Rheumatoid arthritis is indeed referred to as “റുമറ്റോയ്ഡ് അർത്രൈറ്റിസ്” in Malayalam. It’s an autoimmune condition, meaning the body’s own immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, unlike the more common osteoarthritis which is due to wear and tear of joints. Symptoms include joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, often in the same joints on both sides of the body.
Now, about the Ayurvedic take on managing rheumatoid arthritis – known as “Aamavata” in Ayurveda, it involves the imbalance of Vata dosha and the accumulation of “ama” (toxins). Ayurveda suggests several ways to manage this, focusing on diet, lifestyle, and herbal treatments.
Starting with diet, Ayurveda emphasizes on avoiding foods that are hard to digest or create ama. It’s good to cut down on heavy, oily, and processed foods. Foods that can contribute to inflammation like excessive dairy, caffeine, and red meat should be limited. Instead, opt for a balanced diet with lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Turmeric, with its anti-inflammatory properties, can be a valuable addition to meals.
Home remedies might include herbal preparations like Ashwagandha for its anti-inflammatory benefits or Triphala to help digestion. Ginger and turmeric teas can also be soothing.
Lifestyle-wise, stress management is crucial since stress can exacerbate symptoms. Gentle yoga practices are beneficial. Poses like Vrksasana (Tree pose) or Tadasana (Mountain pose) help improve balance and relieve joint stiffness. Also, pranayama (breathing exercises) can be effective in managing stress.
However, all these remedies work best when personalized. Keep in mind that each person’s dosha balance is unique, so what’s effective for one person may not work the same for others. Consulting with a practitioner who can assess individual needs might be useful to tailor the treatment.
Finally, explaining rheumatoid arthritis to someone unfamiliar can be simplified. Imagine the body’s defense team overreacting and causing unwanted damage in the joint areas making them inflamed and painful. Easy, right?
I hope this helps – it’s always great to hear experiences from others, so if anyone else has practical tips they’ve tried and tested, feel free to jump in!



