Vata (the wind element), Pitta (the fire element), and Kapha (the water element) govern the body’s functioning. We are at our healthiest when these three are working in tandem, collaborating and cooperating with one another.
RA is caused by Vata Dosha triggered by Inflammation build-up (Ama). Poor metabolism or inadequate gut health leads to accumulation of Ama, leading to tissue level damages. The build up Vata caused by various factors like mutually incompatible foods (Virudhaharam), unwholesome daily regimen, sedentary work patterns, late night vigil, stress etc., pushes Ama to areas of bones and joints.
After additional vitiation by vata and kapha, the Ama enters the circulation and is later linked to morbid pitta. This gives the mixture a corrosive quality, and it tends to kill any tissue or organ it comes into touch with ( autoimmune mechanism). The vitiated Ama and vata become trapped in numerous joints, primarily the lumbar back, knee, and hips, causing bodily rigidity and severe discomfort.
Early stage:
Ayurveda heals Rheumatoid Arthritis at an early stage by reversing the etiopathogenesis at its root. Treatment for Amavata in the early stage focuses on completely restoring flexibility and mobility by regulating vata dosha, removing (ama) toxins to reduce redness and inflammation, and then revitalising the asthi and majja dhatu to strengthen the bones and nervous system through Rasayana therapy. Various treatment modalities like Langana, Deepana and Pachana therapies are used along with the herbal medications, to improve digestion and tissue mechanisms thereby establishing optimum functions of the immune system.
Subsequent stage:
In latter stages of Rheumatoid arthritis, Ayurveda treatment involves an Outcome focussed and efficient combination of panchakarma procedures and herbs, emphasizing on Shaman aushadhi (oral medication) as well as, Shodhana (elimination therapy). Panchakarma procedures like Oleation(Snehana), (fomentation(swedana)), therapeutic purgation(virechana)and enema ( Basti) are beneficial to re-establish the optimum functions of immune system. With the use of personalised medicines, diet and lifestyle improvements and specifically developed detox therapies to balance the doshas, Ayurveda can effectively improve the quality of life. All these measures are executed in such a way as to meet the individual requirements of each person and their respective State of disease.