Arthritis . like any other disease, from the point of view of Ayurveda, it is an imbalance between the three doshas ( vata , pitta , kapha ). Let me remind you that the three doshas are three primary elements that are in a state of dynamic balance and inherent in every person. If the balance of the three doshas is disturbed, a person becomes ill.
Arthritis in this case is no exception. Before you begin treatment for arthritis, it is very important to determine the type of arthritis . since the nature of therapy and methods of Ayurvedic treatment strictly depend on the type of arthritis .
For example, osteoarthritis or osteoarthritis . according to Ayurveda, it is caused by an imbalance of Vata dosha. Vata dosha in Ayurveda is responsible for such important processes as movement and elimination (removal). When Vata dosha is imbalanced, crunching and creaking joints occur. The joints do not become inflamed, but rather become excessively dry and cold. Lack of moisture and “lubrication” leads to decreased nutrition of the cartilage. which causes severe pain with every movement. Active exercises - running, jumping, aerobic exercises do not help, but only increase the pain.
Vata dosha imbalance is in most cases caused by lifestyle and diet. For example, slow digestion and constipation are common accompaniments of osteoarthritis. What is the connection between digestion and arthritis? The most direct one. The fact is that joints retain elasticity and flexibility in an alkaline environment . which is created by vegetables, fruits, berries. A diet that consists primarily of processed foods, frozen dinners, and large amounts of milk and dairy products creates an acidic environment . An acidic environment weakens joints.
Regular and uncontrolled consumption of milk and dairy products, including cheese, contributes to the development of arthritis.
The optimal solution if signs of osteoarthritis appear is a consultation with an Ayurveda doctor . who will develop a strictly individual treatment plan for arthritis.
Ayurveda by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a holistic system of natural medicine effective for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
This conclusion was made based on many years of careful study of the effectiveness of Ayurvedic RA.
For seven years, WHO and the Indian Council of Medical Research observed 290 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, whose treatment was based on classical Ayurveda.
This study is unique for at least two reasons: the Ayurvedic centers opened up their treatments for RA to allopathic doctors, which allowed mainstream medicine to give an unbiased assessment of such methods, and the second reason is that such a joint study of the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with the methods of Ayurveda was conducted for the first time in history.
During a long-term study, the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis using Ayurvedic methods was established. that although improvements are observed during treatment with traditional medicines, remission is rare and treatment remains unsatisfactory.
And at the same time:
Virtually every patient in this study was evaluated at various intervals by members of the American Rheumatology Association, and Ayurvedic treatment for rheumatoid arthritis be safe and effective.
Moreover, the symptoms were relieved without harmful side effects.
What was also unexpected was how correct Ayurvedic principles turned out to be in diagnosing RA in the early stages of the disease, when the symptoms are very mild.
The purpose of this study was to draw attention to Ayurveda after a century of oblivion and prove the successful and effective treatment of such a complex chronic disease as rheumatoid arthritis.
It is also of great importance that Ayurvedic doctors developed, in accordance with Ayurvedic criteria, the principles of an approach to the treatment of RA in accordance with the doshas and stages of the disease, and were able to test the theory in practice.
Ayurveda for the treatment of arthritis and joint pain
?? ?The causes of arthritis are not fully understood. In some cases, arthritis is caused by stress on the ligaments, infection, or joint injury. A number of researchers suggest. that the cause of arthritis may be the patient’s body’s inability to produce enough endorphins, a natural pain reliever. The term "arthritis" refers to at least 25 different diseases, the most common of which are rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis and gouty arthritis. These diseases are characterized by inflammatory processes in one or more joints.
Treatment with home remedies:
Ayurvedic medicines for the treatment of arthritis:
There are three main types of musculo-articular diseases described in Ayurveda - amavata, sandhivata and vatashonita. When drawing parallels with the modern nomenclature of diseases, Amavata most closely corresponds to rheumatoid arthritis, sandhivata to arthrosis and osteoarthritis, vatashonita to gout. Amavata (???????) is a disease with chronic pain in the joints and muscles, sometimes with swelling of the joints. These symptoms are usually accompanied by stiffness and restriction of movement, decreased appetite, loss of acuity, thirst, indigestion, loss of enthusiasm, a feeling of heaviness and increased body temperature. If the disease progresses, the pain becomes very intense, burning and begins to move. Urination becomes scanty and frequent. Sleep is disturbed. Digestion continues to deteriorate, causing intestinal cramps, constipation, nausea and vomiting. There is often dizziness with excessive sweating, and stiffness in the joints increases. All of these symptoms, described in ancient sources, are most similar to those, the combination of which is usually diagnosed as rheumatoid arthritis in modern medicine. This pathology occurs in 0.3 - 1.5% of the population and is 2-3 times more common in women than in men, most often between the ages of 30 and 60 years, although people of all ages are susceptible to this disease. The severity of the manifestation ranges from the oligoarticular variant with the absence or very minor damage to individual joints to polyarthritis with extensive and significant damage.
Rheumatoid arthritis . known as Amavata in Ayurveda, is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints. It can also cause inflammation of the tissues around the joints, as well as in other organs of the body. Autoimmune diseases are disorders that occur when the body's tissues are mistakenly attacked by the body's own immune system.
Increased consumption of indigestible, heavy and incompatible foods, eating at the wrong time, indigestion, consumption of milk and dairy products, particularly yoghurt, consumption of aquatic animal meat, lack of physical activity or doing exercise after consuming fatty foods are some of the common causes of rheumatoid arthritis. arthritis.
Pain and stiffness in the body along with thirst, lethargy, heaviness in the body, indigestion, swelling, and sometimes lack of appetite. In the acute stage, pain and stiffness in the joints of the arms, legs, wrists, ankles and knees are bothersome.
Poor eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle can lead to deterioration of the digestive fire, the formation of ama (toxins), and also the distortion of Vata dosha (air). When a person indulges in a Vata-enhancing diet and lifestyle, it increases the circulation of ama in the body's channels and its accumulation in the joints, causing rheumatoid arthritis.
Ayurvedic treatment for rheumatoid arthritis begins with pacifying Vata and removing toxins from the body. Medicines are administered to improve the digestive fire and prevent further formation of ama. Panchakarma therapy is quite useful in reducing the pain of patients suffering from arthritis.
Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints, in which they become swollen, hot to the touch, the skin underneath them turns red, and a person experiences pain in them and limited movement. Arthritis is one of the most common chronic diseases that is difficult to treat. The causes of arthritis are an open topic among traditional medicine practitioners, who continue to waver between autoimmune and infectious theories, or both.
There are no medications that would cure arthritis completely in official medicine. There are only those that alleviate the condition. Unlike modern medicine, Ayurveda provides a clear model of the occurrence of the disease, which allows us to develop the most correct treatment strategy and achieve real results. This model has been proven over thousands of years of experience. Interest in Ayurvedic treatments for arthritis is steadily growing throughout the world. In Ayurveda, arthritis (almost all types) is called Amavata - a toxic state due to Vata imbalance. Pathological conditions always begin with an excess and combination of Ama and Vata. “Ama” translated from Sanskrit means “undigested”. When Agni (Digestive Fire) is weak, this entails the accumulation of “underdigested food” - toxins in the intestines, which, thanks to the driving force of Vata, begin to circulate and then be deposited in bones and tissues, slowing down, worsening and preventing the proper metabolic process.
Arthritis can also occur due to other Doshas being out of balance. It will proceed with its own characteristics. Accordingly, the regime and treatment will be different - lowering the corresponding Dosha (cleansing, nutrition, daily routine, Asanas, Meditation, etc.).
Arthritis can be caused by both external and internal factors. External means living in a windy, damp and cold climate. Internal – low Agni (Digestive Fire), poor digestion, leading to the accumulation of toxins that are stored in the joints, causing inflammation and pain. Arthritis can also be triggered by injuries (which happens in former athletes).
Although the main cause in Ayurveda is considered to be out of balance Vata, it may not necessarily be increased Vata. This can be the so-called “ blocking of Vata” together with any increased Dosha and increased Ama (toxins).
Frequent symptoms of Vata blockage are arthritis, rheumatism, and many digestive problems - constipation, gas, bloating. Therefore, the main treatment and prevention of arthritis is cleansing the intestines of toxins.
1. Weak Agni (Digestive Fire) and, accordingly, accumulation of Ama (toxins), which, in turn, leads to improper absorption of nutrients, imbalance of Doshas, even greater weakness of Agni, even greater accumulation of Ama, which is carried throughout the body and deposited in tissues.
2. Incorrect diet - food that is inappropriate for the season or without taking into account climatic conditions; untimely eating; food that is not suitable for the human constitution; spoiled food, refined foods, heavy and toxic foods.
3. A sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise leads to poor blood circulation and insufficient removal of toxins from the body. Forming in the body, Ama looks for a similarity in order to localize itself. It is fat soluble in nature. Kapha has a similar nature. Like Ama, Kapha is heavy, moist and oily, and also cold in nature. Because of this similarity, Kapha is the first of the Doshas to mix with Ama.
Due to excess excited Vata, Ama begins to move towards the localization of Kapha in the body. The joints are connected by Kapha, which also nourishes and protects the joint surfaces. Soon the channels that feed the Kapha areas become overwhelmed with Ama and normal circulation is disrupted. Following this, the remaining Doshas are connected to the pathological process.
To restore balance, the body initiates inflammation (Pitta) to digest the accumulated Ama. Vata is also actively involved in the process, causing dryness and degeneration of the joint surfaces. Although Amavata (arthritis) is predominantly a disease of Vata Dosha, it is divided into three main subtypes - Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
Vata arthritis is characterized by severe pain, moving from place to place, pulsating, cutting. There is no burning sensation. The pain decreases with the use of heat (sauna, warm lotions, warming up in the sun) and worsens with the use of cold (swimming in cold water, hardening, living in a cold, humid and windy climate). Vata's skin is usually dry and cracked. The joints are also stiff, making a cracking sound, and their movement is difficult. With Vata arthritis, the joints are most susceptible to deformation and do not look aesthetically pleasing. Vata arthritis is usually accompanied by other Vata symptoms - nervousness, anxiety, fear, insomnia, constipation, gas or bloating and lower back pain.
Pitta arthritis is characterized by burning and acute pain, inflammation and redness of the joints, heat, and a burning sensation. The pain is relieved by the application of cold and increased by the application of heat. Pitta arthritis is usually accompanied by typical Pitta symptoms - excessive sweating, a tendency to diarrhea, irritability.
Kapha arthritis is characterized by swelling of the joints and swelling around them, itching. The pain is localized, dull, severe and aching. Just as with Vata arthritis, warmth brings relief, while cold aggravates the condition. Kapha arthritis is often accompanied by the usual symptoms of Kapha - oily skin, congestion in the respiratory tract, mucus in all secretions.
There can also be combinations of any two or all three Doshas. If one Dosha is involved in the process, then the disease is easily treated. If there are two, the situation is more complex, but solvable. If all three Doshas are present, the disease is considered incurable. Also, if there is migrating pain and severe combined inflammation of the joints of the hands, feet, heels, head, sacrum, knees and hips, Amavata is incurable.
(based on materials by A. Golovinov “Traditional Medicine. East and West”, No. 2 (13) volume 4, 2007, Novosibirsk)
A post about how to identify a person with Vata arthritis by appearance is here.
The next article will discuss the treatment of arthritis using Ayurvedic methods.
ORDERING A CONSULTATION ON A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE IN ACCORDANCE WITH AYURVEDA IS MADE ON THE “CONSULTATIONS” PAGE.
Arthritis is a disease in which a person experiences severe pain in the joints: they become inflamed, swollen, the skin over the affected area becomes red and hot to the touch, and fluid may accumulate underneath. The discomfort at the site of the disease is so strong that it leads to a certain limitation of motor capabilities.
Currently, arthritis cannot be cured by conventional medicine. Physiotherapeutic procedures are mainly limited to alleviating the patient’s condition and do not always have a positive effect on overall health. Of course, there are experimental treatments for arthritis that are offered as an alternative to most patients, but the consequences of such intervention are unpredictable. Therefore, people suffering from this disease usually turn to alternative medicine for help.
Official medicine still cannot come to a consensus regarding the reasons that provoke the development of arthritis. Experts waver between the infectious and autoimmune theories, or consider the cause of the disease to be a symbiosis of infection and the activity of autoimmune antibodies.
However, Louise Hay, who wrote world-famous bestsellers about self-healing of the soul and body, believes that this disease arises due to a subconscious rejection of one’s own personality, a desire to punish oneself for something. In addition, Louise argues that as a result of a critical attitude towards oneself, inflated demands, and constant condemnation of one’s actions, the body launches a program of self-destruction, leading to a limitation of a person’s motor activity and a significant deterioration in the quality of his life.
A clearer and more practical model of the occurrence of arthritis, compared to the conclusions of modern medicine and the theory of Louise Hay, is offered by the traditional Indian healing system of Ayurveda, according to which the basis of this disease is an oversaturation of the body with toxins. Every year, the interest of patients and scientists in the Ayurvedic theory, which explains the causes of joint damage, is growing, since it has not only been proven by thousands of years of experience, but also allows one to achieve real results in the fight against arthritis .
Ayurveda calls arthritis by the sonorous name “Amavata”. Translated from Sanskrit, “Ama” means “undigested”, and “Vata” is one of the fundamental concepts of Ayurveda - the energy of movement. That is, joint damage is caused by an excess of toxins accumulating in the body due to disruption of the harmonious movement of energy.
The reason for this imbalance is primarily the weakness of Agni (digestive fire), leading to the storage of undigested food residues in the intestines. The driving force of Vata carries toxins throughout the body, and they are deposited in various tissues, disrupting the correct metabolic process. Arthritis can also occur due to disturbances in the harmonious activity of other Doshas (basic physiological processes). Therefore, Ayurveda offers various treatment complexes for different types of diseases.
In Ayurveda, Pitta signifies heating and transformation. Since the disease is caused by an overabundance of this Dosha, the main task of the doctor is to reduce Pitta. This is achieved through a whole range of therapeutic measures, including:
The main goal of treatment in this case is general detoxification of the body, therefore the complex of therapeutic measures consists of elements that help calm the driving energy and improve digestion.
Kapha dosha is responsible for the water-salt balance in the body, therefore the basis of treatment is the removal of excess fluid and restoration of the harmonious interaction of all Doshas.
Sometimes it is very difficult to determine the type of arthritis, since the overall picture of the disease is blurred or, on the contrary, the characteristic features of all types of the disease are clearly manifested. Therefore, Ayurveda also offers a universal healing complex aimed at burning toxins and restoring Agni (digestive fire).
Ayurveda includes sesame oils as a separate category of medicinal products. They are intended for external use: they return joints to their former mobility, reduce the intensity of pain, nourish tissues, and remove toxins. There are several types of sesame oils with different active ingredients, the most effective in a particular case:
Separate recommendations in Ayurveda are given to those who suffer from osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. However, the effectiveness of treatment depends on how accurate the diagnosis is, especially in the case of rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, only the characteristic clinical picture of the disease and timely laboratory diagnosis are sufficient grounds for following a specific complex of Ayurvedic treatment.
Patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis are advised to:
Patients with osteoarthritis are helped by:
Louise Hay and her works, dedicated to an unusual method of healing a wide variety of diseases, are known to readers all over the world. Moreover, due to her ability to effectively solve problems of psychological etiology, Louise was recognized as a specialist of international class. Almost all of Louise Hay’s recommendations are based both on personal experience (Louise managed to recover from cancer) and on material that was collected from numerous studies that studied the causes of diseases.
Louise's advice really helped many people not only completely heal from various diseases, but also open up creatively and overcome complexes and fears of various origins. The Louise Hay method is based on painstaking work with the human consciousness, which, according to the author, is capable of coping with absolutely any problems. The main thing is to find a positive affirmation (a stereotype of thinking), which will tune the body to the desired “self-healing program.” However, Louise draws attention to the fact that the stereotype must be formed correctly. And for this it is necessary to know exactly the cause of a particular disease.
If we talk about arthritis, Louise Hay considers the main reasons to be contempt, criticism, dislike for oneself and others, as well as condemnation, the desire to punish oneself and the feeling of being a victim. That is why the first task of a person suffering from joint inflammation is to search for the mental cause of the disease. Positive affirmations are created according to the identified cause. Louise calls the following stereotypes the most effective for arthritis:
Louise Hay recommends repeating the formed stereotypes several times so that the thought is embedded in consciousness and the body realizes that it is now necessary to work towards recovery. This type of meditation, according to Louise’s advice, should be repeated daily and can be combined, if necessary, with any type of informal medicine.
Today, more and more people are turning to the experience of the East, not finding answers from traditional medicine. There comes an understanding that any disease or condition is caused by our lifestyle, so the knowledge accumulated in Ayurvedic texts is again becoming popular.
The main goal of science is to maintain a healthy life for every person. Prescriptions regarding lifestyle, nutrition, treatment, and other things are based on a philosophical perception of the laws of the universe and the flow of energies. As an art, Ayurveda leads a person to spiritual growth and self-improvement. And as a science, it helps to look into the most hidden corners of the human personality: body, mind, character. Unlike the materialistic ideas of modern science, which end only with the structure of our gross body (physical shell), the laws of Ayurveda take into account the individual characteristics of each person at the physical, mental and emotional levels. Achieving harmony at all these levels determines our health and happiness.
I think you will agree that each person is unique, with his own destiny, with his own relationships with the outside world. Therefore, treatment should be purely individual. This is another fundamental difference from traditional medicine. An Ayurvedic doctor treats not so much a disease as he improves the functioning of the entire body, eliminating the root cause of the disease. To do this, a holistic picture of the patient’s life, his habits, lifestyle, nutrition and symptoms is compiled. The cause of the disease does not always lie on the physical plane, so the healing process begins with a change in consciousness, a change in attitudes and the resolution of mental problems. A special diet is selected for the patient, which is designed to balance the subtle plan - to return to the state of prakriti, the natural ratio of the three doshas of a person.
To treat and prevent diseases, an Ayurvedic doctor uses 6 basic principles :
1. Selects a diet;
2. Gives recommendations regarding lifestyle (regime, special exercises);
3. Prepares medicines based on herbs, roots, and other products. Knowledge about healing methods is transmitted exclusively from teacher to student;
4. Performs Pancha Karma - a procedure for cleansing the body with the help of herbal and oil massages, steam baths, soaking the body in oil, removing toxins, therapeutic enemas, etc.;
5. Prescribes herbal medicinal preparations - for the treatment and prevention of diseases;
6. Conducts the Marma procedure - a targeted effect on the body, helping to eliminate diseases at the gross and subtle levels.
In Ayurveda, it is generally accepted that illness is an obvious process through which the body tells us about disharmony with the outside world and a life that is unnatural for us. Rough physical interference in the work of our body can only temporarily delay the manifestation of the disease, or transfer it to another direction.
The main motto of Ayurveda is to do no harm!
Ayurvedic treatment not only prevents and treats diseases, but also daily monitors the behavior and psychological state of a particular person. Ayurveda is not limited to treating individual parts of the body, but mainly affects the entire body. The biggest advantage of Ayurveda is that it does not have any side effects.
Ayurveda is raw materials made from natural ingredients.
The leaves of medicinal herbs are used in the preparation of herbal baths, and the roots are ground into healing powder for aromatherapy, and the oils necessary for massage are squeezed out of the seeds and fruits. The most important treatments that Ayurveda offers are herbal baths and massages, as well as diets.
In this medical system, the approach to each patient is individual and is based on the patient’s constitution (prakriti) and psycho-physiological parameters, in particular, after a thorough examination. In addition to the usual diagnostic methods, Ayurveda uses a method such as pulse diagnostics - very effective, although complex: to master it, an Ayurvedic doctor must study for seven years.
Medicines or treatment procedures are selected individually; in Ayurvedic practice, exclusively natural, natural remedies are used: ghee (ghee), medicinal plants (more than 3000!), spices, minerals, metals, due to which these medicines do not have harmful side effects. Methods such as various types of massage (with oil, with medicinal plants ground into powder), and steam rooms are widely used. Ayurveda does not neglect such means for spiritual health as religious practices (chanting mantras and religious hymns, worship of deities), meditation.
Currently, Ayurveda is gaining attention as a solution to the problems of toxicity, strengthening the immune system, successful prevention, as well as the exorbitant cost of diagnosis and treatment.
The following therapeutic methods are known, which are used both individually and in combination:
Dhara - Oils, milk with medicines or infusions are poured in a special way on the forehead (sirodhara - used in the treatment of chronic headaches, insomnia, mental stress, hysteria, hallucinations) or on the entire body of the patient (dhanyamla dhara - helps with hemiplegia, paralysis, rheumatism and etc.).
Snehapanam - used for osteoarthritis, leukemia, etc. For a certain period of time, 8-12 days, the patient takes ghee with medications, in ever-increasing quantities.
Sirovasti - used for dry nose, mouth and throat, severe headaches, facial paralysis. Warm herbal oils are poured into an open leather headdress that fits tightly to the head.
Pizhichil is a unique Ayurvedic procedure in which heated oil in a special way, observing a certain rhythm, is poured onto the patient’s body - from an hour to an hour and a half a day, for 1-3 weeks. This treatment is carried out on a special table made from a single piece of Strychnis Nuxvomica (a tree to which special healing properties are attributed). This procedure helps with rheumatic diseases such as arthritis, paralysis, hemiplegia, sexual and nervous weakness, nervous diseases, etc.
Njavarakizh and - During this procedure, the patient is made to sweat by applying muslin bags containing medicinal drugs to his body. It helps with different types of rheumatism, joint pain, exhaustion, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and some types of skin diseases.
Udvartanam – this procedure is known as “powder massage” and is very effective for obesity, hemiplegia, paralysis, skin diseases, circulation problems, etc.
Abhyangam is a special type of oil massage in which the massage therapist makes movements in accordance with the direction of the circulatory channels in the patient’s body. This procedure helps with obesity, dull skin, insomnia, fatigue, etc.
In general, Ayurvedic massage has several varieties: the whole body and individual parts, oil or powder (with crushed herbs), foot or manual.
Nasyam - In this procedure, fruit juices, healing oils, etc. are introduced into the patient's nose for 7-14 days. This procedure is very effective in treating certain types of headaches, paralysis, mental disorders and some types of skin diseases. This procedure is part of Panchakarma.
Kizhi - medicinal herbs, whole or crushed, soaked in warm healing oils and applied to the body or certain parts of it. The procedure lasts about three quarters of an hour for 1-2 weeks. This procedure helps with osteoarthritis, injuries, etc.
Kativasti - specially prepared warm healing oils are applied to the lower back. Helps with all types of back pain and spinal problems.
Urovasti is the same, but the oils are applied to the chest. Effective for asthma and other respiratory diseases, heart disease and chest pain.
Kshiradhumam - steam from a heated mixture of medicinal infusions and cow's milk is directed through a tube onto the patient's body or parts of the body. Very useful for facial paralysis, ptosis and nervous diseases.
Thalam is a special powder mixed with medicinal oil and applied to the crown of the head. Helps with ear, nose and throat diseases, insomnia, migraines, etc.
Lepanam - herbal paste is applied to the damaged part of the body. Useful for various types of inflammation, skin diseases, arthritis, gout, etc.
Thalapotichil – crushed medicinal plants are applied to the scalp. This procedure is indicated for insomnia, premature graying and other problems with hair and scalp.
Swedakarma (Sweat House) . In the steam room, harmful substances are removed from the body and the condition of the skin improves. This procedure is also recommended for people suffering from excess weight or certain rheumatic diseases.
Shodhana Chikilsa (Cleansing therapy).
The purpose of cleansing therapy is to remove waste from the body that interferes with its normal functioning. One of the main methods of this therapy - panchakarma (Sanskrit: "five cleansing procedures") - includes a wide range of procedures, unique in its method and application. This is a powerful method of detoxification, cleansing and rejuvenation of the body. Other methods used in the Shodhana Chikilsa complex (lasting 15 days) are massage, snehapanam, nasyam, virechanam, shekhavasti, dhara, pizhichil, njavarakizhi, karnapuranam, tarapanam, sirovasti, steam room, taking medications internally.
R asayana Chikitsa (Rejuvenation therapy)
Returns elasticity to the skin and body as a whole, strengthens the body's resistance. Includes head and face massage with healing oils and creams, oil massage of the body, hands and feet, oral medication, steam bath, and herbal baths. Therapy lasts from 7 to 14 days.
Kayakalpa Chikitsa (Treatment aimed at strengthening immunity and longevity)
Used to slow down the aging process. Duration – 28 days. It includes rasayana (special Ayurvedic medicines and diet), panchakarma and swedakarma, as well as several other types of therapy (massage, snehapanam, virechanam, nasyam, snehavasti, dhara, pizhichil, njavarakizhi, etc.) Most effective for people under 60 years of age.
This is a set of procedures indicated for diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, osteoarthritis, spondyloses, osteoparesis, etc. Includes massage, lepanam, applying oil to sore spots, Kizhi, steam bath, snehavasti, kashaya vasti, pizhichil, njavarakizhi, neparan and taking medications orally.
Treatment program for diseases such as bronchial asthma, cough, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, etc. Includes body massage, urovasti, pizhichil, podikizhi, snehavasti, kashaya vasti, nasyam and oral administration of Ayurvedic remedies.
Ayurveda not only helps the body, but the mind and soul as well. This program is very useful for insomnia, anxiety, improves immunity and self-confidence. It includes body massage, Sirovasti, Ksheera Dhara, Taila Dhara, Thalam, Thalapotichil, Ayurvedic medicines, yoga and meditation.
Sidma Chikilsa (treatment of psoriasis).
Ayurvedic methods are very effective in treating diseases such as all types of psoriasis and various skin diseases. This program lasts from 21 to 28 days. Includes lepanam, abhyangam, snapanam, pizhichil, steam bath, sirovasti, specially prepared herbal medicines along with yoga and meditation as Ayurveda believes that most diseases are psychosomatic.
Arthritis is one of the most common chronic degenerative diseases. However, modern medicine has little to offer for its treatment, except, perhaps, aspirin. In Ayurveda, arthritis is called “Amavata”, which is a toxic condition of air. This is typically a Vata disorder, accompanied by pain and weakening of bone tissue, the tissue associated with Vata. Arthritis can be divided into types or stages according to the three doshas.
The occurrence of arthritis can be caused by both internal and external factors. Arthritis is especially common in areas where it is windy, humid, and stormy. Arthritis is caused by decreased levels of Agni in the body and poor digestion, leading to the accumulation of Ama (toxins). Dysfunction of the large intestine leads to toxins entering the joints. Arthritis can also be caused by traumatic injuries, autoimmune disorders, in which the body seems to attack itself, so much of what has been said about allergies also applies to arthritis.
First of all, it is necessary to restore the digestive fire and burn off the toxins accumulated in the body. Short fasting or hot spices are useful - red pepper, cinnamon, dry ginger, galangal. You can use hot energy gemstones, such as ruby or garnet, set in gold. However, if you have a fever or signs of inflammation, you should be careful in their use. Wet, heavy, Ama-producing foods should be avoided and eating should be regular.
Methods of diaphoretic therapy - a sauna or a steam chamber - work well. In the latter case, a hose (nadi swede) is connected to the top of the cauldron in which special herbs or the Dashamula composition are boiled and thus directs the steam to those areas of the body that need to be treated. Use diaphoretic herbs - ephedra, angelica, nirgundi, bay leaf or eucalyptus leaf.
To cleanse the colon, do enemas with Dashamula decoction or take Triphala composition daily.
Valuable Ayurvedic antirheumatic herbs include: guggul, turmeric, musta, galangal, nirgundi and prasarini. The most specific remedy that cleanses and strengthens bone tissue and improves joint mobility is guggul. Musta, a plant also known in Chinese medicine, is now widely used to relieve pain in joints and muscles, in particular muscle contractures. Prasarini and nirgundi have a good analgesic effect for rheumatic pain. In addition, prasarini is also used to relieve abdominal pain, and nirgundi has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect.
Of the Ayurvedic preparations, the most effective are Triphala guggul, Yogaraj guggul and Mahayogaraj guggul (the latter two contain special minerals). However, recent clinical studies conducted in India have shown that guggul in large doses (about 6 g per day) by itself is no less effective than complex formulations based on it. An excellent remedy is the “Anti-rheumatic drug” (No. 13), a herbal composition whose main component is guggul.
A good preparation can be prepared from herbs known in the West - angelica, hoofed grass, cinnamon and licorice, taken in equal parts. Take it in the form of an infusion or powder, one teaspoon with honey (the cleansing properties of honey are more pronounced than those of sugar, milk or ghee). This composition is quite effective in the initial stages of arthritis and in Vata or Kapha constitutions. For conditions associated mainly with Pitta or accompanied by an inflammatory process, one or two bitter herbs (barberry, golden seal or katuku) should be added to it.
Among the herbs used in Chinese medicine are du huo, kiang huo, chuang xiong, gentian macrofolia and eleutherococcus. Chuan xion is preferred as an anesthetic; Eleutherococcus is used for chronic and degenerative arthritis.
Western herbal medicine also includes myrrh, chaparrel and yucca.
When used externally, medicinal oils relieve joint stiffness, remove toxins, nourish tissues and reduce pain. In this regard, special Ayurvedic oils based on sesame are especially good.
Mahanarayan oil, the main component of which is shatavari, reduces stiffness in joints, increases their mobility and relieves pain. It nourishes the skin, helps with muscle fatigue and varicose veins, so it can be successfully used by dancers and athletes. Narayan oil, which contains ashwagandha, helps with muscle and joint pain, improves blood circulation in the legs and slows down the aging process. Sakhachardi oil (based on the sakhachar herb) is used as a special remedy in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and also helps with muscle atrophy and degeneration of nerve tissue. A light massage using these oils should be performed daily. Chandanbalalakshadi oil, the main component of which is sandalwood, has cooling properties and is good for Pitta-type arthritis.
In the absence of these oils, use warm sesame oil. You can make your own medicinal oils by boiling the appropriate herbs in sesame oil (for more details, see the book “Hers and Spices”).
Essential oils from camphor, mint, and wintergreen are good for external use. They are dissolved in alcohol or together with tonic herbs, such as ashwagandha, and used in the preparation of medicinal oils based on sesame oil. Containing methyl salicylate, wintergreen can be used for pain as a substitute for aspirin.
With Vata-type arthritis, the pain is stronger, can be variable, migrating, throbbing or cutting, is relieved by warmth, and intensified by cold. The skin is dry or flaky, the joints become stiff and creak, and movement is difficult. With this type of arthritis, bone deformation is more often observed, there may be constipation, flatulence, and pain in the lower back. As a rule, insomnia, nervousness, anxiety, and fears are noted.
In Pitta arthritis, there is more inflammation with swelling, fever, or a burning sensation. The pain is relieved by cold and worsened by warmth. Sweating, irritability, and a tendency to loose stools are also noted.
With Kapha-type arthritis, swelling and swelling in the joint area are more pronounced. The pain is localized, dull, but prolonged and debilitating, relieved by warmth, intensified by cold and damp weather. The skin is oily. There may be a feeling of chest congestion. There is mucus in the stool.
When treating Vata-type arthritis, along with general approaches, a detoxifying diet is included in order to reduce Vata and eliminate Ama. The main medicines are guggul and sesame oil. Galangal is used as a special herb to treat this type of arthritis. For degenerative and atrophic processes in bone tissue, tonic herbs such as ashwagandha are needed, but care must be taken that tonics, due to their heavy nature, do not increase the formation of toxins from undigested food. The large intestine is cleansed using castor oil or Triphala.
Pitta-type arthritis requires bitter herbs along with a Pitta-reducing diet. Apply sandalwood oil or paste, coconut oil or Brahmi oil to the joints. Cold lotions and ice compresses are helpful. For oral administration, guggul, sandalwood, guduchi, aloe, margosa, turmeric, saffron and other bitter antirheumatic herbs, such as chaparrel, are good. “Anti-rheumatic drug” (No. 13) is taken with aloe juice.
To treat Kapha-type arthritis, use hot spices: cinnamon, ginger, mustard, red pepper, turmeric, Trikatu composition. Mustard, red pepper and ginger can also be used externally - in the form of paste, patches or alcohol rubbing. Dry massage with calamus powder helps a lot. Mustard oil with the addition of red pepper is also used externally. Sugar, dairy products and oily foods are strictly contraindicated.