RA is a serious, painful and disabling condition, which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to joint destruction if not effectively treated. It is a inflammatory autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the joints. Ayurvedic treatments include Panch Karma, Yoga and medication options that have expanded over the last few decades. The Ayush Samiti has released its 2009 Ayurvedic guidelines for rheumatoid arthritis treatments.
Your body immunity is always related with your Prana, a biological force that not only protect us from disease and disabilities but also keeps us alive. Prana is essentially bio-motive factor and is called Rheuma or Vata. Inflammatory disabilities due to vitiation of Vata is medically known as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). The specific antibodies (RA Factor) present in the blood begin to attack the healthy tissues of the body. This serious disease condition can be easily handled using Ayurvedic and Yogic therapies. The Ayurvedic recommendations focus on the use of personalised anti-Ama and Vata balancing therapy & remedies to treat the serious auto-immune disease. These guidelines were developed by an expert panel of Ayurveda doctors, researchers, and patient representatives following extensive review of scientific evidence.
Diagnosis: The rheumatoid factor (RF) test is primarily used to help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to distinguish it from other forms of arthritis and other conditions that cause similar symptoms of joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness. It may be ordered along with other autoimmune-related tests, such as an ANA (antinuclear antibody), along with other markers of inflammation, such as a CRP (C-reactive protein) and ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), and along with a CBC (Complete Blood Count) to evaluate the body’s blood cells. A CCP (c) CCP (Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibody) test, a relatively new test that can help detect early RA, may be ordered if the RF is negative.
Once you have been diagnosed medically RA victim, you should resort to Ayurvedic help. But you must always seek professional medical advice about any treatment or change in treatment plans. The Ayurvedic treatment plan for Auto-immune Vata disorder is effective enough in the lasting relief of above ailments. “We at Sanjivani Bhilai, recommends wide range of powerful anti-inflammatory Ayurvedic formulations, which will not merely alleviate the excruciating pain, but an arrest of formation of Ama and bring down inflammation and swelling”, said Dr Mukesh D Jain, Ayurvedic head of the Sanjivani Wellness Centre, Bhilai. The Panch Karma procedures like Virechana, Snehapana, Svedana and Vasti (herbal enemas) are employed to control your disturbed immunity. Beside Panch Karma, the Rasayana (Immuno-modulating natural supplements) therapy is recommened for permanent or lasting relief.
Ama (Auto toxin) is a peculiar concept in Ayurveda (for which modern chemistry has no correlate). It is an important factor in a cause of auto-immune disease and in modification of disease process. Ama is sticky and by its very nature tends to clog up the channels or srotas, thereby disrupting cellular intelligence and the flow of prana or Vata throughout the body. The noticiable symptoms of ama are : (i) Obstruction, minute stagnation and disturbance in transport, can occur even at the cellular level especially in blood capalleries (ii) Reduced working power due to the difficulty produced by ama in the contraction and relaxation of the muscle fibres, (iii) Obstruction of the movement of Vata- Ama on one side causes disturbance in the action of the muscles and ligaments along with disturbances in the conduction of nerve impulses. This is followed by painful poor movements and deformity.
Treatment Options:
Researchers are also trying to identify the causes of Ama formation in the hope that understanding the cause will lead to new treatments. They are examining the role that the endocrine (hormonal), nervous, and immune systems play, and the ways in which these systems interact with environmental and genetic factors in the development of rheumatoid arthritis. Scientists are searching for new drugs that can reduce inflammation, can slow or stop the progression of rheumatoid arthritis, and also have few side effects. Studies in humans have shown that a number of compounds have such potential. For example, some studies are breaking new ground in the area of "biopharmaceuticals", or "biologics". These new drugs are based on compounds occurring naturally in the body, and are designed to target specific aspects of the inflammatory process.
You can fight and win problem of Ama formation through natural support of Ayurvedic herbs, Pranayama, Panchkarma & Yoga. Herbs that improve digestion and strengthen your digestion power (Agni) also check Ama formation or counter the effect of Ama. The most important herb is ginger and Triphala. Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) is most popular herbs to deal with Rheumatoid arthritis. It builds the body’s resistance to infections and helps enhance the effectiveness of white blood cells, improves the immune system. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is another ayurvedic herb that imparts a sense of well-being and helps in coping with stress and tensions of daily life. Ashwagandha is beneficial in controlling stress related Rheumatoid arthritis and debility. Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) has pain-relieving properties that are useful in treating arthritis and joint pains. It also improves immunity. “The aim of Sanjivani program is to strengthening the entire nervous system, restoring balance to a depleted and imbalanced autonomic nervous system and enhancing voluntary control of the respiratory mechanisms. The Panch Karma procedures like Nirooha Vasti is found very effective to regulate the Vata system. It works at the site of origin in the colon (Pakwashaya where the Prana of digested food material get entry in to your blood circulation). These procedures work as a master key to regulate your Prana reserve and affects the immunity system ” said Dr Mukesh Jain to Ayush Samiti Committe for Clinical Evaluation. In addition, the short term pain relief can be provided by Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulators (TENS). Patients should always have access to expert Panch Karma and Physiotherapist and have periodic review to improve general fitness and encourage regular exercises. Pawan Muktasana series of excercises are effective for enhancing joint flexibility, muscle strength and managing other functional impairments.
Additional RA Information
AYUSH SAMITI
Sanjivani 6/5 Priyadarshnai East, SupelaBhilai CG 490023. Phone: 0091 (788) 229-2358, Cell +919826180335
The Ayush Samiti has been active in the field of authentic Ayurvedic supportive treatment and rehabilitation since 2004, which is involved in helping families with information about all aspects of NMD & auto-immune related Diseases including Ayurvedic and other complementary medical support, physiotherapy, diet, monitoring the breathing, and updates about what is new in the form treatments that may be in the pipeline.
