PhysiologyRA is a mediated inflammatory process that triggers an autoimmune response. The result is the production of antibodies and inflammatory cytokines that, over time, destroy bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels (Dewing, Setter, & Slusher, 2012). Although the joints are the main areas of destruction, the inflammatory process can also affect various organs, such as heart tissue, including the heart values, visceral layers of the lungs and brain, spleen, sclera and larynx (Dunphy , Windland-Brown, Porter and Thomas 2011). If RA is not treated promptly or if the patient does not respond to treatment, irrevocable bone deformity, bone erosion and immobility are often the sequelae. Treatment standards According to the American College of Rheumatology (ARC) (2012) and the recommendations of the International Task Force of Rheumatologists (2010) treatment aims for remission, reduction of the inflammatory response, pain control, preservation of joint function and prevention and/or cessation of joint destruction. Medications used to treat RA fall into two categories: fast-acting and slow-acting. Fast-acting medications usually treat pain and inflammation. Medications include, but are not limited to, anti-inflammatories such as aspirin, ibuprofen, Celebrex, and corticosteroids such as cortisone and prednisone. Slow-acting medications slow joint destruction and stimulate remission; These medications include DMARDS and biologics. Primary treatment involves the use of DMARDs such as methotrexate, Plaquenil, and biologics called TNF inhibitors, including infliximab, etanercept, and adalimumab. Since the 1970s, DMARDs have been the gold standard for treatment (Kahlenberg and Fox, 2011).The drug...... middle of article...... rheumatoid arthritis: a quantitative and qualitative study. Musculoskeletal Disorders BMC, 11(1), 43. Uhlig, T. (2012). Tai Chi and yoga as complementary therapies in rheumatological pathologies. Best Practice & Research Clinical Rheumatology, 26(3), 387-398. US Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. (2012). Retrieved from http://nccam.nih.gov/about/plans/2011Verhoef, M.J., Boon, H., and Page, S. (2008). Talking about complementary therapies to cancer patients: is it the doctor’s responsibility? Current Oncology, 15(0), s88-s93. Wang, C. (2011). Tai Chi and rheumatic diseases. Rheumatic Disease Clinics of North America, 37(1), 19-32. Wang, C. (2012). Role of Tai Chi in the treatment of rheumatological diseases. Current Rheumatology Reports, 14(6), 598-603.