Ayurvedic treatment, or Ayurveda, is a holistic practice focusing on diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes. It may help improve the quality of life for individuals with rheumatoid arthritis.
Ayurvedic treatment, or Ayurveda, is based on
According to a 2024 study in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) RA, Ayurvedic practices may:
- reducing disease activity
- decrease swollen joints
- decrease tender joints
It is important to note that research on this topic is still ongoing, and that you should not use Ayurvedic practices in place of your usual medication or to replace conventional care.
Talk with your doctor about how an Ayurvedic lifestyle can fit into your usual RA treatment plan and improve your symptoms. A combination of holistic and conventional Western treatments may work best for you.
An Ayurvedic diet aims to balance your vata and pitta doshas by pacifying (balancing) them.
Foods to eat
Examples of foods to eat on this diet include:
Aim to drink four to six 8-oz glasses of lukewarm water per day. You should drink one glass when you wake up and one with every meal.
You should eat fruit independently, separating it from other foods by at least 30 minutes. You should also focus on how the foods you are eating make you feel and prioritize cooking at home.
Foods to avoid
Examples of foods to avoid on this diet include:
- processed foods
- white flour
- sugar
- alcohol
- dairy
- foods that are oily, heavy, rich, or dense
Do not eat meat and dairy together. Do not eat in response to strong emotions.
Recommended Ayurvedic exercises usually include gentle movements, such as:
Avoid jarring and high impact movement, such as running.
Deep breathing and daily meditation are also recommended. Yoga may be beneficial for RA. A 2020 study found that yoga for arthritis improved:
- physical function
- disease activity
- grip strength
However, the researchers noted that larger and higher-quality studies are needed to confirm these findings.
If you live with RA, it’s important to discuss with your doctor whether it’s safe to exercise before starting a new routine. They can determine how often you should exercise based on your symptoms and talk with you about modifying exercise, such as yoga poses.
The Ayurvedic lifestyle may help with sleep if symptoms like pain and stiffness keep you awake at night.
Recommended changes to improve sleep include:
- going to bed early and rising early
- avoiding naps during the day, if possible
- taking a warm shower or bath before bed
- trying ashwagandha or warm milk before bed
- eating a light dinner 2 or 3 hours before bed, followed by light walking
- practicing nighttime yoga and meditation
Other Ayurvedic practices that may help your RA symptoms include:
- herbs and other supplements
- specialized oil therapy
- purification rituals
- herbal pastes
- castor oil
- cold compress
- hot therapy, such as sauna use
You can find a specialist in your area that practices Ayurvedic treatment. They can recommend lifestyle practices that may ease your symptoms.
Never try anything new without consulting your primary doctor.
Ayurvedic lifestyle changes may help ease the symptoms of RA, but they cannot replace medication.
A diet rich in herbs, spices, and cooked vegetables is a cornerstone of the practice, along with gentle exercises such as yoga. These, along with other healthy habits, could complement more conventional therapies.
Talk with your doctor if you’d like to learn more about how Ayurvedic treatment options can be safely integrated into your treatment plan.