To treat joint pain problems, people turn to allopathic medicines, which lead to various side effects. Allopathic medicines focus only on treating diseases and not on health conditions, whereas in Ayurveda the main emphasis is on improving health along with treating diseases. Ayurveda offers herbal medicines for the treatment of various diseases. But today we are discussing various aspects related to the problem of joint pain.
Joint pain is associated with disease or tissue damage. The two bones are connected to each other by joints, and the muscles are attached to the bone by ligaments. Disease and injury occurring in the joint structure leads to degeneration in the joint tissue. As a result, they experience excessive pain, which is called arthralgia.
Complications of joint pain
- Arthritis is joint pain. Occurs due to a decrease in the amount of cartilage tissue.
- Osteoarthritis, which causes bone degeneration, may occur.
- Rheumatoid arthritis also causes joint problems such as pain, stiffness and loss of proper joint function.
- Chronic fatigue syndrome may occur.
- Joint pain also occurs due to injuries and falls. Thus, damage to muscles and tissues may occur, which provoke severe pain.
- Gout is also a serious complication that occurs when uric acid accumulates in a joint and forms crystals. The crystals cause joint inflammation, which then causes excessive joint pain.
Ayurvedic remedies for arthritis
In Ayurveda, arthritis is considered a condition characterized by high toxicity (large accumulation of ama - toxins), unbalanced vata dosha and weak digestive fire (agni). Therefore, the main tasks in its treatment are the removal of toxins, stabilization of vata and maintenance of agni.
From the digestive tract, ama moves throughout the body and settles in bone tissue and joints. This causes pain, inflammation and inflexibility. The main thing in treating arthritis is to “drive” ama out of the joint and return it back to the colon. This can be done with the help of various herbs, medications, cleansing procedures and other activities, including joint massage, stretching and oil enemas.
Here is a list of remedies for treating arthritis:
Abhyanga massage
One of the best remedies to prevent degenerative arthritis, which improves blood circulation. It can be done by an Ayurveda specialist. Or do a self-massage at home: heat 1 cup of oil (preferably organic sesame oil) and rub it all over your body from head to toe. Rub the oil into the tissue in order to “drive out” ama from there - grabbing large areas of the body in one movement and making circular and smaller movements with your hands in the joint area. Massage for at least 10 minutes every day. It should be pleasant, not painful. To wash off the oil, take a warm shower. It is recommended to take a salt bath occasionally to help flush out toxins.
Important! Consult your doctor: this method is used only in the initial stages of the disease.
Meditation
Arthritis is worsened by stress and anxiety. Meditation is an important technique for dealing with stress and emotional stability.
Try: Close your eyes. Observe your breathing without forming it or straining in any way. When the mind starts to wander, simply bring it back.
Detox diet
There are many different cleansing diets for arthritis. Sometimes water fasting is prescribed to eliminate ama. There are also diets based on vegetables, juices and medicinal herbs. Simple advice for everyone: 0.3 l. add 2 tsp warm or hot water. lemon or lime juice, 1 tsp. organic honey and optional – 1 tbsp. l. extra virgin olive oil and/or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Stir. Drink in the morning before meals and in the evening before bed.
Turmeric
It is often called the "Golden Goddess" of spices due to its anti-inflammatory properties, particularly in rheumatoid arthritis, which it may also prevent, according to a study in the Journal of the American College of Rheumatology. Curcumin also protects against bone loss in joints.
Ginger
A University of Miami study found that ginger extract could one day replace non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Ginger has been shown to affect certain inflammatory processes at the cellular level.
Dream
Ayurveda places great importance on daily routine in accordance with natural rhythms. People of each dosha have a specific ideal time for waking up and going to bed. (Although the universal principle is to go to bed earlier and rise earlier). Sleep is one of the key factors in treating arthritis as it helps maintain a healthy nervous system and promotes natural healing.
Photo: Steve Janosik/flickr.com
Causes of joint pain according to Ayurveda
In Ayurveda, it is believed that there are three energies - kapha, vata and pitta, which are responsible for all diseases. When there is an imbalance in any of the three energies, disease occurs in the body. So, according to Ayurveda, the main cause of joint pain is vata dosha. This is due to the accumulation of ama in the weaker parts of the body, which causes pain in the joints. Ayurveda has various herbs and natural compounds such as Praval Pisti, Ashwagandha, Shudh Laksh, Arjuna, Guggul, Shallaki which are useful for treating joint pain. Thus, this problem can be solved by following a healthy diet, using herbal medicines and exercise.
Ancient Eastern Ayurveda: an unusual approach to treating joints
A pathology in which joints are modified and cartilage is gradually destroyed is called arthrosis. Nodular, hard-to-touch formations (growths) appear on the phalanges of the fingers. The disease affects the entire musculoskeletal system.
Causes of joint diseases
The destructive process occurs due to metabolic disorders inside the cartilage. Failure causes cartilage tissue to lose strength and elasticity. The mobility of the joint is lost and its performance decreases. The loss of the “working” properties of the tissue means that arthrosis is progressing. «
Both the hip and knee joints get sick.
The disease is difficult to treat. Traditional medicine uses conservative methods. There is a therapeutic direction that departs from the traditional method of healing the human musculoskeletal system. According to Ayurveda, deviation from the norm means: “energy of movement that is not digested.”
Ayurveda is an ancient knowledge system
Doctors admit that joint diseases are “getting younger.” The disease affects not only older people, but also young people. Deterioration in health is associated with:
- with food products that have undergone major changes;
- with a busy pace of life, when citizens eat on the go, preferring a quick snack;
- with increasing nervous overload.
These circumstances negatively affect health. The World Health Organization identifies Ayurvedic medicine as a separate type, which is an alternative to conventional medicine.
The movement originated in India 4 millennia BC and has survived to this day unchanged. Concept «
Ayurveda" means a store of knowledge that gives longevity. The founders of the doctrine practice treatment using the gifts of nature. Their message is to heal illness through natural products. The philosophy is based on how a person himself relates to his health. Principles of worldview: unity between body, mind and personality.
Ayurveda does not pay attention to eliminating the symptoms and pathologies of the organ; the emphasis is on a balanced diet, a healthy lifestyle, in which there is no place for negativity and negative emotions. Indian healers are confident that all illnesses occur due to an imbalance in this balance. The main direction of Ayurveda is the treatment of joints.
Treatment method for joint pathologies
Ayurvedic practitioners are confident that a person with joint disease will achieve success if he is given:
- proper nutrition;
- a special set of spices to relieve inflammation;
- influence the source of pain.
It is important to follow a daily routine. A correct life schedule is a guarantee of good health. It is recommended to go to bed at ten o'clock in the evening and get up at six in the morning. Before going to bed, give your body complete rest and calm down.
Massage with added spices helps in relaxation. Natural, harmless oils when massaged will restore health to bones, joints and muscles. Oil rubbing will warm the body. Doctors advise doing massage regularly in the morning, then taking a shower. Sesame, almond, and jasmine oils help with aching bones.
Constant physical exercise and moderate regular exercise play a role in healing, cleansing blood vessels of toxins and waste, improving blood flow. It is recommended to do yoga to relieve pain in the knee or shoulder joints. Yogic asanas are selected taking into account the body structure and diagnosis.
Healthy eating is the path to longevity
Doctors are sure that the cause of poor health is poor nutrition. Taking into account the patient’s characteristics, dishes are selected according to the type of food intake so that the body receives the necessary substances.
The diet is affected by:
- season;
- how often does the client eat;
- where he lives;
- content of microelements in products.
For medicinal purposes, a mono-diet is practiced for two months: eating boiled rice and soup. Refusal of spicy and bitter foods. Instead - stewed vegetables, fresh fruits. The key to joint health is slightly spicy, freshly prepared dishes and stews.
During this period, they do not eat raw food, baked goods, meat, cheeses, smoked meats, or preserves. Pay attention to dairy products (milk, cottage cheese, cream, yogurt, warm whey). In case of pathology, joints need natural calcium. Eggshells are suitable as a dietary supplement. They have a hearty lunch at noon, dinner is prepared lightly and eaten no later than six in the evening.
Flavoring additives are necessary and important
Spices with medicinal properties enhance the taste of dishes, supply the body and joints with necessary vitamins, and improve digestion. These include ginger, cloves, cinnamon, bay leaf, turmeric, black pepper. Spices are natural and therefore safe for the body (if used wisely).
Natural ingredients are added to drinks for
- maintaining tone;
- calm;
- warming;
- acceleration of metabolism;
- improved digestion;
- removal of toxins.
Ayurvedic treatment regimen for arthrosis
The first step in treating arthrosis is oiling and warming with castor oil. It is diluted with sesame seeds in a ratio of 1:2. First, the mixture is heated to a temperature of 110 degrees so that it absorbs the energy of the fire and the healing effect increases. The composition is rubbed into the affected areas. The therapeutic effect on the articular membrane is achieved in less than 10 minutes.
The second step is to take an infusion of dry ginger ground into powder.
The decoction activates metabolism. Taking tinctures with a cleansing and restorative effect from chicory or dandelion roots will restore the motor ability of joints. For a person diagnosed with arthrosis, the philosophical teaching of Ayurveda helps relieve pain. Author: K.M.N., Academician of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences M.A. Bobyr
Treatment of joints and back with Ayurvedic medicines
Treatment of joints with Ayurveda is an effective way to get rid of debilitating problems without harm to internal organs. During the healing of back diseases, the whole body becomes healthier.
Ayurveda treats the spine with the following drugs:
- Zandu is a balm with an analgesic effect that treats arthrosis, arthritis, rheumatoid pain and even gout.
- Kottakal is a balm made from Kshirabala and Mahanaryan oils. Used in the fight against arthritis.
- Dashamul is a massage oil consisting of ten medicinal herbs that normalize Vata dosha. Returns elasticity to muscles and mobility to joints.
- Manohar Bund is a tablet with herbal ingredients that is prescribed for all diseases caused by increased Vata.
- Musculgard is an ointment that eliminates pain and inflammation in the joints. It is used in the treatment of sprains, spondylosis, lumbago and other diseases.
This is not the entire range of medications that help quickly and effectively eliminate diseases. It is dangerous to self-medicate, because only an experienced Ayurvedic doctor will be able to correctly determine your constitution type and prescribe the optimal duration and depth of treatment.
Ayurvedic view on joint diseases
In most cases, joint diseases begin to appear in people by the age of 40. Emerging pain and discomfort indicate that the musculoskeletal system has begun to work incorrectly. In traditional medicine, joint diseases characterized by pain, swelling, and fluid accumulation are called “arthritis” (from the Greek word “arthron,” meaning “joint”). In Ayurveda, joint ailments are called the characteristic term “amavata”. In Sanskrit, “ama” is all kinds of toxins, poisons, something undigested and unassimilated by the body. “Vata” is the term for the dosha that combines air and ether, thereby forming wind and various movements in the body. Thus, from the name itself, we see that joint problems are primarily associated with a pathological excess of toxins that have accumulated in the body due to disturbances in the movement of energies.
Such disorders occur when the internal fire “Agni” is insufficient, leading to the accumulation of food “waste”. The movement of Vata dosha distributes toxic substances released throughout the body. So, with the blood, toxins enter the joints and are deposited there. Since the accumulation of “ama” occurs constantly, gradually all joints become immersed in poisons and toxins. This leads to pain, swelling, and other uncomfortable conditions in the joint area. That is why the first thing that is recommended to do to get rid of joint pain is to remove toxic substances.
Ayurveda considers three types of arthritis and offers its own recommendations for each.
Pitta dosha type.
It is characterized by severe inflammation, swelling, a burning sensation in the joints, up to fever, pain, which significantly increases in warmth and decreases in cold. Increased sweating, irritability, and diarrhea are possible.
In the treatment of this type of arthritis, it is important to reduce the pita dosha. This can be achieved in several ways: exclude spicy and hot foods, as well as foods that increase swelling (tomatoes, pickles and marinades, spinach and other greens); do cooling compresses, do yoga and pranayama.
Type of Vata dosha.
It is characterized by pulsating pain wandering through the joints, which “radiates” to neighboring tissues. The pain is worse in cold and during movement and relieves in warmth. The skin in the area of the affected joints becomes dry to the point of peeling. Joints may crack and creak when moving. Flatulence, irritability, and nagging pain in the back are possible.
In the treatment of this type of arthritis, it is important to calm the movement of vata dosha and activate digestion. The diet should consist of light and warm foods and drinks. Traditional summer salads made from vegetables and herbs are excluded; corn, beans, and tomatoes are not allowed. Warm compresses are recommended.
Kapha dosha type.
It is characterized by severe swelling, constant aching pain, which intensifies in cold, dampness and at rest. In warmth and after movement, the pain subsides. The skin in the joint area is oily. Pain in the neck and runny nose may occur due to excess mucus production.
In the treatment of this type of arthritis, it is important to remove excess water from the body, for example through a compress of dry ground ginger root. Dairy products, sweets, fatty and cold foods should be excluded from food.
Please note that it can be difficult to accurately determine the type of disease on your own, so be sure to consult with an Ayurveda specialist before starting treatment!
There are a number of Ayurvedic medicines that relieve arthritis and other diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
Yogoraj Guggul Badyanakht
includes more than 50 natural ingredients. The drug is widely used to treat arthritis, back pain, and injuries. Removes toxic substances from joints and kidneys, relieves swelling, improves the renewal of cartilage tissue, and relieves pain.
Rumalaya Arthritis Tablets and Gel from Himalaya Herbals
contain such effective components as mumiyo, guggul extract, shank bhasma extract, ginger and others. The complex can significantly alleviate arthritis after just a week of use by relieving swelling, improving blood flow, improving joint mobility, and relieving pain.
Shigru Himalaya
– a drug based on the leaves of the moringa tree, which is a natural source of vitamins and minerals, has anti-inflammatory, diuretic, sedative and antiviral effects. The drug is effective for arthritis, rheumatism, muscle pain, has a general strengthening effect during severe diseases, and removes toxins and waste.
Lakshadi Guggul
– a preparation rich in calcium. Strengthens bones and joints, accelerates the process of bone healing during fractures, and relieves inflammation. It is used for sprains, fractures, arthritis, bursitis and other diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
Reosto
– a drug used in Ayurveda to strengthen bone tissue.
Relieves pain in muscles and joints, fills bones with calcium. Effective for osteoporosis, fractures, sprains, arthritis. Author: Ekaterina Kuraksina
Get acquainted with Ayurvedic medicines in the section arthritis, joint pain