Arthritis and Ayurveda

With close to 70 million people in the U.S. affected by Arthritis, the search for a long-term, effective treatment is greater than before. Ayurveda has become one of the most sought after choice of treatment for patients suffering from various kinds of Arthritis. There are over 100 known forms of arthritis, the most common being osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease). Other forms include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and related autoimmune diseases. Septic arthritis is caused by joint infection. One of the most pervasive diseases in the world, Arthritis greatly affects one’s mobility, independence and lifestyle. This disease is a leading cause of disability and the inability to move due to pain can have serious repercussions for those with acute arthritis. Western medicine approaches often include painful injections with little focus on long term results.

In Ayurveda, treatments for arthritis include a multi-faceted approach meant to manage pain, reduce inflammation, eliminate toxins, and help build muscle strength and endurance. Ayurveda blames excess of Vata dosha (air) in one’s body that leads to pain. An increase in Vata leads to low metabolism and at times blocks the normal functioning of the body. One of the reasons for Arthritis and other pains such as neck, body, knee and joint is the swelling in the joints created by the toxic mucous - Aam.

Ayurveda offers treatments that last from 3-5 weeks and can be customized to fit individual needs.

Treating Arthritis through Ayurveda

Abhayansa or Ayuveda massage is an important component of Arthritis treatment. Ayurvedic oils made from natural ingredients like mustard, sesame, coconut, camphor and cinnamon, known for their healing properties are used. Abhayansa is a relaxing and rejuvenating experience that promotes circulation and gently stimulates muscles and tendons. The process involves fomentation or heat therapies, also known as Swedana, that help reduce joint inflammation and promoting movement. Swedana treatments may include hot water therapies or upanaha poultices made with ginger, tamarind, and Eranda Taila (castor plant) which help reduce inflammation and swelling.

All treatments are administered along with a custom diet plan designed to balance the doshas (Vata, Pita and Kapha) within the body and rid toxins or ama created in the body. Ayurveda medicine shows that ama is often created in sedentary individuals whose digestive system is not functioning properly or follows a diet that creates ama. This ama circulates into smaller systems of the body and causes stiffness and discomfort in joints.

A body with excess Vata is often representative of early Rheumatoid Arthritis. The joints are painful and patients often experience dryness and stiffness. Treatments include moist heat therapies. When Pita is predominant the patient often has swollen joins accompanied by excess heat and a burning sensation. This dosha imbalance is often caused by acid by products of digestion. The therapies include cool compresses to reduce swelling and soothe fiery joints. Kapha imbalance is due to sinus or lung congestion which blocks ama from being eliminated. The joints may feel congested or patients may experience dull aches. Treatment for Kapha includes moist and dry heat treatments intended to remove mucus and alleviate aching joints.

Treating Arthritis through Yoga

Physical activity is an essential part of the effective treatment of Arthritis and the practice of yoga is known to benefit both body and mind of a patient suffering from any joint discomforts. Yoga offers several postures or asanas that can help increase strength and flexibility and better circulation of the joints. Various Asanas like Basic Movement, Tadagasana, Pavanamuktasana (1 leg & 2 legs), Makarasana, Swastikasana, Januhastasana, Hastashirasana, Ekpadsahajhasta Bhujangasana, Dwipadsahajhasta Bhujangasana, Veerasana, Trikonasana, Vrikshasana are helpful. Slow, steady and controlled movements are especially recommended. It is not advisable to maintain the asanas for long.
This coupled with deep breathing exercises or Pranayamas can help with pain management and tolerance. Stretching of muscles and tendons is essential to promote mobility of those suffering from chronic pain.

For more information on Arthritis and how our Arthritis treatment packages, please send us a mail on info@ayuruniverse.com.