Rheumatoid arthritis

           According to Ayurveda mostly pains are caused by the aggravation of Vata dosha. Arthritis is a condition which is caused by accumulation of ama and aggravation of Vata. (Ama) is a toxic by-product of improper digestion. )This Ama circulates in the whole body and deposits or gets collected at the sites which are weaker. When it deposits in the joints and at the same time there is aggravation of Vata , it results in a disease called Amavata. This Amavata is arthritis.
          Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease, affecting mainly joints having a covering, called synovial joints. Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms include inflammation in the joints, excess synovial fluid, and the development of a flap in the synovium. It often leads to the destruction of cartilage (cushioning) between the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis can also manifest in other parts of the body such as lungs, covering sheet of the heart, covering sheet of lungs, etc. In some cases, it also leads to nodule development underneath the skin.
          Rheumatoid arthritis causes are not known.  But immunity plays a major role in its manifestation. There is a condition called as auto immunity.. when immune cells of the body, (which are supposed to protect the body cells and fight against foreign invading bacteria virus etc), start killing our own body cells, rheumatoid arthritis sets in. It is like our soldiers fighting against our own people.

Ayurvedic perspective of causes of rheumatoid arthritis is slightly different. According to Ayurveda, the disease is known in the name of Amavata. The main cause for Amavata is altered state of digestion and metabolism caused by unhealthy food habits when there is diminished digestive power, Doing exercise soon after oily food intake, etc.
Symptoms

·         Stiffness accompanied by acute pain in knee joints, finger joints, shoulders, neck and back.

·         Signs of inflammation and tenderness in joints like ankles, elbow, knee and fingers.

·         Joints deform without inflammation and produce crepitus sound leading to osteoarthritis. Difficulty in climbing steps or sitting down on the floor is common.  

·         Some people can get osteoporosis which is a silent killer and can cause sudden fractures in the back, hip or knee joints. You can feel pain in back, hip or knee. Your posture can change to stooped posture.

·         Pain and difficulty in walking, standing for long time or sitting on the floor. 

Rheumatoid symptoms according to Ayurveda:

·         Body ache, lethargy, heaviness

·         Stiffness in knees, back, finger and toe joints. Joints make crackling sounds, joint pain with swelling.

·         The pain in the joints is similar to sting bite by scorpion!!

·         Constipation, indigestion, fullness of abdomen,

·         Lack of sleep, altered sleeps patterns, etc.

·         Apart from these symptoms, there will be specific symptoms relating to the dominance of Dosha.

·         Based on disease manifestation in heart and other organs, specific symptoms like stiffness in heart etc are mentioned.

          Detoxification therapies in Ayurveda are very powerful to cure the root cause of arthritis. It removes toxins from the all parts of the body through purgation therapies and herbal enemas. Detoxification removes blocks and inflammation from the joints, makes it stronger, and improves bone density, resulting in remarkable reduction in pain, swelling, crepitus sound in joints. Detoxification considerably improves conditions like sciatica, spondylitis, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, back pain and neck pain.

Diet for rheumatoid arthritis is very important in the treatment. Rheumatoid arthritis is a complex and chronic disease, involving many systems. In Ayurvedic treatment for rheumatoid arthritis,  diet advice is as important as Panchakarma therapy and the Ayurvedic medicines. Since Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease (long-standing), the dietary restrictions are to be observed for a long period of time as well. 
Ayurveda enlists the following food to avoid in Rheumatoid arthritis –

1. Curds: Curds are not ideal to take in Rheumatoid arthritis as it affects stomach health. Clarification: Curds does not affect stomach health as such. But in rheumatoid arthritis, curd is best avoided.

2. Fishes  – are to be avoided. But a few research articles show that fish oil, rich in  omega 3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) 

3. A green leafy vegetable called Indian spinach Basella rubra  is to be avoided

4. Contaminated water, cold water, frozen ( Preserved) food stuff – causes increase in Vata and Kapha leading to increase in pain and stiffness.

5. Taking contrast foods such as – taking milk with fish, etc.

6. Black gram

7. Avoiding natural urges – causes increase in Vata. Click on the phrase to understand this concept. It causes increase in vata, which is not good in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

8. Skipping night sleep – It causes utter Vata imbalance, which is highly  non recommended in RA.

9. High fat meet, mutton etc.

10. Food that are heavy to digest, deep-fried stuff, junk foods, aerated drinks are a strict no no.

11. Oil massage ( Olietion) – Ayurveda is not all about pouring oils and rubbing on body. In Rheumatoid arthritis, oil massage is not advised, generally.

Dr. Sushant S. Patil
BAMS MD (AM)
Editor of Ayush Darpan Marathi Magazine
Owner of :-Atharva Ayurved Multi Specialty Hospital Vasai
Consultant :-at Andheri west DG Ayurved Sangrah JP Road 
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