Integrative Ayurveda for Arthritis: Natural Interventions and Lifestyle Modifications

Millions of individuals worldwide suffer from arthritis, a chronic illness that causes joint stiffness, inflammation, and agony. Even while there are drugs to control the symptoms, many people would rather investigate centuries-old natural remedies.
The various types of arthritis are,
1. Osteoarthritis: Deterioration of the cartilage in the joints
2. Rheumatoid arthritis: Joints are attacked by the immune system
3. Gouty arthritis : are further different forms with particular traits.
In ayurveda these joint problems come under vatavyadhi and the disease that affects joints specifically known as sandivata. Sandhi the word meaning is joint and vata is the dosha that lodges in sandhi. The signs and symptoms of sandhi vata is similar to osteoarthritis.it commonly affects knee joint, elbow joint, hip joint like larger joints. Because of its chronicity and complications, it a challenging disease to cure. Another category of joint pain is rheumatoid arthritis. It is considered as amavata in ayurveda. because of the toxin (ama) deposition in joints it is showing symptoms like stiffness pain swelling etc, on chronic stages it leads to the deformity in joints. Unlike sandivata, amavata majorly affects the small joints.
Vatarakta (gout) is a metabolic disorder. It involves both of, Vata Dosha and Rakta Dushti (blood vitiation) is called Vatarakta. Vatarakta (Gout) is an inflammatory disorder, which causes swelling including burning pain in metatarso-phalangeal joints and other joints and eventually it leads to inability to walk.in modern science it is the increased deposition of uric acid in the joints.

Causes of arthritis

There is more to arthritis than just the deterioration of your connective tissue and joints. Additionally, heredity, obesity, age, gender, and prior injuries are all regarded as risk factors, even though the precise causes or triggers are unknown. According to Ayurveda, vitiation or an imbalance of Vata combined with the buildup of poison or Ama in the joints causes arthritis, also known as Amavata. Poor metabolism and digestion are the cause of this buildup. Therefore, balancing Vata and removing Ama from the body are the usual treatments for Amavata.

Natural remedies

Incorporating herbal supplements and/ or remedies, especially those with anti-inflammatory properties, is a simple and effective way to bring relief to aching joints.
These include the use of:
• Castor oil
30ml castor oil with hot water is the best solution for constipation and arthritis.
• Ginger
Vettumaran tablet with ginger juice , twice daily can reduce the pain and stiffness in the joints
• Ashwagandha
6gm – 10 gm of ashwagandha powder mix with warm milk and have it daily to reduce Vata and to tone up the nerves.
• Yogaraja Guggulu
This is an effective tablet which can be used with Ashtavarga kashaya to relieve the symptoms of arthritis.
. Mustard oil
Apply warm oil over the affected part.

Life style changes

• Getting enough rest and sleep
• Having a regular morning routine and rising early
• Regular exercise and staying active
• Using stress-relieving techniques such as meditation
• Taking light and easily digestible food
• Maintaining Hydration

Ayurvedic treatments for arthritis

Detoxification, or panchakarma, aids in the body’s removal of toxins (Ama). It includes treatments like Basti (medicated enema), Abhyanga (oil massage), and Virechana(purgation) vamana (emesis). For joint related pain, all of these treatments modify dosha levels, lower bodily inflammation, and provide long-term pain relief.
Vamana (Therapeutic Emesis): To eliminate excess Kapha and toxins from the upper digestivetract, Vamana may be suggested in cases of Kapha-related arthritis, especially rheumatoid arthritis.
Virechana, also known as therapeutic purgation, is a method of cleansing the bowels and liver by providing herbal laxatives. Pitta and Ama, the two primary causes of rheumatoid arthritis, are effectively eliminated from the body and inflammation are reduced with this treatment.
One of the most significant treatments for Vata illnesses, such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis,is Vasti, or medicated enema. In order to nourish the joints, eliminate toxins from deep inside, and balance Vata, medicated oils or herbal decoctions are supplied through the rectum.Additionally, basti promotes better digestion by lowering the production of ama.

External treatments

External treatments are essential for lowering arthritic joint pain, stiffness, and edema. Among the most successful exterior Ayurvedic treatments are: Abhyanga, or oil massage, is a healing technique that uses medicated oils. The heated oils relieve stiffness and soreness in the joints, enhance circulation, and help regulate Vata.Frequent oil massage improves flexibility and feeds the tissues.
• Kizhi
A bolus of heated medicinal herbs is applied to the afflicted joints as part of the Pinda Sweda (Herbal Bolus Therapy) treatment. Joint mobility is increased, stiffness is lessened, and inflammation is decreased because of the oil and herbs. Warm medicinal oil is retained to the knee joint for a predetermined amount of time as part of
the specialist treatment known as Janu Basti. This treatment is especially helpful for knee osteoarthritis, as it relieves pain and enhances joint function. Similarly, the same treatment is given for lower back and neck named as kati vasti and greeva vasti.
• Lepa (Herbal Paste Application):
To lessen pain and inflammation in the afflicted joints, herbal pastes derived from anti-inflammatory herbs such as sandalwood, neem, and turmeric are applied.

Yogasanas beneficial for arthritis

• Vrikshasana
• Trikonasana
• Marjarasana
• Tadasana
• Surya namaskara
• Balasana
• Parswakonasana