Ayurvedic Treatment for Relief from Joint Pain
When do joints hurt, and why?
Conventional medicine states that joint pain has a variety of causes, for example, wear and tear of the joint, a physical injury, trauma, or maybe some underlying disease that has not been made known or seen yet.
Ayurveda understands and sees ailments as an imbalance between the Vata, Pitta and Kapha doshas. The imbalances block the flow of life force, Prana, and affect the overall functioning of the body.
Ayurveda understands and sees ailments as an imbalance between the Vata, Pitta and Kapha doshas. The imbalances block the flow of life force, Prana, and affect the overall functioning of the body.
- Common Signs and Symptoms of Joint Pain
All of us, at some point in life, have experienced joint pain or discomfort which has affected the movement of the relevant body parts. Hectic schedules, work and lifestyle habits, etc. further increase the possibility of such ailments, and age is an influencing factor too. Redness or tenderness in the affected area; stiffness, limping or reduction in the range of motion, swelling, etc. are all signs and symptoms of a joint disorder.
Joint muscles not being used much because of limited movement or being overused due to strenuous physical activity etc. could lead to joint pain. Some viral infections too, make the movement of the joints, painful. Chronic joint pain could be caused due to Arthritis, which is a well-known inflammatory disorder causing pain in the joints and the surrounding tissues.
- Ayurvedic Medications for Joint Pain and Treatment
Joint pain affects millions of people worldwide. In some cases, it starts off as mild discomfort, but in a short while, it could turn chronic. Correct care and preventive measures taken beforehand could help in keeping the joints functioning well. Adopting home remedies that use natural ingredients and incorporating traditional practices into the daily regime is a good way to look after the joints. Ayurveda offers various natural, safe, and effective remedies and therapies to care for and treat the joints.
(i) Turmeric is a well-known and often practiced home-remedy for various ailments including the common cold. Curcumin in turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which could help in reducing joint pain. Its anti-inflammatory properties are seen to be helpful in cases of Rheumatoid Arthritis, and in addressing inflammation and joint pain. It is also known to improve upon the flexibility of the joints and hence is effective in cases of knee pain too.
(ii) Ginger extract has been significantly helpful in reducing symptoms of Osteoarthritis of the knee. Ginger, too, has anti-inflammatory properties that are known to reduce pain and improve joint health. Regular consumption of ginger, even if it is only infused with warm water, is highly recommended in cases of soreness, inflammation, and joint pain.
It is a known fact that Ayurvedic oils hold therapeutic properties. They have been used in Abhyanga for many, many years. Abhyanga involves a massage of the body with warm medicinal oil. It is known to calm the mind and the body, parallelly bringing about a reduction in bodily pains. To quote a few examples:
(a) An Ayurvedic oil named Jambeera Thailam, is a blend of ingredients such as lemon, ginger, and turmeric, in an oil base. Abhyanga using this oil can help relax sore muscles and bring relief from stiffness, inflammation, and pain in the joints. It is also known to strengthen the joints and improve movement.
(a) An Ayurvedic oil named Jambeera Thailam, is a blend of ingredients such as lemon, ginger, and turmeric, in an oil base. Abhyanga using this oil can help relax sore muscles and bring relief from stiffness, inflammation, and pain in the joints. It is also known to strengthen the joints and improve movement.
(c) With its antioxidant, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties, Dashmula, a blend of the medicinal roots of ten shrubs, is known to help in relieving swelling and pain. It also helps improve digestion, leads to a reduction in muscular spasms, and assists in addressing nerve-related health concerns.
- Common Preventive Measures for Joint Health
Ayurveda has always had the philosophy of prevention being better than cure, as one of its foundations. Hence, adopting proper corrective and preventive measures into our daily routine, well in time is a great way of ensuring holistic health and well-being.
Habits such as maintaining a nutritious and balanced intake, taking regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, etc. could help avoid joint pain. Strenuous physical activities such as workouts or even walking or skipping should be done being careful not to hurt or damage the joints.
Along with home remedies, Abhyanga is recommended to ensure joint stability, flexibility, and movement.
