Amavata
Amavata, a condition emphasized in Ayurvedic medicine, involves the accumulation of toxins (Ama) and an imbalance of the Vata element. It is characterized by joint pain, swelling, and stiffness in joints very similar to Rheumatoid Arthritis. Archarya Madhav extensively discusses Amavata in Madhav Nidaan.
Amavata, a disease detailed in Ayurvedic medicine, arises from the build-up of toxins (Ama) and an imbalance in the Vata dosha. Improper digestion leads to the formation of Ama, which spreads throughout the body, affecting joints and causing inflammation, pain, and stiffness. The interaction between Ama and Vata disrupts normal bodily functions, resulting in the clinical symptoms of Amavata. Treatment focuses on addressing both the accumulation of Ama and the Vata imbalance to promote healing and relieve symptoms.
Etiology:
A person with low digestive fire (Mandhagni) and a sedentary lifestyle, who consumes incompatible or very oily foods and then engages in vigorous exercise, is prone to developing Amavata according to Ayurveda.
Pathogenesis of illness:
In Amavata, larger joints such as wrists, elbows, shoulders, ankles, knees, hips, and sacrum are predominantly affected.
COMMON Symptoms
High grade fever,joint stiffness, fatigue,sluggishness.
Pain in body,loss of appetite, excessive thirst, lethargy,fever, Indigestion these symptoms are mild in prodromal phase. But with time along with inflammation these symptoms increase in intensity. Affects multiple joints . Joints get painful and inflamed and loose mobility, functionality,Tenderness, Redness, raised local temperature can be seen. As person continues with same Lifestyle and Diet without making any changes condition keeps on worsening by shifting of joint pain and inflammation .As Ama moves in the body accompanied with increased vata dosha to new joint. Symptoms of previous joint subsides. This continues and in latter stages deformity begins to appear .
Amavata and Rheumatoid Arthritis share similarities and differences in their explanation and treatment. Symptoms such as joint pain, swelling, and stiffness are common to both conditions. They are chronic and progressive, potentially causing joint deformities if not addressed early. Besides joints, other parts of the body may also be affected.
The pathogenesis of Amavata involves an imbalance of Ama and Vata, whereas Rheumatoid Arthritis is characterized in medical terms as an autoimmune disorder where the joints are attacked by the body’s immune system.
In Ayurveda, the diagnosis of Amavata involves analyzing the person’s prakriti and conducting Naadi pariksha (pulse examination). On the other hand, Rheumatoid Arthritis is diagnosed through blood tests like RA factor, ANA, Anti-CCP antibodies, and X-rays.
Treatment for Amavata in Ayurveda focuses on detoxification, herbal formulations, and lifestyle adjustments. In the case of Rheumatoid Arthritis, treatment includes immunosuppressants such as methotrexate and anti-inflammatory medications.
Differential Diagnosis
In Ayurveda pain of Amavata is named as:
- Shifting pain of joints (sanchaari vedna).
- Severe pain in joints compared to scorpion bite (vruchikdanshvat vedna)
3 Types of Amavata is described by Acharya madhav
- Vataj
- Pitta-Anuband
- Kapha-Anuband.
Complications
Mitral Stenosis : A valvular heart disease develops as result of Rheumatic Fever.
Remedies of Amavata
According to yoga Ratnakar best treatment for Amavata includes :
- Detoxification ( panchkarma):
Amapachan ( doing treatment for Ama ).As per Yoga Ratnakar it is vyaadi-pratyanik.(First line of treatment)
Langhana (fasting or light diet): During langhana (fasting )care should be taken that vata dosha is not vitiated.To avoid it you can take Panchkol churna/Ajmoda adhi churna/Trikatu churna Swedhana(sudation ):It helps in removing Ama that causes sroto rodha (obstruction of micro-channel) . Swedhana should be dry eg: valuka (sand) potli . Nowdays infra-red rays are also in use.
Virechan (Therapeutic purgation) : Getting rid of Ama from circulation Erand taila (castor oil) is best .
Castor oil is known for its properties in supporting digestion, promoting bowel movement, and aiding in the smooth flow of vata. This is used as a mild laxative. Take sunth(dry ginger powder) and giloy stem make decoction. when warm add 10ml castor oil and take daily empty stomach for best results.
Basti (Enema therapy) is also found to be beneficial. Nirooh basti, administered with Dashmool kwath, or Anuvaasan basti, with erand taila, is recommended.
2. Herbal formulations:
Tikt (bitter) , katu (pungent) – rastatmak (taste) Deepana (appetizer) herbs are recommended.Herbs that can be used are Rasna , Guduchi , Sehchar , Sunth, Erandmool ,Gokhru, Punarnawa, Panchkol, Dash Mool, Daru Haridra.
Gugul: Simhanad gugul , Rasna gugul , Sehachar gugul , Triphala gugul.
Kwath: Rasna panchak , Rasna saptak and Maharasnaadi.
Asav : Panchkolasav
some Bhalaatak kalpa are used for best results.
Different types of Lepa are used for anti-inflammatory effect.eg.Dashang Lepa , Lep golli..
3. Diet and lifestyle changes : As this is diet and lifestyle induced disease care should be taken about diet.Diet should be Dry,light,hot potency, Appetizing, easily digestible in nature. You can take Bajra as it is dry in nature but caution should be taken not to
take alone , as it can accumulate vata so it’s combination with lasun chutney is best.Lasun is hot,tikshan( penetrating),oily in nature is best for Ama paachan and pacify vata.
Kulath yush( horse gram Soup) saute
With garlic (lasun) .
Do’s : Rest,yav,kulath,karela,parwal,garlic, lukewarm water, butter milk .
Don’t : curd, jaggery,milk ,fried food,udadh , fermented milk products, incompatible food,Taking food irregular time ,day sleep suppressing natural urges, going out in wind,late night sleep.
4. Yoga and physical therapy:
Practicing yoga can help in managing the symptoms of Amavata by improving flexibility, reducing stiffness, and promoting overall well-being. Tadasan, Trikonasan, Setubandhasan can be done.
paranayama (Deep Breathing) helps in calming the mind and reducing stress. Anulom-vilom,kapalbhaati, bhramri can be done. Ayurveda recommends to do regular walking so that blood circulation improves and mild excercise can be done to maintain the flexibility of joints.
Prevention of Amavata
Amavata can be prevented by maintaining good digestive fire ( Jathragni):
Eat freshly prepared warm meals, avoid overeating, fermented food stuffs, processed food. To increase digestive fire you can include spices like ginger, garlic, cumin, turmeric.
Avoid incompatible food combination like milkshake, milk with fish, Milk with jaggery (gud),ghee and honey.
Avoid drinking cold drinks with meals , instead take warm sips of water to help in digestion . Regular excercise to keep joints and muscle healthy.
Engage in stress reducing practices like yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises to balance body and mind calmness.
Do follow daily regime (dincharyaa) like early waking up, early dinner, proper bed time. Follow self care practice like oiling , walking.
Ayurveda since ages have adopted a holistic approach to all the diseases by addressing physical, mental aspects of Amavata so that individuals can manage symptoms, improve joint function and quality of life.Holistic way to manage Amavata includes:
panchkarma(Detoxification): Detoxification is done to eliminate Ama(toxins) from body this includes virechan (therapeutic purgation) and Basti (enema therapy).
Dietary modification : Adopt a diet that pacifies vata and Kapha dosha like warm, easy digestible food, avoiding incompatible food.
Herbal remedies: Ayurvedic herbs that have Anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties and improve joint health.
lifestyle changes :By following daily routine regime consistently.
Follow up care: Regular consultation with experienced Ayurvedic practitoner for monitoring progress, changing treatment if needed and maintaining long term good health.
Please do consult your Ayurvedic Consultant before using above mentioned Remedies.or contact at contact@drmanjeetkaur.blog or using Below contact form.
Source : Case study