Scope of Lifestyle in Care of Patients of Amavata (Rheumatoid Arthritis)

In Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) there is chronic inflammation of multiple peripheral joints symmetrically along with systemic and multi-system features and its etiology is not known.The synovial inflammation causes cartilage destruction and bone erosions subsequently leading to changes in joint integrity.RA is prevalent in 0.8 percent of population affecting women three times more often than men.The prevalence of RA increases with age and sex differences diminish in older age group.RA generally occurs in fourth and fifth decades of life and 80 percent of all patients developing the disease are between the ages of 35 and 50.Many risk factors like lifestyle-related factors, such as diet, smoking and obesity have been associated with an increased risk of RA.RA resembles with Amavata .Although the concept of Ama had been elaborated well in previous Ayurvedic texts like Charaka Samhita, Amavata has been described in detail for the first time in Madhava Nidana.Amavata is characterized by simultaneous vitiation of Ama and Vata which in turn enter into different joints causing inflammation, pain and stiffness leading to decreased mobility of joints.Lifestyle factors like Viruddha Ahar -Vihar, lack of exercise and doing exercise after taking fatty meals and so on have been described as etiological factors leading to production of Ama along with vitiation of Vata and subsequent development of Amavata.Ayurveda advices use of proper Ahar-Vihar in the form of Ashtaharvidhi Visheshayatanani, Dwadasha Ashanapravicharana, Dinacharya, Ratricharya, Ritucharya and Sadvritta.These measures prevent from formation of Ama and help to maintain equilibrium of Doshas.Yoga having a holistic approach is effective not only in promotion of health but it also has preventive and curative potential.The practice of yoga involves specific physical postures (asanas), breath regulation (pranayamas), concentration (dharana), and meditation (dhyana).Yogic practices like Shavasana, Yoga Nidra, Dhyana and Pranayama have anti-stress role and also help to manage pain.The present article is an attempt to explore the role of modification in lifestyle in care of patients of Amavata (rheumatoid arthritis).