Vol. 2, Issue 1, Part A (2025)

Background: Āmavāta is a chronic inflammatory disorder described in Ayurveda, characterized by āma formation and vāta vitiation, resembling rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in modern parlance. It presents with symptoms like joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and systemic fatigue. Conventional treatments offer symptomatic relief but often result in adverse effects and poor patient compliance. Āyurvedic management aims to remove āma, pacify vāta, and restore agni through a combination of Śodhana and Śamana therapies.

Case Presentation: A 42-year-old female presented with complaints of pain, swelling, and morning stiffness in bilateral knee and wrist joints for 2 years, associated with loss of appetite, heaviness, and fatigue. The case was diagnosed as Āmavāta based on clinical presentation and supported by raised ESR and RA factor. Ayurvedic assessment showed Manda Agni, Āma Lakṣaṇa, and vitiation of Vāta-Kapha doṣa.

Intervention: The treatment protocol included.

Stage 1: Deepana-Pācana with Śuṇṭhī, Pippalī, and Trikatu Churna for 5 days.

Stage 2: Snehapāna with Mahātiktaghṛta, followed by Sarvanga Abhyanga and Swedana for 3 days. Stage 3: Virechana with Trivṛt Lehyam on day 9.

Stage 4: Śamana therapy with Simhanāda Guggulu (500 mg TID), Āmavatārī Rasa (125 mg BID), and Dashamūla Kaṣāya for 30 days.

Outcome Measures: Subjective relief in joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. Objective improvement in DAS28 score. Reduction in ESR and RA factor levels.

Results: Significant symptomatic relief was observed within 2 weeks of initiation. Pain and stiffness reduced by >70%. Inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP) showed marked reduction after 4 weeks. No adverse reactions were reported during treatment.

Conclusion: This case study demonstrates that a structured Āyurvedic treatment protocol integrating Deepana-Pācana, Virechana, and Śamana therapy can be an effective approach in managing Āmavāta.