Arthritis is a medical condition
Characterized by inflammation in one or more joints, leading to symptoms like pain, swelling, stiffness, and decreased joint mobility.
Conceptualization of Arthritis in Ayurveda:
Ayurveda views arthritis as a manifestation of imbalances in the doshas, particularly Vata dosha. The accumulation of toxins (ama) in the joints is considered a significant factor. Individual constitution (Prakriti) and current imbalances (Vikriti) are assessed to tailor treatments.
Ayurveda offers a holistic approach, addressing not only the symptoms but also the root causes of arthritis. It considers diet, lifestyle, mental well-being, and the overall balance of the individual.
Treatments may include Panchakarma (detoxification therapies), personalized herbal formulations, dietary modifications, and lifestyle recommendations.
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Arthritis:
Common Signs and Symptoms:
• Swelling of joints
• Insomnia
• Numbness in extremities
• Pain over the joints
• Head, nose, eyes and clavicular and cervical spine region pain occurs.
• Pain can be cracking type, needle pricking type, tiredness type or in later stages trembling occurs.
Arthritis is commonly divided into 3 types:
1. Osteo-Arthritis (SANDHIGATA VATA) –
• Restricted joint movements.
• Pain over the joints.
• Joints produce sounds during movements.
• Ligament tear happens.
• Stiffness over the affected area.
• Swelling.
• Pain during extension and flexion.
When morbidity occurs in deeper tissues then situation turn upto “Asthi Majja Gata Vata”:
Symptoms are as follows:
• Joint cracking kind of pain on bones and joints.
• Pain over the joints.
• Muscle wasting occurs.
• Strength of the joint gets affected.
• Numbness on extremities
• Constant pain
2. Rhematoid Arthritis (AMAVATA)- Hands, feet, head, toes, back, knees and thighs get affected with pain as if some scorpion has beaten, excessive pain and swelling occurs over the body parts.
Sign and Symptoms:
• Indigestion
• Fever
• Excessive urination
• Stool does not clear up in single sitting from intestiones
• Palpitations occurs.
• Severe pain occurs, as if some scorpion has beaten.
When morbidity occurs in deeper tissues then situation turn into following:
• Arthopathies such as metabolic arthorpathies
• Plantar fasciitis
• Limping gait (khanja)
• Lame (Pangu)
• Foot drop
• Infection on the joints takes place.
• Brachial neuritis
• Spondylo arthropathies
• Kroshtuka Sirsa (big swelling over knee Joint)
• Sciatica (Grudhrasi)
• Frozen Shoulder (Apabahuka)
3. Gouty Arthritis (Vata- Rakta) –
In this disease, crystals of monosodium urate monohydrate get deposit to joints, which cause inflammatory arthritis.
It is of two types:
(1) Uttana Vata Rakta: Afflicts superficial tissues i.e. skin and muscles, varicosities and muscle pains occurs to such patients.
(2) Gambheera Vata Rakta: Disease involve deeper tissues, bones and joints and also internal viscera in later conditions.
Treatment modalities of Sandhivata Chikitsa:
- Agnikarma, Abhyanga, Upnaha (Poultice), Lepa, Yapana Basti, Sneha Basti
- Treatment modalities of Uttana Vatarakta Chikitsa:
- Lepa, Abhyanga, Pariseka, Avagahana, Upnaha (Poultice)
- Treatment modalities of Gambheera Vatarakta Chikitsa:
- Snehapana, Virechana, Asthapana Basti,Anuvasana Basti, Ksheera Basti
- Treatment modalities of Amavata Chikitsa:
- Fasting and having light diet (Langanam), Different types of Swedanam, Tikta(bitter) and Katu(Spicy) Ras pradhana diet, Deepana, Pachana , Virechana, Anuvasana, Asthapana Basti, Kshara Basti and Tikshana Basti should be done.