Topic of the Month

Joint Pain

According to Ayurveda mostly Joint & Muscle pains are caused by the aggravation of vata (air) dosha. It is a condition which is caused by accumulation of ama and aggravation of vata. (Ama is a toxic by-product of improper digestion. )This ama circulates in the whole body and deposits or gets collected at the sites which are weaker. When it deposits in the joints and at the same time there is aggravation of vata , it results in a disease called amavata that all results of Joint Pains.

Symptoms

• The main symptom of this disease is severe pain in the affected joints. The tissues in and around the joints become inflamed and movement of the joint becomes extremely painful. Untreated arthritis may lead to permanent deformity of the affected joints.

• Fever

• Immense pain & stiffness in affected muscles, specially stiffness and pain (i.e., fingers, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles) in the morning.

•  Excruciating pain and stiffness in the joints

Root Causes

The following medical conditions are some of the possible causes of Joint pain as a symptom. There are likely to be other possible causes.

:: Joint injury
:: Joint strain
:: Joint sprain
:: Previous joint injury
:: Infections - many infections cause aching joints and aching muscles
   - Viral infection
   - Common cold
   - Flu
   - Bacterial infection

Causes include both internal and external factors. Ama associated with Vata (internal moving body air) quickly moves to different parts of the body and accumulates where circulation is sluggish or slow such as the hands, knees and other bone joints filling the blood vessels with a waxy type material. It is also more common in old age when Vata naturally increases in the body. Meat diet, foods such as ice cream, to much concentrated dairy such as aged cheese or goods of sour cream or cheese with your meals, cold foods especially during cold weather which weaken the digestion, heavy cakes, pastries and candies, packaged and processed foods with little fiber are the main dietary causes. Gas producing vegetables and legumes also create more internal air which moves the toxins to different parts also the condition. This ama blocks tissue pores and passages. This causes heaviness and weakness of the heart which becomes the seat of the disease.

Vata type:

Most common type. Severe, throbbing and cutting pain that is variable and migrating. This becomes worse in cold weather or when cold water comes in contact with the affected joints.

Other symptoms include dry or scaly skin, stiff or cracking joints, bone deformities, gas, abdominal distension, low back pain, nervousness, fear, anxiety and insomnia.

The pain is relieved by heat. Constipation is usually a symptom. Body types will usually be thin. Best to live in a tropical climate and follow a Vata diet.

Pitta type: 

Second common. There will be a burning sensation with redness and inflammation which becomes worse in hot weather or from hot water. Diarrhea, loose stool, anger, sweating, fever, irritability are usually present. With Pitta type it is recommended to use bitter herbs along with the Guggulu.

Kapha type: 

Least common. There will be itching, swelling or loss of movement and edema without inflammation around the joints. It becomes worse in cold, damp or wet weather. Other symptoms may be heaviness, aches, oily skin, congestion or mucus in the stool. Pain is relieved by heat or hot-dry weather. Best to live in a hot-dry climate and follow a Kapha diet.

Herbs which is useful :

Rasna (Vanda roxburghii):


The root of the plant is found Effective in inflammations, rheumatic disorders, osteoarthritis and allied disorders. It has been used for indigestion also.





 

Guggulu (Commiphora mukul gum) :

It is the most effect herb used in the Ayurvedic treatment of arthritis. Guggulu has strong rejuvenating, purifying, medicinal and healing qualities. Guggulu is perhaps used more than any other herb in Ayurveda. Vata (under-weight) and Kapha (obese) types benefit the most from this herb. Guggulu increases the white blood cell count, dis-infects secretions in the body. Guggulu has been used extensively for similar health disorders such as rheumatism, gout and lumbago. Not recommended if you have acute kidney

Lohsun / Garlic (Allium sativum) :

Garlic has been demonstrated as effective for high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and as an anti-infection agent.  It has more recently been found to be effective against rheumatoid arthritis.  It may used singularly or in combination with the usual medications.






Indian Gooseberry (Emblica Officinalis Gaertn) :

To treat rheumatism a teaspoon of the powder of the dry fruit mixed with 2 teaspoons of jaggery can be taken twice daily for a month.





Indian Aloe (Aloe vera):


Indian aloe is useful in lumbago, sciatica, gout and rheumatism. The pulp of one leaf is taken daily for relief.


 

Diet :

• Avoid curd & all sour items pulses (except moong dal), rice, meat, fish, white bread, sugar, refined cereals, fried foods, tea or coffee.

• Have potato & lemon juice

• Celery seeds, bitter gourd are highly beneficial.

Ayurvedic Supplements :