Ayurveda & Arthritis. The ancient Ayurvedic texts describe two basic types of arthritis that correspond with osteoarthritis (Sandhigat Vata) and rheumatoid arthritis (Ama Vat). It is important to remember when considering any disease from an Ayurvedic perspective, that it is not just the disease that is treated, it is the person. Every person is treated as a unique case, and many variables are taken into account to ensure that a treatment program is specifically tailored for them as an individual. Having said that, lets take a look at the disease states of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis from an Ayurvedic perspective. In Ayurveda, osteoarthritis is considered a disease of malnutrition that tends to affect vulnerable joints (due to previous injury or infection, congenital reasons, etc). However, as with all disease, to find the root cause of osteoarthritis, we first must look at the processes of digestion, or Agni. When Agni (the ‘digestive fire’ ) is not working properly, wastes or toxins known as Ama are produced instead of useful nutrients for the tissues. These toxins accumulate in the gut and at the same time, Vata (Air/Ether) accumulates in the colon. Causes of Vata aggravation include: Eating excessively cold, dry, rough, bitter, astringent or pungent foods (including an excess of raw foods) Irregular schedules or meal times Excessive traveling Constant multitasking and rushing around High stress or high anxiety jobs or situations Lack of sound sleep Excessively cold or dry environments A physically or mentally traumatic event Extreme grief, change or shock Taking drugs Excessive stimulation and movement Aggravated Vata, along with Ama (toxins), move from the gut into the channels of circulation, find places in the body that are weak or vulnerable (in this case the joints) and settle in. The qualities of Vata, and this particular type of Ama, have a catabolic/drying effect that causes deterioration of the soft tissues in the joints and eventually the bones. At the same time, Ama can block the channels, supplying nutrients to the joints causing further malnutrition. The deterioration and subsequent irritation in the joint causes inflammation, stiffness, swelling and pain. In Ayurveda, rheumatoid arthritis is seen as a disease of toxic accumulation and immune malfunction. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, there is a very high level of accumulated Ama (hence the name), and in many cases, a considerable amount of excess heat (or Pitta). This Ama, combined with aggravated Vata and Pitta moves into the channels of the body and begins to affect Ojas (the vital essence of the tissues and the body-mind’s strength and immunity). This causes Ojas to become depleted and its qualities are changed. At the same time Ama blocks the channels and prevents the production of Ojas, depleting it further. This is the basis of autoimmune-disease. Ojas begins to function incorrectly and, along with Ama, causes the inflammatory responses, swelling and pain that we recognize as rheumatoid arthritis. Causes of Pitta aggravation include: Eating excessively heating, fried, stimulating, pungent, sour or salty foods and drinks (including red meat, fermented foods, alcohol, coffee, chilli, acidic foods) Exposure to excessively hot or humid environments Not eating when hungry Living with highly irritating situations Excessively heating exercise Excessively hot showers Excessive exposure to anger Violence, conflict and highly competitive situations Things that deplete Ojas: Excessive sexual activity Overwork Stress Physical trauma (such as a severe car accident) Psychological trauma (such as excessive stress or intense grief) Vigorous exercise beyond your capacity Things that deplete Ojas : Excessive sexual activity Overwork Stress Physical trauma (such as a severe car accident) Psychological trauma (such as excessive stress or intense grief) Vigorous exercise beyond your capacity Ayurvedic Arthritis Treatment : This is where Ayurvedic arthritis treatment and Western Medicine protocol differ dramatically. If the condition is particularly chronic or severe, Ayurvedic arthritis treatments can greatly reduce its debilitating effects or help prevent it from getting any worse. If it’s nature is medium-level chronic, Ayurveda can help to reverse the disease process, leading to a state of remission. In many cases, Ayurveda can actually offer a cure. Because the disease process is very well understood, Ayurvedic arthritis treatments can be applied that effect change at the root cause of the disease. In both cases of arthritis, strengthening Agni and removing Ama is the immediate concern. Without this, any other treatment will be of little effect. This is achieved by following a special diet that allows the Agni to become stronger and the body to begin eliminating excess toxins. In fact, vast improvements can be made in terms of inflammation, pain, swelling and stiffness just by diligently following the correct diet.