Has anyone tried Ayurvedic treatment for rheumatoid arthritis? Need help managing flare-ups - #1576

Rheumatoid arthritis can indeed be challenging, and it makes total sense to look for alternatives when the usual meds bring tough side effects.. Let's dive into how Ayurveda might help you out with this. In Ayurveda, RA is often seen as "Aamavata", where "Aama" (toxins) and "Vata" imbalance play a big role. You've probably heard about Panchakarma, yep, it could be a cornerstone in addressing this RA/Aamavata stuff. But don't jump into it without proper guidance – it’s pretty intensive. The aim is to detoxify, get the body balanced again. Now about Guggul and Ashwagandha! Yes, they're commonly used but think of them like a part of a larger strategy. Guggul, especially, can help reduce inflammation, but it's not something to take lightly or without professional guidance - its potent. Ashwagandha tends to support overall vitality, giving a bit of energy boost. For mornings stiffness, you could try Abhyanga (self-massage with warm sesame or mustard oil before a shower). It helps with stiffness, improving circulation. Just take 5-10 minutes, gentle strokes, focus on stiff areas. Diet wise, you’d want to avoid cold, heavy & hard to digest foods - these kind off stuff can increase Aama. Cooked, warm foods seasoned with digestive spices like ginger, fennel might be helpfull. Also increase your Agni (digestive fire) with light meals so don't snack too much in between. Here's a tip though – consistency is key. Results can vary, anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months. But be patient, healing can be gradual. Lastly, since you’re on prescription drugs, make sure to discuss any Ayurvedic treatments with your doc. It’s important they don’t conflict. Hope this sheds some light on things! Let me know if there's anything else you wanna ask.