Discover Effective Ayurvedic Herbal Approach for Rheumatoid Arthritis Management
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Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Awareness Day, celebrated annually on February 2nd, seeks to increase understanding of this persistent autoimmune condition that impacts millions worldwide. It emphasizes the significance of early detection, effective treatment, and continuous research for a remedy. By welcoming Ayurveda, we can build a more promising future for individuals affected by RA and ultimately find a natural relief for this long-standing condition.
The official theme for RA Awareness Day 2024 is “Living Well with RA: Early Diagnosis, Effective Management, and a Brighter Future”.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease primarily impacting the joints. It results in inflammation, pain, stiffness, and swelling in the affected joints, typically affecting both sides of the body.
The immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, particularly the joint lining (synovium), leading to inflammation. This inflammation can eventually harm the joint cartilage, bone, tendons, and ligaments, causing deformity and functional impairment.
RA commonly affects smaller joints like those in the hands, wrists, and feet, but can also involve larger joints such as the knees, elbows, and hips. It is systemic, potentially affecting other parts of the body like the lungs, heart, skin, and eyes. It often develops between ages 30 and 50, with women being more frequently affected than men.
Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial in managing RA and minimising joint damage. Therefore, seeking medical advice is important if you experience persistent joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Ayurveda Perspective on Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA):
According to Ayurveda, Rheumatoid arthritis is termed ‘Amavata’. It is a serious disease involving inflammation in the joint linings due to an imbalance in Vata Dosha. This autoimmune disorder becomes chronic, causing pain and stiffness in the small joints. Morning stiffness in joints, leading to immobility, is a common symptom. Over time, RA can cause the destruction of cartilage, bones, or ligaments, potentially resulting in deformity and the formation of nodules.
What are the Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis?
The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can vary from person to person, but common symptoms include:
- Joint pain and swelling
- Stiffness, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
- Decreased range of motion
- Joint deformities
- Inflammation in other parts of the body, such as the eyes or lungs
It’s important to note that rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition, so symptoms may come and go over time. In Ayurveda, the symptoms of Amavata align with the modern understanding of RA. Look out for joint pain, swelling, stiffness, fatigue, and a feeling of heaviness. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to emphasise the holistic approach of considering mental and emotional well-being in tandem with physical symptoms.
What are the Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis?
The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors. Some potential causes and risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis include:
- Genetic predisposition: People with a family history of rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to develop the condition.
- Environmental factors: Certain environmental factors, such as smoking, exposure to pollutants, and infections, may contribute to the development of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Immune system dysfunction: Rheumatoid arthritis is considered an autoimmune disease, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, leading to inflammation and joint damage.
- Hormonal factors: Hormonal changes, particularly in women, may play a role in the development of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Age and gender: Rheumatoid arthritis is more common in women and often develops between the ages of 30 and 60.
It’s important to note that while these factors may increase the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, the exact cause of the disease is still not fully understood. According to Ayurveda, it is mentioned in Charak Samhita (ayurveda ancient book) highlights the role of improper digestion, leading to the formation of ama. This ama, when combined with vitiated Vata, travels through the body and accumulates in the joints, triggering RA symptoms. Ayurveda also recognizes psychological factors like stress as contributors.
What Does Rheumatoid Arthritis Feel Like? Discover How You Can Manage RA with Ayushakti
From an Ayurvedic perspective, RA is described as a disturbance in the delicate balance of doshas, resulting in a sense of discomfort, pain, and restricted movement. Ayurveda encourages individuals to connect with their bodies and minds, fostering self-awareness to better manage these sensations.
Ayushakti offers various therapies, herbal remedies, diet and lifestyle, herbal supplements for managing rheumatoid arthritis. Some Ayurvedic therapies commonly used for rheumatoid arthritis include:
Panchakarma Therapy for Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA):
This is a detoxification therapy that involves a combination of five procedures to eliminate toxins from the body. Panchakarma therapies such as Virechana (therapeutic purgation) and Basti (medicated enema) are often used to balance the body’s doshas (energies) and reduce inflammation.
Herbal Remedies:
Ayurvedic herbs such as turmeric, ashwagandha, ginger, guggul, and boswellia are commonly used to reduce inflammation and manage pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
3 Quick Ayurvedic Home Remedies for Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain Relief:
- Ginger-Turmeric Tea: Boil ginger and turmeric in water to create a soothing tea that can help alleviate inflammation.
- Castor Oil Massage: Warm castor oil and massage it into affected joints to reduce pain and improve circulation.
- Triphala Decoction: Triphala, a blend of three fruits, can be boiled to create a decoction that aids digestion and detoxification.
While these remedies offer relief, it’s essential to seek personalized advice from Ayurvedic practitioners.
Dietary and Lifestyle Modifications:
Ayurvedic practitioners often recommend dietary changes, including the consumption of anti-inflammatory foods and avoiding certain foods that may aggravate the condition. Lifestyle modifications such as practising yoga, meditation, and stress management techniques are also emphasized.
Herbal Supplements:
Various Ayurvedic formulations, including powders, tablets, and decoctions, are prescribed based on individual constitution and symptoms to help manage rheumatoid arthritis.
It’s important to consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before undergoing any Ayurvedic therapies for rheumatoid arthritis.
Marma Points:
Marma points are subtle energy points in the body. Pressing these points helps release energy and rejuvenate individuals mentally, physically, and emotionally, leaving them feeling enthusiastic and energized after each session.
6 Proven Effective Ways How Ayushakti’s Arthrox Program Can Help You With Rheumatoid Arthritis (Ra):
- You can experience remarkable relief in pain, reduction of inflammation and swelling, popup sounds and stiffness in shoulder, neck, back, knees and joints.
- Your Joints can feel more flexible and strong, preventing or reducing joint damage, loss of motion or mobility, and deformity.
- You can feel more independent in doing daily household chores.
- You can stand, sit and walk for a long time, climb & step down the stairs without pain.
- You will be able to experience peaceful and sound sleep by maintaining a good quality of life.
- Your dependency on painkillers can be reduced.
In our journey to promote well-being, Ayushakti Ayurved stands as a beacon of traditional wisdom. Book an appointment with our experienced practitioners for a personalized Ayurvedic plan. Let’s embark on a holistic path towards managing Rheumatoid Arthritis and nurturing harmony within.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. How does Ayurveda work to reduce Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?
Specific Arthrox treatment at Ayushakti, first reduces Vata & Aama from the joints, thus reducing swelling, pain, and stiffness. Then, it nourishes the immune system and strengthens bones & muscles. As Rheumatism is a very chronic problem, this process goes on for 2-3 years. But the relief in pain and stiffness begins within 2-3 months.
2. What kind of Herbal Remedies does Ayushakti provide to relieve pain, inflammation and deep rejuvenation of joints?
- PainmuktiMJ – Relieves pain, stiffness, and inflammation, and promotes joint flexibility.
- Painmukti Sandhi-cal – Improves joint strength, promotes calcium uptake to strengthen bones, and prevents bone degeneration
- Painmukti cream – Faster and long-lasting relief from stiffness, pain, and inflammation.
- Suhruday – Improves metabolism, and promotes blood circulation thereby relieving blockages formed by toxins.
- Sandhiyog – Relieves old chronic pain, rectifies Vata movements, provides a deeper rejuvenation for joints, and strengthens joints.
3. Can I stay at any Ayushakti centre and undergo the Arthrox treatment?
Ayushakti Mumbai (Malad West) and Ayushakti Goa have in-house stay facilities for their clients who undergo deep treatments. For more information about stay and treatment facilities, call now, toll-free No. 18002663001 or email: query@ayushakti.com
4. Is there any diet to be followed in Arthritis and Joint Pain?
- Avoid Wheat, sour and fermented foods, red meat, gas-producing foods, heavy beans, pickles, lemon, tamarind, tomato, and curds.
- Take more Vegetables, mung, mung dal, yellow and red lentils, rice, multi-grains like millets (Jawar, Bajra, Nachni), quinoa, and leafy greens.
- Spice up your foods with garlic, ginger, pepper, asafoetida, cinnamon, cumin, coriander, etc.
- Consume cooked vegetables like Pumpkin, bottled gourd, French Beans, Carrot, Spinach, other Leafy Greens, zucchini, asparagus, Tondli, Galka, broccoli, and kale.
- Occasionally you can have chicken and fish.
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Blog Author: Dr Ashwini Borate
Expert Review: Dr Smita Pankaj Naram
Co-Founder, Ayushakti Ayurved Pvt Ltd
Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only. Please consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before trying or consuming any medicines, home remedies or treatments mentioned in this blog. The information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.