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Dr. Vikram Chauhan - MD (Ayurveda)

Saturday, January 2, 2021

Treatment of Sandhivata (Osteoarthritis) through Ayurveda

Sandhivata is one among the most common degenerative health concern being faced by millions of people across the world. Due to its close similarities in symptoms, it can be well correlated to the osteoarthritis of modern science. Living a life in pain, whether it be physical or mental, is totally miserable. The same happens in Sandhivata where the hallmark symptoms involve pain and inflammation of the joints with restriction in movements (due to pain and stiffness). The ancient Ayurvedic text book of Charak Samhita interprets it beautifully in the sloka as:

Vatapoornadruthisparsahsothahsandhigate anile
Prasaranakunchanayohpravruthischasavedanah ||

It means that the swelling or inflammation in joints can be felt as if being filled with air and there will be pain and difficulty at the affected joints while performing functions of contraction and expansion. As the name suggests, it occurs due to the aggravation of vata dosha along the joints. Even though it can affect any joints, the weight bearing joints like knee, elbow, hip etc are the easily afflicted ones. Even though the treatment is based on the progress of the disease, let us have a review of the general measures involved in Ayurveda against Sandhivata.

sandhivata, osteoarthritis

Since Vata Dosha is the predominating factor in Sandhivata, treatments are generally aimed at mitigating vata along with providing special care to the joints.The treatment program can be broadly grouped under eliminative procedures (samsodhana) and palliative procedures (samsamana). Mostly samsodhana holds much beneficial especially for obese people with sandhivata. Mild purgation therapy (Virechana) and medicated enema(Basti) are advised as part of 'samsodhana'. Oleation (snehana) and sudation (Swedana) therapies are performed prior to these Panchakarma therapies which dissolves the morbid doshas and lightens the aggravated vata dosha. Typically, 'Taila' (oil) is used for the Oleation therapy as it is the best vata mitigating substance. Moreover, it enhances the lubrication of the joints. Other modes like ghee, muscle fat, bone marrow etc are also used in different combinations and appropriate doses. Virechana helps in bringing the vata dosha to the right direction and elimination of toxins out of the body. Similarly, medicated enema holds on important position in sandhivata treatment as it is considered to be the top most for purifying vata dosha (Vasthirvathaharanam Sreshtam). Both herbal decoctions and oils are made use in Basti, depending on the status of disease and patient.The palliative therapies include both external applications like Abhyanga (massage), Upanaha (poultice), Seka (pouring medicated liquids) etc with vata mitigating drugs and oral intake of suitable Ayurvedic formulations.

For getting instant relief from severe pain, usually Agnikarma (therapeutic cautery) is performed at the affected joint. It is mainly done with Panchaloha salaka (instrument made of five metals) and helps in balancing vata and kapha dosha. Rakta mokshana (blood letting therapy) using leaches are also undergone in certain cases with the involvement of Raktha dhatu (blood) and Pitta dosha.

Ayurveda follows a multimodal approach as it focusses on food habits and lifestyle along with medications. Food items like wheat, red rice, milk, ghee, raisins, etc and those with predominating sweet, sour and salty tastes are to be consumed more. Sun bathing and lukewarm water showers are highly preferable.

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR SANDHIVATA FROM PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda offers the 'JOINT SUPPORT PACK' which consists of amazing herbal supplements for the effective management of Sandhivata and is highly recommended for the same. The pack involves:

  1. Bone Support
  2. Curcumin Capsules
  3. Joint Aid Plus
  4. Coral Calcium Complex

Joint Support Pack

PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION

1). Bone Support

The Bone support capsules from Planet Ayurveda are specifically designed for strengthening and protecting the bones. The ingredients like Laksha (Laccifer lacca), Shigru (Moringa Oleifera), Hadjod (Cissus quadrangularis), Arjuna (Terminalia Arjuna), Pravala (Coral calcium) and Mukta (Pearl calcium) makes it most suitable for any skeletal system problems. Shigru has got analgesic as well as anti-inflammatory effects. Hadjod is said to make the body as strong as diamond. All the ingredients help in the quick healing of fractures. Mukta and Pravala endows the body with sufficient amount of calcium. It also contains other trace elements required for bone strength.

Dosage - 2 Capsules, twice daily with plain water

2). Curcumin Capsules

Planet Ayurveda prepares the Curcumin capsules from the pure standardized extract of Haridra (Curcuma longa). With its anti-inflammatory and immune modulating effects, it can be successfully used in Sandhivata. It helps in subsiding the aches and pains related to arthritis. It can be used along with other herbal supplements to get the desired effect in Sandhivata.

Dosage - 2 capsules, twice daily with plain water after meals.

3. Joint-Aid Plus

The Joint-Aid plus capsules from Planet Ayurveda is a wonderful combination of herbs like Nirgundi (Vitex nigundo), Shallaki (Boswellia serrata), Guggulu (Commiphora mukul), Sunthi (Zingiber officinale) and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). These ingredients are highly beneficial in providing relief from both chronic and acute pain and inflammation associated with Sandhivata. It has antispasmodic properties and acts as a muscle relaxant, especially Nirgundi. Moreover, Ashwagandha helps in promoting muscle strength and immunity to the body. Since it contains Guggulu it may be used even in the severe stages of Sandhivata.

Dosage - 2 capsules, twice daily with plain water after meals.

4). Coral Calcium Complex

Coral Calcium complex introduced by Planet Ayurveda is a unique blend of purified ingredients like Pravala pishti (Coral), Akik pishti (Agate), Jawahar mohra pishti, kamadudha rasa, Muktha pishi (Pearl), and Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia). Its usage helps in the overall structure and function of skeletal system. It increases the bone mineral density. It provides the body with adequate calcium level required and is much beneficial in the osteoporotic condition associated with Sandhavata. In addition, Jwahar mohra has got neuromuscular as well as heart protective effects.

Dosage - 1 Capsule, twice daily, with plain water after meals.

CONCLUSION

As the disease progresses gradually the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments everything becomes more susceptible. Beginning the treatment in initial stage itself can prevent further degeneration and helps in replenishment of the affected parts. Ayurveda is the best option available rather than opting for surgeries and pain killers with potential side effects. Ayurveda works from the roots by eliminating the underlying pathology and improves the quality of life.

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