• Admin
• 09-08-2023

How does it work? : Ayurvedic Treatment for Arthritis

People with rheumatoid arthritis may find an Ayurvedic diet and a practice of a good lifestyle beneficial which includes taking ayurvedic herbs, practising yoga (RA), and essential supplements. According to research, adhering to ayurvedic practices may be beneficial in reducing inflammation, alleviating RA symptoms, and limiting flare-ups.

While traditional treatment methods focus on managing the symptoms, Ayurvedic treatment methods direct their attention to the underlying causes of the disease to eradicate it from the roots. Ayurveda starts the process by detoxifying the body to make effective use of the medicines for the treatment of Amavata with customized treatment methods that includes home remedies, drugs, and herbs.

Aside from Ayurvedic medicines, home remedies, diet, and lifestyle play an important role in extending treatment benefits after the medication has worn off. Therefore, it is found that Ayurvedic treatment targets the improvement of both the lifestyle and diet. In addition, Ayurvedic treatment methods target the causes of the disease to effectively minimize the risk of severe health complications, left untreated due to the lack of enough details of the underlying causes of the disease. As a result, patients who complete their Ayurvedic treatment are away from serious health issues in the future.

HERBS THAT CAN CURE PAIN OF ARTHRITIS

Ayurveda recommends herbs to help relieve joint pain, particularly in the winter.

Nirgundi

Nirgundi is one of the most used herbs for joint pain relief. The plant is widely available and has reduced swelling and pain. In addition, its anti-inflammatory, anti-convulsant, and antioxidant properties benefit the joints in various ways. Nagudndi leaves, and the other parts like stem and seeds, are believed to be equally beneficial, having the most required medicinal properties.

Ajwain

Due to anti-inflammatory components, ajwain is believed to reduce arthritis pain naturally. It also has anesthetic properties, which help relieve pain during the winter. You can take a spoonful of carom seeds or ajwain and pour it into a hot tub of water. For 5-10 minutes, submerge your achy joints on the prepared solution. You will see a major change relieving you from the pain and the swelling right after the process.

Dashmool

Dashmool is another mixture of herbs containing potent medicinal properties, which is prepared by combining ten medicinal herbs to treat a variety of diseases. Dashmool translates to “ten roots,” five of which are tree roots and five of which are shrub roots. Patala, gambhari, brihati, shalparni, and other varieties. Dashmool or Dashmula is beneficial in inflammatory conditions or Vata Rog. It contains properties that are anti-inflammatory, analgesic, have sedative properties, and acts as an antioxidant that aids in treating joint pain. It is available as an oil and in a powdered form.

Shallaki

Shallaki is a herb known to strengthen the joints and relieve pain. It alleviates pain and aids in the reduction of swelling and increases mobility. Shallaki, also known as Boswellia Serrata, is sometimes used by experts to modern pain relievers. You will find Shallaki in the powdered form or essential oil.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus oil is mostly referred to people who have arthritis as it has properties that easily alleviate the pain. The leaves of the eucalyptus plant contain tannins that may be beneficial in reducing swelling and pain caused by arthritis. In addition, the aroma of eucalyptus oil contains properties to calm and soothe the brain while the oil takes care of the swelling and joint pain.

Ginger

Another reason to keep ginger in your kitchen cabinet. Ginger is well-known for its antiseptic properties, which aid in relieving joint pain and swelling. Ginger is widely known for improving the circulation of blood. Ginger has effective healing properties that heal the affected areas by evenly providing and distributing heat. In addition, you can drink ginger tea, apply the ginger paste to your joints, and use high-quality essential oil.

AYURVEDIC DIET

The diet that Ayurveda recommends is divided according to the following doshas: Kapha (water), Vata (air), and Pitta (fire). These are the three primary doshas responsible for providing energy to our bodies.

The diet recommended for those suffering from RA is similar to that of the ayurvedic condition amavata. Amavata is a joint disease that causes symptoms similar to RA. A diet that soothes and balances Vata for amavata is recommended by Ayurveda.

On an Ayurvedic diet, the following foods are recommended:

Grains: simple grains such as boiled oats, cream of wheat and rice. Legumes such as dal, mung beans, lentils, tofu and miso.

To aid proper digestion and to help remove the toxins in our body, drink lukewarm water or boiled ginger root water.

Vegetables with green leaves

Berries spices: garlic, turmeric, and ginger which are anti-inflammatory and digestive aids

EXERCISE

Gentle movements such as yoga, tai chi, swimming, and walking are commonly recommended ayurvedic exercises. Exercises that include breathing deeply and daily meditation are also advised. People with RA can take more benefits from practising Yoga. According to one study, yoga for arthritis improved:

• Physical discomfort

• Overall health and vitality

• Psychological well-being (it may help lower depression)

If you have RA, you should talk to your doctor about whether starting a new exercise routine is safe. They can advise you on how frequently you should exercise according to your symptoms and discuss ways to modify the exercise or which yoga poses to be practised.

SLEEP

Several symptoms like stiffness and pain might reduce a good night’s sleep, leaving you awake for the whole night. The ayurvedic lifestyle may help you sleep.

Several changes in the schedule must be made to improve sleep that including the following:

Avoiding naps during the day, taking a warm shower before bed, if possible, make sure to have dinner several hours before going to bed, along with practising a light walk, practise yoga and meditation during the night, the soles of the feet must be massaged using heated sesame oil, and wipe it off after the completion of 15 minutes, or wearing socks while going to bed.

OTHER LIFESTYLE CHANGES

Other ayurvedic practices that may help with your RA symptoms are:

• Shirodhara use is an example of hot therapy.

AIIMS, India’s premier medical institution, has discovered that specific Ayurvedic medicine preparations effectively treat joint damages that are thought to be irreversible, caused by rheumatoid arthritis (RA), in a significant scientific validation for traditional therapies.

The study, which included 125 RA patients, discovered that the Ayurvedic medicines Ashwagandha powder and SidhMakardhwaj relieved tender pain and swollen joints and improved mobility in most areas. SidhMakardhwaj is a herbal and mineral formulation, whereas Ashwagandha powder is a plant-based herb.

The research conducted by the institution was a part of the vast ongoing research, commonly known for providing cutting-edge treatments, therapies backed by scientific studies available through traditional medical systems. The program has gained momentum due to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s support for alternative medicine.

AIIMS has been conducting several studies to search for alternative therapies for epilepsy, chronic heart failure and Alzheimer’s disease, among other conditions. Head of the AIIMS’ pharmacology department, Dr. Y K Gupta, said that one of the institute’s mandates validated alternative therapies and medicines by scientific studies.

AIIMS is continuously researching a validated scientific study to look for medicinal properties in turmeric, Evolvulus Alsinoides or shankhpushpi, and the stem bark of Terminalia arjuna (an Ayurvedic plant known to treat a variety of health issues). According to AIIMS doctors, Ashwagandha powder has anti-inflammatory, anti-stress, and immunomodulatory properties for physical function to improve and minimize joint pain in patients suffering from RA. Neeraj Clinic provides combination therapy that includes Ayurvedic medicines, exercise, and panchakarma to treat arthritis.