What is Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease involving joints and other tissues in the body. Autoimmune means that body defense system attacks itself, so we can imagine, how dangerous this situation is. Normally our immunity defends the viruses, bacteria and toxins and protects our body but in Rheumatoid Arthritis the immunity becomes enemy of the body itself.
What are the main causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis?
As per allopathic science the disease is a result of autoimmunity and reason of this autoimmunity is not known. This disease often runs in families and females are more prone to this disease than males.
What are most common symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis?
- Joint pains mainly medium size joints like wrist, ankle, shoulder is affected but all joints may also be involved. Joints are swollen, tender and weak
- Joint stiffness- mainly in the morning hours the sufferer feels stiff joints that improve slowly in the afternoon/evening
- Fever
- Tiredness in the body
- Skin lumps or swelling that may be tender
- Bone deformity in later stages of the disease
- Eyes and heart related issues.
- The disease shows remissions
What Ayurveda says about Rheumatoid Arthritis
In Ayurveda this disease is mentioned as Amavata meaning that the toxins in the body vitiate the vata humor and cause Amavata. Amavata symptoms are similar to the rheumatoid arthritis.
- Weakness
- Fever or sensation of being feverish
- Loss of appetite
- Joint stiffness
- Acute pain in swelling in the joints
- Heaviness in body aggravation of symptoms in rainy season
How is this disease diagnosed?
The investigation advised to diagnose and assess the severity are
- Rheumatoid Factor
- Anti CCP
- ANA
- CRP
- CBC
- Joint XRays
What are the main viewpoints about Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment in Ayurveda
Ayurveda recommends special diet that can detox the body in initial stages.
The medicines also are aimed to burn the toxins and relieve the autoimmunity.
The second set of medicines aim to relieve stiffness, pain, heaviness, swelling and weakness.
The rasayana or rejuvenator medicines in later stages prevent the remissions and prevent joint deformity.
Some panchkarma therapies like Sandhi lepan, Svedana, Pottali seka, Janu basti and niruh basti are recommended as per the stage and condition of the sufferer.
Few herbs that are found effective in RA management are
- Turmeric
- Fenugreek
- Ashwagandha
- Ginger
- Pippali
- Bhallataka
- Nirgundi
- Rasna
- Bala etc.