Bone & Joint Diseases { अस्थि एवं सन्धि रोग: }
Ayurveda identifies two types of joint problems: one is due to poorly nourished bones, which are prone to damage, and the second is the over-accumulation of toxins, leading to joint pain and stiffness. Major disorders affecting joints are degenerative conditions like Osteoporosis [अस्थि-मज्जाक्षाय Asthi-Majjakshaya], Osteomalacia [अस्थिधातु क्षय Asthidhatu kshaya], Sacroiliiti [ सन्धिगत वात sandhi gata vata ], Frozen shoulder [अबबाहुका Ababahuka], Rheumatic fever, Tennis elbow, Calcaneal spur, Painful arc syndrome, Bone fractures, autoimmune disorders, cervical spondylosis, lumbar spondylosis, ankylosing spodylosis, dislocations etc. can be effectively cured by Ayurveda.
Ayurvedic treatment deals with a variety of joint diseases that are not classified by modern medicine, some of them are,
- Vata raktha (वात रक्थः): Swelling, dryness of the affected part with discoloration, itching, contraction are seen, predominantly in larger joints.
- Kostuka shirsha (कोस्तुका शीर्शः): Pain and swelling in the knee joint.
- Avabahuka (अवबाहुका): Pain with restriction in movements of the upper arm.
- Vatakantaka (वाटकान्तक): Pain at calcanium area.
- Grudrasi (ग्रुद्रासि): Pain along the hip joint and thigh that causes difficulty in walking, pain is the main symptom.
- Khalli (खल्ली): Loss of function and paralysis, specifically affecting the leg.
- Urustambha (उरुस्तम्भ): Severe pain, loss of function and loss of temperature sense in the affected limb.
- Hanusthamba (हनुस्तम्बा): Mainly due to trauma, dislocation of tempero mandibular joints, loss of movement.
- Asthimajjagata vatha (अस्थिमज्जगतं वथा): Severe crushing pain in bones and joints, discolorations are possible, loss of muscular power and strength with gradual thining of the affected limb.
- Visvachee (विश्वाची):Loss of function of the hand due to the dryness of structures at wrist joint which cause pain that radiates from the proximal to distal hand.
- Amavatha (अमावथा): Mainly affects bigger joints, appears symptoms of anorexis, vomiting, malaise, indigestion.
- Raktha vatha(रक्थ वथ): Caused by vitiated Rakta Dhatu, with symptoms resembling Vatarakta.
- Visha vatha (विषा वथा): Cause due to infections.
- Jara vatha (जरा वथा): Cause due to old age, this included to natural bony degeneration due to senility.
- Jirna vatha (जिरना वथा): Manifest due to degenerative processes.
- Pada bransha (पद ब्रांश): One of the eighty types of vatha rogas affects foot, resulting in a loss of function.
- Vatha khuddatha (वथ खुद्दाथ): One among the eighty types of vata rogas.
- Gulpha graha (गुल्फा ग्रहः): Stiffness in the ankle joint is the predominant feature.
- Uru sara (उरु सरा): Severe pain, loss of function and loss of temperature sense in the affected limb.
- Janubheda (जनुभेदः): Type of pain localized in the knee joint.
- Pangulya (पांगुल्या): Person felt to limp a sign due to any causes, such as trauma, dosha.
- Thrika graha (तृका ग्रहः): Stiffness at the macro iliac joints.
- Prushta graha (पृथ ग्रहः): Stiffness in the spine.
- Bahu shosha (बहु शोषः): Wasting is the predominant sign in this condition, at the shoulder.
- Griva sthambha (ग्रिव स्थाम्भ ):Stiffness in the neck.
- Asthyavrutha vatha (अस्त्यव्रूथ वथा): Obstruction of vatha due to asthi dhatu causes stabbing pain, deep ache, and fatigue.
- Kaphavrutha vatha ( कफवृथ वथ): Vyana vatha is being obstructed by kapha dosha, pain felt at the small joints and the patient feels heaviness in the body.
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 bones, muscles, and joints, and boost immunity.
- Abhyanga (Oil Massage): Daily medicated oil massage nourishes joints, improves circulation, reduces pain.
- Swedana (Fomentation):Herbal steam therapy to relieve joint stiffness and improve flexibility.
- Yoga Therapy: Specific Yogasanas to strengthen muscles, enhance joint mobility, and reduce stiffness.
- Ahara (Diet): A calcium, magnesium rich, anti-inflammatory diet supports bone and joint health.
- 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.
