RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS - CAUSES, SYMPTOMS, DIET AND TREATMENT FROM AN AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease which primarily affects joints, by causing inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the body. It differs from other forms of arthritis as it mainly targets the joints of the body system. Understanding the complexities of this disease is crucial for managing the condition effectively.
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS AND ITS SYMPTOMS
Rheumatoid arthritis is known as Aam Vath in Ayurveda. It means the food eaten is not digested as a result, the undigested food turns into toxins in the body which are then circulated by the air element or vatha into the space between the joints. Wherever the space is there in between joints, all are the areas of kapha and vatha. Therefore, Aam Vath or Rheumatoid arthritis patients experience severe pain when they wake up in the morning. They feel as if getting up in the morning will mean that they will die. This level of pain occurs due to the stiffness in the body, which is the common symptom of Aam Vath or Rheumatoid arthritis.
Now, the question may arise, how does this disease impact daily life and activities? How can the disease be identified based on its symptoms?
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis often experience joint pain and stiffness, especially in the morning. The pain can be quite severe, resembling a scorpion's sting. They may feel fine when they are active or hungry, but eating can make the pain worse. Digestion may also be affected, leading to increased pain throughout the body. If left untreated, this condition can become chronic and cause joint deformities. Rheumatoid arthritis has become increasingly common due to lifestyle factors. In addition to joint pain and stiffness, patients may experience fever, fatigue, heaviness in the body, a lot of foul smell in stool, and difficulty with daily activities. These symptoms can be debilitating, making it challenging for patients to carry out their daily routines.
FACTORS OR CAUSES LEAD TO RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
After learning about the symptoms, there might be a question in your mind why exactly do all these troubles happen to Rheumatoid arthritis patients?
In addressing this issue, it is important to consider the Ayurvedic treatise named "Madhav Nidhan", where the causes of this disease are discussed. The text outlines several reasons that lead to or cause Rheumatoid arthritis.
Wrong food combinations or incompatible foods: People who are very interested in eating wrong food combinations or incompatible foods will be victims of Rheumatoid arthritis. For example, consuming salty items with milk, consuming fruits with milk like milkshakes, and the habit of eating curd after heating it. These incompatible food items will slow down the 'jataragni' or 'digestion fire' and lead to the development of Aam vatha or Rheumatoid arthritis in seconds.
Intake of ‘Ati Snigdha ahara’: Such people who follow the diet of ‘Ati Snigdha ahara’ will also very easily become prey for this disease. Now the question may arise, what is ‘Ati Snigdha ahara’? It refers to consuming too moist food combinations simultaneously, like combinations of milk, ghee and fried items.
Drinking excessive amounts of water without limit: Some people mistakenly believe that drinking an unlimited amount of water is beneficial for cleansing the kidneys. However, consuming water without being thirsty can actually harm the body's digestive fire, leading to a loss of appetite.
Sleeping during the day: Some people have the habit of sleeping during the day, like after eating curd, paratha or anything and immediately lay down for two to three hours.
Exercising immediately after eating, before the food has fully digested: Some people have the habit of consuming foods like dry fruits before working out. Normally, it takes three to four hours for the body to digest food. It is also wrong if someone works out in the morning without allowing the food eaten the previous night to digest, it can lead to the development of ama vatha or rheumatoid arthritis in the body. In some circumstances, people who do not exercise at all will also become the victims of this disease.
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS AND DIET
Can diet and nutrition play a significant role in managing Rheumatoid arthritis?
The answer is ‘YES’.
Following a fasting regimen can be an effective treatment: It is a basic step to follow ‘Langanam’ or fasting.
“Langanam Swedhanam thiktham, Deepanani Katuni cha.......”,
It means the first and foremost work is to do fasting. This is beneficial because the food you've previously eaten has not been fully digested, and the resulting toxins can harm your body. If you continue to eat without giving your body a chance to process the existing food, it can lead to discomfort. Therefore, fasting is the most effective way to eliminate ama vatha or Rheumatoid arthritis.
It is advisable to have meals only twice a day if possible, or else eat only once, or whenever you feel hungry: When you do feel hungry, opt for small, easily digestible meals. For instance, you can have moong lentil soup and rice water with ginger. Incorporating bitter-taste-dominant food items like bitter gourd or bitter gourd soup into your diet can enhance digestion. This can help in controlling the pain caused by ama vatha or Rheumatoid arthritis, providing relief. Relying solely on painkillers and ointments may not be effective in managing the problem.
For better digestion, consider consuming spicy foods or items that help in increasing Agni: For instance, if you are having moong lentil soup, you can add 2 or 3 pinches of dry ginger, black pepper, pipli (also known as Trikatu) or turmeric.
Hing (asafoetida) is a king in digestion: Taking hing or asafoetida works as a very good pain killer. So take 1/4 teaspoon of hing or asafoetida, add some ghee, roast it a bit, and pour this tempering on the soup, similar to how you would temper a dish. You can use this tempering on moong lentil soup or rice water also.
AYURVEDIC TREATMENT FOR RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Panchakarma is a good solution by Ayurveda: Panchakarma, a treatment offered by Ayurveda, is believed to be effective for conditions like ama vatha or Rheumatoid arthritis. Virechana, a specific Panchakarma treatment, will work well for removing toxins from the body. Additionally, Vaitaran Basti is known to help in reducing pain quickly. If interested, it's recommended to visit an Ayurvedic or Panchakarma centre and consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before undergoing any treatments.
Amrit Uttar Kashay can be beneficial for ama vatha or Rheumatoid arthritis: Among the many medicines in Ayurveda, Amrit Uttar Kashay is considered good for this purpose. It contains Giloy, Harda, and ginger, which work well together to increase Agni and reduce pain. It can be taken in 20-ml doses for 30 to 40 days after a meal.
Castor oil works very well in ama vatha or Rheumatoid arthritis: Castor oil can be effective for ama vatha or Rheumatoid arthritis. Take one or two spoons of castor oil and mix it with half a glass of warm water. Add two pinches of ginger powder, mix it well, and drink it every morning on an empty stomach. This remedy can help in reducing joint pain.
Treatment of hot Sand will reduce the pain: To reduce the pain caused by ama vatha or rheumatoid arthritis, heat some sand in a pan and immediately transfer it to a cotton cloth, then tie it up. Once prepared, place the hot sand wherever the pain is located. The heat from the sand will help in reducing the pain. It's important not to apply any oil to the affected joints during this treatment.
Using the combination of Giloy Powder + Ginger powder in meals will control ama vatha or Rheumatoid arthritis: Take one spoon of Giloy powder with 1/4th spoon of Ginger powder and mix it with a spoon of honey or instead of honey, warm water can also be used.
Sinhanadh Guggal is also a powerful medicine: Take one tablet in the morning and evening after eating food for maximum benefits in treating this disease.
CONCLUSION
We can conclude that Ayurveda offers numerous remedies, including over 200 to 500 different types or combinations of powders and oils. It is advisable to consult an Ayurvedic medical practitioner, who will suggest the appropriate combination after studying the history and stage of the disease.