Case Report

Title: A case report on efficacy of acupuncture therapy and nature cure regimen in Rheumatoid
arthritis (RA) and intervertebral disc prolapse (IVDP).
Introduction
The Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic inflammatory auto immune disease which
commonly affects synovial joints. 1 This is mostly seen in females than in males and is largely
affected in elderly population. 2 , 3 RA is a miserable condition which can lead to immense suffering
and results in poor quality of life. 4 In genetically predisposed persons it can get triggered by
environmental factors like diet, stress and other contributory factors. From the Naturopathy
perspective, body is treated as a whole and we give a positive environment for body to heal itself
by eliminating the toxins and restoring the vitality. The main aim of this approach is to reduce
pain and stiffness of joints, to prevent joint disfigurement and to improve the flexibility as well
as functional ability of the joint in order to facilitate wellbeing. 5 , 6
A 40 year old female reported to the OPD at NIN, with the presenting complaint of 20 year
known history of RA. On the first visit to the OPD she had severe pain in multiple joints
especially in proximal interphalngeal joints and metacarpo phalangeal joints and she was found
limping. She was also showing symptoms of severe pain over the lower back radiating towards
the right leg along with heaviness and tingling sensation in right lower limb since a week.
Besides these symptoms she was seen anxious and irritated due to the chronic pain. She
described her pain as intense, dreadful on the first visit. The pain had been aggravating on
change of positions and stiffness also was noted particularly in small joints. She is a nulliparous
woman and her menstrual cycles and flow is observed normal. She followed mixed diet and her
appetite and thirst seemed to be normal. She also added about her sleep being disturbed since
many days due to her devastating pain. The patient also disclosed about food allergy towards
beans, potato, pickles and dhal. She is habituated to tea once daily since many years. There
were no other medical or surgical history in relevance and she had been administered with
allopathic drugs very frequently for RA which includes analgesics and NSAIDs for a prolonged
period of time.
On physical examination swelling and warmness in multiple joints including proximal
interphalngeal joints and metacarpo phalangeal joints, wrist joint, ankle joint and knees
symmetrically were observed and her vital signs were stable. She tested positive for SLR (Right
side). She tested positive for RA factor and imaging studies of lumbar spine showed loss of
normal lumbar lordosis, L3-L4 and L4-L5 intervertebral disc showed posterior bulging and
protrusion with sacralization of L5 vertebrae.
She described her pain score ranging from 8 to 9 (according to the VAS scale).
The treatment was planned for a month which initially started with acupuncture therapy for a
period of 5 days. The points given were K-7 bilaterally 7 on the basis of Mother and Son law of
traditional acupuncture promoting the nourishment of liver and kidney Qi, along with GB34
bi3laterally. On the first day, her treatment began with counseling her for diet and yoga in order

to improve the quality of life. The pain score gradually fell from 9 to 5 within a week of
acupuncture therapy. A significant improvement in her sleep efficiency had been noted and her
trust in the therapy grew high by the end of the first week.
Apart from that she had been shifted to a Millet based diet with more of fresh fruits and
vegetables from the beginning day of the treatment. 8 Nature cure therapies including mud
therapy, hydrotherapy, acupressure to feet, mustard packs to painful areas were prescribed along
with few sessions of physiotherapy treatment.
The complaints of sleep deprivation, pain in lower back, and anxiety had been declined
drastically post the acupuncture therapy. On follow up it was understood that the patient did not
have any pain or other symptoms for 1 month post therapy.
Discussion:
In the present case as discussed above; the pain and other symptoms due to Rheumatoid
arthritis and disc prolapse were reduced drastically within 1 month as a result of nature cure and
acupuncture therapy given along with dietary modification. 9 She gained hope on the first week
after experiencing a drastic pain reduction and stiffness followed by acupuncture therapy. In
order to create a favorable environment for the cells to regenerate and heal, detoxification was
given As dietary modification and gut micro biota plays a significant role in autoimmune
diseases, fiber rich diet including fruits, fresh vegetables and millets were only given. 10 This
could possibly act on intestinal dysbiosis promoting intestinal functional ability and quality of
life. 11 Considering the effect of this case here we can conclude that naturopathy and acupuncture
has a potential in treating RA and improving quality of life, without any harm. However further
studies need to be conducted to understand the efficacy of the therapy.

Reference

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