Abstract

LITERARY REVIEW OF AMAVATA AND ITS TREATMENT WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Dr. Milind B. Nikumbh* and Dr. Dhanashri U. Shelke

ABSTRACT

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder affecting synovial joints mainly. Swelling, pain and stiffness around the joint are the major complaints of the patient suffering from RA which hamper the movement of the joint. Amavata clinically resemble with RA. Amavata mentioned in Ayurvedic texts with detailed signs, symptoms, causative factors, complications and line of treatment directed towards the root of cause of disease is caused due to two predominant factors that are first Ama formed due to disturbed functioning of Agni and second vitiated Vata which later on get accumulated at the joint and forms the disease. Patient suffering from RA in modern medical science is treated with NSAIDS, DMARDS and corticosteroids which only suppress the symptoms of the disease but has many other side effects. Preventive measures described in Ayurveda can treat root of cause of RA and can avoid the side effects of modern medicine.

Keywords: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Amavata, Ama, Vata, Agni.