Ayurveda's Path for Osteoarthritis
Arthritis is an ailment in which the body's joints are vitiated or beginning to degenerate; influencing one joint or multiple joints. Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the well-known forms of arthritis, among 100 other types. It's the most prevalent joint disease in India, according to Indian Journal of Orthopaedics.
OA is a chronic condition in which the shielding cartilage starts to lose its elasticity, due to which the underlying bone is affected and soreness/pain occurs. The discomfort can be intolerable sometimes, let's understand how Ayurveda's holistic approach can provide relief naturally.
OSTEOARTHRITIS - THE CONDITION
A kind of degenerative condition of the joints, identified by Knee pain, hands & weight-bearing joints, hips and spine (usually neck or lower back). The fundamental description would be - Osteo means bone, Arthro means joint and Itis means inflammation. It's heavily connected with ageing and extensive physical occupational activity.
Once it is stabilised, it can gradually or seldom rapidly cause more cartilage (a tough, rubbery substance that’s softer than bone) loss amid the bones leading to "bone-on-bone". It can be present and painless for a long time until the loss evolves enough to explain the symptoms.
With critical situations, people have an extensive or total loss of cartilage in one or more joints, which commences swelling, instability & muscle weakness. People with this advanced osteoarthritis, impacts are not only physical but also emotional, as pain and decreasing movement can restrict the ability to work, engage in daily activities, and experience life.
SYMPTOMS
Knee joint pain, swelling, tenderness, stiffness
Crepitation
Difficulty in walking, getting up & sitting down
CAUSES
Old age
Excessive consumption of dry, cold or stale food
Exposure to severe cold and dry weather
Excessive use of joint
Obesity
Dislocated joints & ligament injuries
Hereditary
AYURVEDA'S PERSPECTIVE
The Bone & Cartilage channels are termed 'Asthivaha Srotas' in Ayurveda.
Whenever too much Vata is composed in the body, due to age or diet/lifestyle factors, it finds places where it can get attracted - like the empty areas of bones and joints. This gathering of Vata, worsens the bones & bone-related tissues.
When the 'Asthivaha Agni', the metabolic fire or enzymes accountable for producing bone & cartilage tissues, gets depleted due to excess Aama(toxins), inactive lifestyle or inappropriate food - even the bone nourishment factors(Calcium, Vitamin D etc.) does not assist in that case.
Given the moderate effectiveness and inherent side effects of conventional treatments, both patients and doctors are attempting alternative therapies, including those suggested by the ancient healing system 'Ayurveda'. The natural approach not only limits further degeneration in the joints but also rejuvenates damaged cartilages.
The fundamental steps in Ayurveda's procedure are -
Bringing back Vata to normal
Eliminating the blocks(ama or toxins)
Oil Massage & Hot Fomentation(lubrication & strengthening)
Detoxification
HERBAL REMEDIES
The natural herbs play a significant role in reducing the excess Vata; these plants have anti-inflammatory characteristics without any side effects. An American study by the College of Rheumatology showed - Herbal Ayurvedic therapy to be remarkably effective in treating knee osteoarthritis than a regularly prescribed medication.
Here are some of the essential herbal remedies –
Aama reducing – Zingiber officinale, Piper longum
Vata reducing from bones – Pluchea lanceolata, Boswellia serrata, Vitex negundo
Immune balancing - Tinospora cordifolia, Tribulus terrestris
Bone nourishing - Vitis quadrangularis, Withania somnifera
Turmeric, Ashwagandha, Ginger, Triphala (Common names)
DIETARY GUIDELINES
To reduce that needless pressure on the joints, you have to maintain your weight. Diet & Nutrition is an essential phase of treatment. Here are some of the guidelines you need to keep in mind, regarding the diet-
Fruits & Vegetables (high in flavonoids & acts as antioxidants)
Diet rich in Vitamin C & D
Moong & cooked vegetables to reduce the toxins
Spinach, broccoli, amaranth, banana to nourish bones
Sesame seeds, white beans, almonds
Figs & Sunflower seeds
Avoid refined carbohydrates, pastries/cakes, Cheese, Butter, White Sugar
Remove oily, fermented & processed food from the diet
Stay away from Red meat, eggs, wheat, pickles, tea & coffee
Alcohol, Aerated Drinks & Smoking should be stopped
MARMA THERAPY
Physical exercises stimulate the muscles around your joints, assisting in alleviating the stiffness. Along with other activities, Yoga and Meditation - one other thing you can include is 'Marma' point’s therapy. It is exceptionally powerful for Knee joint pain & other stiffness.
1) Janu Marma
Location - Centre of the knee joint, on the posterior region of the leg
2) Indravasti Marma
Location - Three inches below the elbow joint
3) Ani Marma
Location - Three fingers above the centre of knee joint
Process -
Apply Painmukti Cream (more on this at the end of the article) on the knee region. When you locate the point, press it very deep and vibrate with a circular motion, release the pressure in 30 seconds. Repeat it for 6 times in a single therapeutic session.
HOME REMEDY
Our recommendations, that you can try at home for bone nourishment-
Take haldi 1 tsp, ¼ tsp fenugreek, coriander, shunti powder on empty stomach daily in the morning, with water
Take 1 tsp vaca oil or castor oil with 2 pinches of dry ginger powder at night
Carrot, pomegranate, beetroot juice
AYUSHAKTI'S HERBAL EXTRACTS
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Ayushakti is a global leader in providing Ayurvedic healthcare services and holistic wellness solutions. Ayushakti's herbal extracts from the Painmukti Kit (Painmukti M J tablets, Sandhi-Cal tablets & Cream) for relief and flexibility is a clinically tested & proven remedy, bringing significant benefits for the condition. The clinical study says that 90% of people have found relief from chronic pain, stiffness and inflammation.
Painmukti Kit- https://www.ayushakti.com/products/details/painmukti-kit?utm_source=GoogleMyBusiness&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=PainMuktiKit
Apart from the herbal remedies, if you are suffering from Arthritis and want to embrace the natural Ayurvedic path for your treatment - Ayushakti's Arthrox Treatment is an ideal choice. To know more about this go here https://bit.ly/2A0xfPC
Ayushakti's purpose is to assist people in every possible way. Even these pandemic times cannot stop us; you can consult our experts on phone or video. We will recommend diet & home remedies for maintaining your wellbeing in these challenging times.
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For more information write to us at info@ayushakti.com or visit the website at https://www.ayushakti.com/