Amavata Shloka – Understanding the Ayurvedic View on Rheumatism

Written by

Dr. Harsha Joy

Nangelil Ayurveda Medical College

I am Dr. Harsha Joy, and I mostly work with women who are struggling with stuff like hormonal issues, skin flare-ups, hair thinning, or fertility troubles that don't always have one straight answer. Over the years, I’ve realised that real healing doesn’t come from a standard protocol—it comes when you actually sit with a person, understand what their day looks like, how they eat sleep think feel. That’s where Ayurveda makes all the sense in the world to me. My clinical work revolves around women’s health—especially gynecology and infertility care. Many women who reach out to me have tried many things, felt confused or unheard. Whether it’s PCOS, irregular cycles, or just feeling "off" hormonally, I try to look at the root imbalance—agni, ama, ojas—basic Ayurvedic fundamentals that still explain modern conditions better than most charts or labels. Fertility support is something close to my heart... we don’t rush anything. It’s more like—let’s fix the ecosystem inside first. I also work with chronic skin and hair problems. Acne that just won't leave, hyperpigmentation, postpartum hair loss, oily scalp with dandruff... and again, for these too, it’s usually not a skin problem. It’s digestion, stress, sleep, circulation—internal stuff showing up outside. We work with diet tweaks, gut reset, herbs, maybe some lepas or sneha therapy—but always after tuning into what *your* body wants. Outside my clinic I write a lot. I'm part of content teams that simplify Ayurveda into understandable bits—whether it's about hormonal balance or skincare or daily routines. Writing has helped me reach people who aren’t ready to consult but want to start somewhere. And I think that matters too. I don’t believe in intense detoxes or piling on medicines. The work I do is slow, layered, sometimes messy—but that's healing. That’s what I try to offer—whether someone walks in with hair loss or years of failed fertility cycles. Every body has its own story and my job’s just to hear it right. Maybe guide it back home.

Introduction to Amavata Shloka

The Amavata Shloka is a significant verse in Ayurvedic texts that explains the nature of Amavata, an autoimmune disorder that causes pain and inflammation in the joints, commonly known as rheumatoid arthritis. Ayurveda provides a comprehensive view of this condition, focusing on the balance of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas, as well as the accumulation of Ama (toxins) that disrupts the body's normal function. The Amavata Shloka highlights the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for this condition, providing insights into how Ayurvedic principles can offer natural relief.

The Amavata Shloka

The following verse, often cited in Ashtanga Hridayam and Charaka Samhita, provides an explanation of Amavata:

"Sannipataja roga, ama ja, Vata dharane, Sparsha pariksha jvara, hridrogah, kandurugnah."

Translation:

Sannipataja roga: A disease caused by the disturbance of all three doshas, primarily Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
Ama ja: The condition that arises due to the accumulation of Ama (toxins).
Vata dharane: The involvement of Vata dosha in the body.
Sparsha pariksha jvara: Painful joints (due to inflammation), especially in the hands, knees, and other parts of the body, which are aggravated by touch or movement.
Hridrogah, kandurugnah: Accompanying symptoms of heart pain and swelling of muscles.

This verse describes how Ama (toxins) mix with disturbed Vata to create inflammation in the joints, leading to the painful condition we call Amavata.

Key Concepts of Amavata Shloka

1. The Role of Ama in Amavata

In Ayurveda, Ama refers to undigested food or toxins that accumulate in the body due to poor digestion. These toxins can circulate throughout the body, causing various diseases, including Amavata. According to the shloka, Ama combines with the disturbed Vata dosha, leading to inflammation and joint pain.

2. Vata Dosha’s Contribution

Vata, responsible for movement and balance within the body, plays a central role in Amavata. When Vata becomes aggravated, it disrupts the normal function of the digestive system and causes pain, stiffness, and inflammation, particularly in the joints.

3. Symptoms of Amavata

The shloka mentions symptoms like pain in the joints, heart discomfort, muscle swelling, and fever. These symptoms are aggravated by touch or movement, making daily activities challenging for those affected by this condition.

4. Treatment Insights

Ayurvedic treatment for Amavata focuses on balancing the doshas, particularly Vata, and clearing the body of Ama. Common Ayurvedic treatments include detoxification therapies such as Panchakarma, herbal remedies like Ashwagandha, Guggulu, and Turmeric, and lifestyle changes to support digestion and immune function.

How Ayurveda Approaches Amavata

Ayurveda recognizes that Amavata is a complex condition caused by the interplay of several factors, including poor diet, irregular lifestyle, and emotional stress. The key to treating this condition lies in addressing the root cause:

1. Detoxification and Ama Removal

The first step in treatment is the removal of Ama from the body. Panchakarma, a detoxification therapy in Ayurveda, is often recommended to purify the body and restore balance.

2. Strengthening Digestion (Agni)

The digestive fire (Agni) must be strengthened to prevent further accumulation of Ama. This involves dietary adjustments, including consuming warm, easily digestible foods, and using digestive herbs like Trikatu and Ginger.

3. Balancing Vata Dosha

To reduce the symptoms of Amavata, it is crucial to balance the Vata dosha. This is done through a combination of herbal oils, massages, and lifestyle changes that promote stability and grounding.

4. Anti-inflammatory Herbs

Herbs like Ashwagandha, Guggulu, and Turmeric are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and are commonly used in the treatment of Amavata to reduce joint pain and inflammation.

Conclusion & Expert Insights

The Amavata Shloka offers a clear understanding of the Ayurvedic perspective on rheumatoid arthritis. It emphasizes the importance of addressing both the accumulation of Ama and the imbalance of Vata to effectively treat this painful condition. Through Ayurvedic therapies like Panchakarma, herbal treatments, and lifestyle modifications, Amavata can be managed and, in many cases, alleviated. If you are struggling with symptoms of Amavata, consult with a certified Ayurvedic practitioner to explore tailored treatments that can help restore your health and vitality.

References & Further Reading

Charaka Samhita – The Foundation of Ayurveda
Ashtanga Hridayam by Vagbhata
Lad, V. (2002). Ayurveda: The Science of Self-Healing.
Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine for research on treating Amavata.

This article is checked by the current qualified Dr Sujal Patil and can be considered a reliable source of information for users of the site.

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