An observational study to evaluate the efficacy Pachana Poorvaka Shodhana i.e. Agnilepa Chikitsa followed by Virechana Karma in the management of Amavata w.s.r. to Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

The change in life style, food habits have contributed to a number of new diseases which have become a challenge for the human race, one among such diseases is Rheumatoid arthritis which is the commonest joint disorder. It is a systemic inflammatory disease of undetermined aetiology involving primarily the synovial membrane and articular structures of multiple joint. The disease is often progressive and result in pain, stiffness and swelling of joint. In India the prevalence rate is 0.1-0.4%. The symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis are parallel with Amavata, as the name suggests Amavata is comprise of two terms, Ama and Vata. The Nidanas such as Viruddhaahara, Viruddhacheshta, Mandagni, Nischalatva etc. due to consumption of Viruddahara and indulging in Viruddhacheshta the Ama will be manifested. The manifested ama is carried by vata and circulates throughout the body and takes ashraya in Sandhis. Commonly affecting the joints of Hasta, Pada, Shira, Gulpha, Trika, Janu and Uru and characterized by pain similar to vrischika damshtra. In this present clinical trial, 10 diagnosed patients of Amavata / Rheumatoid arthritis were selected randomly to evaluate the efficacy of Pachana Poorvaka Shodhana that is Agnilepa Chikitsa followed by Virechana Karma in Amavata w.s.r. to Rheumatoid Arthritis. Statistical analysis showed highly significant results p value (<0.0001) in almost all subjective and objective parameters of Amavata.