Management of Amavata with Panchakarma treatment – A case report

Abstract

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune systemic disease, resulting in functional decline, disability, and reduced quality of life particularly due to symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and morning stiffness. This manifestation is comparable to Amavata in Ayurveda. A 26-year-old female diagnosed with RA was treated with Ayurveda modalities including Valuka swedana (~sudation therapy using sand), Virechana (~therapeutic purgation), Basti (~therapeutic enema), and Samshamana snehapana (~type of internal oleation for palliative purpose). The patient was assessed both subjectively and objectively before and after completion of the treatment. Before treatment, the values of rheumatoid factor, C-reactive protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were 358.4, 13.7, and 80, respectively, which were reduced to 153.1, 2.74, and 17, respectively, after one month of treatment. In addition, marked improvement in clinical signs and symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and swelling in joints was also observed. The present case report showcases the significant effect of Valuka swedana, Virechana, Yoga basti, and Snehapana in the management of Amavata.