Rheumatoid Arthritis and Ayurveda

Last week the most common ailment people visited the clinic for was Rheumatoid Arthritis

In Ayurveda, rheumatoid arthritis is known as amavata and was described in great detail by Madhava in the classical Ayurvedic textbook, the Madhava Nidanam

Amavata is named after the two involving pathological factors – Ama and Vata and is the condition where stiffness of the body occurs due to the lodgement of Ama (digestive toxins) and Vata in the joints

When Ama combines with the Vayu it then gives rise to:

• vibandha/ constipation

• mandagni/ impaired digestion

• stambha/ stiffness

• antra kujana/ gurgling sound

• vedana/ pain

• shopha/ oedema

• pin prick sensation which gradually affects the body parts one after the other.

The diagnosis of RA is often done with the following observation:

1. Stiff joints in the morning

1. Arthritis of three or more joints

1. Arthritis of the joints of the hands

1. Symmetrical arthritis

1. Rh factor positive

1. Rh nodules present

1. Typical X-ray changes

The etiological factors are considered to be:

• incompatible diet ❌

• erroneous habits

• diminished digestive fire

• sedentary lifestyle

• exercising soon after having a meal

• hereditary

A few of the treatments include:

• Deepana Pachana (to boost the digestive fire and remove toxins) herbs which are tikta (bitter) and katu (pungent) rasa (taste), such as Panchakola and Vaishvanara churna

• Fasting (langana)

• Ruksha pinda sveda, valuka Sveda and patra Pinda Sveda treatment with leaves such as veranda, shire, nirguni, chincha and Dhatthura.

• Formulations such as Kolakulathadi churna and Kottamchukadi churna

• Swedana/ sweating

• Panchakarma, especially virechana.

• Basti (Vaitarana basti)

• Agni chikitsa

• Rasayana, rejuvenation treatment.

Classical Yogas mentioned in the text include Rasnaguggulu, Yogaraj guggulu , Simhananda guggulu, trydoshanga guggulu, Rasnadikwatham, Rasnasaptaka kashayam.

Castor oil is used for the purgation. Ayurvedic preparations such as Simhananda guggulu have shown positive results in reducing inflammation and pain ✨

Do you or a loved one suffer from Amavata, Rheumatoid arthritis? You’re welcome to book in with one of our practitioners to speak more. The link to book is in our bio 

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