How to Treat Morning Stiffness in Ayurveda?

Introduction

In the morning, during getting out of the bed if you feel stiffness and intense pain in the joints which gradually subsides after some time, if these symptoms persist for a longer time then you are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Morning stiffness is one of the main symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an inflammatory chronic auto-immune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues.

According to modern medicine, rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disorder whose cause is not known. But Ayurveda has an answer for the cause of auto-immune disorders.

What are the Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Early rheumatoid arthritis tends to affect the small joints first- particularly the interphalangeal joints that attach the fingers to the hands and toes of the feet.

• The primary symptom of rheumatoid arthritis is morning stiffness with unbearable pain due to inflammation in the joints.
• Pain in the joints is acute in the morning and gradually subsides after some physical movements.
• Joint pain remains moderate during the day time and increases sharply at night.
• There is heaviness, mild fever, lethargy and fatigue without any physical activity.
• Constant regurgitation in the stomach, flatulence, constipation, etc.

What is the Ayurvedic Perspective of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

According to the Ayurveda system of medicine, rheumatoid arthritis occurs due to the formation of Ama or endotoxins. Ama is defined as the undigested or unassimilated food in the body which is formed due to the malfunctioning of the digestive system. The aggravating Vata circulates Ama in the channels of the body and gets deposited in the joints causing Amavata.

Wrong dietary habits such as taking stale and leftover food, heating the vegetables again and again, frozen foods, excessive consumption of junk foods etc. lead to ama formation.

• Wrong food combinations such as taking milk with fruits, taking vegetables with milk etc. can also cause ama formation.
• Stress also plays a vital role in ama formation.

This ama gets deposited in the joints and causes symptoms such as stiffness, swelling and pain around the joints. Against this ama our body starts producing antibodies.

Ancient Verse

Reference: Astanga Hridyam, Sutrasthanam, Chapter No., Shloka No. 13 – 14)

Meaning: According to this shloka, a person who takes incompatible foods, takes excess food, eats over undigested food develops the dreaded Ama dosha which is similar to the poison.

How Planet Ayurveda can help in the Treatment of Morning Stiffness?

Planet Ayurveda offers the RA Care Pack, which is anti-inflammatory, analgesic, eliminates toxins within the system and does not cause side effects. These Ayurvedic medicines are safe to use as compared to NSAIDs and steroids prescribed by modern practitioners.

1. Ashwagandha Capsules

Ashwagandha is a nourishing herb that helps to retain the nourishment of the tissues, muscles and bones. Planet Ayurveda uses the standardized extract of Ashwagandha herb for the formulation of these capsules. This herb has anti-inflammatory and immune-modulation properties as well which are very effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Dose: 2 capsules to be taken twice daily with plain water after taking meals.

2. Boswellia Curcumin Capsules

Planet Ayurveda’s Boswellia Curcumin Capsules contain the standardized extracts of these two herbs which are anti-inflammatory, analgesic in nature. These capsules act as a natural pain killer. These herbs act against inflammation thus, effective in reducing swelling in joints, morning stiffness and therefore increase the mobility. Curcumin helps in immune-modulation as well and balances all the three doshas.

Dose: 2 capsules to be taken twice daily with plain water after taking meals.

3. Aamvatantak Churna

Planet Ayurveda’s Aamvatantak Churna contains the dried extracts of the herbs that are known to remove Ama or toxins from the system. This churna provides relief in joint stiffness in the morning as well as severe joint pain. The ingredients present in this churna improve the blood flow to the affected joints and corrects the impaired immune system.

Dose: Take 1 teaspoonful of powder twice daily with plain water after taking meals.

4. RumoGin 5 Capsules

Planet Ayurveda has manufactured RumoGin 5 Capsules which contain the standardized extracts of the herbs that help in the complete detoxification of the body, provide relief in morning stiffness, swelling, pain and manages rheumatoid arthritis effectively.

Dose: Take 1 capsule twice daily with plain water after taking meals.

5. Joint Aid Plus

Joint Aid Plus is a unique product of Planet Ayurveda that contains the standardized extract of the herbs which have anti-inflammatory properties. These capsules relieve morning stiffness, joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

Dose: 2 capsules to be taken twice daily with plain water after taking meals.

Diet and Lifestyle

• Eat light, warm, easily digestible and freshly cooked meals.
• The best remedy for rheumatoid arthritis patients is castor oil. Include castor oil in your diet. Take 1 spoon of castor oil mixed in a glass of warm milk or water and consume it twice or thrice a week.
• Increase the use of ginger, turmeric, black pepper in the diet.
• Oil massage is strictly prohibited in the initial treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
• Avoid the intake of cooling, heavy, oily, constipating food items in the diet, such as processed and packaged foods, curd, rice, lady finger