Rheamatoid Arthritis

Why Panckarma is recommended for Rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is an Auto immune disease of unknown cause. In Ayurveda this disease is explained as Vatha shonitha means multiple joint pain due to defect with Vatha dosha and Blood.

In this condition we do herbal paste application all over the body which contain specific herbs which has got specific action over the pathology of vatha shonitha. Another important procedure is application of medicated oil all over the body with mild massage and heating the body with medicated bolus immersed in herbal decoction which is also a very effective remedy in treating Vatha shonitha or Rheumatoid arthritis. After following these two important therapies we go for the main Panchakarma procedure Vamana (Emesis) or Virechana (Purgation) or Vatha shonitha hara Basti (Medicated enema using specific herbs which pacifies Vathashonitha). In most of the patients we perform the Vatha shonithahara Basti as the main Pancka karma procedure. These treatments will be followed by Nasya Karma (nasal medication)

These treatments helps Rheumatoid arthritis to regress, the symptoms subside depending upon the severity of the illness. Intake of Herbal extracts is followed by Panchakarma treatments for few months or year till we get satisfactory result.

In most of the patients within three weeks ESR level comes to half of the initial level. We have noticed many patients admitted with ESR 100-110 mm in 1st hour, dropped to 40-50 mm in 1st hour within three weeks of treatment, even hemoglobin level improved in all those patients.
Depending upon the specific body type and type of illness the treatment may vary.

Are there any chances of recurrence of RA after this treatment?
Following proper panchakarma and post panchakarma treatment eliminates this condition without any recurrence, post panchakarma treatment for long time we can prevent the recurrence for many years. However chances of recurrence are there depending upon the body type, type of illness, environmental exposures, food habits etc, but by once again following the panchakarma and post panchakarma treatments regulating the disease is possible.

Is the damage already happened to the joints can be reversed?
Yes and No. Some of the damage of recent origin without gross damage can be reversed. But the irreversible gross damage to the joint cannot be reversed, but the range of movement can be increased, in such patients improving the quality of life, checking the progression and bringing the remission is the main aim of the treatment.

Who can take the above treatment?
The above treatment is treatment of choice for all Rheumatoid arthritis patients. We can also do this treatment in Ankylosing spondylitis, Sarcoidosis, Polyarteritis nodosa, Reactive arthritis and many other similar auto immune diseases.

Whether this treatment can be taken along with modern DMARD drugs, who are already under methotrexate or Salazaline, or HCQS, or TNF alfa inhibitors etc.? Yes this can be taken along with DMARD drugs. We have treated hundreds of patients who are already under DMARD drugs and surprisingly we could stop the DMARD drugs in many severe patients and could taper the dose in other severe patients with much better results.

What is the complete course of treatment for Panckakarma treatment as inpatient and post panchakarma treatment as outpatient?
21/45/85 is very essential to perform Panchakarma treatment. But in mild cases we can perform this treatment in 14 days. After the Panchakarma it is advisable to continue with the specific herbal combinations for the period of 6 to 18 months depending up on the response, in severe cases some patients may require these Ayurveda herbal formulations for life time.