Ayurveda treatment for Rheumatoid arthritis

The disease condition, Rheumatoid arthritis is similar clinical manifestation to Amavata in Ayurvedic classics. Any kind of disease condition created due to complex of intermediate metabolite & vata are termed as Amavata in Ayurveda.
Other disease conditions under Amavata can be SLE [systemic Lupus Erythematous], Ankolysing spondylitis, Sjogren’ syndrome, Scleroderma [systemic sclerosis], mixed connective tissue disease.
This type of disease complex can be controlled, contained & involved pathogenesis can be reversed; Dr. Prasher studied some herbs useful at different stage of the diseases & keeping in view the basic constitution of the diseased based on authentic approach described in Charaka Samhita.The herbal extracts are mixed for each patient based on his nature after complete analysis. The effective herbs for Amavata are Rasna, nirgundi, ashvagandha, Bhallataka, haritaki, ajmoda, vaishvanara, alambhusha, guggulu, ashishrinkhala, amrita, sunthi & eranda etc.
Rheumatoid arthritis, it’s a chronic autoimmune multisystemic disorder of unknown etiology characterized by symmetrical polyarthritis starting from joints with pain, inflammation, & tenderness; most significant sign is morning stiffness, if not treated well joint deformities may develop with persistent inflammation. Being is a systemic disease; hence it tends to affect other organs as well.
Available Treatment Modalities in Modern conventional Medical System
DRUG THERAPY – Symptomatic-Painkillers are prescribed for pain relief and Non-steroidal anti – inflammatory drugs, to resolve inflammation, Antacids to prevent gastric irritation and Iron supplements to correct anemia. Slow-acting diseases modifying agents- Gold in the form of drugs, anti-malarial in high doses, steroids, Immune suppressive drugs are prescribed.
SURGERY – mainly Reconstruction Surgery is done to improve the movements of joints. The following surgical procedures are chosen depending on the condition
Synovectomy – This type of surgical procedure is done to remove the inflamed joint lining to slow down the progression of the disease to other joints.
Osteotomy – This is a surgical procedure of removing or cutting a part of affected bone.
Arthrodesis – This is a surgical way of fusing the joints. This is performed to relive pain in the joint and to promote painless fusion.
Arthroplasty -This is a construction of a new movable joint to preserve movements of affected joints.