Indian Medicine (Medicin), translated by C. G. Kashikar c15.6

c15.6

Along with *ūrustambha* is mentioned *āmavāta*—joint rheumatism, so named because it occurs chiefly by indigestion. The pain is first felt in the hips, then the whole body becomes stiff. Gout, loss of appetite, thirst, weakness, heaviness, fever, indigestion, numbness of limbs are the general symptoms. According to the *dosa* there arise further painful swellings in the joints of the hands, feet, joints, knees, thighs etc., with pain as by scorpion-sting, indigestion, nausea, heat, abundant urine-secretion, pain in the heart and other allied signs, or particularly heat and redness, or stiffness and itching. Fasting, perspiration, bitter and appetite-promoting and pungent medicines, purgative, nourishing substances and enemata are recommended for cure (MN 192-4; Bhāv 2.2; Vang 4.29 ff.; Vr 25). Cf. also *vātarakta*, § 68.