subjective and objective parameters. The results did show a significant improvement in the symptoms of the patient and she was able to perform her routine work without any difficulty.