AN INSIGHT OF AMAVATA IN AYURVEDIC LITERATURE
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a progressive autoimmune condition that initially causes joint pain and inflammation. Unlike osteoarthritis, RA specifically affects the joint lining, leading to painful swelling that can result in bone erosion and joint deformity over time. This chronic inflammatory disease can impact various body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels. Approximately 1% of the global population is affected by RA, with women being twice as likely to develop the condition as men. Amavata, a disorder in Ayurveda, is caused by Agnidushti (impaired digestive fire), Amotpatti (formation of toxic substances) and Sandhivikruti (joint abnormalities). Therefore, the most effective therapies for treating this condition are those that normalize Agni, metabolize Ama, regulate Vata, and maintain healthy joints and lubrication. Ayurveda recommends both Shamana (palliative) and Shodhana (purification) treatments for addressing the underlying causes of Amavata. The general management of Amavata includes avoiding the causative factors, such as eliminating the cause (Nidan Parivarjan), practicing fasting (Langhan), enhancing digestion (Deepan), and promoting elimination of toxins (Pachana). Selective purification methods are used to remove Ama, along with dietary restrictions. While modern medicine plays a significant role in relieving pain, restoring movement, and managing disabilities caused by Amavata, the prolonged use of allopathic drugs can lead to various side effects, toxic symptoms, and adverse reactions, including organic impairments. As a result, patients are increasingly seeking Ayurveda as a complementary approach to address the challenges of Amavata, as the management of this disease in other medical systems is often considered inadequate. Despite advancements in treatment options, RA can still cause physical disabilities, making it a significant health concern.
Key-words: Rhematoid Arhtirtis, Amavata, Agnimandya, Ayurveda, PanchkarmaReferences
Krol et al, Disease characteristics, level of self-esteem and psychological wellbeing in rheumatoid arthritis patients., Scand J Rheumatol. 1994; 23(1):8-12.
Madhava Nidana with madhukosha Sanskrit Commentary and with the Vidyotini Hindi Commentary and Notes Part -I Shri Sudarshana Shastri and Prof. Yadunandana Upadhyaya, M.Ni.25/1, Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan,30th Ed.
Harita Samhita Hari Hindi Commentary, Pt. Hariharprasad Tripathi, H.S.5/21/1-5, Chaukhambha Krishnadas Acadey 37/118, Gopal Mandir lane P.B. No. 1118, Golghar near Maidagin Varanasi – 221001, Ist Ed. 2005.
Prof. Ramharsh Singh’s Kaya Chikitshya, Chaukambha Sanskrit Pratisthan, Delhi, Part II,Chapter 43, Page no 537.
Dr.Indradeva Tripathi, Sri Chakrapanidatta’s Chakradutta with Vaidayaprabha, Hindi Commentary and notes, introducation, indices, appendices etc. Varanasi, Chaukambha Sanskrit Bhawan, reprint edition, 2018, Chapter 25, Amavata Chikitsha 25/1,Page 166.
Prof.Ramharsh Singh’s Kaya Chikitshya, Chaukambha Sanskrit Pratisthan, Delhi, Part II, Chapter 43, Page no 537.
Prof. Ramharsh Singh’s Kaya Chikitsa, Chaukambha Sanskrit Pratisthan, Delhi, Part II, Chapter 43, Page no 536.
K.Shastri, Agnivesh’s Charaka Samhita with Ayurveda-Dipika Commentary by Cakrapanidatta and with Vidyotini Hindi commentary, Varanasi, Chaukambha Sanskrit Academy, reprint edition, 2012, part 2,Siddhi Sthana 1/39.
Dr.G.Shrinivasa Acharya (2006), Panchakarma illustrated, 1 st edition, Delhi, Chaukhamba Sanskrit Pratisthan, Baluka sewdana, Page 215.
Kabiraj Govind Das Sen’s Bhaisajya Ratnavali, edited with Siddhiprada Hindi Commentary by Prof.Siddhi Nandan Mishra, Varanasi, Chaukambha Surbharati Prakashan, edition 2011, Chapter 29, Amavatarogadhikar, Page 612-613.
Dr. Indradeva Tripathi, Sri Chakrapanidatta’s Chakradutta with Vaidayaprabha, Hindi Commentary and notes, introduction, indices, appendices etc. Varanasi, Chaukambha Sanskrit Bhawan, reprint edition,2018,Chapter 25,Amavata Chikitsha 25/1,Page 167.
Ibidem 1 (Vol 2), Chapter 25, Verse 10. p. 187. 9. Ibidem 1 (Vol 2), Chapter 25, Verse 12. p. 187. 13. Dr. Indradev Tripathi Editor (Reprint ed.). Vaidyaprabha hindi commentary on Chakrapanidatta of Chakradutta, Amavata Chikitsa Adhyaya: Chapter 25, Verse 1. p. 166.
Acharya Vaidya Yadavaji Trikamji, Reprint ed., Ayurveda Dipika commentary on Charaka Samhita of Chakrapanidatta (Vol 1); Sutra Sthana: Chapter 22, Verse 9. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Orientalia, 2004; p. 121.
Madhava Nidana with madhukosha Sanskrit Commentary and with the Vidyotini Hindi Commentary and Notes Part -I Shri Sudarshana Shastri and Prof. Yadunandana Upadhyaya, M.Ni.25/1-5, Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan P.B. No. 1139 K - 37/116, Gopal mandir lane Golghar (near Maidagin) Varanasi – 221001,30th Ed.
Chaturvedi G, Shastri K, editors. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesha, Siddhi Sthana. Reprint ed. Ch.2, Ver. 13. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Bharati Academy; 2007. p. 981.
Aletaha D, Neogi T, Silman AJ, Funovits J, Felson DT, Bingham CO, 3rd, et al. 2010 rheumatoid arthritis classification criteria: An American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism collaborative initiative. Ann Rheum Dis. 2010; 69:1580–8.
Shastri AD, editor. Bhaishajya Ratnavali. 19th ed. Ch. 29, Ver. 1. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Prakashan; 2008. p. 613.
Tripathi JP, editor. Chakradatta of Chakrapani. 4th ed. Ch. 25, Ver. 1. Varanasi: Chaukhabha Sanskrit Series; 1976. p. 225.
Lipsky Peter E. Rheumatoid arthritis. In: Longo D.L., Kasper D.L., Jameson J.L., Fauci A.S., Hauser S.L., Loscalzo J., editors. 18th ed. vol. II. Mc Graw Hill; New York: 2012. pp. 2738–2752. (Harrison principles of internal medicine).
Shastri B.S., editor. 6th ed. vol. I. Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan; Varanasi: 1997. p.565. (Yogaratnakara of unknown author, Amavata Nidana).
Acharya Y.T., editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesha, Chikitsa Sthana; Vatashonita Chikitsa: chapter 29, Verse 19 – 23. Chaukhamba Surbharati Prakashan; Varanasi: 2011. p.628. reprint 2011.
