Osteoarthritis is a the most common type of arthritis. Mainly affecting the knees, hips, spine, feet and hands, osteoarthritis can lead to chronic, debilitating pain and possibly crippling.
In Ayurveda, osteoarthritis is referred to as Sandhigata vata. Excess vata, along with the accumulation of toxins, eventually weakens and degrades the joints and causes the destruction of cartilage and the reduction of synovial fluid, which leads to erosion of the bones as they rub together. Excess vata is also responsible for the development of osteoarthritis bone spurs which may cause pain, swelling and inflammation. Symptoms include joint pain and stiffness, crackling noises when you move, localized tenderness, swelling and inflammation.
Ayurveda has the tools we need to identify the cause of osteoarthritis and to stop its further development. Ayurveda attempts to heal the root imbalance rather than just placate the symptoms.
If you are willing to make changes to your diet and lifestyle, a consultation with an Ayurvedic practitioner will give you the guidance you need to begin your path to healing. Your practitioner can determine your imbalance and make individualized suggestions for improving your lifestyle and diet to bring you the most support.
Additionally, there are many therapies to support the joints and provide pain relief such as Ayurvedic massage, marma therapy and heat therapy.
Let’s look at some things you can do to prevent the further worsening of arthritis and experience pain relief!
- In general, osteoarthritis is the result of too much vata. Lifestyle changes include avoiding anything excessive, whether it is working too hard, exercising too strenuously, too much screen time, or having an irregular schedule. Keep warm and avoid being out in the cold or wind.
- Meditation is one of the best things you can add into your life. Meditation reduces stress, relaxes the nervous system, and helps you enjoy life. Mindfulness meditation is a good place to start!
- If you have osteoarthritis, it is likely that you have impaired digestion. In Ayurveda, poor digestion is considered the root cause of all disease. Your Ayurvedic practitioner can determine what you can do to bring your digestion to a healthy balance.
It is best to eat food which will support your digestion and decrease vata. Favor foods which are warm and simple to digest. Avoid foods that are dry, cold, and light, as well as frozen, leftover, or processed food.
- Abhyanga: Giving yourself a warm oil massage several times a week is one of the best treatments for osteoarthritis as it is fantastic for reducing vata, bringing calmness into your life and nourishing your tissues.
Making some of these changes can offer you, health, happiness, and contentment.
Kottakkal Products for Osteoarthritis
Maha Narayana Oil - Rejuvenates and strengthens the joints and decreases pain.
Kshirabala Oil - Relieves pain and inflammation.
Maha Bala Oil - Potent anti-inflammatory properties.
Maha Rasnadi Kwatham Tablets - Decreases vata and has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
Yogaraj Guggulu Tablets - Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, reduces vata and supports digestion.
Ostikot Tablets - Reduces pain and inflammation and supports cartilage.
Bala Arishtam - Tones and strengthens the nerves, muscles, and bones. It also supports digestion.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Kottakkal Ayurveda products and this information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease. If you have serious, acute, or chronic health problems, please consult a trained health professional. If you are seeking the medical advice of a trained Ayurvedic practitioner or doctor, call (800) 215-9934 or email us at contact@kottakkal.shop and we will provide you with one of our affiliated Ayurvedic professionals. Check with your doctor before taking herbs when pregnant or nursing.