Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – Modern (Allopathic) Versus Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

 Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a medical condition characterised by inflammation, swelling, and pain in symmetrical joints, usually involving the smaller joints. This disease typically runs a chronic course, while having a varied long-term outlook. About half of those affected may have mild symptoms, which are usually well controlled with conventional treatment,  one-fourth may have a chronic but limited course, while the remaining one-fourth have an aggressive form of the disease, with severe pain and joint disfigurement.

The modern treatment of RA is usually with standard, oral anti-inflammatory and pain-killing medications, as well as local applications having the same mode of action. Most of these medicines cause acidity and ulceration in the gastrointestinal tract, and may harm the liver and kidneys if taken for prolonged periods. People affected with refractory RA are usually put on steroids and immune-suppressant drugs. The response to these medications is usually good to start with; however, the long term benefits are usually limited, while the side effects are substantial and serious. For most patients with severe symptoms, modern drugs are not able to stop the progression of the disease.

 Ayurvedic treatment helps reduce the chronic inflammation process related to RA and modulates the immune system of the body, so that it helps positively in combating the disease. Herbal medicines act on the joints to reduce pain as well as swelling, and help repair the joint structure. Deformities in joints can either be prevented or reduced with the long term use of Ayurvedic medicines. Regular Ayurvedic treatment for about 8-18 months is usually sufficient to significantly reduce all associated symptoms even in patients with severe forms of RA. Most such patients may also have concurrent symptoms related to other auto-immune disorders, especially of the skin and mucous membranes. These symptoms too can be treated aggressively, in order to bring about a remission of arthritis.

Most of the herbal medicines which are regularly used in the treatment of RA have to be given in high doses and for prolonged duration, in order to be effective; in spite of this, these medicines do not exhibit any serious side effects. Ayurvedic medicines have a major edge in treating refractory patients, while limiting the potential side effects. For those patients with very active disease and not responding even to standard Ayurvedic treatment protocols, supplementation of treatment with Ayurvedic Panchkarma procedures usually brings about a favourable response. The procedures include induced vomiting, induced purgation, blood-letting, and one or several courses of medicated enemas.

To sum up, Ayurvedic medicines have a major role to play in the treatment of aggressive and refractory types of rheumatoid arthritis because of their efficacy and safety as compared to modern medicines which have an immediate effect in suppressing symptoms, but prove to be ineffective and harmful in the long run. It is pertinent to note that patients should refrain from self-medication even with Ayurvedic treatment, and take the advice of a qualified and experienced Ayurvedic physician.

The writer, Dr A A Mundewadi, is available as an Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com  To start Ayurvedic treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, kindly click here

Osteoarthritis (OA) – Modern (Allopathic) Versus Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

 Osteoarthritis (OA) involves degeneration of the smooth cartilage which lines the long bones and forms joints. This can cause pain, swelling, stiffness and limitation of movement. The knee, hip, spine and hands are most commonly affected. OA is most commonly due to old age, obesity, trauma, occupational hazards, and genetic influences; it is more common in women.

Treatment is with pain killers, physical activity, weight loss measures, local injections, and surgery to correct bone deformity or joint replacement. Most affected people do well with conservative treatment. Regular physical activity is important to maintain stability of the joint, strengthen supporting muscles, and reduce pain.

Modern pain-killers and anti-inflammatory medicines are very effective in reducing severe pain; however, these medicines cannot prevent disease progression and have a whole range of serious side effects because of which they cannot be used for prolonged duration. Local injections of steroids directly into the affected joint can dramatically reduce pain; however, the effect is short-lived, and many patients end up with increased pain. Joint replacement surgery can also dramatically cure all disease symptoms; however, the cost of the procedure is prohibitive, and the range of post-operative joint movement may be limited. Though rare, surgery itself may have serious complications; mostly resulting from infection and reactions to anaesthesia.

Ayurvedic herbal treatment is very effective in treating both moderate as well as advanced OA. Depending upon the severity of the condition, Ayurvedic medicines need to be given in high doses for about 3 to 6 months to get complete relief from pain, swelling and other symptoms related to OA. Ayurvedic medicines work by reducing and treating inflammation and swelling, and reversing cartilage damage. Immediate relief in pain can be induced by local fomentation of affected joints using medicated steam or modified acupuncture techniques.

Ayurvedic herbal treatment is also very effective in treating advanced OA, especially for those people who have been advised complete joint replacement. Aggressive treatment with herbal medicines, combined with local pain relief ointments or fomentation, graded exercises, and weight loss measures have resulted in stabilising affected individuals to such an extent that joint replacement is no longer required. Treatment duration for such patients is usually about 6 to 12 months. Side effects or unwanted effects of Ayurvedic medicines used for such patients are virtually nonexistent, even though high doses are required to effectively treat advanced OA. A few patients who do not respond satisfactorily to these treatment protocols, may require supplementary treatment with medicated enemas.

Ayurvedic herbal treatment thus has a very important role to play in the treatment and management of OA.

The writer, Dr A A Mundewadi is available as an Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com  To start Ayurvedic treatment for osteoarthritis, kindly click here