A 2003 National Health Interview Survey, estimates that 25% of adults 18 years and older will be diagnosed by arthritis by 2030. Arthritis is a medical condition in which an individual suffers from joint pains; many irrespective of age suffer from this disease and more women than men are prone to it.

In the ancient Ayurvedic health care system of India, arthritis is recognized as Amavata (Rheumatoid) and Sandhivata (Osteo Arthritis). As per Ayurveda, arthritis is used to define joint pains which are caused by aggravation of vata (air) dosha and the excessive accumulation of Ama (the toxins produced due to improper digestion).When Ama increases in the body it gets deposited in the joints and with the aggravated Vata, it results in this diseased condition.

So the treatment of arthritis, in Ayurveda, starts with removing the toxins (Ama ) and reducing the Vata.in the body. Simultaneously, herbs are given to the patient to reduce pain and inflammation

The Ayurvedic health care system has perfected efficient methods and herbal preparations to keep the physical, mental and emotional health of a person in its prime throughout life.  Ayur means life, and veda means science; together, Ayurveda means the science of life and longevity.

According to Ayurveda each individuals physical, mental and emotional being is influenced by one or a combination of the three doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Doshas are a combination of elements (air, water, space, fire and earth), which work together to either maintain a balance or dis-ease of the body.  Thus, vata dosha is made up of air and space; pitta dosha of fire and water; and, kapha is a combination of earth and water.  

Ayurveda is, perhaps, also the first such medical system that recognized that all diseases are a direct manifestation of ones mental conditions. It says the human mind consists of three states or trigunas: Satva, Rajas and Tamas. Any disturbances in the equilibrium of these trgunas, manifest in physical illness.

While Ayurveda believes that prevention is better than cure, the goal of an Ayurvedic doctor is to balance the doshas and trgunas in a diseased body.

So it stresses on four principles of regulation to maintain the balance and equanimity of the body and mind: of Ahara (food habits), of Vihara (activities), of Nidra (sleep) and of Maithuna (sexual habit). Treatments and therapies, like massages and panchakarma therapies are personalized to flush out toxins from the body, relieve stress and build immunity.
                             
Recommended diet and therapies

1. It is good to take 2 tsp of lemon juice with 250ml of warm water and 1tsp of honey morning and evening.
2. Juices of carrot, beetroot and cucumber are also beneficial.
3. 5-10 cloves of garlic should be boiled in 10-15 ml of milk and taken on the empty stomach is good for digestion and to help to reduce inflammation of joints.
4. Guggulu (commiphora mukul) is the recommended herb for Arthritis.
5. Asafetida, known as hing, can be combined with coconut oil and ginger paste and applied externally on the joints to relieve pain and inflammation.
6. Massage with different herbal oils for different doshas and application of herbal heat is the best external remedy
7. There is a special kind of proven herbal therapy for pain management called Pinda sweda.
8. Along with diet, herbs and special therapies, Ayurveda also advises some specific yogas postures for arthritis.

Dr. Srilakshmi Parcha, M.B.B.S., B.A.M.S., Certified Holistic Health consultant, is Director of Ayurveda at the Om Wholistic Health Center, New Jersey. She has extensive experience in using Ayurveda to address a variety of chronic and debilitating conditions like Arthritis, Chronic back pain, Gastrointestinal problems, Anxiety, Stress and Depression, Cholesterol, Allergies, Skin problems, Hair loss and  Immune system issues.

Om Wholistic Health Center combines medical and orthopedic therapeutic massage and reflexology with the ancient medicine of Ayurveda and Yoga for optimal well being. For more information on our therapeutic methods, please visit us at www.omwholistic.com or call us at (732) 613-0123.