"Arthritis is the most common cause of disability in the United States, limiting the activities of nearly 21 million adults."
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a kind of joint disorder causing inflammation of one or more joints. It is of more than 100 different types including Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Gout and pseudo-gout, Septic arthritis among others.
Causes of Arthritis
Arthritis is a condition resulting from the breakdown of cartilage - a flexible connective tissue that protects joints and allows their smooth movement. Any harm to cartilage creates friction between bones causing stiffness, swelling and pain.
Some common causes of Arthritis include:
- General "wear and tear" on joints
- Infection, usually by bacteria or virus
Arthritis Symptoms:
Arthritis is a typical disorder of joints, which can produce the following symptoms:
- Inability to use the hand or walk
- Malaise and a feeling of tiredness
- Difficulty moving the joint
- Redness of the skin around a joint
- Stiffness, especially in the morning
Ayurvedic Approach to Arthritis
According to Ayurveda, accumulation of Ama - a toxic by-product of improper digestion and aggravation of Vata causes arthritis. The Ama circulates through the body and gets accumulated in the joints. The accumulation of Ama in joints in combined effect with the aggravation of vata causes Amavata - the ayurvedic reference for Arthritis.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Arthritis
There are so many treatments of arthritis but since it is prevalent in aged people, natural or Ayurvedic treatment is best suited for this disease of joints. Your Ayurvedic practitioner will recommend a combination good diet, herbal remedies, regular exercise along with healthy eating habits as arthritis remedies.
Herbal treatment of arthritis - Your health care provider may prescribe you herbal remedies like Commiphoae Mukul (guggula) and Boswellia (Indian Frankinesense) as capsules, thrice a day, for arthritis relief. These herbal medicines are effective in alleviating inflammation and strengthening bones hence improving flexibility. Remember; do not take these medicines without consulting your Ayurvedic therapist.
Arthritis Diet - Make sure you take only anti-vata diet. Stay away from hot and spicy food. Also avoid fat-rich foodstuffs including potato, eggplant cabbage, okra, potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, and dairy products. Increase the intake of liquids like fruit and vegetable juices along with homemade soups. Eat a lot of fruits, green salads and green vegetables.
Ayurvedic massages for Arthritis - Ayurvedic massages using massage oils such as Almond oil and Sesame oil is an effective natural treatment for arthritis. Massage therapy reduces Vata and has a calming effect on joint pain. Make sure you are approaching reliable Ayurvedic centers for ayurvedic massage and treatment.
Physical Exercise and Yoga - Some light exercises and Yoga Asanas (yoga postures) may provide relief from joint pain. Consult an authentic yoga instructor for exercises for arthritis relief. Do not strain your joints so much as it can aggravate your arthritic condition.
Trust only Authentic Practitioners: Though alternative treatment options like ayurveda and yoga can relieve arthritis but trust only genuine practitioners and centers when it comes to natural treatment.
