An Effortless Ayurvedic Treatment for Arthritis

Arthritis is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. Around 24% of people visiting doctors report suffering from various aches and pains, with 10–15% diagnosed with Arthritis.

Despite advances in modern medicine with new treatments, pills, and pain balms, there is no complete cure for Arthritis, which is marked as a “Chronic Disease.” Eminent Ayurvedic Practitioner Dr. S. S. Hiremath of Shree Dhanvantari Ayurveda Hospital explains Ayurveda’s holistic approach to treating Arthritis.

Symptoms of Arthritis:

• Stiffness and swelling in joints
• Deep aching in joints
• Pain during joint movement
• Tenderness, warmth, or redness
• Fever, fatigue, or weight loss
• Extreme pain in cold, damp weather

Note: If not treated early, the affected joint may become immobile or permanently deformed.

Common Types of Arthritis:

• Osteoarthritis (Sandhigata Vata)
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (Ama Vata)
• Gout (Vatarakta)
• Fibromyalgia (CFS)
• Ankylosing Spondylosis
• Sciatica, Cervical & Lumbar Spondylosis

Ayurvedic View:

Most joint pain is caused by Vata Dosha. Poor digestion weakens Agni (digestive fire), creating toxins (Ama) that accumulate in joints and cause inflammation.

Treatment Principles:

• Eliminate toxins (Ama) from the body
• Strengthen digestive fire
• Balance the Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha)

Local Ayurvedic Therapies (Upakarma):

• Kati Basti: For lower back pain
• Greeva Basti: For cervical problems
• Janu Basti: For knee pain

Main Panchakarma Treatments:

• Virechana: Purgation Therapy
• Basti: Medicated Enema

These therapies detoxify the body, boost immunity, increase energy and mental clarity, and enhance overall well-being.

Osteoarthritis (Sandhigata Vata)

Modern View: Cartilage loses elasticity and wears away, leading to joint pain and bone friction.

Ayurvedic View: Vitiated Vata settles in joints causing pain and dryness. Treated with:

• Janu Basti
• Detox followed by Basti therapy

Rheumatoid Arthritis (Ama Vata)

Modern View: Immune system attacks synovial membrane causing joint inflammation.

Ayurvedic View: Mandagni leads to Ama accumulation in joints. Treated with:

• Sadhyovirechana
• Basti

Gout (Vata Rakta)

Modern View: Sudden joint pain and swelling, commonly in the big toe.

Ayurvedic View: Vitiated Vata and Rakta lodge in joints causing pain and deformity. Treated with:

• Virechana
• Basti