Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) / Polyarthritis: An Overview
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), also known as polyarthritis, is a chronic autoimmune condition characterized by systemic inflammation that primarily affects the joints but can impact various tissues and organs. It leads to painful joint deformities, significantly impacting quality of life if not properly managed. In Ayurveda, this condition is referred to as Ama Vata, which involves the accumulation of toxins (Ama) in the body. These toxins act as antigens, triggering an antigen-antibody reaction that disrupts balance at all tissue levels due to blockages in various channels (Srotas), ultimately affecting the joints (Sandhi) and specific areas like the scapula and sacral regions.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of RA include:
- Fatigue: Loss of energy.
- Loss of Appetite.
- Low-Grade Fever.
- Joint Pain: Often symmetrical, with morning stiffness and swelling. If untreated, joints may lose mobility and become deformed.
- Chest Pain: Experienced during breathing.
- Skin Nodules: In severe cases.
- Numbness, Tingling, or Burning: In hands and feet.
- Sleep Disturbances.
- Pain Description: Similar to a scorpion sting and shifting in nature.
Signs
Physical signs include:
- Tenderness.
- Swelling.
- Warmth.
- Reddish Discoloration.
- Deformities.
Line of Treatment
The Ayurvedic approach focuses on:
- Improving Agni (digestive fire).
- Balancing Pitta-Vata.
- Strengthening Kapha.
Treatment Modalities
Treatment involves:
- Agni Deepana: Enhancing digestion.
- Ama Pachana: Digesting toxins.
- Balancing Tridoshas: Maintaining equilibrium of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
- Maintaining an Ama-Free State: Preventing toxin accumulation.
Specific Treatments:
- Panchakarma: Procedures like Basti, Virechana, and Rakta Mokshana (in acute cases).
- External Therapies: Abhyanga, Valooka Sweda, PPS, SSPS, Dhara, Lepa, Basti, Pichu.
- Internal Medications: Medicated Castor oil is highly recommended for Ama Vata. Medicines are used to improve appetite, aid digestion, and balance the doshas.
- Activities:
- Specific yoga asanas.
- Physiotherapy.
- Food and Lifestyle Changes: Tailored to the individual’s constitution, work nature, and geographical conditions.
