The world is witnessing a great spike in the number of autoimmune diseases and one of them is Rheumatoid arthritis. Often people mistake it as an ageing disease as it only affects old age people, which is an absolute misconception.
Rheumatoid arthritis can equally affect youngsters, and kids. Some of the early signs of Rheumatoid arthritis are tiredness, fatigue, pain, and inflamed joints. Often people neglect these minor symptoms and when these mild complications are left untreated for extended periods, they turn into serious health complications.
Rheumatoid arthritis treatment in Ayurveda is the most satisfactory approach for ensuring relief. It is based on adopting ancient healing practices and philosophies so that the disease can be treated from the root causative factors.
What does Ayurveda believe?
In Ayurveda, it is considered that there are 3 bodies governing doshas inside every human body namely: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha Dosha. The balance of these tridoshas is necessary for the growth and survival of human beings.
When the Vata Dosha and Kapha Dosha get aggravated inside the body, then it leads to the “Amavata Roga” which is commonly known as Rheumatoid arthritis. In this condition, ama (toxins) do not get eliminated throughout the body. These toxins when remain inside the body for extended periods start to cease problems such as swollen, red, or painful joints, weight loss, fatigue, weakness, and loss of appetite.
What leads to Rheumatoid arthritis?
People with poor dietary choices and a passive lifestyle are easy victims of this inflammatory disease. Whereas if a person’s immune system is not capable enough to fight against foreign substances or may mistakenly harm healthy cells, then this disorder can take place. However, in certain cases, heredity can also be responsible for this. Last but not least, excessive stress and anxiety can also contribute to its occurrence and can result into different types of Rheumatoid Arthritis.
How does Ayurveda address Amavata (RA)?
Ayurveda’s primary aim is to pluck the disease from its roots. For this purpose, it does not rely upon any chemicals or painkillers. Instead, it utilises natural healing techniques such as herbal restoratives, dietary adjustments, Panchakarma, yoga, and stress-management therapies.
AYURVEDIC HERBS
Herbs have been used since centuries to treat several health complications, including Rheumatoid arthritis. These are nature-derived substances that are rich in anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and immunomodulatory properties. They offer a holistic approach to healing and address the root factors of the disease for initiating the body’s natural healing process. Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis with Ayurveda involves the use of the following herbs:
- Turmeric: It is a commonly used spice in households. It is loaded with an active compound called curcumin, which is rich in anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It alleviates the pain and reduces swelling caused by RA.
- Boswellia: In Ayurveda, the herb is called “Shallaki.” It is Vata Shamak in nature and also provides strength to the bones and joints. Apart from arthritis, it is also helpful in other inflammatory diseases such as eczema, psoriasis, and ankylosing spondylitis.
- Ginger: It is a basic herb or spice used in daily meals. It has various anti-inflammatory and analgesic features that may help alleviate pain and improve joint functioning. For enhanced bone and digestive health, herbal tea or 2-3 raw pieces of ginger can be consumed on a daily basis.
- Ashwagandha: It is an adaptogenic herb that may help reduce stress and anxiety associated with chronic inflammatory diseases such as Rheumatoid arthritis. It acts as a natural pain alleviator that prevents pain signals from travelling along with the central nervous system.
- Triphala: It is a rich combination of 3 herbs, namely; Amalaki, Bibhitaki, and Haritaki. Being entailed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory features, it aids in detoxifying the body and promoting overall well-being of the body.
Panchakarma
Panchakarma is an eminent branch of Ayurveda that aims to purify and detoxify the body to restore balance and promote overall health. It mainly consists of 5 detoxification therapies, namely; Vamana, Virechana, Nasya, Basti, and Raktamokshana. Herbal pastes, herbal pouches (pottali), oilments, and steam are utilised in such a way that boosts the internal healing and well-being of the body. The emphasis is laid down on eliminating accumulated toxins (Ama) from the body so that the body’s immune system may function more effectively.
These rejuvenating practices also seek to achieve an optimal balance of 3 doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha inside the body. It not only provides relief from arthritis but also boosts the body’s immune system, making it capable of fighting several diseases. Additionally, Virechana and Basti karma help to improve digestion, potentially leading to better management of RA symptoms.
It’s imperative to mention that Panchakarma should not be considered a standalone treatment for Rheumatoid arthritis, and patients should always consult a health professional or doctor before undergoing any complementary therapies.
Dietary adjustments:
Diet has a direct influence on the body’s overall health. An automobile needs fuel in order to run, not only the fuel but the type of fuel also matters. Similarly, the human body needs healthy and quality food in order to stay functioning and disease-free.
Ayurveda prohibits the consumption of Tamsik Bhojan to a complete extent. It means all junk, oily, processed, and non-vegetarian food items should be avoided. It also recommends limiting dairy products because they are a rich source of casein, which is a type of protein that triggers arthritis. The consumption of such a diet can cause pain, inflammation, and irritation around the joints.
Instead, infuse water-rich fruits and vegetables. Bitter gourd, zucchini, carrot, lotus cucumber, broccoli, mushroom, beetroot, tomato, apple, papaya, watermelon, pomegranate, and pineapple are considered ideal intakes in the condition of arthritis. Being rich in water content, they will aid in the elimination of toxins from the body, whereas their antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties will reduce the symptoms of RA.
Yoga
Managing Rheumatoid arthritis with Ayurveda also involves performing yoga and meditation. A sedentary lifestyle is a major contributor to the development and progression of RA. The body requires a certain movement so that joints stay functioning and immobile. Lack of physical movement, or exercises makes the joints inflexible and stiff as a result they start paining when they are put into motion.
To keep the joints strong, healthy, and mobile, yoga can be added to the routine. Some of the best yoga asanas for arthritis are Trikonasana, Padamasana, Siddhasana, Gomukhasana, Natarajasana, and Bhujangasana. Since difficult exercise can not be a good option for RA patients, it is advised to opt for mild walking, jogging, or cycling.
Meditation
In addition to physical health, Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment in Ayurveda also signifies mental health. Ayurveda believes that stress is the principal benefactor of diseases. No medicines can work unless your mind is not at peace.
To calm the mind, one can opt for meditation. Meditation relieves stress, and anxiety and provides calmness to the mind. Meditating 20-30 minutes daily helps improve physical as well as mental health and keeps diseases miles away.
Takeaway
Always remember that your present situation is not your final destination!
Make a smart move and walk on the path of Ayurveda for improved, healthy, and disease-free living.