According to conventional medical science rheumatoid arthritis is a condition of chronic inflammation of the joints such as hands, ankles, knees and hips. The condition results in acute pain, stiffness of joints and severe restrictions on a person's mobility. It can also affect one's eyes, heart, lungs, blood cells and even skin and bring about numerous medical complications. Given the fact there are no known cures for it, the bulk of the medication focuses on alleviating the pain or minimizing the rate of progression of the disease. The unavailability of a cure has also caused its sufferers to look at a multitude of alternate treatments such home remedies, homeopathic treatments and Ayurveda practices. Although none of these methods have been proven to cure it in a scientific sense, those that follow these alternate treatments and home remedies also insist on varying levels of relief provided by them.
Ayurveda is defined as a system that draws on the inherent qualities of nature to maintain a healthy equilibrium. Practiced in the Indian subcontinent, Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word made up of two other words, 'ayu' and 'veda'. While 'ayu' means life, 'veda' translates to mean 'related to science or knowledge'. These treatments usually encapsulate natural remedies based on various herbs, massage techniques and yoga practices. The treatment of rheumatoid arthritis through Ayurveda spans centuries and is both interesting and complex.
According to Ayurveda, rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a poor balance within the body as a result of poor digestion as well as a weakened colon. Poor digestion is believed to cause toxins to amass in the body and problems relating to the colon result in these toxins reaching the joints. The suggested remedy is to activate the digestive system and ensure it functions as it is meant to. A complex mix of treatments is used to rectify this imbalance.
Key to the treatment of the condition is the use of natural herbs which are found in the Indian subcontinent. These herbs can be spices used in cooking or rare plant matter that are transformed into various pills, pastes and concoctions. Some of the ingredients herein include Gugulu, fenugreek, sarsaparilla and cinnamon bark. A person's diet is also closely monitored when considering Ayurveda treatments for rheumatoid arthritis. As such vegetable and fruit juices along with soups come highly recommended. Food that is easily digestible, spices such as cumin, coriander and ginger together with various salads made from herbs available in the region are all recommended. Extremely spicy food, vegetables and food items that cause gas, certain types of sweets as well as tea, coffee and nicotine are all frowned upon in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in Ayurveda.
Heat therapy is also commonly used in Ayurvedic treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. This, like in the western method, revolves around applying heat on the affected areas and maybe done with a moist cloth dipped in hot water. Hot oil massages, use of essential oils and various yoga exercises are also used as treatment options.
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