Rheumatoid arthritis causes painful, swollen and stiff joints, often in the hands and feet, along with tiredness that can make everyday life hard. At Elixir Ayurveda, our doctors offer classical Ayurvedic care alongside your rheumatologist's treatment, to help ease pain and stiffness and support your energy and digestion.
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About rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition: the immune system attacks the lining of the joints. It usually affects the same joints on both sides of the body, with stiffness that is worst in the morning, and it tends to come and go in flares. Modern medicines can slow the damage to the joints, so it's important to keep seeing your rheumatologist.
In Ayurveda, it is closely related to Amavata: poorly digested residue (Ama) combined with Vata settling in the joints. Treatment therefore starts by improving digestion, before deeper cleansing and strengthening.
How we treat it
Your doctor plans treatment after reviewing your blood tests, current medicines and how active the condition is. It usually follows this order:
- First, lighten and warm: a light diet, digestive herbs, and dry heat therapies such as Valuka Sweda (warm sand bags) and Udvartana (herbal powder massage). In Amavata, heavy oil treatments are usually avoided at first.
- Then cleanse: gentle Virechana (guided purgation) and Vasti (medicated enemas), if the doctor finds you suitable
- Then soothe and strengthen: carefully chosen oil therapies and Rasayana (rejuvenating) medicines
- For home: a diet and routine plan and gentle joint exercises
How long, and what it costs
| Stay | Suits | Price (one person) |
|---|---|---|
| 21 nights | Most patients: enough time for each stage | ₹1,42,800 with 20% off (regular ₹1,78,500) |
| 28 nights | Long-standing or widespread joint involvement | ₹1,90,400 with 20% off (regular ₹2,38,000) |
Treatments, doctor, room and meals are included. Airport pickup and drop are included for stays of 14 nights or more. Two people sharing: ₹10,000 per night with the offer (regular ₹12,500). The offer applies to stays booked until 30 September 2027.
Your doctor
Dr. S. Vijayakumar, BAMS: 27 years of Ayurvedic practice, including 18 years in Europe. Meet Dr. Vijayakumar
Questions
Can Ayurveda cure rheumatoid arthritis? No treatment, modern or Ayurvedic, cures rheumatoid arthritis. Ayurvedic care aims to ease pain, stiffness and fatigue and to support your overall health, alongside the treatment your rheumatologist prescribes.
Should I stop my methotrexate or other medicines? No. Please keep taking the medicines your rheumatologist prescribes, and bring a list with you. Any change must be agreed with your rheumatologist.
Can I come during a flare? Tell us before you book. During a strong flare, the doctor may suggest a gentler plan, or waiting until it settles.
Why is the diet so light at first? In Ayurveda, improving digestion comes first in this condition. A light, warm diet in the first days prepares the body for the treatments that follow.
What should I bring? Your recent blood tests (such as RA factor, anti-CCP, ESR and CRP), any X-rays, and your list of medicines.