Role of Panchakarma in management of Amavata (Rheumatoid Arthritis): A case report

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of joints. It causes inflammation of the tissue around the joints. An autoimmune disease is a condition characterized by an abnormal immune response to a normal body part. Aamavata can be readily corelated with Rheumatoid arthritis due to resemblance in signs and symptoms. Vitiated Vata and Aama plays a major role in manifestataion of Amavata.Langhana, Swedana,Deepana pachana,Virechana,BastiKarma are the Panchakarma procedures been tried in the case of Amavata.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 The present study reports the case of 46year old male patient with symptoms of pain and swelling in multiple joints, along with morning stiffness, disturbed sleep since one year. The case was reported to OPD of Panchakarma, Alvas Ayurveda Medical College, Moodbidiri. The treatment adopted includes Shirodhara,Sarvanga Agnichikitsa ,Valuka sweda ,Churna inda sweda,Virechana,Basti along with internal medicines were advised. The patient was assessed for disease activity using Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) of Rheumatoid Arthritis before treatment, during and after treatment to determine the severity of disease and to assess improvement in patient condition.

RESULT

There was significant reduction in CDAI score during and after treatment. Marked improvement in symptoms were seen after five days of treatment and moderate disease activity by the time of discharge.

CONCLUSION

The treatment principles enumerated in Ayurveda have high success rate in effectively managing Rheumatoid arthritis, owing to the CDAI Score interpretation of disease activity.