This 'Ama' is then carried by 'Vayu' and travels throughout the body and accumulate in the joints, which is the seat of 'Kapha' As this process

continuous, all the joints are gradually affected, which results in severe pain and swelling in the joints. When 'Pitta' also gets aggravated, it causes burning sensation around the joints.

Treatment:

(a) Diet - Vegetarian food to be consumed. Dairy products, sweets, oily foods, junk and fast foods, salty and sour foods, jaggery, black gram, fish, cold drinks and ice creams are to be avoided.

(b) Life style- One should avoid cold breeze and excessive wind. Warm water bath is recommended. Take a gentle walk after consumption of food.

(c) Medicines- Guggulu is the most effective drug in treating 'Amavata'. Also herbal preparations of Ashwagandha, Haritaki, Rasna, Sunthi, Pippai and Trivrut are helpful.

(d) Panchakarma Therapy - This is purification process by which toxins are eliminated from the body.

Snehana: Internal and external oleation to the body / affected parts is given as a preliminary process.

Swedana: This is done by application of steam on the affected parts. It helps in reducing inflammatory conditions in the body.

Virechana: By the process of Virechana, the 'Ama' is eliminated from the body. Also the bowel is cleansed, which results in absorption and assimilation of the medicinal preparations properly.

Vasti:This is done by administration of herbal enema. It is helpful in chronic cases.

Ayurvedic treatment, a holistic approach for Rheumatoid Arthritis has been designed identifying the fact that the power of mind can overcome any physical aberrations.Along with treatment,organized lifestyle, physiotherapy, vegetarianism, suitable physical exercises, yoga and meditation should be practiced.

Asanas (Postures) :

Natural unblocking effected by yoga postures are helpful to relieve stress out of the individuals who carry a great deal of physical tension in their bodies. It is a form of a slow exercise together with a controlled breathing exercise which promotes a relaxed feeling.

Prayanama (A breathing technique) :

In this technique an individual do slow and steady breathing - like inhaling through his one nostril and exhaling through other. Besides there are fast breathing movements like intake of air through nostrils and exhaling through mouth at fast pace, this way air is passed properly through blood capillaries and the person feels himself in light mode and he feels that there is no burden over their body.

Dhyana (Meditation):

A person sits in a posture usually in relaxing mode and concentrate his mind over one point with eyes closed. The mind is concentrated up to an extent when an individual feels that he has no interaction with the surroundings, in fact the mind reaches in a neutral stage thereby relieving mental exhaustion. Meditation restores the body to a calm state, helping the body to repair itself, and preventing damage due to the physical effects of stress.