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Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a disease in which the body’s immune system attacks and weakens the joints. As a result, people who suffer from RA often experience pain and swelling in their joints and surrounding regions. The bones, cartilage, ligaments and tendons are all at risk of being damaged by the attack. The disease can also go on to affect other sections of the body, causing inflammation in the heart and lungs. Though RA is seen across all age groups, it most commonly occurs among people aged between 40 and 60. Without proper treatment, RA can completely destroy the joints.

Risk Factors of Rheumatoid Arthritis

If you have a family history of RA, then your chances of having the disease increase by up to five times. Other factors that can cause Rheumatoid Arthritis include smoking. People who smoke are said to be at three times more risk of having the disease. RA is observed slightly more in women than in men, raising the notion that estrogen may also be a factor in contracting Rheumatoid Arthritis. This, however, has never been proved conclusively. People who are exposed to silica dust or asbestos in their line of work also have a higher chance of being affected by RA.

Ayurvedic Treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Ayurvedic treatment for RA involves multiple procedures aimed at detoxifying the body, relieving it of stress and adopting a diet plan that harmonizes the doshas. An important aspect of the RA treatment is the ‘Panchakarma’ consisting of herbal powder massage, oil massage, steam baths, etc. Once the body has passed through these processes, Vasthis are conducted. A Vasthi essentially is a medicated enema which is carried out by taking into account the overall physical condition of the patient.

In addition, several emesis and purgation processes are also included in the RA treatment. At the end, the procedures will relieve you from any inflammation in the joints and avoid further damages to it. After the procedure, a few more treatments like ‘Nhavarakkizhi,’ ‘Tailadhara,’ etc. are also recommended to strengthen tissues so as to improve the functional mobility of the joints.

The effectiveness of Ayurveda to successfully treat Rheumatoid Arthritis was documented in a research study published in 2011. It concluded that classical Ayurvedic remedies and treatment was effective in patients. Even patients with severe functional limitations indicated significant progress. More than 80% of the participants in the study had reported relief from pain within the first month of receiving Ayurvedic treatment.