Arthritis { गठिया: }
Arthritis [सन्धिवत् Sandhivat] is an umbrella term for over 100 conditions that impact your joints. That includes commonly observed Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis and gout. In Ayurveda, Vata Dosha is often considered the culprit in Arthritis; an aggravated Vata is associated with dryness, coldness, and erratic movement. In the context of Arthritis, imbalanced Vata leads to stiffness, cracking joints, and heightened pain.
Rheumatoid Arthritis has been described as Amavata in Ayurveda, in which the vitiated Vata and Ama afflict the lining of the joints, causing Shula (pain) & Shotha(swelling). The treatment module for Amavata includes Shamana (conservative) and Shodhana (biological purification of the body) Chikitsa.
Osteoarthritis is a form of Arthritis that features the breakdown and eventual loss of the cartilage of one or more joints. Ayurvedic treatment of Osteoarthritis prevents further deterioration in the joints and rejuvenates damaged cartilage.
Ayurveda considers Psoriatic Arthritis to be a disease of Vata imbalance, Rakta (blood), and Kushta (skin disorders), and gout is called vata rakta [वात रक्त].
General Ayurvedic Therapies for Bone & Joint Diseases
- Shodhana (Detoxification): Panchakarma therapies like Basti (medicated enemas), Virechana (purgation), and Raktamokshana (bloodletting) to remove toxins (Ama) and balance Vata dosha.
- Shamana (Pacification): Use of herbal medicines to reduce inflammation, pain, and restore doshic balance.
- Rasayana (Rejuvenation): Rejuvenating herbs to strengthen joints, and boost immunity.
- Abhyanga (Oil Massage): Daily medicated oil massage nourishes joints, improves circulation, reduces pain.
- Upanaham: Herbal bandaging treatment used to relieve localised pain, swelling and inflammation.
- Swedana (Fomentation): Herbal steam or warm poultices to relieve joint stiffness and improve mobility.
- Yoga Therapy: Specific Yogasanas to strengthen muscles, enhance joint mobility, and reduce stiffness.
- Ahara (Diet): Avoid heavy, sour, and cold foods, maintain regular exercise and sleep routine.
- External Therapies: Application of Lepa (medicated pastes) for localized pain and inflammation.
Note: Modern Medicine focuses on diagnosing and treating diseases, while in Ayurveda, the treatment for the
same disease can differ significantly for each person, because Ayurveda focuses on balancing the body, mind, and spirit by considering the
individual’s constitution (Prakriti), imbalances (Vikriti), and the interrelationship between the body and the environment hence
Ayurveda, the treatment for the same disease can vary for different individuals.
