Abstract

MANAGEMENT OF AMAVATA W.S.R. TO RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: A CASE STUDY

Jatinder Verma*, Mangal Gopesh and Garg Gunjan

Abstract

Purpose: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common persistent inflammatory arthritis and occurs throughout the world and in all ethnic groups with a female: male ratio of 3:1. It is an immunological disorder of connective tissue triggered by environmental factors, in patients with genetic predisposition. Disease course is variable with exacerbations and remissions. Amavata is closely related to rheumatoid arthritis in Ayurveda for which patient seeks medical supervision for moderate to severe pain, swelling, tenderness and morning stiffness. In Ayurveda it is characterized by various features like Sandhishoola, Shotha, Stambha, Gaurava, Avipaka, Aruchi, Alasya, Angamarda, Bahumutrata. The management of RA has limitation for long term uses and sometimes having severe side effects. Detail prescription regarding the management of Amavata is mentioned in Ayurveda texts. Baluka Sweda and Vaitarana Basti under Panchakarma procedures play an important role in the management of Amavata correlated to rheumatoid arthritis apart from conservative treatment. Method: Present case study is of a 25 year old female suffering from multiple joints pain associated with swelling, morning stiffness, body ache, loss of appetite, decreased sleep and restricted movements for past 5 years, diagnosed as Amavata/ rheumatoid arthritis (having 7/10 score as per classification criteria for RA, ACR, 2010). Combination of interventions includes Deepana, Pachana, Baluka Sweda and Vaitarana Basti along with Brihat Saindhavhadi Taila Anuvasana Basti in Kaal Basti format for 16 days along with Shaman Chikitsa (conservative treatment). Patient was admitted twice for the treatment. The assessment was made on the basis of laboratory investigations and relief in signs and symptoms. Result: Assessment on follow up after one month of first session of admission and after six months of second session of admission shows substantial clinical improvement in the symptoms, thus improving the quality of life. Conclusion: It is likely that the prognosis improve as treatment is introduced as per the treatment protocol of Amavata in patients with early disease.

Keywords: Amavata, Rheumatoid arthritis, Baluka Sweda, Vaitarana Basti.