E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

Mamsgatavata

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2024 Volume 9 Number 10 OCTOBER
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

A review of Mamsgatavata with special reference to Fibromyalgia

Singhal S1*, Mangal G2
DOI:10.21760/jaims.9.10.24

1* Shalu Singhal, Assistant Professor, Department of Panchkarma, SRS Ayurvedic Medical College, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India.

2 Gopesh Mangal, Professor and HOD, Department of Panchkarma, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.

Mamsgatavata is a condition in Ayurveda where aggravated Vata Dosha affects the muscles (Mamsa Dhatu), leading to symptoms like pain, stiffness, and muscle weakness. This concept closely aligns with fibromyalgia, a modern medical condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and cognitive disturbances. The Ayurvedic approach to managing Mamsgatavata focuses on pacifying Vata through dietary and lifestyle adjustments, herbal remedies, and therapeutic interventions like Panchakarma. This holistic approach targets the root causes of fibromyalgia, emphasizing long-term relief and the restoration of balance in both body and mind. By addressing physical, mental, and emotional health, Ayurveda provides a comprehensive framework for managing chronic conditions like fibromyalgia.

Keywords: Mamsa Dhatu, Mamsgatavata, Panchakarma fibromyalgia, Ayurveda

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Shalu Singhal, Assistant Professor, Department of Panchkarma, SRS Ayurvedic Medical College, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Email: 		Singhal S, Mangal G, A review of Mamsgatavata with special reference to Fibromyalgia. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2024;9(10):148-152.
Available From
https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/3679

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2024-09-12 2024-09-23 2024-10-02 2024-10-12 2024-10-23
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
None Nil Yes 12.35

© 2024by Singhal S, Mangal Gand Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

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Shalu S et al. A review of Mamsgatavata with special reference to Fibromyalgia

Introduction

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive issues. Although the exact cause of fibromyalgia remains unclear, many theories suggest it involves a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. In Ayurveda, the condition can be understood through the lens of Mamsgatavata, which refers to the aggravation of Vata Dosha in the muscles (Mamsa Dhatu). The correlation between Mamsgatavata and fibromyalgia provides a traditional perspective on managing the condition with holistic principles, including dietary, lifestyle, and therapeutic approaches.

Understanding Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is considered a disorder of pain regulation, where the body’s nervous system amplifies the perception of pain. Some of the common symptoms include:
1. Widespread Pain: Pain affects both sides of the body and is felt above and below the waist.
2. Fatigue: Patients feel constantly tired even after sleeping for long periods.
3. Cognitive Difficulties: Commonly referred to as fibro fog, this involves problems with concentration, memory, and cognitive processing.
4. Mood Disorders: Depression and anxiety often accompany fibromyalgia.
5. Sleep Disturbances: Sleep is non-restorative, leaving the person feeling tired and sluggish.
Though modern medicine has yet to pinpoint a specific cause of fibromyalgia, it is often associated with abnormal pain signals in the brain, genetic predisposition, infections, and physical or emotional trauma.

Ayurvedic Perspective: Mamsgatavata

In Ayurveda, diseases are classified based on the vitiation of the three primary Doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Vata Dosha is primarily responsible for movement and is closely linked to the nervous system. When aggravated, Vata can manifest as various disorders in different parts of the body. When Vata invades the muscles (Mamsa Dhatu), it leads to a condition known as Mamsgatavata. This condition is marked by pain, stiffness, and reduced muscle strength, which correlates closely with fibromyalgia symptoms.

Factors Leading to Mamsgatavata (Causes)

Several factors can aggravate Vata and lead to its invasion into the muscles:

1. Aharaja (dietetic factors): Consumption of dry, cold, and rough foods can vitiate Vata Dosha. A lack of unctuous, warm, and nourishing foods may further aggravate the condition.
2. Viharaja (regimen factors) Lifestyle: Excessive physical exertion, lack of sleep, prolonged stress, and irregular eating habits disturb Vata
3. Mansika Hetu (emotional factors): Psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, and emotional trauma are significant contributors to Vata aggravation, which is often reflected in fibromyalgia.
4. Kalaja Hetu (Age and Season): As people age, especially after the age of 50, Vata naturally increases in the body. Cold and dry seasons, especially autumn, also aggravate

Pathophysiology of Mamsgatavata in Fibromyalgia

In the context of Mamsgatavata, the imbalance in Vata Dosha results in a disruption of the normal functioning of the muscles. This imbalance is exacerbated by weakened Mamsa Dhatu (muscle tissue), leading to the following clinical features:

So main symptoms of Mamsagatavata according to Acharya Charaka are as follows -

1. Gurvangata (Stiffness / heaviness in the whole body): One of the most prominent characteristics of Mamsagatavata is the presence of Gurvangata (stiffness) throughout the entire body. The level of stiffness may vary depending on the strength of the Dosha Dushya Sammurchana

2. Todanvata Vedana (Throbbing type of Pain) & Dandmusthihatam Vedana (Severe piercing pain as if beaten with sticks/fist): The primary indication of Prakupita Vata is a different type of Shoola is considered to be impossible without Vata. The existence of several types of Shoola in Vata dominant illnesses is clear. In this instance, Todanvata Vedana and Dandmusthihatam Vedana are caused by Vata Dosha in the Mamsa Dhatu (muscles) throughout the body.

3. Sruka (Continuous pain): Pain in Mamsagatavata is often exacerbated by Nidana Sevana and treated by avoiding those aggravating causes.


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However, in long-term sickness, pain remains persistent and is of the same intensity and severity irrespective of the presence or absence of aggravating circumstances. Continuous pain can occasionally cause interrupted sleep, which aggravates Vata and worsens other clinical characteristics.

4. Athyarth Sharmita (Fatigue or overwhelming feeling of being tired): This is also one of the most prominent characteristics of Mamsagatavata. Patients with Mamsagatavata typically experience prolonged fatigue, even after enough rest. This fatigue may interfere with everyday tasks and is not alleviated by sleep.

5. Tingling or Numbness (Supti): Vata’s association with the nervous system can also lead to neurological symptoms, such as tingling, numbness, or even burning sensations.

Diagnostic consideration in Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, the diagnosis of Mamsgatavata is based on both clinical examination and the patient's history. The vitiation of Vata is assessed through the presence of dryness, roughness, and pain in the muscles, as well as the aggravation of other Vata symptoms like constipation, anxiety, and insomnia.

Treatment approaches in Ayurveda

The treatment of Mamsgatavata focuses on pacifying Vata Dosha, strengthening Mamsa Dhatu, and reducing the symptoms of pain, stiffness, and fatigue. The principles of treatment can be categorized into the following approaches:

1. Ahara (Dietary Recommendations)

A diet that pacifies Vata is essential for managing fibromyalgia. Some key dietary guidelines include:

  • Warm and Nourishing Foods: Eating warm, well cooked foods that are easy to digest, such as soups, stews, and porridges.
  • Unctuous Foods: Incorporating healthy fats like ghee, sesame oil, and olive oil to balance the dryness associated with Vata.
  • Vata Pacifying Spices: Using spices like ginger, cumin, coriander, and turmeric to enhance digestion and pacify Vata.
  • Avoidance of Cold and Dry Foods: Cold, raw, and dry foods should be minimized as they aggravate Vata Dosha.

2. Vihara (Lifestyle Modifications)

A balanced lifestyle is crucial in managing Vata disorders. Key modifications include:

Regular Sleep Patterns: Ensuring consistent, adequate sleep is important for restoring balance to Vata.

  • Gentle Exercise: Engaging in light physical activity such as Yoga, Tai Chi, or walking helps to strengthen the muscles and calm Vata. Overexertion should be avoided, as it aggravates the condition.
  • Stress Management: Practices like meditation, Pranayama, and mindfulness reduce the mental stress that can exacerbate fibromyalgia symptoms.
  • Warmth: Keeping the body warm, especially in cold seasons, helps pacify

3. Shodhana (Detoxification Therapies)

Detoxification treatments in Ayurveda, particularly Panchakarma, play a vital role in reducing Vata accumulation and improving muscle health:

  • Abhyanga (Oil Massage): Warm, medicated oils like Mahanarayan oil or Dhanvantari oil are used for body massage to nourish the muscles and calm
  • Swedana (Fomentation Therapy): Application of steam or heat to the body helps to alleviate stiffness and pain in the muscles.
  • Basti (Medicated Enemas): Basti is considered the best treatment for Vata Dosha. It involves the administration of medicated oils or decoctions through the rectum to balance Vata and provide relief from pain and stiffness.
  • Virechana (Purgation Therapy): In cases where Pitta is also aggravated, Virechana can be used to detoxify the body and calm both Vata and

4. Shamana (Palliative Therapies)

In addition to detoxification, palliative treatments are employed to reduce symptoms and promote overall wellbeing:

Herbal Remedies: Herbs that pacify Vata and strengthen Mamsa Dhatu are commonly used. Some effective herbs include:

  • Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): Known for its adaptogenic & muscle strengthen properties, Ashwagandha helps reduce pain and fatigue.

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  • Dashamoola (Group of Ten Roots): This herbal formulation is used to balance Vata and reduce inflammation in the muscles.
  • Guggulu (Commiphora mukul): Known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, Guggulu helps alleviate pain and stiffness.
  • Rasayana Therapy: Rejuvenating herbs like Shatavari and Amalaki can be used to rebuild Mamsa dhatu and improve muscle function.
  • External Applications: Application of medicated oils, such as Bala oil, can help to strengthen the muscles and reduce Vata

6. Psychological Interventions

In fibromyalgia, psychological stress and emotional trauma are significant contributors to symptom aggravation. Ayurveda offers a holistic approach by incorporating practices like Sattvavajaya Chikitsa, which involves the management of the mind through counseling, Yoga, meditation, and other practices aimed at enhancing mental clarity and reducing emotional disturbances.

Pathya-Apathya: Pathya-Apathya is as important as medicine, and it is properly stated that if one practices Pathya, there is no need for medication. Pathya is essential in both the prevention and treatment of the illness. There is no precise Pathya and Apathya description for Mamsagatavata. However, we should follow the same guidelines as for general Vatavyadhi. The following is a list of some Pathya-Apathya.

Comparative Analysis: Ayurveda and Modern Medicine

While modern medicine focuses on symptom management through analgesics, antidepressants, and lifestyle changes, Ayurveda offers a more comprehensive approach aimed at balancing the body, mind, and spirit. Modern treatments often involve medications that can have side effects, while Ayurveda promotes the use of natural herbs, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle modifications that address the root cause of the disorder, focusing on long term relief.

Additionally, while modern medicine recognizes the psychological aspect of fibromyalgia, Ayurveda emphasizes the role of mental and emotional wellbeing in preventing and managing Vata disorders like fibromyalgia.

Practices like meditation, Pranayama, and stress reduction techniques are integrated into Ayurvedic management plans to provide holistic care.

Conclusion

Mamsgatavata provides an Ayurvedic framework for understanding fibromyalgia. The correlation between the two conditions highlights the role of Vata Dosha in causing musculoskeletal pain, stiffness, and fatigue. Ayurvedic treatment approaches, which emphasize balancing Vata, nourishing Mamsa Dhatu, and calming the mind, offer a holistic and natural alternative to managing fibromyalgia. By addressing the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of health, Ayurveda provides a comprehensive solution for individuals suffering from chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia, aiming for long term relief and improved quality of life.

This comprehensive approach not only targets symptom relief but also addresses the root cause of the condition by nourishing the muscles (Mamsa Dhatu) and calming the nervous system. The integration of physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing in the treatment plan makes Ayurveda particularly suitable for managing chronic conditions like fibromyalgia. By adopting these holistic principles, individuals with Mamsgatavata can find lasting relief, improved quality of life, and a balanced state of health.

References

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