People suffering from arthritis have to deal with a lot of discomfort on a daily basis. Joint pains and stiffness hinders their movement and interrupts all of their daily activities. Though there is no cure for this medical condition, you can take some measures to control the symptoms. On World Arthritis Day, let’s look at some Ayurvedic treatments that can help people deal with arthritis symptoms such as pain and swelling of joints.

How can Ayurveda help in arthritis treatment?

The ancient Indian practice of Ayurveda uses a natural, comprehensive approach to cure medical issues. Some Ayurvedic doctors treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA), also known as “Amavata” with Ayurveda. Exercise, dietary changes, and supplements are all potential parts of an Ayurvedic regimen.

To find how Ayurveda helps in the treatment of arthritis, Health Shots reached out to Dr Chaitali Deshmukh, an M.D. in Ayurveda who explained that adherents of the ‘Madhava Nidana’ principles think that rheumatoid arthritis is brought on by inflammatory substances and intestinal abnormalities. On the other hand, adherents of the ‘Ashtanga Hridaya’ school of thought think that poor dietary and lifestyle choices that lead to inflammation in the body are what causes RA. For RA symptom relief, both strategies make use of herbs, supplements, dietary modifications, and exercise.

Here are some Ayurvedic remedies for arthritis:

1. Improve digestion

Dr Deshmukh says, “Since Ama and Vata (Ayurvedic doshas or defects) are the primary contributing factors to arthritis, a long-term therapy plan for the condition should include intensive methods to digest Ama and lessen Vata. Over time, digestion should gradually improve, lowering the generation of Ama and eventually eliminating it altogether.” She suggests that fasting can help in improving Ama’s digestion.

2. Regular exercise

Intensive exercises are not recommended for arthritis patients but some less strenuous exercises should be included to improve mobility of the joints. The ayurvedic doctor suggests that simple exercises should be added to daily Ayurvedic treatments. Depending on one’s constraints, exercise volume and intensity can vary from person to person.

3. Citrus fruits and vegetables

Dr Deshmukh explains how crucial Vitamin C is for the arthritis patients. It is believed that Vitamin C can minimize the bone discomfort experienced by arthritis patients. So, including lots of citrus fruits like orange and amla in your diet, will help reduce the pain.

4. Herbs

Guggal, often referred to as Commiphora wightii, is a powerful herb for alleviating arthritis. “Guggal can be consumed in quantities of 1-3 grams, twice a day, with warm water, and shortly after meals, depending on availability,” says Dr Deshmukh. But she further cautions that Guggal is not suggested for people with allergies or kidney issues, so keep that in mind.

According to Ayurveda, here are a few anti-inflammatory foods for arthritis patients:

1. Ginger

Ginger helps treat a number of rheumatic, neurological, and musculoskeletal disorders, thus people with arthritis should always include it in their diets. The doctor’s recommended consumption of ginger is 5 grams by having it three times per day helps improve digestion and lessen the production of Ama.

2. Turmeric

One of the main components of turmeric is curcumin. “Curcumin has strong anti-inflammatory qualities that help arthritis patients walk better and reduce morning stiffness and joint swelling,” says Dr Deshmukh. So, try to include turmeric in your diet by having it with milk or adding a pinch of it in the gravies and rice.

3. Garlic

Garlic is a common ingredient in many Ayurvedic drugs, particularly drugs that treat arthritis and considerably reduce its symptoms. Garlic is particularly efficient in reducing arthritic pain. According to specialists, it can assist prostaglandins in controlling inflammation and associated pain.