“Ayurvedic Management of Aamvata(Rheumatoid Arthritis) : A Case Study ”

About Author

Correspondence Address

Kayachikitsa department,
Shri Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya Nagpur
Contact No. : 8459644648, Email : shwetaraisane2410@gmail.com

Date of Acceptance : 28 Dec 2025

Date of Publication : 31 Dec 2025

Article ID : SD-IJAY_155

How to cite this article : http://doi.org/10.55552/SDNJAY.2025.3407

Abstract

Amavata is described as a disorder primarily involving the Rasavaha Srotasa and is commonly correlated with rheumatoid arthritis. The pathogenesis of Amavata is rooted in Agnidushti, leading to the formation of Ama, which subsequently results in Sandhivikruti. It is predominantly an endogenous disease, arising from the repeated and continuous production of Ama within the body. Clinically, Amavata represents one of the most prevalent chronic inflammatory joint disorders, characterised by joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and restricted movement. Owing to its chronic and progressive nature, along with associated complications, Amavata occupies a significant position among joint diseases. Even with the use of advanced modern therapeutic agents, the condition often demonstrates a persistent and progressive course, eventually leading to functional disability. Material and Methods: A 45-year-old female patient was admitted to the IPD of Kayachikitsa with complaints of sandhishoola, sandhishotha, aalasya, gauravta, angamarda and sparshasahtva, diagnosed as a case of aamvata and treated with langhan, deepan, pachan, sweden and other panchakarma interventions. Observation and Result: After successfully combining shaman treatment and Panchakarma treatment for consecutive times, the patient got complete relief from complaints.

KEY WORDS:-  Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ayurveda, Amavata, swedena, Vaitaran Basti

Introduction

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, debilitating inflammatory disorder that may occasionally undergo spontaneous remission. It is a systemic disease affecting multiple organ systems, including the locomotor, cardiovascular, nervous, respiratory, reticuloendothelial, and excretory systems. ¹ Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are commonly prescribed to alleviate pain, enhance joint mobility, and prevent joint deformities. However, long-term use of these drugs is associated with adverse effects such as hepatic and renal toxicity, bone marrow suppression, loss of muscle mass, and osteoporosis.²

In Ayurveda, rheumatoid arthritis closely correlates with the disease entity Amavata, based on similarities in clinical manifestations. Symptoms described in Amavata include Angamarda (generalised body ache), Aruchi (loss of appetite), Trishna (excessive thirst), Alasya (fatigue), Jwara (fever), Apaka (indigestion), Shunata (swelling), Sandhishula (joint pain), and Stambha (joint stiffness)³. Many of these features resemble the classical presentation of RA, such as pain, stiffness, swelling, and lethargy.

Ayurvedic management emphasises both preventive and therapeutic approaches, aiming to eliminate the underlying causative factors. The present study assesses the therapeutic efficacy of Langhana, Valuka Swedana, classical Virechana Karma, classical Basti Karma, and oral Shamana Aushadhi in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.⁴

Discussion

Langhana (Laghu Bhojana) constitutes the initial and most crucial step in Amapachana, as Ama is recognized as the primary etiological factor in Amavata. Administration of a light diet reduces the burden on the digestive system and prevents further formation of Ama ⁵.

Valuka Swedana, a form of Ruksha Swedana performed without Sneha, is effective in alleviating Srotorodha (obstruction of channels) and restoring Dosha equilibrium by facilitating clearance of obstructed pathways ⁶.

Following Amapachana, Deepana therapy is employed to strengthen Agni and arrest disease progression. Drugs possessing Tikta and Katu Rasa with Ushna Virya, such as Shunthi

Churna, are commonly indicated for this purpose⁷. Tikta Rasa enhances Agni Deepana and Amapachana and exerts a Lekhana (scraping) effect, aiding in the removal of Srotorodha⁸. Katu Rasa helps eliminate obstructions, pacifies aggravated Kapha (Shleshma), and produces a sensation of lightness in the body ⁹.

Agnitundi Vati, containing Tikta and Katu Rasa, exhibits potent Deepana and Pachana actions. Its digestive and carminative properties facilitate the digestion of Ama and prevent further accumulation of metabolic toxins¹⁰. Amavatari Rasa is beneficial in relieving pain and inflammation and in improving joint mobility and flexibility in patients presenting with musculoskeletal and joint-related complaints¹¹.

Simhanada Guggulu has been shown to effectively reduce inflammation, joint swelling, and stiffness. It also possesses a mild Virechana action, contributing to the maintenance of Dosha balance. The formulation demonstrates multiple therapeutic properties, including Deepana, Amapachana, Shothaghna, Vedanasthapana, Balya, and Amavatahara. By enhancing digestive and metabolic functions, it facilitates the elimination of Ama and prevents its further formation¹².

Gandharva Haritaki Churna Vati¹³, administered at bedtime, produces a mild Virechana effect and promotes Vatanulomana, thereby supporting regular bowel movements and Vata regulation.

• Clinically, the patient experienced significant relief in symptoms such as morning stiffness, loss of appetite (Aruchi), and tenderness (Sparshasahatva) by the 10th day of treatment. Upon completion of one month of therapy, the patient reported approximately 80% overall improvement in symptoms.

Conclusion

Ayurveda emphasizes a sequential and systematic approach in the management of Amavata, beginning with Langhana (Alpa Bhojana), followed by Ruksha Valuka Swedana, Deepana–Pachana therapies, Vaitarana Basti Karma, and appropriate Shamana Aushadhi. The disease poses a therapeutic challenge due to the involvement of both Ama and Vata, which possess opposing qualities, as well as the affliction of both superficial (Rasa) and deeper (Asthi) Dhatus. Therefore, a meticulously planned treatment protocol based on classical Ayurvedic principles is essential, as unsystematic or indiscriminate interventions may counteract therapeutic outcomes.

Early diagnosis and timely intervention play a pivotal role in preventing progressive joint damage and deformities. Panchakarma procedures aid in the elimination of aggravated

Doshas, enhancement of joint mobility, and correction of underlying metabolic disturbances. This case study demonstrates that Vaitarana Basti Karma is an effective therapeutic modality in the management of Amavata, leading to substantial symptomatic relief and improvement in biochemical parameters

References