Arthritis

Arthritis is a medical condition that causes inflammation of the joints. This inflammation leads to pain, swelling, and difficulty in moving the joints. The joints especially weight-bearing joints like knee, ankle and hip joint become painful, stiff, and swollen, making it hard to move.

According to Ayurveda, Sandhivata is the condition where the joints become weak and dry due to an imbalance in the Vata dosha (the element responsible for movement and flexibility in the body). As Vata increases, it causes degeneration of the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling. There are many types of arthritis but the most common types of arthritis are

Osteoarthritis (OA)

It occurs when the protective cartilage (a cushion) between bones wears down over time, leading to pain and stiffness, especially in the knees, hips, and hands. And therefore is known as “wear & tear arthritis”.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

This is a type of autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own joints, causing inflammation, pain, and joint damage.

Psoriatic Arthritis (PA)

This type of arthritis that affects some people with psoriasis which is a skin condition that causes red, scaly patches. Here also the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, causing inflammation in the skin and joints.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)

This a type of arthritis that mainly affects the spine, causing pain and stiffness in the back and hips. Over time, the bones in the spine (vertebrae) can fuse together, making it harder to move and sometimes causing a hunched back and is also known as a “Bamboo spine”.

Gout

This type of arthritis is caused by the build up of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden and severe attacks of pain usually beginning from the big toe.

Causes of Arthritis

1. Aging

As we age, Vata naturally increases, leading to joint degeneration.

2. Poor digestion

Improper digestion leads to the accumulation of toxins (Ama), which can settle in the joints, causing pain and inflammation.

3. Injury or overuse

Physical trauma or excessive strain on the joints can increase Vata and cause joint issues.

4. Vata-aggravating diet

Eating dry, cold, and rough foods, and living a hectic, irregular lifestyle can imbalance Vata.

5. Difference in approach

Modern Science focuses on the physical damage to the joints and reducing inflammation with medications, while Ayurveda sees arthritis as a result of an imbalance in the Vata dosha and accumulation of toxins, treating the root cause with natural remedies and lifestyle changes.

Common Symptoms & Signs of Arthritis

• Pain and swelling in joints
• Stiffness, especially in the morning or after resting
• Difficulty moving the affected joints
• Joint deformity (in severe cases)

Diet & Lifestyle recommendations

1. Vata-Pacifying Foods

• Warm, cooked meals like soups, stews, and porridges.
• Intake of Ghee regularly is advised.
• Eat spices such as ginger, turmeric, cumin, and garlic, which reduce inflammation and improve digestion
• Avoid foods that aggravate Vata, such as dry, cold, or processed foods and excess caffeine.
• Eat omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods like fish (salmon, sardines), flaxseeds, and walnuts to reduce inflammation.
• Limit red meat and instead choose lean proteins like fish, poultry, or plant-based options.
• Include foods rich in calcium (milk, leafy greens) and Vitamin D (adequate sun exposure) to maintain bone health.

2. Exercise

Low impact gentle exercises like yoga, stretching, and light walking help improve flexibility without straining the joints.

Weight Management:

Maintaining a healthy weight reduces strain on weight-bearing joints (like knees and hips) and can reduce arthritis symptoms.

3. Oil Massage

Regular massage with warm herbal oils helps lubricate the joints and reduce stiffness.

4. Panchakarma

Ayurvedic detoxification therapies like Basti (medicated enema) and Abhyanga (oil massage) are used to balance Vata and remove toxins rom the body.

Herbs beneficial in curing Arthritis

According to Ayurveda several herbs are considered highly beneficial for managing arthritis due to their anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and rejuvenating properties.

1. Guggulu (Comiphera mukul)

Reduces pain and swelling of joints.

2. Shallaki (Boswellia serrata)

Is capable of blocking inflammatory enzymes.

3. Nirgundi (Vitex negundo)

Especially useful by steam of its decoction used for hot fomentation of joints.

4. Rasna (Pluchea lanceolata)

Particularly useful in Osteoarthritis

5. Methi (Fenugreek):

(Soaked seeds)

6. Eranda (Castor Oil - Ricinus communis)

Especially useful to lubricate the joints.

7. Dashamoola

Combination of roots of 10 herbs