Rheumatoid arthritis (Amavata): Ayurveda, the Best Possible Traditional Approach.
Posted on Monday, May 11, 2009

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a form of arthritis that causes pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of function in the joints (Deformity). It can affect any joint, but specifically common in smaller joints and the lining of joints or lining of internal organs will get inflamed. Women are more susceptible than men, often starts between ages 25 and 55.

Rheumatoid arthritis in Ayurveda is called as “Ama vata". In Ayurvedic Medicine there is very detailed description about the disease process (etio-pathology) and its treatment methods. The treatment methods include internal medication such as herbal preparations as well as external treatments such as abhyanga (Ayurvedic rejuvenation treatment), swedam (fomentation) etc. In Ayurveda it is mentioned as,

" Sa Kashtaha Sarvarogaanaam yadaa prakupito Bhavet |
Hastha paada shiro gulpha trika jaanu uru sandhishu ||
Karoti sarujam shopham yatra doshaha prapadyate |
Sa desho rujate atyatham vyaviddha iva vrishchkaihi || "

This means “the disease Amavata (Rheumatoid arthritis) is a chronic disease, if it becomes chronic the joints (Snadhi) of hands (Hastha), legs (Paada), ankle and elbow joint (Gulpha), Low back (Trika), Knee joint (Jaanu) and Hip joint (Uru) will get inflamed and painful. Moreover, the pain resembles the pain of “scorpion sting”.

The causative factors:
According to Modern medicine the exact cause is not yet known, whereas, according to Ayurveda the cause is well explained. The disease is mainly due to the formation of “AMA”. It will not only affect the joints but also spreads all over the body through srotas (Channels) and obstructs the channels which in turn reduce the flow of nourishment to the body tissues. Due to which the immune levels and appetite reduce in the body. The main reasons for the formation of AMA in the body are, consumption of opposite foods, persevered foods, food items cooked one day before, poor digestive fire, sedentary life styles and imbalance in the DOSHAS (Humors).

Signs and Symptoms:
According to Modern Medicine, in rheumatoid arthritis, multiple joints are usually inflamed in a symmetrical pattern (both sides of the body affected). The small joints of both the hands and wrists are often involved. Simple tasks of daily living, such as turning door knobs and opening jars, can become difficult during flares. Also during flares, joints frequently become red, swollen, painful, and tender. This occurs because the lining tissue of the joint (synovium) becomes inflamed, resulting in the production of excessive joint fluid (synovial fluid). The synovium also thickens with inflammation (synovitis).

The small joints of the feet are the commonly involved parts in the body; especially the muscle and joint stiffness are usually most notable in the morning and after periods of inactivity. Chronic inflammation can cause damage to body tissues, including cartilage and bone. This leads to a loss of cartilage and erosion and weakness of the bones as well as the muscles, resulting in joint deformity, destruction, and loss of function.

According to Ayurveda the signs and symptoms include such as,
Manya prishta kati jaanu trika sandheenvikunchayan |
Sashabdaha srastagaatrashcha aamavaataha sauchyate || "
This means the joints of neck ( manya ) , back ( prishta ) , hip ( kati ) , knee ( jaanu ) , sacral region ( trika ) and other joints get inflamed. The joint movements are often accompanied with sounds. This disease which also makes body weak is known as amavata . Systemic symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis Include,

Angamarda aruchi trishna aalasyam gouravam jwaraha |
Apaakaha shoonataangaanam amavatasya laxanam ||
This means “the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are
1. Body pain ( angamarda )
2. Distaste to food (aruchi )
3. Thirst. ( trishna )
4. Malaise. ( aalasya )
5. Fever. ( jwara )
6. Indigestion. ( apaaka )
7. Weakness ( shoonata )"

Ayurvedic Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis
The treatment involves with both external and internal medicines. The main treatment is done to reduce the AMA by stimulating the digestive fire. Appetizers and carminatives mentioned in Ayurveda as well as Vata pacifying drugs are highly essential in reducing the pain and intensity of Rheumatoid Arthritis. The external treatments such as abhyanga with rooksha swedam are highly beneficial.

Ayurvedic tips for the prevention.
· Avoid curds, fish, milk, urad dal, jaggery, and constipating food.
· Consume horse gram, ginger, bitter gourd, drum sticks.
· Remove the sprouts (which will be present inside garlic cloves) of garlic by splitting, Soak these garlic in buttermilk over night. Next day morning wash the garlic with plain water. ground this garlic to thin paste. Consume 1/2 tea spoon of this paste with warm water every day morning in empty stomach.
· Always use hot water to bathe and to drink.
· Avoid cold breeze.
· Do not consume opposite foods.
· Empty bowels regularly.
· Do not control natural urges.
· Avoid late nights and afternoon naps.


By Dr Kumar C.R.S
BAMS (Gold Medalist), Dip In YOGA, Master of Public Health (Deakin)