Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic medical condition that affects the body joints. The OA is characterised by the wearing away of the cartilage that cushions the ends of our bones. As the soft tissue gradually loses its elasticity, the bones come in close proximity with each other at the joints. This leads to pressure, swelling, and intense pain which might also vary according to the season. As the bones start to rub against each other, the patient also experiences restriction in movement and muscle stiffness.
Conventional Approach to OA
The current allopathic treatment therapies for osteoarthritis typically focus on pain alleviation and inflammation control by the administration of suitable drugs. But, both of them don't have any effect on the root of the disease. Apart from being moderately effective, the drugs and medications prescribed by the allopathic practitioners also have side effects that can be life-threatening as well.
In severe cases, the patient has to undergo surgical procedures for a joint replacement that also has inherent risks. While the disease can affect any part of the body, it affects the most used and weight-bearing joints, such as hands, knees, spine, and hips, etc. Apart from being physically harmful, the OA also affects the emotional stability and well-being of the person.
Ayurvedic Approach to Osteoarthritis and its Cure
While the conventional treatment offers only temporary relief from the pain and other symptoms, the ancient Ayurvedic system of medicine has more definite answers and cures related to Osteoarthritis. As Ayurveda works on the root of every disease, it also offers a more reliable and effective cure for OA as compared to the allopathic system of medicine. In the following discussion, we are going to discuss the Ayurvedic treatments for Osteoarthritis and how meditation and yoga to help patients emotionally.
As per Ayurveda, Osteoarthritis is a Vatha related condition that has caused in the following factors:
- Over-consumption of foods that are dry in nature
- Eating less quantity of foods which keeps the body in hunger for a prolonged duration
- Too much sexual activities
- Keeping your body in a hyperactive state without allowing it proper rest
- Chronic malnutrition and/or indigestion
- Excessive traveling, trauma, chronic stress, suppressing natural urges and extreme exposure to severe weather
Hence, the Ayurvedic cure for the disease employs the herbal medicines that regulate the Vatha element along with the lifestyle changes, etc.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Osteoarthritis
Ayurveda offers different herbal treatments for OA. All of them comprise plants that have excellent anti-inflammatory properties and don't have any side effects. Some of the most common herbs are turmeric, Triphala, ashwagandha, Boswellia, Ginger, Shatavari, and Guggulu. All of them have anti-inflammatory properties and have many other health benefits.
- Boswellia
Also called Boswellia serrata, this herb alleviates joint pain and inflammation.
- Turmeric
Turmeric is a highly popular Indian spice that has amazing health benefits. This is why it is used in Ayurvedic medicine for many diseases. It is also believed to protect the stomach against non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Ashwagandha
It suppresses the production of inflammatory molecules in the body and is often compared to the medical properties of steroid hydrocortisone.
- Ginger
Ginger works against cyclooxygenase, which is an enzyme-producing inflammatory chemicals in our body.
- Triphala
Triphala has thousands of years as its history for being used in the treatment of osteoarthritis.
- Guggulu
Guggulu inhibits the NFKB enzyme that is responsible for the body's inflammatory responses. It is excellent for joint swelling as well.
- Shatavari
Shatavari has a soothing and lubricating influence on our body and also inhibits inflammation-causing chemicals in our body.
Yoga and Osteoarthritis
Gentle yoga postures and movements enhance the strength of muscles that support joints and also make them more flexible. Many studies support the positive effect of stretching and gentle exercises in people suffering from OA, especially in the knees. Yoga postures also relieve the stress on the affected joints and help to improve biomechanical imbalances leading to pressure on them.
As per the expert physicians, the unbalanced positions and postures also lead to cartilage damage. Misalignments of bones and poor posture can also lead to wear and tear of the soft tissue. Hence, Yoga can help our bodies in many different ways apart from decreasing stress on the joints.
Meditation and Osteoarthritis
While many readers might feel that meditation doesn’t have any effect on Osteoarthritis, they are wrong. Meditation can lead to better pain management and an emotional state of detachment from the general pain. Meditation also transforms the way a patient lives with a chronic health condition. Offering mental peace and solace, meditation can induce a state of overall satisfaction and happiness despite the physical condition a patient is currently in.
Apart from the things mentioned above, Ayurvedic treatment for OA also includes the administration of various types of oils for massage. Herbal powders for massage and herbal Potli massages are also prescribed to the patients. Heat therapy might also be prescribed in cases where it is required.
As Ayurvedic treatment focuses on the root cause of the diseases, it has far better results in the patients.
We hope our readers find this information useful and opt for a better and more effective treatment for Osteoarthritis.
