Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints.
This condition can also affect the tissues surrounding the joints (muscles, tendons, ligaments) as well as other organs of the body (skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs and muscles).
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition and it tends to last for many years though there are periods in between when the patient is without any symptom. It is a progressive condition and over a period of time, it causes joint destruction and functional disability.
Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Increased intake of indigestible food
- Heavy and incompatible foods
- Having food at improper times; indigestion
- Intake of milk and milk products, especially yogurt; intake of meat of aquatic animals
- Lack of physical activity or doing exercise after having fatty foods.
- Rhuematoid arthritis may be genetically inherited
- Weak immune system is also one of the reason
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Joint swelling redness & tenderness
- Joint stiffness
- Limited range of motions
- Round painless nodules under skin
- Muscular pain
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Constipation
Ayurvedic view of Rhuematoid Arthritis
Rhuematoid arthritis resembles Aam Vata described in ayurveda text, vitiated aam and vayu involves kostha ,trika and sandhi. When there is pain in joints, loss of apetite, indigestion, stiffness of joints, swelling of joints then this condition is known as aam vata in Ayurveda. Pain in Ama vata is described as” Vrishhik danshvat vedana “ which means that the pain in this type of arthritis is as severe as that of scorpion bite.
In Ama vata there is one specific symptom mentioned in ayurvedic text and that is the pain and swelling radiate from one joint to another. When this pain and swellling travels from one joint to another there is pain relief in the first joint.
While explaining the causes of ama vata acharya has said that those people having weak digestion ,taking oily and heavy food and exercising immediately after taking food tend to suffer from Arthirtis ( Ama- Vata).
Types of Rhuematoid Arthritis in Ayurvedic Treatment
In Ayurvedic treatment Rheumatoid Arthritis is classified in 3 types
- Vataj
- Pittaj
- Kaphaj
In Vata type there is severe pain along with other symptoms.
When there is association of pitta in Ama vata then there is burning and redness in joints along with other symptoms.
In Kapha association there is stiffness, heaviness, itching in joints.
Ayurvedic Treatment in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis being an auto-immune, constitutional disease, where inner, immunological system which is governed by multiple factors such as digestive power, genetic, environmental, stress, etc. is at fault. That means, that the medicine selected for such a disease needs to be deep acting, and based on individual patient’s broader understanding.
Ayurveda offers excellent treatment for the cases of RA, especially for those who have not developed joint deformities. The pain control is very effective with ayurvedic treatment and this is without any side effects whatsoever. The treatment can also have a role to play in controlling the progress of the condition to some extent and in delaying the onset of complications.
In this type of arthritis the focus of ayurvedic treatment is to absorption and elimination of Ama( toxin). This absorption is done by use of digestive and carminative ( Deepan & Pachan) ayurvedic medicines.
After deepan and pachan next step is to eliminate the toxins from the body. For this specific ayurvedic medicine is used.
Lastly Vata dosha balancing is done and Rasayan medicine is given to boost immune system. All this process is done after deeply analyzing body constitution and then selecting appropriate medicine.
DIET & LIFESTYLE FOR RHUEMATOID ARTHRITIS
- Take your meals at regular time and in relaxed atmosphere.
- Take your dinner early at least 3 hour before going to bed.
- Avoid the intake of heavy,cool,and dry stale food.
- Avoid processed and fermented food.
- Avoid excessive oily & spicy foods.
- Take steps to avoid constipation.
Read 7 home remedies for Constipation
Ayurvedic Home Remedies for Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Take your meals at regular time and in relaxed atmosphere.
- Take your dinner early at least 3 hour before going to bed.
- Avoid the intake of heavy,cool,and dry stale food.
- Avoid processed and fermented food.
- Avoid excessive oily & spicy foods.
- Take steps to avoid constipation.