Rheumatoid Arthritis

WHAT IS RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS ?

‌It is a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints. In RA, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, particularly the synovium—the lining of the joints—causing inflammation, pain, and eventually joint damage.

CAUSES:

‌The exact cause of RA is unknown, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors

• Autoimmune Reactions – ‌The immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium (the lining of the joints), causing inflammation.
• Genetics – ‌Certain genes (like HLA-DR4) increase the risk of developing RA.
• Environmental Triggers- Smoking, ‌Infections (bacterial or viral), ‌Exposure to silica or asbestos
• Hormonal Factors – ‌More common in women (suggests Oestrogen might play a role)

SYMPTOMS:

RA symptoms often develop gradually and can vary in severity. They commonly include

• Joint Symptoms:

• Pain, swelling, and tenderness in joints (often small joints: fingers, wrists, toes
• Stiffness, especially morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes
• Warmth and redness in affected joint
• Symmetrical joint involvement (both sides of the body)

• Systemic Symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Fever
• Weight loss
• Weakness
• Advanced or Untreated RA
• Joint deformity and loss of functions
• Rheumatoid nodules (firm lumps under the skin)
• Eye, lung, heart, or blood vessel involvement

HOW CAN NIRVANA HELP YOU TREAT RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS:

We design a holistic treatment protocol that focuses upon overall healing of your body, your treatment plan can consist of

• HYDROTHERAPY:

• Hot fomentation, Epsom salt bath for stiffness, Epsom wraps

• NATUROPATHY:

• Mud Packs- reduce inflammation around joints
• Warm castor oil with camphor/sesame oil massage

• YOGA:

• ASANAS: Vajrasana, Ardha Matsyendrasana, wrist/ankle rotations (avoid strain during flare ups)

• DIET:

• Anti- inflammatory diet.
• INCLUDE: Flaxseeds, turmeric, ginger, garlic, pineapple, papaya green leaves
• AVOID: red meat, processed foods, fried foods, frozen foods, excess sugars

• ACUPUNCTURE:

• Helps to reduce stiffness and pain & activation of nerves system

• PHYSIOTHERAPY:

• Regular joint movements, stretching.
• Electrotherapy – Moist Heat, Ultrasound