Arthritis is a debilitating disease that disables millions of individuals across the world with pain, inflammation, and stiffness in the joints. While conventional medicine offers remedies in the shape of painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications, a large number of people have begun embracing Ayurvedic arthritis treatment as a holistic and natural remedy. Ayurveda is an ancient medicinal practice with origins in India. It aims at balancing the body, mind, and spirit by using natural techniques. In this blog, we will explain how Ayurveda treatment for arthritis works, how it works, and why you may want it to be on your path toward pain-free existence.
Ayurveda's philosophy is that health arises from a balanced equilibrium of the three primary energies of the body, or the doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These doshas control all processes of the body, and their imbalance is believed to produce disease. In arthritis, Ayurvedic treatment for arthritis seeks to balance the body and alleviate pain and inflammation by addressing the causes of the condition, not symptoms.
The program of treatment can be a combination of herbal medication, diet modification, purification schedules, and physical therapy such as massage and yoga. The intention is to treat the cause of joint pain and inflammation, and not just offer symptomatic relief. This integrated method is one of the main reasons why many are opting for Ayurvedic arthritis treatment as an alternative remedy.
Ayurveda explains arthritis as commonly caused by an imbalance of the Vata dosha, which controls movement and flow within the body. Aggravated Vata expresses itself as dryness, stiffness, and swelling in the joints, causing osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Ayurvedic treatment of arthritis works on pacifying Vata, lubricating the joints, and inhibiting inflammation.
Both Pitta and Kapha doshas play a role in causing the symptoms of arthritis. Pitta imbalance could be behind the excess heat and inflammation and Kapha imbalance could be behind mucus production or stiffness of joints. Knowing and managing the individual dosha imbalances, an Ayurvedic clinician can develop an individualized regimen to manage the individual's specific needs.
One of the basic principles of Ayurvedic therapy for arthritis is the use of strong herbs with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. The most widely used herbs in Ayurvedic medicine to treat arthritis are:
Ashwagandha: Due to its capability to kill stress and reduce inflammation, Ashwagandha is extensively utilized in Ayurvedic medicine to treat arthritis. Ashwagandha aids in maintaining overall health of the joints by reducing the inflammatory response of the body.
Turmeric: Containing active component curcumin, turmeric is known to have anti-inflammatory qualities. Turmeric provides relief from pain, inflammation, and stiffness of the joints and therefore forms the mainstay of numerous Ayurvedic therapies for arthritis.
Ginger: Used commonly in the treatment of arthritis by Ayurveda, ginger also has analgesic and anti-inflammatory qualities. Ginger reduces inflammation and improves circulation, providing relief to arthritic joints.
Triphala: A blend of three fruits, Triphala is widely applied in Ayurveda for purification and overall health. It has the ability to decrease inflammation, enhance digestion, and strengthen the immune system.
Boswellia: Another name for Indian frankincense, Boswellia is a potent anti-inflammatory and is widely applied in Ayurveda for treating arthritis. It has the ability to alleviate swelling and pain in the joints, especially rheumatoid arthritis.
Diet is also a major part in Ayurvedic management of arthritis. In Ayurveda, foods raise or soothe the doshas. Arthritis sufferers need to be on a diet which will nourish the joints and decrease inflammation. Some of the major dietary recommendations are:
Avoiding processed foods: Processed foods containing plenty of refined oils, sugar, and preservatives make the body more inflammatory and thus worsen the condition of arthritis.
Panchakarma is a detox therapy that is commonly used as an adjuvant therapy in Ayurveda for arthritis. Panchakarma is a treatment system of therapeutic procedures aimed at enhancing circulation, cleansing the body of toxins, and restoring the doshas to their normal levels. Some Panchakarma procedures are helpful to arthritis patients in the following ways:
Abhyanga: Oil massage that aids in improving circulation, relaxing stiffness, and soothing the nervous system. The therapy feeds joints and tissues and is a great option for arthritis patients.
Shirodhara: Treatment in which herbal oil is streamed over the forehead when warm, inducing mental clarity, relaxation, and stress reduction. By decreasing stress, which can intensify inflammation, Shirodhara can indirectly help arthritis patients.
Nasya: External use of herbal oils on the nose that purifies the sinuses and enhances respiratory function. It may even reduce inflammation in the joints by detoxifying the body.
Yoga is also an essential part of Ayurvedic treatment of arthritis. Certain yoga poses make the muscles around joints more flexible and stronger, increasing pain relief and flexibility. Mild yoga exercises that encourage increased mobility of the joint are helpful for patients with arthritis. Cat-Cow, Child's Pose, and Downward Dog are especially helpful in keeping joints healthy.
Along with diet and herbs, Ayurveda suggests lifestyle changes that facilitate joint health as well as general wellness. Some of these are systematic exercising, good sleep, stress reduction, and not causing excessive physical stress to the joints.
Ayurvedic arthritis treatment gives a drug-free, all-natural method of curing arthritis. Unlike the old methods of having to depend on chemically synthesized drugs, Ayurveda addresses the issue of why the illness developed in the first place and works to heal it on the body level. The treatment not only removes pain but also enhances overall well-being through balance of body energies.
Furthermore, Ayurvedic treatment of arthritis is tailored, since Ayurvedic doctors tailor treatment based on your unique constitution, imbalances, and needs. That gives a more advanced and targeted way of addressing arthritis.
Final Thoughts
Ayurvedic arthritis treatment presents a natural and holistic method for those wishing to treat their condition of arthritis. Through dosha balancing within the body, consuming herbal supplements, and through dietary and lifestyle adaptation, Ayurveda will be able to bring down pain and inflammation, contributing to joint long-term wellness.
At Mantraayurveda, our primary concern is to deliver you personalized Ayurvedic arthritis therapy according to your individual needs. Our skilled practitioners are right there with you, and we help you devise a treatment program that treats the very root cause of your arthritis along with getting you mobilized from any pain. Call us now and learn how our therapies can help you regain your mobility and health.