Rheumatism characterised by intense pain and
inflammation of the muscles, ligaments, tendons and / or the
joints, it is termed 'Amavata' in Ayurveda. Divided into chronic
muscular rheumatism (affecting muscles) and chronic articular
rheumatism (affecting joints), if neglected, it may even affect
the heart.
Symptoms
Root Causes
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Accumulation in the joints of toxins (ama),
formed due to improper digestion, metabolism or excretion.
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Infections from teeth, tonsils and gall
bladder.
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Aggravated by exposure to cold weather.
Vata type:
Most common type. Severe, throbbing and cutting pain that is
variable and migrating. This becomes worse in cold weather or
when cold water comes in contact with the affected joints.
Other symptoms include dry or scaly skin, stiff
or cracking joints, bone deformities, gas, abdominal distension,
low back pain, nervousness, fear, anxiety and insomnia.
The pain is relieved by heat. Constipation is
usually a symptom. Body types will usually be thin. Best to live
in a tropical climate and follow a Vata diet.
Pitta type:
Second common. There will be a burning sensation with redness
and inflammation which becomes worse in hot weather or from hot
water. Diarrhea, loose stool, anger, sweating, fever,
irritability are usually present. With Pitta type it is
recommended to use bitter herbs and follow a Pitta diet.
Kapha type:
Least common. There will be itching, swelling or loss of
movement and edema without inflammation around the joints. It
becomes worse in cold, damp or wet weather. Other symptoms may
be heaviness, aches, oily skin, congestion or mucus in the
stool. Pain is relieved by heat or hot-dry weather. Best to live
in a hot-dry climate and follow a Kapha diet.
Few common allied diseases of Rheumatism :
Gout:
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This is painful metabolic disease characterized
by recurrent attack of acute pain and swelling at first
affecting only one joint, usually the metatarso-phalangeal joint
of the big toe, later becoming polyarticular (Gradually other
joints are involved and the patient experience difficulty in
walking, taking and even moving)., inflammation and chalky
deposits in the joints due to disturbance of the purine
metabolism in the body.
In Ayurveda this is known as Vatarakta.
Join & Muscle Pain:
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According to Ayurveda mostly Joint & Muscle pains are caused by
the aggravation of vata (air) dosha. It is a condition which is
caused by accumulation of ama and aggravation of vata. (Ama is a
toxic by-product of improper digestion. )This ama circulates in
the whole body and deposits or gets collected at the sites which
are weaker. When it deposits in the joints and at the same time
there is aggravation of vata , it results in a disease called
amavata that all results of Joint Pains.
Arthritis:
Arthritis isn’t just 1 disease; it’s a complex disorder that
comprises more than 100 distinct conditions and can affect
people at any stage of life. Two of the most common forms are
osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
These 2 forms have very different causes,
risk factors, and effects on the body, yet they often share a
common symptom—persistent joint pain. The joint pain of
arthritis can appear as hip pain, knee pain, hand pain, or wrist
pain, as well as joint pain in other areas of the body. If you
have joint pain, stiffness and/or swelling for more than 2
weeks.
Osteoarthritis:
Osteoarthritis is a condition in which low-grade inflammation
results in pain in the joints, caused by wearing of the
cartilage that covers and acts as a cushion inside joints. As
the bone surfaces become less well protected by cartilage, the
patient experiences pain upon weight bearing, including walking
and standing. Due to decreased movement because of the pain,
regional muscles may atrophy and ligaments may become more lax.
Rheumatoid Artharitis:
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease,
mainly characterized by inflammation of the lining, or synovium
of the joints. It can lead to long-term joint damage, resulting
in chronic pain, loss of function and disability.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) progresses in three
stages. The first stage is the swelling of the synovial lining,
causing pain, warmth, stiffness, redness and swelling around the
joint. Second is the rapid division and growth of cells, or
pannus, which causes the synovium to thicken. In the third
stage, the inflamed cells release enzymes that may digest bone
and cartilage, often causing the involved joint to lose its
shape and alignment, more pain, and loss of movement.
Herbs which is useful :
Guggulu (Commiphora mukul gum) :
It
is the most effect herb used in the Ayurvedic treatment of
Rheumatism. Guggulu has strong rejuvenating, purifying,
medicinal and healing qualities. Guggulu is perhaps used more
than any other herb in Ayurveda. Vata (under-weight) and Kapha
(obese) types benefit the most from this herb. Guggulu increases
the white blood cell count, dis-infects secretions in the body.
Guggulu has been used extensively for similar health disorders
such as arthritis, gout and lumbago.
Lohsun / Garlic (Allium sativum) :
Garlic
has been demonstrated as effective for high blood pressure, high
blood cholesterol and as an anti-infection agent. It has more
recently been found to be effective against rheumatoid
arthritis. It may used singularly or in combination with the
usual medications.
Rasna (Vanda roxburghii ):
The
root of the plant is found Effective in inflammations, rheumatic
disorders, osteoarthritis and allied disorders. It has been used
for indigestion also. The decoction of the plant has been used
traditionally in arthritis. The leaves are aperients and used as
a laxative, analgesic and antipyretic.
Ashwagandha
(Withania somnifera):
Ashwagandha is one of the most reputed drugs in Ayurvedic
Pharmacopoeia for its tissue building properties. The root of
the plant is found Effective in rheumatic disorders,
osteoarthritis and allied disorders. Ashwagandha is considered a
premiere anti-aging herb due to its rejuvenation and longevity
enhancers. Its anti-inflammatory and pain reducing properties
help with arthritis.
Diet :
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Avoid curd & all sour items pulses (except
moong dal), rice, meat, fish, white bread, sugar, refined
cereals, fried foods, tea or coffee.
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Have potato & lemon juice
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Celery seeds, bitter gourd are highly
beneficial.
