According to Ayurveda joint and bone pain linked to rheumatoid arthritis can be improved and prevented with correct blood supply, diet and lifestyle.
WHAT CAUSES JOINT AND BONE PAIN ?
According to Ayurveda the root cause of all diseases is an imbalanced agni (digestive fire) cause by imbalance in our constitution (vikruti).
As a result of weak digestive fire, ama (toxins) accumulate in the digestive tract. These toxins are not properly eliminated, and over time become acidic through fermentation. The toxins then travel, through the srotas (channels of circulation), and get deposited in the weakest dhatus (bodily tissues) according according to individual constitution (prakruti) and nature of the imbalance (vikruti). In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, the acidic toxins get deposited around the joints and synovial membrane.
Incorrect diet and lifestyle habits, such as sedentary habits, excessive exercise, incompatible foods, unnecessary stress and worry, not eating at the right time or the right food according to our constitution, is what imbalances the digestive fire in the first place.
AN AUTO-IMMUNE DISEASE
In the case of joint and bone pain, linked to rheumatoid arthritis, the toxins reach mejja dhatu (bone tissue), specifically the joints and synovial membrane. As the toxins have acidic / pitta (fire) qualities, they create a response of the immune system (ojas), which tries to eliminate or “burn” toxins from the body.
This process causes an inflammation in the joints, as over time the immune system wrongly identifies the tissue structure as pathogens, particularly when the toxins have become attached to the bone structure. As a result the synovium fluids carries too much acidity. It becomes thicker, gets swollen and over time damages the cartilage, tissues and bone. It may also cause deformities of the bones.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Other than join and bone pain, one may experience swelling of the joints, redness and hot touch, loss of appetite, fever, insomnia, indigestion, loss of appetite, thirst, lack of enthusiasm, constipation, bloating and lack of enthusiasm.
The symptoms differ for each individual body-mind constitution. You can ask your doctor or speak with you Ayurvedic practitioner for more information.
HOW CAN AYURVEDA HELP
Ayurveda examines both the disease (rogi pariksha) and the patient (rogi pariksha) through in depth diagnosis. This is essential if we want to get to the root cause to repair and prevent further damage of the joints.
With regards to the disease, Ayurveda enables us not only to reduce inflammation, reduce pain and remove the toxins, but most importantly it teaches us to prevent toxins from being created in the first place. We remove the disease from its root.
At a patient level, Ayurveda recognises that each individual has different symptoms depending on its unique dosha constitution. As a result, each patient will receive an individual treatment plan.
TREATMENT PLAN FOR JOINT AND BONE PAIN
For an Ayurvedic practitioner, the first priority is to reduce the pain/inflammation. This process may include herbal paste or oil application, as well as natural supplements, diet and lifestyle recommendations.
Then the treatment will focus on removing the toxins and balancing the digestive fire to prevent further toxins to develop. Depending on the individual, Ayurveda recommends usage of natural supplements, purgative, hot poultices, medicated oil applications and Ayurvedic massage therapy.
Ayurvedic treatment is a long term ans sustainable approach to healing and disease prevention. It requires commitment and patience. In some cases, it can be used alongside allopathic medicine to enhance the body’s natural healing capacity and reduce the side effects.
For more information please contact the Ayurveda Centre Athens.
Elena Beurdeley-Kuerten
Ayurvedic Consultant – DipALN, DipAMT (Ayurveda)
The Ayurveda Centre – Athens
www.theayurvedacentre.com
