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Common Diseases > Arthritis - an Ayurvedic Perspective Amavat Chikitsa (Treatment of Arthritis) By Dr. Satish Kulkarni Joint pain is a very common complaint in the modern world. Almost every other person complains of joint pain and the only cause of this common miserable ailment which modern science has named arthritis, is faulty life style. The chief complaint in arthritis is pain in the joints which occurs due to inflammation of the joints, which again is due to wear and tear changes occurring in the joints. These changes can occur due to degeneration because of aging, trauma to bones and joints, seasonal ups and downs, overexertion, overstraining, monotonous work for a long period, mithya ahara (faulty food) and mithya vihara ( a tendency to avoid exercise.) This disease is common among old people, housewives, players, alcoholics and obese people. According to ayurved, arthritis is also related to agnimandya (low body fire) and poor digestion resulting from that. This further causes accumulation of the ama (toxins) in and around the joints. Important ayurvedic herbs used in the treatment of amavat are guggul (commiphora mukul), eranda (castor), haridra (turmeric), and nirgundi (vitex negundo.) Guggul is a commonly used medicine which helps in relieving pain, strengthening joints and reestablishing flexibility. The analgesic properties of guggul are very popular and are one of the important subjects of modern research. Yogaraj guggul, mahayogaraj guggul, triphala guggul (all of which have guggul as the chief ingredient) are a few formulae available for treating different types of amavat and are used according to the prakruti (body constitution) of the patient, the type of amavat he is suffering from and the current season. Ashwagandha (withania somnifera) is used as nourishment for patients in whom degenerative changes are seen. This is a general line of treatment and is modified according to the personal requirements of the patient. Treatment for amavat also includes shodhan. Shodhan is a ber way of treating the diseased body, especially the aggrieved doshas (basic body elements) and dathus (body tissues.) Shodhan is used here to wash out the inflammation in the dosha-dhatu-mala and to establish a state of health again. Shodhan is done with the help of virechan (bowel cleaning with the help of mild or b herbal laxatives.) The patient is advised to avoid damp, heavy, ama prone foods and irregular eating habits. Medicated oils are used for external application. These help in loosening stiff joints, clearing accumulated ama (toxins), nourishing weak dhatu (musculoskeletal joint girdles) and thus in relieving pain. Special medicated sesame oils provide excellent relief in chronic conditions. Mahanarayan oil (in which shatavari (asparagus racemosus) is the chief ingredient) helps in improving flexibility, relieving stiffness and bringing solace to the patient’s agony. It is good for the muscular part of the joint and is also good nourishment for the joint itself. Narayan oil (in which ashwagandha is the chief ingredient) helps in providing relief from pain. It improves circulation in the affected part and helps in adjusting to arthritic changes occurring due to aging. Chandan bala lakshadi oil (in which sandalwood is the chief ingredient) is a very good cooling agent and is useful in pitta (one of the basic body constituents) dominated amavat. Applying oils externally and taking oils (like castor oil) internally provides snehan (lubrication) to the affected part and this is usually followed up with swedan (heat therapy.) Dry or wet fomentation is given to the whole body or to the affected part only. Steam bath or sauna bath helps in increasing the body temperature thus providing relief from pain. Swedan can be performed with hot water only or with herbal decoction as well. Nirgundi is the herb of choice used for this type of decoction. Bowels are kept clean by using simple remedies like triphala churna or gandharva haritaki (mild ayurvedic laxative powders.) In general, avoiding or draining ama accumulation in joints and in the body parts in vicinity of these joints, avoiding stiffness of joints by doing general joint conditioning exercises, taking seasonal precautions and undergoing timely treatment, is the ayurvedic strategy that is adopted in a condition like amavat. Sucessful treatments Include massage, dietary supplements, herbs, minerals, vitamins. More Information and Products Arthritis | Cause | Osteoarthritis | Sport | Rheumatoid Arthritis | Arthritis Tips |
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