Rheumatoid Arthritis, or RA, is a systemic inflammatory disease that causes pain, stiffness, swelling, and loss of motion in the joints. It is an autoimmune disease – one of many in which, for unknown reasons, a person’s immune system attacks his or her body tissues. In RA, the immune system attacks the synovium, which is the tissue that lines the joints, causing inflammation in and overgrowth of this tissue.
The symptoms of RA vary from person to person and can mimic those of other inflammatory joint conditions, sometimes making the diagnosis difficult. Common RA symptoms include:
- Tender, warm, swollen and stiff joints, often first noticed in the hands and feet and usually symmetrical, e.g., both wrists are affected at the same time.
- Stiffness and pain that is generally worse after waking in the morning and last at least an hour before improving, which occurs with use and motion.
- Symptoms like tiredness, low-grade fever, weight loss, and a general feeling of malaise that may develop even before the onset of joint symptoms.
- Systemic effects on other parts of the body, such as the tear and salivary glands, lungs, heart, and blood vessels.
- Systemic effects on other parts of the body, such as the tear and salivary glands, lungs, heart, and blood vessels.
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a Joint Disorder, which attacks Multiple Joints at various sites. It is described as “Amavata” in Ayurveda. The word ‘Ama’ means ‘Toxic material generated as an unwholesome product in the body due to the weakening of digestive fire.’ This ‘Ama’ carried by ‘Vayu’ and moves throughout the body and gathers 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 worsened, it causes Burning Sensation around the Joints.
General Clinical Features of Amavatam according to Ayurveda:
Apaka sunyatanganam amavathasya lakshnam!!”
- Body Pains
- Lack of Taste
- Thirst
- General Weakness
- Feeling of Heaviness
- Fever
- Morning stiffness of the Joints
- Pain and swelling in the affected parts
- Shifting of pain in Joints
- Constipation
- Indigestion
Ayurvedic Management of Amavata:
i. Ahara Chikitsa or Dietary regimen:
One should take Old Rice, Butter Milk, Wet Ginger, Garlic, Wheat, Bitter gourd and Horse Gram in his diet. Avoid consumption 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.
ii. Vihara Chikitsa or Life Style Modifications:
One should avoid Cold Breeze and Excessive Wind. Bathing with cold water should strictly be avoided. A warm water bath is recommended. It is also good to take a gentle walk after consumption of food. Also, it is good to prevent water intake immediately after consuming food.
iii. Aushadha Chikitsa or Drug Therapy:
‘Guggulu’ is the most effective drug in Amavata Ayurvedic Treatment. Also, herbal mixtures of Ashwagandha, Haritaki, Rasna, Sunthi, Pippai, and Trivrut are helpful in ‘Amavata.’ Administration of castor oil is also very beneficial in this disease. The specified drugs should be taken only after consulting a Qualified Ayurvedic Physician.
iv. panchakarma Chikitsa or Detoxification Procedures:
It is a purification procedure. By accepting these Therapy Toxins are eliminated from the body. The course is as follows:
- Snehana:Internal and external relationships to the body / affected parts are given as a preliminary process.
- Swedana:It is done by application of steam on the affected parts. It helps in reducing inflammatory conditions in the body. Especially in ‘Amavata’ fomentation with a sandbag is recommended. Sankara Sweda is also very helpful. In chronic cases, Shali shasthika pinda sweda is recommended.
- Virechana Karma: It is a type of Purgation which is produced 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 proper absorption and assimilation of the medicinal preparations properly.
- Vasthi karma: The administration of herbal enema does Vasthi Karma. 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 severity of the disease, patient’s Constitution (Prakruthi), and ama.
Care of Joints in ‘Amavata’:
- Physical activities causing pain in the joints should be avoided.
- Staying in one position for too long should be avoided.
- The right posture of the Joints should be maintained.
- One should sleep on a firm mattress or bed.
- Weight should be controlled as an excess of weight adds stress to the joints.
- Exercise is essential to keep the joints in working condition.
Preventive aspects:
It is always better to take preventive measures before a disease affects us. To prevent ‘Amavata’ caution should be taken to avoid sedentary habits. Also, one should perform daily exercises or yoga. One should also avoid heavy, viscous, and unsuitable foods. Rather, one should take high-fiber and low fat diet. Care should also be taken to keep our digestive fire intact, as the case of all diseases is the weakening of digestive fire. Ayurvedic treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis in Hyderabad has firmly gained the success rate.
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