Managing Arthritis with Ayurveda: Insights from Vashishtha Ayurved

Arthritis is a prevalent condition, particularly among the elderly. This joint disorder can significantly impact one’s quality of life, causing pain, swelling, and reduced mobility. At Vashishtha Ayurveda, we offer holistic treatments to manage arthritis effectively, focusing on the root causes and personalized care.

Causes of Arthritis

According to Ayurveda, arthritis, especially Sandhi Gata Vata (osteoarthritis), is primarily caused by an imbalance in the Vata dosha. Here are the key factors contributing to this condition:

1. Aging: As we age, degenerative changes occur, leading to an imbalance in Vata dosha, which targets the joints and causes arthritis.
2. Vata-Vitiating Diet and Lifestyle: Consuming very spicy, dry foods, and cold drinks can aggravate Vata dosha. Additionally, certain lifestyle choices, such as heavy exercises, late-night activities, continuous exposure to air conditioning, and extensive traveling, can further imbalance Vata dosha. This imbalance often manifests as knee joint pain, especially after walking or running.

Signs and Symptoms of Arthritis

Arthritis commonly presents with the following symptoms:

• Joint pain
• Swelling in the joints
• Crackling sounds during joint movement

Ayurvedic Treatments for Arthritis

At VashiSHTHA Ayurveda, we adopt a comprehensive approach to treating arthritis by balancing the Vata dosha through diet, lifestyle modifications, and specialized treatments.

1. Diet and Lifestyle: The foundation of our treatment is to plan a proper diet and lifestyle that pacifies the Vata dosha. This includes:
   • Consuming warm, nourishing foods
   • Avoiding cold, dry, and excessively spicy foods
   • Maintaining a regular sleep schedule
   • Reducing strenuous activities and excessive travel
2. Herbal Remedies: Certain herbs are highly effective in reducing pain and swelling associated with arthritis. Key herbs include:
   • Nirgundi (Vitex negundo): Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, Nirgundi helps alleviate pain and swelling.
   • Guggul: Various formulations of Guggul are used to manage arthritis symptoms and improve joint health.
3. Panchakarma Treatments: Panchakarma therapies play a crucial role in detoxifying the body and balancing the doshas. Specific treatments for arthritis include:
   • Basti (Medicated Enema Therapy): Helps in balancing Vata dosha and provides relief from joint pain.
   • Janu Basti: A specialized treatment where medicated oil is retained over the knee joint, providing nourishment and relief.
   • Lep Chikitsa (Herbal Paste Therapy): Application of herbal pastes on affected joints to reduce inflammation and pain.

It is essential that these treatments are administered by a qualified Ayurvedic consultant (Vaidya) to ensure the best results.

At Vashishtha Ayurveda, we are committed to providing personalized and effective treatments for arthritis, helping our patients achieve a better quality of life through the wisdom of Ayurveda. For more information or to book a consultation, please visit our clinic or contact us directly. Let us help you manage arthritis naturally and holistically.

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