Osteoarthritis Pain - Can Ayurveda Help?

Osteoarthritis is referred to as a degenerative condition where the protecting cartilage of a particular body joint (which helps in smooth movement) slowly wears away with time. Osteoarthritis occurs mainly in joints of the hand, neck, hips, spine and knees. As time passes, osteoarthritis might result in severe and unbearable pain along with increased stiffness in the affected parts of the body. The affected body joints might also lose flexibility, which might result in a particularly unpleasant sensation.

Causes and risk factors
You could be at risk of suffering from osteoarthritis due to any of the following factors

• If you are suffering from obesity.
• There is history of osteoarthritis within the family
• You have suffered severe injury in one or many body joints in the past.
• You are beyond the age of 60.
• Your job requires you to put considerable stress in one of the body joints.

Ayurvedic approach to osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis tends to be a chronic condition and can never be fully cured although it can be controlled and reduced drastically. Ayurvedic treatments can offer a suitable and potent remedy to patients suffering from osteoarthritis. In Ayurvedic scriptures, Osteoarthritis occurs as a result of an imbalance of the Vata Dosha. This condition occurs primarily because of a regular consumption of stale and unhealthy foods, which result in severe pain in the joints. The Ayurvedic remedies offer to prevent further degeneration as well as restore the ability of the affected cartilage. Apart from encouraging the consumption of freshly cooked meals and drinks, the other useful Ayurvedic remedies are as follows:

• An application of a mixture of dried ginger powder and hot mustard oil on the affected body joints might help to cure the pain.
• Mix turmeric, camphor, garlic powder in hot sesame oil. Then apply it daily on the affected areas. This will not only provide relief from pain, but will also improve mobility.
• Daily consumption of Triphala powder might help in the subsequent cure of osteoarthritis by purifying the colon.
• Daily consumption of 30 ml herbal juice extracted from the Deodar tree roots, might cure osteoarthritis. You need to consume this preparation 2 to 3 times daily.
• Daily massage with groundnut oil on the affected area may also reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis.