Best Ayurvedic Treatment and Medicine for Arthritis

Arthritis is a chronic condition that affects the joints. There are several types of arthritis. However, the most common are:

1. Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that occurs when the cartilage between the joints breaks down.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease in which one's immune system attacks the joints.

The significant symptoms of arthritis are:

1. Pain and stiffness in the joints
2. Swelling
3. Warmth 
4. Redness in the affected joints. 

Arthritis can also lead to joint deformity, loss of range of motion, and joint instability.

1. Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine practised for thousands of years in India.
2. Its foundational principle is the balance and harmony between the mind, body, and spirit.
3. Ayurvedic treatments and medicines are designed to restore this balance and promote well-being. Common treatments include massage, herbs, and dietary changes.
4. Many Ayurvedic treatments and medicines are available for arthritis, all of which aim to reduce pain and inflammation while promoting joint health.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to treating arthritis with Ayurveda. The best Ayurvedic treatments for arthritis will vary depending on the individual's unique constitution and the type of arthritis they suffer from. However, some general treatments are below:

Virechan

1. Virechan, an essential part of Panchakarma treatment in Ayurveda, is one of the most used Ayurvedic treatments for the symptoms of arthritis. It is a process where herbal medicines are used to induce purgation. The treatment aims to eliminate or expel excessive pitta dosha from the patient's body.
2. Before performing virechan, the patient's body has to be prepared for the process. During virechan, the patient's gastrointestinal duct, liver, and gallbladder are cleansed, so their pitta element is free from imbalances. It is considered the best Ayurvedic treatment for rheumatoid arthritis in India.
3. Along with this, virechan is also excellent for the purification of the patient's blood.

Abhyangam

1. Another Ayurveda treatment for arthritis, Abhyangam, is a full-body massage performed with therapeutic oils. Depending on the type of arthritis, the massage can vary. One of the major benefits of this kind of treatment is that it lubricates the joints and strengthens the joint muscles.
2. After performing Abhyangam, the blood flow to the joints will increase, which results in the quick removal of metabolic waste from joints. The direct result of this is alleviated pain and reduced inflammation.
3. In addition to being an excellent method to reduce the pain and uneasiness induced by arthritis, Abhyangam is a popular method for various conditions, such as spondylosis, insomnia, paralysis, etc.

Manal Kizhi

1. This is another ayurvedic treatment for arthritis when oil usage is not advised. This happens when the Kapha dosha in the patient's body is too high. In Manal Kizhi, sorted sand is wrapped inside a cotton cloth.
2. During the same, very little oil is used. It increases the blood flow in the body of the patient. Apart from this, Manal Kizhi is great for reducing the pain associated with arthritis while also strengthening skin and muscles.
3. However, this ayurvedic treatment for arthritis is chosen based on the specific conditions and requirements of the patient.

Elakkizhi

1. Another commonly used ayurvedic treatment for arthritis is Elakkizhi, where herbal leaves are wrapped in a cotton cloth. These herbal leaves are carefully cooked as per Ayurveda scriptures using certain herbal oils.
2. It is then gradually dipped in medicated oil, and the entire body is massaged using these kizhis. Elakkizhi is suggested by an Ayurveda practitioner based on the severity of arthritis and the characteristics of the patient's body constituents.
3. Elakkizhi is extremely beneficial to alleviate joint pain from arthritis, ease joints, and improving the overall health of the immune system.

Basti

1. Another treatment regime in the Panchakarma treatment, Basti, is often used as a treatment for arthritis. Basti cleans the patient's colon, where most Vata issues arise.
2. Since arthritis is chiefly a Vata ailment, most Ayurveda practitioners advise people to undergo this particular treatment to alleviate the pain and other symptoms of arthritis.
3. There are eight different types of Basti. Depending on the ailment's nature and the patient's body constituents, one type of Basti or another is selected as the treatment.
4. An oil decoction is introduced to the patient's body via the rectum in this treatment. However, the patient's body needs to be prepared for the treatment before doing the same. The medicinal decoction forces the rectum to flush out most Vata doshas and toxins from the body.

Ayurveda has a wide range of medicines for reducing the pain from arthritis and all associated symptoms. These medicines can be tried at home to relieve all joint pains and discomfort due to arthritis.

Nirgundi

1. Also known by its scientific name, Vitex Negundo, Nirgundi or Sindhuvara is extensively used in Ayurveda to treat pain related to arthritis.
2. It is also one of the best Ayurveda medicines for rheumatoid arthritis-induced joint pain, swelling, and discomfort.

Ajwain

1. Renowned for their anti-inflammatory and anaesthetic properties, ajwain or cumin seeds are a great medicine to treat arthritis and related concerns.
2. You can drop a spoonful of ajwain into a tub and soak your joints to relieve pain.

Ashwagandha

1. Another potent Ayurveda medicine for arthritis, ashwagandha, offers a wide range of medicinal properties.
2. It can make a medicinal mixture with sesame seeds and kapikach. The final concoction can be drunk with milk and will help you reduce joint pains.

Sesame oil

1. Sesame oil is considered the best ayurvedic medicine for rheumatoid arthritis.
2. Rubbing the oil on your joints constantly can reduce the pain and inflammation from the joints considerably. In addition, sesame oil also has a variety of medicinal properties and can make bones and muscles stronger.

Turmeric

1. While it is a widely used spice in the Indian kitchen, turmeric or Haldi is rich in medicinal properties.
2. It is often used to treat joint pain due to arthritis and is famed for its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer capabilities.
3. Including turmeric in a diet can fortify one's immune system and improve joint strength and flexibility.

Ayurveda Oils

1. One can use numerous Ayurveda oils to rub the knee joints to relieve pain induced by different types of arthritis.
2. Many oils can be used effectively as ayurvedic medicine for arthritis by Patanjali. Some of the best oils for treating arthritis are Jambeera Thailam and Karpooradi Thailam.

Many Ayurveda practitioners believe that making lifestyle changes and updates is important to treat all types of arthritis. It is believed that a sedentary lifestyle is what leads to the creation of ‘ama’, the root cause of arthritis and related symptoms.

Here are a few things you can do to change your lifestyle to avoid arthritis-related joint pains and other symptoms:

1. Make a habit of practising yoga daily.
2. Use hot water to shower and drink instead of cold water.
3. Get rid of after-noon and late-night naps.
4. Massage joints with medicinal oils to alleviate joint pain and stiffness.

Arthritis is an inflammatory condition, so it is important to avoid food that promotes inflammation in the body. These include: 

1. Dairy products
2. Sugar
3. Alcohol
4. Fried foods
5. Processed meats
6. Refined carbohydrates

Instead, eat plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains. Try to consume more healthy fats such as olive oil, coconut oil and oily fish such as salmon or mackerel. These anti-inflammatory foods will help to reduce swelling and pain in the joints.

The idea is to create a holistic diet plan to help you rejuvenate your body while maintaining a healthy lifestyle to avoid arthritis-related inflammation, joint pains, and other discomforts.

Ayurvedic medicine may be the right option if you are looking for an effective and natural way to treat arthritis. Several treatments and medicines are available; therefore consulting a qualified practitioner to find the best treatment method for your specific condition is very important. With the help of these treatments, the patient can experience significant relief from arthritis symptoms and improve their quality of life.

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Suggested Reads:

1. Arthritis in Hindi
2. Osteoarthritis
3. Rheumatoid Arthritis