Ayurveda and Arthritis | The Ayurvedic Clinic

It may begin slowly, perhaps even unnoticeably, with some stiffness and slight pain. Until it becomes a debilitating illness that renders you virtually immobile. That is the bitter reality of arthritis.

And with over 350 million sufferers worldwide, it is obvious that this condition plays no favourites, and real help is needed now.

Fortunately, Ayurvedic medicine offers hope through its array of therapeutic options. Let’s take a closer look at how Ayurveda can be used to bring relief and respite from the painful effects of arthritis:

What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda, or Ayurvedic medicine, is an ancient system of healing that focuses on restoring balance within the body and mind in order to achieve optimal health. With a focus on promoting healthy living rather than simply curing the symptoms of diseases, the natural and holistic approach of Ayurveda has gained widespread prominence and is quickly becoming a go-to measure for those seeking an alternative to run-of-the-mill treatments.

And with a wide range of treatment options available, finding the right therapy is what Ayurveda does best.

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis broadly refers to the conditions that affect the joints and the surrounding connective tissues. Swelling and inflammation of one or more of the joints results in stiffness and pain, which in turn makes movement painful and difficult.

What are the different types of Arthritis?

Arthritis is commonly differentiated into two main types: 

• Osteoarthritis 
• Rheumatoid arthritis

Osteoarthritis is the more common type and is caused by the progressive wearing away of the cartilage that caps the bones in the joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s own immune system attacks the joints causing inflammation.

What causes arthritis?

Arthritis is more than simply the wear and tear of your joints and connective tissue. And though the exact triggers or causes are not known, genetics, obesity, age, gender, and previous injuries are all considered to be risk factors.

According to Ayurveda, arthritis or Amavata, is triggered by the imbalance or vitiation of Vata, along with the accumulation of the toxic Ama in the joints. This accumulation is the result of poor digestion and metabolism. As such, the treatment for Amavata generally involves balancing the Vata, while eliminating Ama from the body.

Ayurvedic treatments for Arthritis

While there is no one ‘cure’ for arthritis, Ayurvedic treatments for arthritis encompasses herbal remedies, massage therapies, exercise, as well as lifestyle changes to help manage its varied symptoms. In this way, it provides a specific and customised treatment plan that not just alleviates your symptoms, but also drastically improves your quality of life.

Some of these remedies and therapies include:

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:

• Turmeric
• Ginger
• Willow bark extract
• Feverfew
• Fenugreek seeds
• Devil’s claw

These may be consumed in the form of capsules, suspensions, or even brewed as teas.

In this case, this refers to a diet that balances the vata. Therefore, the diet should ideally include:

• Grains (such as cooked oats and rice)
• Legumes
• Green, leafy vegetables
• Berries
• Spices (such as ginger, turmeric, and garlic)
• Buttermilk

You should also avoid salt, hot and spicy foods, sour and fermented foods, and hard to digest fruits and vegetables.

Low impact exercises such as walking, yoga, swimming, and tai chi have been shown to improve joint function and ease pain. Moreover, these exercises help to relieve stress and better your mood, all important aspects for a stronger immune system.

Massage therapy is a crucial part of arthritis treatment as it shows significant results in improving circulation and movement, while reducing pain, stiffness, tension, and inflammation. The use of oils such as:

• Mustard
• Castor
• Camphor
• Lavender
• Eucalyptus
• Sesame seed oil 

for these moderate-pressure massages further enhances the experience due to their vata-reducing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Both hot and cold treatments help ease the pain and discomfort of inflamed joints, while promoting relaxation. Some ways to achieve this:

• Hot and cold packs
• Warm showers
• Hot tubs or saunas
• Heating pads
• Ice baths

The use of essential oils to promote physical and mental wellbeing diffuses into the treatment of arthritis as well. Camphor, lavender, ginger, and eucalyptus oils help reduce pain and anxiety while aiding relaxation and boosting energy levels.

In addition to all of the above, simple changes in your daily routine can have a drastic and long-lasting effect on your ability to manage the pain associated with arthritis. Some of these changes include:

• Getting adequate sleep and rest
• Waking up early and having a well-established morning routine
• Practising meditation and other stress-relieving therapies
• Eating mindfully
• Staying hydrated
• Keeping active

Tips for getting the most out of your Ayurvedic treatments:

• Ensure that the supplements/ herbal remedies you take do not interact with other prescribed medications
• Ensure that the supplements are safe for your consumption, particularly if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or immunocompromised. 
• Seek treatment only from an experienced, qualified, and registered Ayurvedic practitioner
• Follow the guidelines and prescribed remedies closely and carefully

Conclusion

Arthritis is a debilitating disease that does not discriminate. Swollen, inflamed joints and painful movements have a serious and detrimental effect on the quality of your life. But it doesn’t have to be this way. 

Ayurveda provides remedies and treatments that go beyond the norm to offer relief from these effects. And due to its incredible range, and innate understanding of individual doshas, these treatments are tailor-made to treat each person’s specific symptoms; allowing for the perfect therapeutic plan that treats, relieves, and revitalises you. 

If you are looking to get back your mobility and quality of life, while freeing yourself from the painful symptoms of arthritis, visit The Ayurvedic Clinic today! Our expert panel of consultants can help guide you towards the best treatments and remedies that allow you to enjoy every day, with a healthy body and mind.