Efficacy of naturopath and yoga on treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: a one year study

Aims: Aim of study was to determine the effect of Naturopathy (massage, hot and cold fomentation applications) and yoga intervention for one year on the disease activity, disability and quality of life indices in patients suffering from Rheumatoid arthritis.
Methods and Material: The effect was observed  on physical parameters (health assessment questionnaire, disease activity score including a 28-joint count ,weight, grip strength and finger squeeze test), blood pressure, haemoglobin,  immunological marker (Rheumatoid factor)  and  inflammatory marker (ESR). Total of Seventy five rheumatoid arthritis patients were enrolled and divided in two groups. Group 1included 39 patients taking Allopathic medication. Group 2 included 36 patients taking Naturopathy and yoga along with Allopathic medication.  
Results and Conclusions: Significant improvement was found in grip strength, finger squeeze test and ESR in treatment group. The improvement was also observed in DAS-28 score, HAQ and VAS in both the groups i.e control and treatment group but improvement was statistically more significant in the treatment group. The study concluded that massage therapy, hot and cold fomentation along with yoga therapy, when used in conjunction with other prescribed treatments, can have a positive systemic effect in getting symptomatic remission and in the effective management of Rheumatoid arthritis.