It is estimated that over 400 million people around the world suffer from arthritis. Arthritis is a word of Greek origin and literally means ‘Joint-Inflammation’. There are many types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, fibromyalgia, ankylosing spondylitis and even psoriatic arthritis. Since the medications that reduce the pain of arthritis also can have severe side effects, many people are looking into alternative, holistic approaches to arthritis. Research has revealed statistically significant improvements in patients with arthritis when Ayurveda doctors suggest individualized, patient-specific combinations of therapies and herbs.
Ayurvedic pathology of arthritis
There are more than 100 types of arthritis and the two commonest disorders of Arthritis are Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Ayurveda identifies 3 categories or types of arthritis corresponding to Vata, Pitta and Kapha doshas.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (known as Sandhigata vata in Ayurveda) is considered a disease of malnutrition that tends to affect weak joints (due to congenital reasons, injury or infection etc). Aggravated Vata along with Ama (toxins) shift from the gut into the circulation channels, find vulnerable places in the body (in this case the joints) and find their feet. Despite the fact that the main dosha involved with bone and joint disorders is usually vata the other doshas may also be involved. The qualities of Vata and this particular type of Ama have a drying/catabolic effect that causes wear and tear of the soft tissues in the joints and ultimately the bones. Simultaneously, Ama will obstruct the channels which provide nutrients to the joints causing further malnutrition.
Vata aggravated arthritis results in swelling of joints with crepitus (sounds in joints) because they are dry. Joints also may feel cold to the touch. With this type of arthritis, joints are excruciating mostly with movement.
If Pitta gets involved, there is usually inflammation. Joints become distended, swollen and hot to the touch and can really painful even when there is no movement.
With Kapha aggravated arthritis, morbidity increases in the joints and they appear red, but the joints feel cool instead of hot. Fluids accumulate within joint spaces causing effusion. In this case, pain occurs when one is at rest and movement can actually diminish the sensation of pain. Waking up in the morning without any movement can be quite painful for several patients.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (known as Amavata in Ayurveda) is seen as a disease of immune malfunction and toxic accumulation. Rheumatoid arthritis accounts for 15 percent of the total rheumatic disorders and the occurrence is more common in women. There is a very high level of accumulated AMA and a substantial amount of excess heat (or Pitta). This Ama, combined with aggravated Vata and Pitta moves into the channels of the body and begins to affect Ojas (the biological energy that symbolizes the water element of the body and the subtlest form of Kapha dosha). This causes Ojas to change and it becomes reduced. Ama also blocks the channels and prevents the production of Ojas, depleting it further. Ojas start to function erroneously and, together with Ama, are the reason for the inflammatory responses, soreness and pain that we identify as rheumatoid arthritis.
Can Ayurveda help in treating Arthritis?
Yes, the world is waking up to Ayurveda. Ayurveda treatments can greatly reduce its incapacitating effects or help prevent it from getting any worse. Ayurveda can help to reverse the disease if it is medium-level chronicity. In many cases, Ayurveda can actually offer a cure. A lot of research is being carried upon in herbs like Turmeric, Ginger, Ashwagandha and Guggulu. In 2015, India's premier medical institute AIIMS, found certain Ayurveda formulations are successful in treating RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis). Ayurveda therapies such as Virechan, Basti, Shirodhara, Upanaham and Abhyangam offer cures for Arthritis by treating the digestion process and metabolism. These therapies involve medicated oils to lubricate the joints and fortify the muscles around them. In addition, Ayurvedic oral medications such as guggulu and sallaki work alongside the therapies to provide positive results and improve the quality of life of the Arthritic patient.
Ayurveda Treatment for Arthritis in Kerala
Ayur Bethaniya Ayurveda Hospital offers a congenial environment for powerful cures by the most revered, timeless healing tradition – Ayurveda. They are known as the best ayurveda centre in Kerala. They make use of restorative herbs, rejuvenating herbs, Anti Vata herbs and natural pain relief techniques such as Ayurveda treatment for arthritis in Kerala. Their therapeutic methods utilize time-proven strategies, herbal medicines and the most excellent arthritis treatment in Kerala; to effect a faster, yet lasting cure.
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