Rheumatoid Arthritis

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that primarily causes joint inflammation, pain, loss of function and eventual joint destruction and deformity. The disease varies in its severity ranging from mild inflammation in a few joints to multiple joints, mainly in the hands and feet. In the last 5 decades, extensive research by modern medical scientists has shed light on various pathways leading to inflammation in RA, but the causes of the disease still remain unknown. Modern medical science suggests number of drugs and agents that can block the pathways of inflammation and provide much-needed temporary relief to a significant number of patients. However, these agents are very expensive, require close monitoring and leads to severe side-effects. Also, a significant number of patients continue to suffer and look for better treatments for the permanent cure of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

While modern medicine system puts efforts towards treating the symptoms of the disease and provides a treatment plan to fight against inflammation, Ayurveda employs a different strategy to prevent or manage the disease condition by understanding the pathophysiology of the disease in a different level.

What is the cause for Rheumatoid Arthritis?

To understand the pathophysiology of the diseased especial those for which it is difficult to list the etiological causes like RA, we must also focus a bit on the spiritual aspects of our life. All of us are connected to the “source” or unified field and are guided to follow the natural laws of nature to have perfect health. As our experiences and perception in the outside world is mostly limited to our five senses, we start imitating what others are doing and eating, and because of that we lose the connection to the source. As a result, we start consuming food not conducive to our body and follow a life-style not suitable to our body. The imitation causes an imbalance in our diet, activity of mind and daily regimen which causes following effects to our body –

1. Imbalances in Tridoshas: that is imbalances in three bio-principles called Doshas namely, Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
2. Decreased Agni or metabolic fire: Agni corresponds to enzymes, chemicals, hormones or any other biochemicals involved in life processes known to modern science. Agni is responsible for the entire process of digestion of food and all aspects of metabolism. Imbalances in Agni is most important in the pathogenesis of RA/Aamavata.
3. Alteration of bacterial flora of the gut or dysbiosis: The human body is a composite of trillions of micro-organisms. There is a symbiotic association of microbes with human gut. Microbes provide nutrients to the body by helping metabolize various foods like plant carbohydrates and glycans in mother’s milk, which cannot be digested by human enzymes. They also produce various vitamins like vitamin B2, B12, and folic acid and protect our body against the infections from pathogenic microbes. Alteration of bacterial flora of the gut occurs because of lack of Agni, consumption of highly processed foodand indiscriminate use of antibiotics. This impairs the permeability of intestinal mucosa which otherwise would have prevented the absorption of undigested, partially digested food or toxic substances in the body. Impaired permeability and motility of the gut results in absorption of not fully digested and partially detoxified food. It starts the chain reaction described earlier to cause inflammation.

All these imbalances lead to generation of Aama (toxins) at all levels of body including gastrointestinal and macro and micro channels of the inner transport system of the body. According to Ayurveda, generation of Aama which then gets collected in different joints of the body, triggers our immune system to act against the calls and tissues associated with Aama and leads to series of reaction involved in pathogenicity of RA or Aamavata. Thus, Ayurveda therapies focus mainly on bringing the balance back to system so as to stop the pathogenicity.

How do we treat RA at Prasadini Ayurnikethana?

The treatment procedure for Rheumatoid Arthritis at Prasadini Ayurnikethana begins with an initial consultation with Ayurveda expert doctor. It is very important to bring all the documents related to the tests and earlier treatment procedures carried out for the disease condition while coming for the consultation.

The doctor will evaluate your medical condition, lifestyle and overall health. Based on the evaluation report, a personalized treatment program will be designed that may include various classical ayurveda therapies, nutrition therapy, yoga and meditation to heal your body and mind.

The classical treatment procedure called Panchakarma is usually suggested for managing RA. Panchakarma is an Ayurvedic detoxification program that involves five steps: Vamana (emesis therapy), Virechana (purgation therapy), Basti (enema therapy), Nasya (nasal therapy), and Raktamokshana (bloodletting therapy). All the above-mentioned therapies are very effective in removing Aama from the body thus boosting the healing power within you.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Plan

Approximate Package Charges: Rs.7,000/- to 9,500/- per day

Package includes –

• Doctors’ consultation
• Ayurveda therapy charges.
• Medicines and oils used for the treatment procedures
• Three meals (Sathvik, pure vegetarian diet) and herbal drinks and juices as per the detox plan.
• Accommodation (Non-A/C double/ single occupancy room with 24 hours hot water supply.)
• Sessions on healthy lifestyle, nutrition, and healing.
• Yoga, Pranayama and meditation sessions.
• Room services and nursing services.
• Access to Wi-Fi.