Abstract

A COMPREHENSIVE LITERATURE REVIEW ON AMAVATA W.S.R TO RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Dr. Preeti Kaloni*, Dr. Punita Pandey, Dr. Sangita Devi

Abstract

Amavata is a disease formed from the combination of two terms, Ama and Vata. It primarily develops due to the impairment of various forms of Agni such as Jatharagni, Dhatvagni, and Bhutagni, leading to the formation of Ama. This undigested material circulates throughout the body under the influence of aggravated Vata and gets lodged in Shleshma Sthanas (joints and related structures), resulting in Sandhishoola, Sandhi stabdhata and Sandhi shotha affecting both small and large joints. The clinical manifestations of Amavata closely resemble those of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), a chronic inflammatory, destructive, and symmetrical polyarthritis associated with systemic involvement. Amavata is considered one of the most challenging diseases for clinicians due to its chronic nature, complications, disability, and morbidity. In modern medicine, treatment mainly includes NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and DMARDs, which provide symptomatic relief but are often associated with adverse effects. In contrast, Ayurvedic management focuses on addressing the root cause of the disease by correcting Agni and eliminating Ama. The principal treatment modalities of Amavata include Langhana (lightening therapy), Swedana (sudation therapy), and the administration of drugs possessing Tikta and Katu Rasa with Deepana-Pachana properties as Shamana Chikitsa. Therefore, the present study aims to provide a comprehensive review of Amavata with special reference to Rheumatoid Arthritis, based on classical Ayurvedic texts and its therapeutic management.

Keywords: Amavata, Ama, Agni, Rheumatoid Arthritis.