Introduction:
Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, affects millions worldwide, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. If let untreated, it further damanges the joint. This makes it difficult for the person to perform daily chores. Early diagnosis of osteoarthritis and it’s management by Ayurveda helps to rejuvenate the join or atleast stops further damage. In this way, one can get relief from joint pain. Lets take a look at, what is osteoarthritis as per Ayurveda, and it’s management.
Understanding Osteoarthritis in Ayurveda:
In Ayurveda , osteoarthritis is correlated with Sandhivata. Vata dosha is the main culprit here, but the pathogenesis occurs in two ways. Cause of sandhivata is either dhatukshaya(degeneration) or obstruction due to ama. So to treat sandhivata, keep both aspect in mind. Either do Asthi dhatu poshan ( nourishment) or first Ama pachan i.e removing the vitiated ama from body is done.
Following are the ways to treat osteoarthritis
1) Panchakarma
Do panchakarma in chronic conditions, or where there is much damage to the joint.
Some beneficial panchakarma procedure are:
- Basti (medicated enema) – niruha basti, anuvasana basti
- Basti for local joint like jaanu basti for knee joint.
- Snehan(oleation) : oleation helps to recover the reduced synovial fluid. Thus it reduces inflammation, relives pain .
- Swedan( steam bath & hot fomemtation by herbs) : There are various types of swedan like naadi sweda, pinda sweda etc. Swedan reduces stiffness and pain .
2) Herbs useful in osteoarthritis ( sandhivata)
- Triphala: A blend of three fruits (Amalaki, Bibhitaki, Haritaki) has rejuvenating properties. It aids digestion, detoxifies the body, and reduces inflammation
- Guggul: Derived from the resin of the Commiphora mukul tree, Guggul possesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It helps reduce pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis.
- Ashwagandha: Known as Indian ginseng, Ashwagandha strengthens muscles and joints, reduces inflammation, and alleviates pain.
- Shallaki (Boswellia serrata): Effective in reducing joint inflammation and pain, Shallaki is often used in Ayurvedic formulations for osteoarthritis.
3) Dietary Adjustments for osteoarthritis :
- Add limited amount of ghee( clarifies butter) and oil in diet.
- Do not consume too much ruksha ahaar i.e a diet that viatitates vata like, raw salad, sprouts.
- Avoid inflammatory foods like processed foods, refined sugars, and excessive caffeine.
- Warm and Nourishing Foods.
- Incorporate warm, easily digestible foods like soups, stews, cooked vegetables, and herbal teas. Avoid cold, heavy, and hard-to-digest foods.
4) Lifestyle Modifications:
- Yoga and Exercise: Gentle yoga poses, specifically designed for joint health, improve flexibility, strengthen muscles, and alleviate pain due to osteoarthritis
- Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, and are beneficial.
- Oil Massage (Abhyanga): Regular self-massage with warm sesame oil or herbal oils improves circulation, lubricates joints, and reduces stiffness. But avoid it in conditions where there is Ama , presented as swelling and stiffness. Use dry fomentation in such condition.
Conclusion:
Ayurveda helps to manage joint pain due to osteoarthritis by addressing the root cause and restoring balance in the body. Incorporating herbal remedies, dietary adjustments, lifestyle modifications, and Ayurvedic therapies can significantly alleviate symptoms, improve joint function, and enhance overall quality of life. Timely management is the key to successful treatment.