The Systematic Conceptual study on Amavata (Rheumatoid Arthritis)

Madhavakara (700 AD) described first time Amavata as a separate disease entity in details. Ama and Vata have important role in Nidana (etiology) as well as in Chikitsa (treatment) for Amavata. Amavata is very closely resembles with Rheumatoid arthritis on the basis of its pathogenesis and clinical manifestations. Viruddh ahara (Unwholesome Diet), Viruddha cheshta (Erroneous Habits), Mandagni (Diminished Agni), Nishchalata (Sedentary Life), Snigdham bhuktavatohi annam vyayamam (Exertion immediately after taking Snigdha Ahara i.e. oily food) are important causative factors for Amavata. Pratyatma Lakshana (Cardinal Clinical Features), Samanya Lakshana (General Clinical Features), Doshanubandha Lakshana (Clinical features according to Dosha predominance) and Pravriddhavastha Lakshana (Clinical features in aggravated condition) are manifested in Amavata. Samprapti (Pathogenesis), Upadrava (Complications) and Sadhyasadhyatva (Prognosis) of Amavata are clearly described in Madha Nidan. The principles of treatment of Amavata have been first described by Chakradatta. Pathya and Apathya for Amavata have been mentioned by in Bhaisajya Ratnavali. Purvarupa (Prodromal symptoms), Samprapti Ghataka (factors for pathogenesis), Sapeksha Nidana (Differential diagnosis) and Upashaya (Reducing factors)-Anupashaya (Aggravating factors) of Amavata are described by different authors.