Management of amavata (Rheumatoid arthritis) using Ayurveda standard treatment protocol: A case report

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disease that mostly affects synovial joints. It's linked to amavata in Ayurveda, where the fundamental reason is the production of Ama and its link to vitiated Vata dosha. The vitiated vata and ama were deposited in Shleshma sthana, or joints. Because of its chronicity, morbidity, and consequences, it presents a challenge to the physician. This case is a unique due to its morbidity and non-responding to modern medicine treatment. A 37-year-old male patient reported to hospital with the complaints of Sandhishool (pain in multiple joints) with sandhishoth (swelling over both knee and ankle joints) and sandhistabdhata (morning stiffness in joints) and jwara (fever on and off). He was treated as per ayurvedic treatment principle including swedana, langhana in the form of laghu ahara, deepana pachana, mrudu virechana, and basti for 15 days. There was significant improvement in pain, swelling and stiffness of the joints. This case revealed the potential of Ayurvedic treatment principle to manage Amavata.