Ayurvedic Panchakarma Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, and Osteoarthritis
DR. Archana Janugade
BAMS (Bombay)
Dr. Archana Janugade is an Ayurvedic expert renowned for her specialisation in Ayurvedic Panchakarma. With 24 years of experience and having obtained her BAMS degree from Podar Government Ayurvedic Medical College in Mumbai, Dr. Janugade has established a strong foundation in the field with her hard work and dedication. Her daughter, Dr. Shriya Janugade (BAMS), now embarking on an MBA journey and preparing for MD, is following in her esteemed mother’s footsteps. Dr. Janugade’s selfless efforts have garnered prestigious recognition and she has been awarded the following:
- Social Work in Medical in 2007
- Maharashtra Journalists Foundation best doctor in Ayurveda Award 2010
- Shiv Sanman Samaj Bhushan Award 2014
- Zee 24 Tass Arogya Sanman award 2019
Her commitment to promoting Ayurveda and exceptional contributions to the community have also made her the most sought-after guest on various television shows, such as-
- ZEE TV Marathi
- SAAM TV Marathi
- IBN Lokmat
- Doordarshan
- TV 9 Marathi
Thanks to her profound knowledge and genuine care, her clinic has gained immense popularity and is highly trusted by patients from across the country and abroad.
Understanding Osteoarthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, a type of arthritis, mainly affects the joint tissues. It commonly develops as people get older and often occurs in weight-bearing joints like knees, hands, and feet. As per Ayurveda, the aggravation of Vata in the bones causes them to dry, which leads to bone weakness and pain.
Causes of Osteoarthritis
Some common causes of Osteoarthritis are :
- Age
- Obesity
- Serious injury to the joint
- Family history of osteoarthritis
- Joint abnormalities since birth
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis begin gradually and might differ from person to person. They usually begin with one or a few joints and then aggravate. Some common symptoms include-
- Joint stiffness that lasts for 30 minutes
- Swelling around the joint
- Unstable joint movements
- Limited joint movement
- Pain in the affected joint
Psoriatic Arthritis
This is an inflammatory disease that affects both the skin and the joints. In Psoriatic Arthritis, the affected individual may develop red and scaly patches on the skin. Though not everyone who has psoriasis develops arthritis, people with psoriasis are at a higher risk. In this condition, the immune system mistakenly targets the healthy cells, which leads to inflammation, joint stiffness, swelling, and scaly skin.
Causes of Psoriatic Arthritis
- Genetic disorders
- Immune system
- Environmental factors
- Psoriasis
Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis
The symptoms of psoriatic arthritis are quite evident but may differ from person to person. Some common symptoms of psoriatic arthritis are:
- Swelling and stiffness in the joints
- Red patches on the skin with scales
- Fatigue
- Inflammation in the eyes
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis, better known as Amavata in Ayurveda, causes joint inflammation and pain. This condition occurs when there is pitta imbalance in the body accompanied by vata imbalance. This condition affects the lining of the joints, causing painful swelling, and can limit normal bodily movements.
Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Amavata is mainly caused by diminished digestive powers in the body. The stated triggers the metabolism, which leads to an imbalance in the Vata.
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
The early stages of Rheumatoid Arthritis hardly show any signs or symptoms. As the condition progresses, the individual may experience the following symptoms-
- Body ache
- Constipation/Indigestion
- Specific symptoms related to the dominant dosha
- Unexplained fatigue
At Dr Janugade’s Ayurvedic Panchakarma Centre, we offer specialised ayurvedic and panchakarma treatment for joint pains, psoriatic arthritis, and osteoarthritis. Our centre follows a systematic approach wherein we first diagnose the patient’s condition, detect the root cause of the issue, and then create a customised line of treatment that is result-oriented and effective.
Ayurvedic Panchakarma Treatment for Osteoarthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Ayurveda works on balancing the three energy forces, or doshas, in the body, namely vata, pitta, and kapha. In the school of Ayurveda, various treatment methods and techniques are used to balance these doshas, depending on the ailment. One such Ayurvedic treatment is Panchakarma. Panchakarma is known to have benefitted several individuals suffering from Osteoarthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
The Panchakarma treatment has five actions that help with the cleansing and rejuvenation of the body. The Panchakarma treatment method is highly beneficial for Osteoarthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, and Rheumatoid Arthritis because it focuses on opening the blocked channels in the body and cleansing the cells.
- Virechana
Virechana is a part of the Panchakarma treatment that has proven to be highly effective for Osteoarthritis and Amavata. In this treatment method, the pitta-dominated areas of the body, such as the intestines, gall bladder, and liver, are targeted for cleansing. The process is meant for the elimination of harmful metabolic wastes from these areas. Virechana is a three-step procedure that helps flush out toxins from the body.
- Abhyanga
As we all know, vata vitiation causes dryness and leads the bones to degenerate. This Ayurveda treatment involves the use of medicated oils that help balance the vata in the body. The massage technique helps with blood circulation and also enhances the functionality of the lymphatic system. The massage strokes and oils work together to detoxify the body.
- Upanaha
Upanaha is an Ayurvedic treatment that involves the use of herbal mixtures. Medical pastes are applied to the affected part and covered with leaves that help in the reduction of inflammation and swelling.
- Swedana
The Swedana procedure aims at improving joint flexibility and increasing mobility. This process helps in the detoxification of the body and tries to rebalance the doshas. Swedana makes use of the sweat glands in the body to conduct the procedure. The different methods used in this technique are sweda, patrapottali sweda, and jambira panda sweda.
Shaman Chikitsa
Ayurvedic Herbs for Osteoarthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Another treatment method followed for Osteoarthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, and Rheumatoid Arthritis is Shaman Chikitsa, wherein Ayurvedic medicines are given to reduce the inflammation and pain in the affected joints. Here are a few herbs that are used:
- Shatavari
Shatavari helps in the lubrication of the tissues. This herb gives a cooling sensation to the affected joints, which help reduce the pain. The cooling sensation also subsides the inflammation and helps improve mobility.
- Turmeric or Haldi
Turmeric comes with amazing healing properties. It helps in reducing the inflammation of the joints, which reduces pain.
- Ashwagandha
This is another Ayurvedic herb with anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe the swelling and pain that come with Osteoarthritis.
- Punarnava
Punarnava helps reduce the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis, such as pain and swelling. This herb helps in correcting and balancing the digestive fibres, which can give relief from the symptoms of this condition.
- Hadjod
Hadjod has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis. This herb helps improve the body’s metabolism and balances the body’s vata.
Lifestyle Modifications to Treat Osteoarthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, and Rheumatoid Arthritis Along with Panchakarma Treatment
- Focus on eating a healthy diet
- Maintain a healthy body weight
- Get enough quality sleep
- Stress management
- Regular physical exercise