HOLISTIC AYURVEDIC APPROACH TO RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS WITH COEXISTING HYPERTENSION

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by joint inflammation, systemic complications, and a progressive decline in quality of life. While modern medicine offers treatments such as NSAIDs, DMARDs, and biological agents, approximately 30% of RA patients show inadequate responses, highlighting the need for innovative therapeutic strategies. Ayurveda offers a holistic approach through the treatment of Amavata, which parallels RA, focusing on detoxification, digestive enhancement, and joint health. This case study investigates the impact of Ayurvedic interventions, combined with conventional treatments, in a 72-year-old female diagnosed with RA and hypertension, treated at Jeena Sikho Lifecare Limited Hospital, Amritsar, Punjab. The patient, with a history of RA since 2009 and hypertension of one year, presented with severe body pain, disturbed sleep, constipation, and gastritis. Ayurvedic treatments, including Patra Pinda Swedan, Shirodhara, Sarwang Swedan, and Matra Basti, alongside Ayurvedic formulations were employed. After nine days of Ayurvedic therapy, significant improvements were observed, including reduced pain, constipation, and gastritis. Laboratory results showed a reduction in Rheumatoid Factor from 70 U/ml to 47 U/ml, and CCP antibodies from 385 U/ml to 200 U/ml. This case study demonstrates the potential of combining Ayurvedic and allopathic treatments for managing RA, suggesting that Ayurvedic therapies may provide an affordable, effective alternative for symptom management and disease progression. Further research is necessary to validate these findings and standardize Ayurvedic protocols in RA treatment.