Ayurvedic management of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: a case study.
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Management of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (amavata) through ayurveda: a case study
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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Jitendra Varsakiya*
Assistant Professor, PG Dept. of Kayachikitsa, Ch. Brahm Prakash Ayurveda Charak Sansthan, Khera Dabar Najafgarh, New Delhi
Singh.N.R
Head of Department, PG Dept. of Kayachikitsa, Ch. Brahm Prakash Ayurveda Charak Sansthan, Khera Dabar Najafgarh, New Delhi
Alisha
MD Scholar, PG Dept. of Kayachikitsa, Ch. Brahm Prakash Ayurveda Charak Sansthan, Khera Dabar Najafgarh, New Delhi
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Management of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (amavata) through ayurveda: a case study
Year: 2019
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA) is an autoimmune inflammatory joint disease affecting children under 16 years, characterized by prolonged joint pain and swelling. In Ayurvedic terminology, this condition correlates with 'Amavata,' where the accumulation of Ama (toxins) due to improper digestion affects the joints through vitiated Vata dosha, particularly Vyana Vata. JRA manifests through symptoms such as body ache, loss of appetite, weakness, joint pain, swelling, and morning stiffness. It can lead to significant disability and affects a small percentage of the adult population. This case study describes the successful management of a 19-year-old male with JRA through Ayurvedic interventions.
Treatment Modalities and Their Efficacy
The treatment of JRA involved both internal and external Ayurvedic medicines alongside dietary modifications and physical therapies. Key Ayurvedic formulations such as Erand snehpana (castor oil), Sudarshan Churna, and Punarnavadi Mandoor were administered to manage symptoms. Additionally, Panchakarma procedures like Sarvanga Ruksha Valuka Swedana (whole-body sand sudation) and Vaitarana Basti (medicated enema) were also applied. The integrated approach showed significant improvements in the patient’s symptoms, including reductions in joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, as well as favorable changes in blood investigations like decreased ESR and RA factor levels.
Pathyapathya: Dietary Considerations
Pathyapathya, focusing on dietary choices, plays an essential role in managing Amavata. Ayurvedic guidelines emphasize the consumption of light and easily digestible foods while avoiding incompatible food combinations that could lead to Ama formation. Foods that aggravate Kapha dosha, such as dairy, oily, and heavy items, should be eliminated. Regular exercise and maintaining a balanced lifestyle, including timely walks after meals, are stressed to promote digestive health and prevent the recurrence of symptoms. This holistic approach ensures that the underlying causes of Ama and related symptoms are adequately addressed.
Conclusion
The management of Amavata through Ayurveda demonstrates promising results in alleviating the symptoms of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. This case study indicates that comprehensive Ayurvedic treatments, including medicines, Panchakarma therapies, and dietary adherence, can effectively manage autoimmune disorders. If followed diligently, this integrated therapeutic approach can significantly ameliorate symptoms and potentially prevent recurrences, establishing Ayurveda as a viable alternative for treating chronic autoimmune conditions like JRA. Thus, embracing Ayurvedic principles can provide a robust framework for improving the quality of life for patients suffering from conditions like Amavata.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis and how does Ayurveda treat it?
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA) is an autoimmune inflammatory joint disease in children. Ayurveda compares JRA to 'Amavata', treating it with internal and external Ayurvedic drugs, dietary modifications, and therapeutic practices like Yogasana and Panchakarma to alleviate symptoms and enhance recovery.
What are the symptoms of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Symptoms of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis include joint pain, swelling, morning stiffness, body ache, weakness, and loss of appetite. If untreated, it can lead to restricted movement and associated complications in young patients.
How did the case study demonstrate Ayurveda's effectiveness for JRA?
In the case study, a 19-year-old male with JRA showed significant improvement after receiving Ayurvedic treatment, which included herbal medications and Panchakarma therapy. Follow-up indicated reduced joint pain, swelling, and normalized blood parameters, highlighting Ayurveda's potential in managing juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Ayurvedic management of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: a case study.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Amavata (Ama-vata):
Amavata is a chronic, degenerative disease affecting the connective tissues and primarily involving joints, characterized by symptoms such as swelling, stiffness, and pain. This condition is comparable to Rheumatoid Arthritis in modern medicine.
2) Disease:
Disease refers to an abnormal condition affecting the body of an organism, characterized by specific symptoms and signs. Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis is described as an autoimmune disease impacting various joints.
3) Swelling:
Swelling refers to an abnormal enlargement of a body part due to accumulation of fluid. In Amavata, swelling, particularly in the joints, is a primary symptom observed in affected patients.
4) Pain:
Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage. In Amavata, joint pain, or Sandhi Shoola, is a significant symptom that limits mobility.
5) Drug:
Drug refers to any substance used to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent disease. In the treatment of Amavata (Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis), Ayurveda uses various internal and external medications to alleviate symptoms.
6) Rheumatoid arthritis:
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by chronic inflammation of joints, resulting in pain, swelling, and stiffness. In Ayurveda, it is comparable to Amavata.
7) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine from India that utilizes natural therapies, including dietary management, herbal treatment, and specific practices like Panchakarma, to treat various diseases including Amavata.
8) Basti:
Basti refers to a type of medicated enema used in Ayurvedic treatment to detoxify and cleanse the body. Vaitarana Basti, which includes ingredients like Guda, Saindhava Lavana, and Gomutra, is used for managing Amavata.
9) Food:
Food plays a crucial role in Ayurveda where Pathya (beneficial) and Apathya (detrimental) foods are prescribed for managing diseases. Certain foods are recommended or avoided to control the symptoms of Amavata and prevent further exacerbation.
10) Stiffness:
Stiffness refers to the impaired ease of movement or rigidity in the joints. Morning stiffness is a common symptom in both Amavata and Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, significantly affecting the quality of life.
11) Kapha:
Kapha is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, representing the water and earth elements. In Amavata, vitiated Kapha contributes to the swelling and stiffness in the joints.
12) Vata:
Vata is another dosha in Ayurveda, embodying the air and space elements. In Amavata, vitiated Vata directs Ama (toxins) into the joints, exacerbating inflammation and pain.
13) Gomutra (Go-mutra):
Gomutra or cow urine is used in various Ayurvedic formulations for its medicinal properties. In Vaitarana Basti, it acts as an essential component due to its Tridoshahara (balancing all three doshas) and Srotovishodhana (channel cleansing) effects.
14) Punarnava (Punar-nava):
[see source text or glossary: Punarnava]
15) Ushna (Usna):
Ushna refers to heat or warmth in Ayurveda. Drugs with Ushna Virya (hot potency) are used to counteract the cold and heavy properties of Ama, which are prevalent in Amavata.
16) Sudarshana (Sudarsana):
Sudarshana refers to Sudarshana Ghana Vati, a formulation used in Ayurveda. It has pharmacodynamic properties like Katu (pungent) and Tikta (bitter) Rasa and Ushna Virya (hot potency), making it effective in treating Ama and inflammation in Amavata.
17) Saindhava (Saimdhava):
[see source text or glossary: Saindhava]
18) Ruksha (Ruksa):
[see source text or glossary: Ruksha]
19) Aruci:
Aruchi refers to loss of appetite in Ayurveda. It is a symptom of Amavata where the presence of Ama and impaired Agni (digestive fire) lead to decreased appetite and digestive issues.
20) Ghana:
Ghana in Ayurveda suggests dense or condensed extracts, often used in medicine preparation. Sudarshana Ghana Vati, for example, is a concentrated form of herbal medicine utilized in treating Amavata.
21) Katu:
Katu Rasa, or pungent taste, is one of the six tastes described in Ayurveda. It is often used for its digestive and anti-inflammatory properties to manage conditions like Amavata.
22) Guda:
[see source text or glossary: Guda]
23) Vati:
Vati refers to tablets or pills in Ayurveda. Sudarshana Ghana Vati and other such tablets are used for consistency and convenience in the treatment of diseases like Amavata.
24) Cow urine (Cow's urine):
[see source text or glossary: Cow's urine]
25) Tamarindus indica:
Tamarindus indica, known as Tamarind, is used in Ayurvedic formulations. It is incorporated into Vaitarana Basti for its Vata-Kaphashamka (pacifying Vata and Kapha) and Ruksha (drying) properties effective in treating Amavata.
26) Vaitarana:
Vaitarana Basti is a specific type of Ayurvedic enema containing ingredients like Gomutra, Guda, and Tamarindus indica. It is used in the treatment of Amavata for detoxification and reducing inflammation.
27) Trivrita (Trivrta):
[see source text or glossary: Trivrita]
28) Medicine:
[see source text or glossary: Medicine]
29) Amalaki:
[see source text or glossary: Amalaki]
30) Pippali (Pippalin):
Pippali or Piper longum is an Ayurvedic herb used for its Deepana (digestive) and Pachana (carminative) properties. It is included in formulations like Punarnava Mandoor to manage the symptoms of Amavata.
31) Apathya:
Apathya refers to foods and behaviors that are detrimental and should be avoided in the management of specific diseases. In Amavata, Apathya includes intake of foods that form Ama and aggravate symptoms.
32) Alasya:
Alasya is a Sanskrit term referring to lethargy or weakness. It is a common symptom in Amavata where the formation of Ama and impaired bodily functions result in general fatigue and lack of energy.
33) Pathya:
Pathya denotes the recommended diet and lifestyle practices that are beneficial in managing diseases. For Amavata, Pathya includes specific grains, vegetables, and exercises that help reduce symptoms and improve health.
34) Valuka:
[see source text or glossary: Valuka]
35) Danti (Dantin, Damti):
[see source text or glossary: Danti]
36) Taila (Thaila):
[see source text or glossary: Taila]
37) Tikta:
Tikta Rasa or bitter taste is one of the six tastes in Ayurveda. It has properties like Ama Pachaka (digestive) and Agni Deepana (enhancing digestive fire), making it effective in the treatment of Amavata.
38) Dabar:
[see source text or glossary: Dabar]
39) Khera:
[see source text or glossary: Khera]
40) Rasa (Rasha):
[see source text or glossary: Rasa]
41) Piper longum:
[see source text or glossary: Piper longum]
42) New Delhi:
[see source text or glossary: New Delhi]
43) Rock salt:
[see source text or glossary: Rock salt]
44) Saindhavalavana (Saindhava-lavana, Saimdhavalavana):
[see source text or glossary: Saindhavalavana]
45) Inflammation:
Inflammation is a biological response to harmful stimuli and is characterized by redness, heat, pain, and swelling. In Amavata, the vitiated doshas cause inflammatory responses primarily in the joints.
46) Daruharidra (Daru-haridra):
[see source text or glossary: Daruharidra]
47) Pippalimula:
[see source text or glossary: Pippalimula]
48) Science (Scientific):
[see source text or glossary: Scientific]
49) Angamarda (Anga-marda, Amgamarda):
[see source text or glossary: Angamarda]
50) Substance:
[see source text or glossary: Substance]
51) Katurasa (Katu-rasa):
[see source text or glossary: Katurasa]
52) Mandagni (Manda-agni, Mamdagni):
Mandagni refers to weak or impaired digestive fire. In Ayurveda, it is considered a significant factor leading to the formation of Ama, which contributes to the pathogenesis of Amavata.
53) Vidanga (Vidamga):
[see source text or glossary: Vidanga]
54) Svedana:
Svedana is a therapeutic sweating process used in Ayurveda to relieve stiffness and debris from the body. It is performed using various materials like Valuka (sand) in the management of Amavata.
55) Mandura (Mamdura):
[see source text or glossary: Mandura]
56) Snigdha:
[see source text or glossary: Snigdha]
57) Kushtha (Kustha):
[see source text or glossary: Kushtha]
58) Tikshna (Tiksna):
[see source text or glossary: Tikshna]
59) Haridra:
[see source text or glossary: Haridra]
60) Dravya:
[see source text or glossary: Dravya]
61) Purana:
[see source text or glossary: Purana]
62) Sandhi (Shandhi, Samdhi):
[see source text or glossary: Sandhi]
63) Lavana:
[see source text or glossary: Lavana]
64) Dosha (Dosa):
Dosha refers to the three vital energies in Ayurveda—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—that govern physiological and psychological processes. In Amavata, vitiated Vata and Kapha doshas play a crucial role.
65) Laghu:
[see source text or glossary: Laghu]
66) Vyana:
[see source text or glossary: Vyana]
67) Virya:
[see source text or glossary: Virya]
68) Delhi:
[see source text or glossary: Delhi]
69) India:
[see source text or glossary: India]
70) Honey:
[see source text or glossary: Honey]
71) Blood:
Blood is a fluid connective tissue that circulates through the body carrying oxygen and nutrients. Blood investigations like ESR and RA factor are used to diagnose and monitor the severity of Amavata.
72) Guru:
[see source text or glossary: Guru]
73) Tila:
[see source text or glossary: Tila]
74) Vayu:
[see source text or glossary: Vayu]
75) Guna:
[see source text or glossary: Guna]
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 156]
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Ayurvedic management of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: a case study.’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Tridosha, Svedana, Panchakarma, Angamarda, Pathyapathya, Amadosha, Vatadosha, Basti therapy, Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, Chronic degenerative disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis Factor, Sandhi Shoola, Tikta Katu Rasa, Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, Shleshma Dhara kala.