Rheumatism and Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Ayurveda

The word "Ama" literally means undigested or toxic product resulting as a consequence of impaired digestion due to vitiated doshas causing Amavata.
World Health Organization (WHO) has defined, rheumatism is a general term for diseases affecting the locomotive organs.

Rheumatism is an older 'layman term' used to refer different disorders affecting locomotive system: joints, muscles, tendons and soft tissues, and even the internal organs. They are common having vast impact on the health of population worldwide. The term Rheumatic diseases presents painful conditions caused by inflammation of muscles, tendons, joints and connective tissues. Involvement of weight-bearing joints – hips and knees lead to serious condition. In essence, it means a chronic inflammation of joints and it causes much discomfort to those suffering from it. Mostly rheumatic disorders are autoimmune.
It starts with the degeneration of joint's cartilage causing softening and reduction of the cartilage. The joint overheats, gets inflamed, and swells.

CLASSIFICATION

Rheumatic conditions may be classified as:

• Localized (limited to a specific site, as bursitis and tendonitis)
• Regional (larger area is involved , as chest wall pain)
• Generalized (affecting various and diverse parts of the body, as in fibromyalgia).

SYMPTOMS

• Symptoms includes the musculoskeletal system; some may feature immune system abnormalities.
• Unpleasant pain in various body parts, particularly in the fingers, toes or wrists which may get intensified and limit the flexibility and the functioning of the joint that is joints become stiff.
• Leads to permanent damage and disfiguring of the joints
• Swollen and inflamed joints. 
• Fatigue and Fever.
• Loss of Appetite.
• Medical problems affecting the heart, bones, joints, kidney, skin and lungs.

RHEUMATIC DISEASE CAN BE DISTINGUISH BETWEEN

• Arthrosis: A joint cartilage disease results due to improper or excessive burdening.
• Osteoporosis: Loss of bone matter causing the skeleton to lose its stability and risk of fractures increases.
• Fibromyalgia: A distinctive form of rheumatism. It is caused due to hardening of the muscles, manifested by continuous pain in the muscles and tendons, and an increased sensitivity to pressure.
• Rheumatic arthritis: Pain is felt in joints of fingers and hands, along with stiff joints and deformities.
• Morbus Bechterew: A chronic inflammation of joints, in specific area of the spine. The chief symptom is a deep and chronic inflammatory backache and spine may get stiff.
• Gout:  A metabolic disease,that occurs due to high concentration of uric acid in the body, resulting in joint inflammation which may be hereditary or caused by an improper diet.

CAUSES

• The primary causes of rheumatism is considered that acidic food and salts consumed get saturated in the body resulting in inflammation of the tissues between the joints and this inflammation decreases the ability of the joints to move freely and leads to great amounts of pain when trying to do so.
• Some rheumatic disorders are caused by crystals, such as uric acid crystals or gout.
• Genetic predisposition can be the reason.
• Smoking enhances the disease.
• Aggravated by exposure to cold weather.

Ayurvedic View that toxic matter get stagnated in joints and other body parts which is poorly digested and eliminated out of the body causing rheumatism.

AYURVEDIC TREATMENT FOR RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Rheumatoid Arthritis Care Pack is a combination of various herbal supplements. These formulations work together to alleviate inflammation and get relief from the painful situation.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Care Pack

The Rheumatoid Arthritis Care Pack consists of following:

1. Cap. Joint Aid Plus

Joint Aid Plus are herbal capsules prepared using standardized extract of some useful Ayurvedic herbs that work collectively to reduce pain and inflammation of joints. This formulation because of its herbs shows anti-inflammatory action to the different joints that are attacked by antibodies produced by the immune system of the body in patients of Rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis being hereditary, is effectively managed by this herbal formulation.
The herbs present in this formulation are:
Nirgundi (Vitex nirgundo) - Nirgundi is an herbaceous plant which is aromatic whose flower, fruit and leaves are used for its medicinal properties. It is having anti- inflammatory, anti-histamine, properties and also act as a muscle relaxant. Topically acts as mild analgesic and also natural inducer of sound sleep.
Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) - Boswellia herb containing boswellic acids makes it capable to reduce inflammation and treat arthritis. No analgesic effect but its anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties are beneficial in acute and chronic conditions by suppressing inflammation. This herb lessens joint swelling, arthritic pain and morning stiffness and increases the mobility.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) - Ashwagandha is a natural herb maintaining the proper balance of tridosha, especially Kapha and Vata. Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties of this amazing herb supports for keeping the joints healthy. Ashwagandha with other herbs benefits in Osteoarthritis and other similar inflammatory conditions of the joints.
Sonth (Zingiber officinale) - Sonth or dry ginger is very suitable anti-inflammatory herb and a potent analgesic. It as well improves appetite and supports digestive and respiratory system.
Guggulu (Comiphora mukul) - Guggulu is a useful herb having analgesic and anti-inflammatory action that are almost quick to provide natural remedy to reduce joint pains and swelling. Ayurvedic medicine describes it as one of the beneficial herb for rheumatoid arthritis. Guggulu having the property of reversing the degenerative effects occurring in bones and joints also relieves pain in arthritis.
Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) - Giloy is the great herb with antipyretic and anti-inflammatory property giving relief from fever and general debility. It balances the three doshas.
Dose : 2 capsules twice daily with water after meal.

2. Cap. Boswellia Curcumin

Boswellia Curcumin is herbal formulation available as capsules, made up of standardized extracts of 2 natural herbs. These capsules effectively relieve inflammatory and painful conditions in rheumatoid arthritis. These also improve local blood circulation and flexibility of joints along with reducing pain and swelling. It include Herbs:
Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) - Boswellic, a source of boswellic acids that makes this herb to be used for treatment of inflammation and arthritis. Having ant- inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties and is efficient in reducing joint swelling, arthritic pain and morning stiffness and increases the mobility.
Haridra (Curcuma longa) - It is obtained by extraction of rhizomes of Curcuma longa. This herb being medicinal in nature has anti-inflammatory effects and helpful to treat the Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Dose : 2 capsules daily for two times with water after meal.

3. Ashwagandha Capsules

Ashwagandha herbal capsules is 100% vegetarian is beneficial in debilitating conditions. If used regularly it can strengthen and relax the muscles and calms down the nervous system. Prepared from the standardized extracts of pure herb Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera).
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) - This Ayurvedic herb has valuable medicinal effects due to its anti-inflammatory actions, that lessens the swellings and restore blood supply and is having natural alkaloids giving relief from stress, anxiety, improves the stamina. Ashwagandha is an excellent tonic to rejuvenate the tissues, muscles and bones, bringing beneficial effects in diseases like Amavata (rheumatoid arthritis).
Dose : 2 capsules daily two times with water after meal.

4. Aamvatantak Churna

Aamvatantak churna is natural herbal remedy that is composed of rich herbs. Here the 'Aam' in reality means endotoxins and this churna help in digestion of ama (endotoxins) in the body. This herbal Churna has good results predominantly in condition of joints where these are stiff in the morning and suffer severe pain. Reduces the symptoms of local pain, swelling and stiffness. A booster of the immune system and improves the blood flow of affected joints.
In Ayurveda its herbs has been characterized as best anti-inflammatory, detoxifying in nature. Therefore an effective remedy for Rheumatoid arthritis and joint pains due to other reasons.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) - Ashwagandha is a medicinal herb it acts as anti-inflammatory and naturally relieves the joint pains. Ayurveda has described the herb was used for severe cases of crippling in rheumatoid arthritis in ancient time, especially in case of deformity in the joint structure due to erosions. Efficient in preventing depletion of calcium from the joints, and lowers the pain and build up body strength. Manages swollen joints, inflammatory conditions of joints. Ashwagandha is useful herbal remedy for Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Methi-Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) - Fenugreek herb has herbal remedy for Rheumatoid arthritis. Ayurveda concept explains that 'Aama'& 'Vata' are responsible for causing joints problem and severe joint pains.
Suranjan-Autumn Crocus (Colchicum automnale) - This herb is useful in Rheumatoid Arthritis as well effective to correct disturbed uric acid metabolism. Ayurveda medicine says that this herb is useful for painful joints swollen due to imbalance in uric acid metabolism. Due presence of 'Colchicine', it brings down the pain and inflammation in the joints naturally.
Gorakhmundi (Rice Field Weed) - A valuable herb for stabilizing the uric acid metabolism and effective for the painful joints. It is a worthy cleanser and reduces symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis.
Haridra (Curcuma longa) - This medicinal herb is anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant and with immunity boosting properties that provide relaxation by lessening the pain, tenderness, inflammation of the joints. It nourishes and strengthenes the joints as well the body. It is beneficial for overall health.
Sonth (Zingiber officinale) - Usually called as 'Dry Ginger one of the chief herbs eliminating 'ama' and act as a detoxifier. Effective pain killer as well as anti-inflammatory herb. Natural remedy to reduce joint pains and swelling in rheumatoid arthritis.
DOSE : 1/2 to 1 teaspoonful twice daily, with plain water or Aloe Vera juice or Kumari Saar after meals.