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Rheumatoid Arthritis in Ayurveda: Balancing Dos and Don’ts

 As an ayurvedic doctor, I’ve dedicated my career to helping individuals navigate the complexities of diseases starting from gut issues, weight management, PCOS, type 2 Diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease, etc., and adopting a healthy lifestyle with healthy food habits and regimes. Each day, I am humbled by the opportunity to make a difference in my patients’ lives—to offer medical expertise, compassion, empathy, and unwavering support on their journey to wellness. During this whole journey, I came across some patients suffering from RA, which is a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints. The symptoms include inflammation, pain, stiffness, and sometimes deformity of the joints. According to the Arthritis Foundation, about 1.3 million people worldwide are affected by RA, with women being more commonly affected than men. While conventional medicine offers various treatments to manage RA symptoms, many individuals seek alternative therapies like Ayurveda for relief and holistic management. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the dos and don’ts of managing rheumatoid arthritis with Ayurveda, covering everything from symptoms and types to treatment options and lifestyle adjustments.      Understanding  Rheumatoid  Arthritis     Rheumatoid arthritis is different from the more common osteoarthritis. While osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear on the joints over time, RA is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its tissues, primarily affecting the synovium (the lining of the joints). This leads to inflammation, pain, and eventual damage to the joints and other organs. In Ayurveda, rheumatoid arthritis is referred to as Amavata. Pain and swelling in the joints can be attributed to an issue with the Vata and Ama. The Amavata treatment, therefore, involves gentle care; moreover, it includes natural detoxification of the body. The treatments consist of fasting; furthermore, they involve improving digestion, and additionally, eliminating undigested food. Other forms of treatment, for instance, include the application of oils, the use of heat, and, furthermore, the elimination of bodily waste.   Signs and symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis   The signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can vary from person to person; however, they may also change over time.  But the general symptoms include: Joint pain and swelling, typically symmetrical (affecting both sides of the body) Stiffness, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity Fatigue Fever Weight loss Rheumatoid nodules (firm lumps under the skin) Joint deformity over time   Different types of Rheumatoid Arthritis   There are three main types of rheumatoid arthritis. Seropositive RA: This type is characterized by the presence of rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies in the blood. Seronegative RA: These antibodies are not present in this type, making diagnosis more challenging. Juvenile RA: This occurs in children under the age of 16 and can be either similar to adult RA or present with different symptoms.   Ayurvedic Approach to Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment   Ayurveda, offers a holistic approach to managing rheumatoid arthritis.  Ayurvedic treatment for rheumatoid arthritis rebalances Doshas, enhances digestion, fights inflammation, and boosts the immune system.   Early Signs of rheumatoid arthritis and Diagnosis   Recognizing the early signs of rheumatoid arthritis is crucial for early intervention and management. Some early signs include joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity. If you experience these symptoms, then, consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.   Ayurvedic Diagnosis   In Ayurveda, rheumatoid arthritis is classified under “Amavata,” which translates to toxic arthritis. Diagnosis in Ayurveda involves assessing the individual’s constitution (Prakriti), current imbalances (Vikriti), and the nature of the disease manifestation.   Ayurvedic Treatment Modalities   Ayurvedic treatments for rheumatoid arthritis aim to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and improve joint function. Some key modalities include:   Herbal Remedies Ayurvedic herbs like guggul, turmeric and ginger have anti-inflammatory properties and also, they can help reduce joint pain and stiffness.   Panchakarma This detoxification therapy, in fact, involves various cleansing procedures to not only remove toxins from the body but also restore balance.   Dietary Modifications An anti-inflammatory diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help reduce inflammation and support overall health.   Lifestyle Changes Yoga, meditation and gentle exercise can improve flexibility, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being.   Ayurvedic Therapies External therapies like oil massage (Abhyanga), herbal steam (Swedana), and poultice application (Pinda Sweda) can provide joint pain relief and stiffness.   Do’s and Don’ts   If you are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Here are some dos and don’ts that can help improve your condition.   Do’s   Consult an ayurvedic practitioner: Seek guidance from a qualified Ayurvedic doctor who can provide personalized treatment based on your constitution and imbalances. Follow a healthy diet: Emphasize on fresh, whole foods. Avoid processed, inflammatory foods like refined sugar, refined flour, and trans fats. Stay active: Engage in gentle exercise, yoga, or tai chi to improve joint flexibility and reduce stiffness. Manage stress: Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or spending time in nature to reduce stress levels and support overall health.   Don’ts   Overexertion: Avoid overworking or straining your joints, as this can exacerbate symptoms. Unhealthy habits: Minimize or eliminate habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, as these can worsen inflammation and weaken the immune system. Ignoring symptoms: Pay attention to changes in your symptoms. Consult your healthcare provider if you experience worsening pain, swelling, or stiffness. While rheumatoid arthritis can be a challenging condition to manage, Ayurveda offers a holistic approach that addresses the root cause of the disease and aims to restore balance to the body. With Ayurveda, you can find relief from pain and inflammation and improve your overall quality of life. Remember, managing rheumatoid arthritis is a journey. Patience, consistency, and a proactive approach are key to achieving long-term wellness and vitality.   If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who… Continue reading Rheumatoid Arthritis in Ayurveda: Balancing Dos and Don’ts

Ankylosing Spondylitis – The Ayurvedic Perspective

Recently, someone approached me asking about Ayurvedic treatment for Ankylosing Spondylitis. This led me to realize that I haven’t discussed this health condition before. So, here’s some information about it!        What  is  Ankylosing  Spondylitis?       Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory condition – a rare form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine and large joints. It belongs to a group of conditions known as spondylarthritis that usually starts at the lower aback and eventually spreads up to the neck and other damaged joints.     Although AS  is less common than other forms of arthritis, it still affects a significant number of people worldwide. Studies show that approximately 0.1% to 0.5% of the global population suffers from the condition.     Amavata is the word associated with rheumatoid arthritis in Ayurveda. However, the word also refers to other painful conditions as well and that includes Ankylosing Spondylitis. Ayurveda categorizes Ankylosing Spondylitis based on the body part it affects: Prishtagata (back), Katigata (lumbo-sacral), or Grivagata (pelvis or neck – cervical region) Amavata.     The Symptoms   Ankylosing Spondylitis often begins with inflammation in the joints where your spine connects to your pelvis, called the sacroiliac joints. This can make your lower back and hips feel painful and stiff.  As it progresses, Ankylosing Spondylitis can affect other areas where your tendons and ligaments attach to bones. In some cases, it may even cause your vertebrae – the bones in your spine, to fuse together. In extreme situations, the condition may also result in your spine becoming hunched.  Other signs of Ankylosing Spondylitis you might experience include:    Neck feeling sore or stiff  Pain in your shoulders  Feeling pain and stiffness around your ribcage  Pain in your hips or thighs  Feeling pain in your feet, heels, or hands  Pain that is worse in the morning or after sitting for a long time  Noticing your spine becoming rigid and curving forward  Feeling tired  Swelling in your joints  Ankylosing Spondylitis is frequently observed in males in their teenage and 20s, although it can affect individuals of any age. Women typically experience milder symptoms that often go unnoticed.  Everyone’s experience with Ankylosing Spondylitis is different. Your symptoms might change faster or slower than someone else’s, and they might not be exactly the same. Your symptoms commonly come and go, with times of worsening followed by times of improvement.   Ankylosing Spondylitis as per Ayurveda   According to Ayurveda, Ankylosing Spondylitis happens when Ama (toxins) accumulate in the body due to the imbalance of the three Doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Ama, carried by the air element called Vayu, settles in places where the Kapha Dosha is prominent, mostly in the joints. It further moves to the body’s circulation channels and becomes the root cause of diseases. The aggravated Ama and Vata jointly enter the pelvic region (sacro-iliac and lumbo-sacral areas) causing stiffness and what is known as Amavata.    The Treatment   Modern medicine does not offer a permanent cure for Ankylosing Spondylitis. However, the symptoms can be suppressed using medications, physical therapy and even surgery.    According to Ayurveda, Amavata is the most difficult to treat (Sa Kashta Sarva Roganam), especially when the condition is in its progressive state. However, it can be completely healed through lifestyle modifications and dietary changes, external and internal treatments and herbal medicines in the beginning stages.    The treatment for Amavata involves practices like Langhana, Swedana (sudation) and Abhyanga that help alleviate pain and swelling by providing warmth, which helps reduce inflammation and stiffness in muscles. There are also Panchakarma therapies like Virechana (purgation) and Vasti (enema) that help manage Ankylosing Spondylitis by rejuvenating and eliminating toxins from the body.      Regular exercise and adequate sleep are equally important to help you heal. Dietary changes include, for instance, avoiding inflammatory and trigger foods; moreover, it involves having foods that suit you. Also, herbal medicines are administered based on your Prakriti (body type), health conditions and Doshas.     Ankylosing Spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that can significantly impact the quality of life of those affected. Ayurvedic treatment for Ankylosing Spondylitis targets the root cause and imbalances, focusing on lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, herbal medicines, and Panchakarma therapy. As with any medical condition, it is essential to consult with a qualified Ayurvedic doctor to ensure safety and efficacy.    If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us.  You can also visit us at our hospital.

Inflammatory Foods You Should Avoid for Better Health

Inflammation is a symptom that is generally associated with a variety of health conditions. While the best way to reduce inflammation is to get the root cause treated, it is equally important to keep away from factors that induce inflammation. One of those factors is inflammatory foods.   Three Inflammatory foods you must avoid     Let us dig deeper into  the three inflammatory foods that Ayurveda suggests you should avoid to reduce further complications.    Curd Despite being a common ingredient, Ayurveda rules out curd for its heating nature.   Curd is a Pitta-increasing food resulting in clogging of channels (Srotas) and increased Ama (toxins).  The heaviness and stickiness of curd make it difficult to digest, especially for Kapha-dominant people causing joint stiffness and bloating.   Black gram   Black gram is also a heavy heating food which can aggravate Kapha and Pitta Dosha, and is not recommended for everyday consumption. Consuming black gram can lead to inflammation in a person with a tendency toward swelling, joint problems and slow digestion.   Eggplant   Eggplant can cause channel blockages due to its unwholesome and inflammatory properties, so it is not recommended for regular use. It is heating and creates an imbalance of Doshas; especially in those with a Pitta constitution. As a result, it aggravates joint issues, potentially increasing discomfort for individuals with arthritis or inflammation-related conditions. An individual who exercises daily and has good Agni (digestive fire) can moderately consume eggpant. However, if you have health conditions, Dosha imbalance, improper lifestyle or impaired digestion, it is better to avoid it.   Inflammation — The Ayurvedic Perspective   Ayurveda believes that the balance of Doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—is essential for health.  The imbalance of any of these Doshas can contribute to inflammation on one or more parts of your body.    In Ayurveda, inflammation or swelling is referred to as “Shotha” or “Shopha.”   The condition is classified into different types, mainly based on their causes as per Charaka Samhita.   त्रयः शोथा भवन्ति वातपित्तश्लेष्मनिमित्ताः, ते पुनर्द्विविधा निजागन्तुभेदेन   There are three kinds of swelling: Vataja – caused by the imbalance of Vata Dosha Pittaja – caused by the imbalance of Pitta Dosha Kaphaja – caused by the imbalance of Kapha Dosha   These can be further categorised into: Nija – caused by internal factors, such as vitiation of Doshas Agantuja – caused by external factors, such as wounds and fractures   More Inflammatory Foods To Watch Out For   The list of inflammatory foods do not end with the above three. There are more foods that you can avoid for better health.   Refined sugar Ayurveda classifies refines sugar as a Tamasic food, which is devoid of good positive life energy, leading to Ama (toxins) accumulation.  This drains our energy and clogs the channels in our body.   Processed foods and fast foods These foods are heavy to digest, thus leading to the accumulation of Ama in the body and Dosha imbalances. Also, they do nothing to support Agni (digestive fire) and promote inflammation.   Alcohol and caffeine Alcohol increases Pitta, causing warmth, redness and swelling, and can put stress on the liver. Caffeine is a stimulant that can irritate both the digestive and nervous systems, leading to dehydration and worsening inflammation.   Inflammation is not a disease, but a symptom. If you have a health condition with inflmmation in the body,  consult a qualified Ayurvedic doctor and get the root cause treated. And yes, stay away from anything that can worsen your condition, that including the inflammatory foods listed above.    If you are struggling with any health issues, you can book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp at +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who is always glad to helps you . If you have any queries, contact us. You can also  visit.