What Is Amavata and Why Does It Happen?
Amavata is a condition in which Aama (toxins) are formed in excess in the body. It then starts to accumulate in the spaces or voids (Kha-Vaigunya) in the body, which specifically happens in the joints. With old age, as Vata naturally increases, lubrication (Sneha) of the joints is also reduced naturally and this space is taken up by the excess Ama formed in the body. This leads to the condition of Aama Vata which is prevalent in old age due to natural Vata increase with age. This condition is closely understood as Rheumatoid Arthritis in Modern Science.
No single cause of Rheumatoid Arthritis has been established. But one of the major causes is Autoimmunity where our Immune system’s capacity to differentiate between self & non-self is disturbed. It starts to treat its own joints as foreign, triggering inflammation.
What is Ama?
Ama is an improperly digested food by-product that makes the entire Digestion Sluggish (Manda Agni). If this Ama is not removed from the body, it goes into circulation and affects different organs and their functions. Ama and Kapha are very similar in properties. Hence Ama is thick, Slimy, and something that coagulates the channels of circulation. This deprives organs of proper nutrition and also does not allow the expelling of waste materials. This over time affects the proper functionality of different organs.
Common Symptoms of Amavata:
- Joint Pain
- Joint Swelling
- Redness
- Morning Stiffness
- Increased temp of Joints (Callor)
- Joint deformity (Swan Neck, Boutonniere of the Thumb, Ulnar deviation of Metacarpal & Fallangial Joints)
- Agni Mandya
- Burping with smell
- Burning sensation in Throat
- Heaviness on the body
- Hair fall
How Amavata Affects Daily Life and Overall Health
- Pain and Stiffness in joints make it difficult to do simple movements like sitting & standing
- Due to hand deformity Combing, buttoning, Rolling chapatis, etc. become very difficult
- Standing for a longer duration becomes difficult
- There is a lack of interest in regular work due to lethargy
- There are chronic Digestive issues that affect daily life
Who is at higher Risk?
- People who are above the age of 40 years
- It is more common in Females
- Kapha Prakriti Individuals are more Prone to Amavata
- People with Sedentary Lifestyle are also at higher risk
How Ayurveda Offers a Sustainable Solution for Joint Health
Ayurveda works on the root cause which is Aama formation and Agni Mandya. This breaks the pathology of Aama accumulation in the joints and controls excess Vata that naturally increases with old age.
Ayurvedic Herbs for Amavata Relief
Rasana, Eranda, Ashwagandha, Guggul, and Shallaki are some of the herbs used to treat AamaVata. These are used in specific Ayurvedic Formulations to make an effective Drug which is to be consumed only after an Ayurvedic Doctor’s recommendation.
Ayurvedic Therapies Detoxify and Rejuvenate Joints
- Snehana therapy is avoided in this condition. Instead, Ruksha Swedana (Fomentation) is done. Other therapies are decided based on the individual’s condition.
- Virechana (Purgation)
- Basti (Medicated Enema)
- Langhana (Fasting) is also administered
Simple Home Remedies to Reduce Pain and Inflammation
- Valuka Pottali Sweda- Take Valuka (White Sand) in a cotton cloth and make a potli with it. Heat this on a Tawa and apply it to the joints.
- Eranda Leaf is heated with oil in a pan. It is then placed on the joint and a cloth is tied over it for 30 to 60-min.
- Suntha Jal- 4 tbsp Soonth in 2 glasses of water. Boil and reduce to 2 glass and drink this water.
Long-Term Solutions for Managing Amavata
A proper Ayurvedic Diagnosis, internal medicines, and Pathya (Diet changes) are crucial for the long-term solution of Aama Vata. The Panchkarma Therapies and Medicine formulations are decided based on the individual’s Vikriti and other factors. Diet and Lifestyle factors play a major role in long-term solutions.
Daily Practices to Prevent Ama Accumulation
- Avoid overeating
- Eat only when hungry
- Maintain proper meal timings
- Keep a light Dinner
- Avoid excess Miada and Bakery Products
- Avoid excess Fermented Food
- Avoid excess Spicy Food
- Avoid Tea & Coffee
Strengthening Joints and Improving Flexibility
The joints in pain are not to be stressed in this condition. Hence, excess exercises and even Yogasanas are limited to loosening practices and Sakti Vikasaka Practices.
The preferred practices are Pranayama (for Pranamaya Kosha) & Dharana practices (For Manomaya Kosha) to improve digestion and relieve stress, respectively.
Yogic Management of Arthritis
Yoga understands any Auto Immune disease as Psychosomatic (Adhija-Vyadhi), which means the root cause of the disease is in the mind and the symptoms are in the Physical or Physiological body, seen in the form of disturbed Prana and deranged internal functioning.
Stress is defined as Vega- excessive Speed of Thoughts. These thoughts carry enormous Power and when this speed of thought goes out of control, we get lost in it, day in and day out. This speed, over time, disturbs the equilibrium of the Panchkoshas. Our ability to think, differentiate, and choose gets deranged. Sleep gets disturbed. Prana becomes shallow and erratic. There is restlessness and depression, leading to a lack of decisiveness, irritability, and forgetfulness.
Suppressed Stress and Disturbed Prana, for months and years, affect the flow of Prana through the Nadis which eventually affects the weakest organs of our body- in this case, it is the joints.
The good part is, even though we are stuck in this speedy vortex of Stress, it is reversible. The tools are Slowing down & gaining internal awareness which is done by practicing the various tools of Yoga.
FAQs About Ayurvedic Treatment for Amavata
1. What is the best Ayurvedic herb for relieving joint pain in Amavata?
Eranda, Soonth, Guggul
2. How does Panchakarma help in managing Amavata?
Panchakarma helps restore the functioning of the Weak Agni (digestion) by removing ama. This allows an easy passage for the oral medication to reach the affected tissues.
3. Can Ayurveda provide permanent relief from Amavata?
In the early stages, the condition can be completely reversed. In chronic cases, it depends on the severity, age of the patient, strength of the patient, and many other factors.
4. How long does Ayurvedic treatment take to show results?
Mild cases improve in weeks, while chronic conditions may take months, depending on severity and adherence.
5. Are Ayurvedic remedies for Amavata safe for long-term use?
Yes, when prescribed by a qualified practitioner. Periodic detox and monitoring ensure safety.
6. Does Ayurveda recommend specific diets for managing Amavata?
Yes, warm, easily digestible foods like moong dal, ginger, and garlic are recommended. Avoid cold, heavy, and processed foods.
7. What is the role of stress in worsening Amavata, and how does Ayurveda address it?
Stress increases Ama and Vata, worsening inflammation. Ayurveda suggests meditation, Pranayama, and adaptogenic herbs like Ashwagandha.
8. Can Ayurvedic treatment be combined with allopathic medication?
Yes, under expert guidance. Ayurveda helps manage side effects and improve recovery.
9. How does Ayurveda address stiffness and inflammation in Amavata?
Herbal medicines, Panchakarma (Basti, Virechana), and external therapies like oil massage and Pinda Sweda reduce stiffness and pain.
10. What lifestyle changes can help prevent Amavata flare-ups?
Regular warm meals, daily yoga, stress management, and avoiding cold exposure help prevent flare-ups.