An inflammation of joints is referred to as Arthritis. Arthritis can affect a single joint or multiple joints. There are so many types of arthritis which have different causes and different methods of treatment, but the most common types of arthritis are Osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).

Common Symptoms are : 

1. Joint pain
2. Swelling
3. Stiffness of bones and joints
4. Redness of skin in the joint area
5. Loss of appetite (in case of RA)

Osteoarthritis develops as a result of stress and resultant wear and tear on a particular joint (this can be due to injury or infection, excess weight, congenital reasons or other neuro/ muscular dysfunction). First the cartilage degenerates which then means bone surfaces are less well protected and can become damaged. This is very painful and can be accompanied by stiffness and even locking of the joint.

Rheumatoid arthritis on the other hand is a systemic inflammatory disorder that as well as affecting the joints can also affect other tissues and organs. it involves an inflammation and swelling of the capsule around the joints, excess synovial fluid and the development of fibrous tissue in the joint capsule. Long term this can lead to the destruction of cartilage and even fusion of the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis can also produce inflammation in the lungs, the membranes of lung (pleura), the membrane around the heart (pericardium), and whites of the eyes (sclera). Although the cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, it is cosidered to be a systemic autoimmune disease.

Ayurvedic View :

The ancient Ayurvedic texts describe two basic types of arthritis that correspond with osteoarthritis ( Sandhighat Vata ) and Rheumatoid arthritis ( Amavata ). According to Ayurveda, excess of Ama ( Toxins ) and lack of Agni ( Digestive fire ) is the main cause of arthritis. Ama is a range of pre-digested and pre-metabolized products of digestive system which exists in different forms such as Ama- Anna, Ama- Rasa and Ama- Dhatu. Ama has heavy molecules which obstruct the micro- channels and membrane system. This makes ama act like a foreign body and this triggers auto- immune reactions in the body.

Different Forms of Arthritis :

1. Vata Arthritis :- Vata is an energy element which maintains all the movements, sensations and emotions in the body and mind. Vata helps in easy movements of joints, when it is balanced and rendering it's functions easily. When morbid vata afflicts the joints and soft tissues of musculoskeletal system, it causes degenerative diseases of the musculoskeletal system. It causes diseases like Sandhigata vata (osteoarthritis), Vatarakta (gouty arthritis), Mamsagata vata (fibromyalgia, myositis, myasthenia gravis), Asthigata vata (osteopenia, osteoporosis) etc diseases.
2. Pitta Arthritis :- Pitta maintains the blood flow to the joints keep up the warmth and helps in fighting the infections coming on towards the joints and soft tissues. So it maintains all metabolic processes taking place in the joints. when morbid pitta afflicts the joints and soft tissues of musculoskeletal system, it causes inflammatory diseases of musculoskeletal system. It causes diseases like Amavata (Rheumatoid arthritis), Vatarakta (pitta form of gouty arthritis) etc. The swelling in these disorders is basically of inflammatory origin.
3. Kapha Arthritis :- Kapha is an integrating substance. It binds cell to cell and maintains the integrity, composure and stability of the body components and the body as a whole. In the joints, it helps in lubrication of joints, provide strength and hydration to the soft tissues, maintains integrity of the joints and aids in smooth movements. When morbid kapha afflicts the joints and soft tissues of the musculoskeletal system, it causes oedematous diseases of the musculoskeletal system.All those joint disorders which present with oedematous (non-inflammatory swelling) belong to kapha joint disorders,e.g. when kapha is involved in vatarakta or amavata, kapha symptoms like joint swelling (devoid of redness in comparison to pitta type of swelling where we can find warmth and redness), stiffness, cold on touch, etc.

Treatment of Arthritis in Ayurveda :

If the condition is particularly chronic or severe, Ayurvedic treatments can greatly reduce it's debilitating effects or help prevent it from getting any worse. If it is medium- level chronicity, Ayurveda can help to reverse the disease process, leading to state of remission. In many cases, Ayurveda can actually offer a cure. Because the disease process is very well understood, treatment can be applied that effect change at the root cause of the disease. The studies show that main cause for aamvat or chronic lifestyle diseases in toxications in the body. Modern medicine is still working for the permanent cure of the disease but as of date there is no curable result. Also continuing modern drugs like NSAID's,steroids, folic acid, glucosamine and methotrexate (which are also used to treat RA) for a long time lead to several harmful side effects like acidity, hair fall, weight gain, indigestion, stomach ulcer, addiction to medicines, etc. Whereas Ayurveda provides the cure with no side effects.

Ayurveda treatment includes several therapies depending on patient's condition. It helps in removing toxins from the body, releasing stress, vayu dosha, digestion problems, muscle strengthening, stiffed or swollen joints, painful joints, morbidity of joints, fever, headache and obesity.

Herbal Formulations used are :

1. Yograj guggul
2. Pippalyasavam
3. Kaishore guggul
4. Shallaki vati
5. Dashmoola kashayam
6. Shilajit vati
7. Ksheerbala thailam capsules
8. Chandarprabha vati
9. Aswagandharishtam
10. Rasnadi choornam
11. Punarnavadi kashayam tablet
12. Mahanarayan thailam
13. Murivenna oil
14. Bala thailam
15. Guluchyadi kashayam
16. Gandha thailam

Panchakarma Therapies :

1. Abhyanga
2. Nadi swedan
3. Sarvang swedan
4. Virechan
5. Basti

Yoga Postures :

1. Child's pose
2. Sun salutations
3. Cow pose
4. Supine twisting
5. Bridge pose
6. Mountain pose
7. Warrior pose

Taking care of yourself is a big part of arthritis treatment. It includes activity and excercise, proper diet and weight management, and stress reduction. Contact expert doctors at Life Line Ayurvedic Herbal Clinic to find best possible plan for all your arthritis problems.