Amavata
The clinical condition in which aggravated vata is associated with metabolic toxins (ama) and mainly affects joints is termed as ‘amavata’. This condition closely resembles with rheumatoid arthritis. The main culprit behind this disease is the deranged digestion and metabolism (agni). Arthralgia, stiffness and swellings of joint are main clinical features. The treatment is focused to improve digestion and metabolism and maintain equilibrium of vata dosha. Detail description of amavata as a separate disease entity is observed in the text of Madhava Nidana.
A comparative study of the pathophysiology of this disease by Ayurveda and allopathic system reveals that modern medicine emphasizes on control of inflammation with use of NSAIDS, immunosuppressives and TNF blockers.This is an “offence strategy” which has rapid response but needs to be continued indefinitely and has high incidence of toxicity.On the other hand Ayurveda follows primarily a “defense strategy” which takes longer time to control inflammation and the symptoms but incidence of toxicity is very little, if at all. In patients with acute inflammation and severe discomfort, initial treatment should be with immunosuppressives and TNF blockers. On control of acute symptoms ayurvedic treatment should be continued.This combined (Symbiohealth) approach in the management of disease can give insight into the genetic and epigenetic phenomenon and opens the doors for groundbreaking research.[1] This article describes the etiopathogenesis and management of amavata.
National Ayurveda Morbidity Code: EC-6
ICD code: M06.9
Keywords: Amavata, rheumatoid arthritis, ama, basti, niruha, rukshasweda
Causes of the disease
- Dietary: Intake of incompatible combinations of foods. [M.Ni 25/01][2], irregular dietary habits.
- Lifestyle: Indulging in strenuousactivities immediately after intake of unctuous/heavy to digest foods. [M.Ni 25/01][2]
- Psychological: Negative mental states while taking meals. [Cha.Sa. Vimana Sthana ] Stress is a triggering factor for rheumatoid arthritis.[3]
- Others: Improper management in pregnancy and post partum period causing aggravation of vata can lead to amavata.[4]
Clinical features
General clinical features
Body ache, anorexia, morbid thirst, laziness, heaviness, feverishness, indigestion and edema in body parts are the general features of amavata in its initial phase. [M.Ni 25/6][2] When the disease aggravates, it causes severe pain associated with swelling especially in joints of upper and lower limbs and in sacral region. Generalized symptoms like loss of appetite, pain or heaviness in abdomen, excessive micturition, burning sensation, sleep disturbances, constipation, abdominal distention, vomiting, giddiness are also seen. [M.Ni.25/7-10][2]
Dosha specific clinical features
- ↑ Basisht GK, Singh RH, Chandola H. Management of rheumatoid arthritis (Aamavata) using symbiohealth healthcare system. AYU [serial online] 2012 [cited 2021 Jul 24];33:466-74. Available from: https://www.ayujournal.org/text.asp?2012/33/4/466/110513
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Madhavakara. Madhava Nidanam (Roga vinischaya). Translated from Sanskrit by K. R. Srikantha Murthy. 8th ed. Varanasi: Chaukhambha orientalia;2007
- ↑ Mooventhan A, Shetty GB. Effect of integrative naturopathy and yoga in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis associated with type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Ancient Sci Life 2017;36:163-6.
- ↑ Deshpande SV, Deshpande VS, Potdar SS. Effect of panchakarma and Ayurvedic treatment in postpartum rheumatoid arthritis (amavata): A case study. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2017 Jan-Mar;8(1):42-44. doi: 10.1016/j.jaim.2016.10.003. Epub 2017 Mar 14. PMID: 28302414; PMCID: PMC5377475.