Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease. When the immune system attacks the synovium, the lining of the membranes that surround the joints result in inflammation that thickens the synovium, which can eventually destroy the cartilage and bone within the joint.

• Stiffness in the morning ,which lasts more than 1 hr. 
• Pain, swelling, and stiffness in more than one joint.
• Symmetrical Joint Involvement.
• Joint deformity.
• Fever.
• Loss of function and mobility.
• Weight loss.
• Weakness.
• Thirst.
• Lack of appetite.

According to Ayurveda, three biological elements are present in our body; vata, pitta and kapha which should be in balance. RA also known as Amavata/Vatarakta is caused due to an unwholesome diet and unhealthy lifestyle, which leads to impairment of digestion and aggravation of the Vata element. Impaired digestion causes accumulation of toxins known as ama and accumulation of ama (toxins) take place in joint(s), and it simulates rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Exact cause of RA , Rheumatoid arthritis is unknown but in Ayurveda causative factors include as follows which can lead to inflammation :

• Eating food before the previous meal is digested.
• Untimely food habits
• Incompatible food like having milk and fruits together
• Sleep disturbances
• Stress.
• Sedentary lifestyle - leading to low metabolism and weakened digestive system

Treatment protocol aims at :

1.Relief from pain and swelling in joints and make the patient able for day to day activities.

2.Prevent progression of disease .

3. Rejuvenate the whole body and improve overall health of the body.

The first line of treatment should always be avoiding the causative factors. If the problem persists then consider the following treatment protocol.

• Pain swelling and stiffness in joints - Inflammation in the joints produce pain and swelling. Guggulu, Shallaki, Gokshura, Simhanada guggulu will help to reduce the inflammation in the joints.
• Loss of function and immobility in the joints- happens as a result of prolonged inflammation in joints. Rasna, Bala, Mahayogaraja guggulu will help to improve the joint function and support the joints. Gokshura and shallaki will help to manage the pain and Ashwagandha for muscle and joint strengthening and manage weight loss also.
• Fever and Lack of appetite - Because of extreme inflammation the immune system slows down and causes loss of appetite and fever.  Shunthi, Maricha, Pippali, Guduchi are effective in cleansing the channels of the body and boosting immunity.

Other therapies - Virechana/Purgation therapy (cleaning digestive tract and purifies blood), Vasti (enema) to reduce inflammation and cleanse the system   Lepa (type of therapy wherein paste of drug is applied to the affected part)

Guggulu, Shallaki, Gokshura, Simhanada guggulu , Rasna, Bala, Mahayogaraja guggulu ,Gokshura and shallaki,