Arthritis is a term indicated for the disease of bone and joints. Rheumatoid arthritis has been described in Ayurveda as Amavata. It is mainly characterised by symptoms such as Joint pain, Redness, Swelling, Edema, and Inflammation by the action for best
Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment in Ayurveda in India.
What are the types of Arthritis?
The two most widespread types of Arthritis are
OsteoArthritis and rheumatoid Arthritis. Other types include juvenile arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout and fibromyalia.
1. Osteoarthritisrn2. Rheumatoid arthritisrn3. Juvenile arthritisrn4. Psoriatic arthritis
What are the Common Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis?
• The symptoms of amavata in Ayurveda include,
• Pain all over the bodyrn• Loss of tastern• Thirstrn• Lack of enthusiasmrn• Heavinessrn• Feverrn• Indigestionrn• Swelling of body parts.
Rheumatoid Arthritis treatment
In Ayurveda following are the lines of treatment in Rheumatoid arthritis (Amavata):
• Langhan(Fasting)
• Sodhan chikitsa(Purification of the body)
• Shaman chikitsa (Treatment for subsiding the symptoms)
• Swedan (Fomentation)
• Katu-tikta-deepan-bitter medicines for promoting digestive powerrn• Virechan (Purgatives)
• Snehpana(Ingestion of uncoutous substances)
• Basti (Enema).
• Dry fomentation using sands like dry substancesrn• Upanaha(Loal application of unctuous substances)
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a Joint Disorder, which affects Multiple Joints at different sites. It is described as “Amavata” in Ayurveda. The word ‘Ama’ means Toxic material generated as a un wholesome product in the body due to weakening of digestive fire. This ‘Ama’ is then carried by ‘Vayu’ and travels throughout the body and accumulates in the joints, which is the seat of ‘Kapha’. As this process continuous, all the Joints are gradually affected, which results in Severe Pain and Swelling in the Joints. When ‘Pitta’ also gets intensify, it causes Burning Sensation around the Joints.
Ayurvedic Management of Amavata:
1. Ahara Chikitsa or Dietary regimen:rnOne should take Old Rice, Butter Milk, Wet Ginger, Garlic, Wheat, Bitter gourd and Horse Gram in his diet. Avoid utilization of Dairy products, Sweets, Oily foods, Chinese Food, Junk and Fast Foods, Salty and Sour Foods, Jaggery, Black Gram, Fish, Cold Drinks and Ice Creams.
2. Vihara Chikitsa or Life Style Modifications:rnOne should avoid Cold Breeze and Excessive Wind. Bathing with cold water should be strictly avoided. Warm water bath is recommended. It is also sensible to take a gentle walk after consumption of food. Also it is good to avoid water intake immediately after consuming food.
3. Aushadha Chikitsa or Drug Therapy:
‘Guggulu’ is the most useful drug in treating ‘Amavata’. Also herbal preparations of Ashwagandha, Haritaki, Rasna, Sunthi, Pippai and Trivrut are helpful in ‘Amavata’. Administration of caster oil is also very effective in this disease. The mentioned drugs should be taken only after consulting a eligible Ayurvedic Physician.
4. Panchakarma Chikitsa or Detoxification Procedures:
This is a purification procedure. By taking this Therapy Toxins are eliminate from the body. The course is as follows:
1. Snehana:rnInternal and external oleation to the body / affected parts is given as a preliminary process.
2. Swedana:rnThis is through by application of steam on the affected parts. It helps in reducing inflammatory conditions in the body. Sankara Sweda is also very helpful. In chronic cases Shali shasthika pinda sweda is recommended.
3. Virechana Karma:rnIt is a variety of Purgation which is induced by oral intake or herbal compound preparations. By the process of Virechana, the ‘Ama’ is eliminated from the body. Also the bowel is cleansed, which results in suitable absorption and assimilation of the medicinal preparations properly.
4. Vasthi karma:rnThis is done by administration of herbal enema. It is helpful in chronic cases. Kashaya Vasthi, Anuvasana Vasthi and Matra Vasthi etc are planned according to the Patient’s requirement and necessity.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Amavata lasts for 14 to 28 days depending upon the brutality of the disease, patient’s Constitution (Prakruthi).
Care of Joints in ‘Amavata’
1. Physical activities cause pain in the joints should be avoided.rn2. Staying in one position for too long should be avoided.rn3. Good posture of the Joints should be maintained.rn4. One should sleep on a firm mattress or bed.rn5. Weight should be controlled as surplus of weight adds stress to the joints.rn6. Exercise is very important to keep the joints in working condition.
Suggested diet and life style to treat Rheumatoid arthritis are :
Do mild weight bearing exercises frequently as they improve bone density. Not to climb stairs or bend or squat. Walking a little distance may help. Biking, swimming or aerobic dances helps to develop the bone condition. Avoid alcohols, cigarettes, carbonated beverages. Take food that is wealthy in calcium like cheese, orange juice, leafy vegetables. Cereals,etc. Drink milk regularly as it has vitamin D at ease in it. Take a lot of vitamin K rich foods such as lettuce, spinach, Brussels sprouts etc., Take care to use only freshly cooked warm food and take hot soups of lentils, pulses and meat with ginger, black pepper and long pepper powdered sprinkled to it. It is crucial to include a moderate amount of ghee and oil in diet as it lubricates the joints. Avoid taking food that are sour, spicy, deed fried, oily, pungent, acid, dark poultry, refined sugar, femented food and also diminish the intake of salts. Also follow some basic rules of not eating wrong mishmash of foods, eat only up to your limit, strictly follow the timings of your eating and do not eat in between the meals.