The Art Of Living With Amavata (Rheumatoid Arthritis) : Therapeutic Potential Of Psychotherapy In Ayurveda With Special Reference To Sattwavajaya Chikitsa

Acharya Charaka was the first person who used the word ‘Sattwavajaya’ but only once and was also the last one. He explains the Ayurveda in the form of Trisutra i.e. Hetu(causative factor), Linga(symptoms of the disease) and Aushadha(medicine).(1) Chikitsa means the process in which vitiated Doshas are brought to normal state and this equilibrium state of Doshas will be maintained.(2) It is classified on different basis; as Dwividha, Trividha and Chaturvidha Chikitsa.Sattwavajaya Chikitsa is one among the Trividha Chikitsa.(3) The word Satwa refers to Mana(mind)(4) and Avajaya refers to conquering or win over.(5) Hence Sattwavajaya therapy aims at control of mind by restraining the mind from wholesome Arthas(objects).(6) Self control of mind is one of the most difficult to the tasks and warrants a perfect combination of desire, determination and dedication.The word Mano-Nigrahani means control of mind.(7) This mind control can be both subjective and objective. The objective type of Mano-Nigraha  is the actual Sattwavajaya and warrants physician’s interference with patient’s mind control. Amavata which is popularly correlated with Rheumatoid disease, is characterized by its eternal course, uncertain progression and unpredictable series of exacerbation and remissions. In Ayurveda the impact of the Amavata over psychological setup of the patient is well recognized. So Sattwavajaya plays major role to get rid of these problems.