Joint Pain causes and how Ayurveda can help in relief

The bones in the human body are interconnected with the help of various joints. Due to these joints we are able to move and maintain the overall structure of our body. Any harm to these joints either from a disease or an injury can hamper the overall movement of the body and often results in severe pain. Pain in joints is becoming more and more common especially when you have crossed a certain age limit. According to one national survey, approximately 1/3rd of the adults have reported some form of joint pain in past year. The most common being knee pain which is followed by hip and shoulder pain. A lot of reason can contribute to the development of joint pain few of them are listed below:

• Bursitis: It is commonly referred to as inflammation in the cushion pads across different joints.
• Gout: it is a kind of arthritis that generally affects big toe joints.
• Osteoarthritis: disease causing the breakdown of joints
• Tendinitis: It is a condition in which the tendon undergoes inflammation.
• Osteoporosis
• Lupus
• Overworked joints
• Cancer
• Septic arthritis
• Spain, strain or any other injury

As per Ayurveda literature, manifestation of joint pains happens where there is a deviation of doshas or functional energy in our body commonly referred to as Vata. This energy regulates the movement that is also known as space between the joints. A circulation problem can manifest itself if deviated form of Vata commonly known as Vyanavata is present in the body due to which tissues find themselves deprived of nourishment. Due to lack of nourishment, wear and tear in joints becomes more prominent and that leads to acute joint pain. Shleshaka Kapha, another kind of energy works to maintain the lubrication between the joints and permit an effortless movement. Ayurveda works on the concept of normalizing the balance between different doshas. Following therapies need to be done:

1. Abhyanga (oleation therapy) - Abhyanga possesses traits that are opposed to Vata's: Snigdha (unctuous), Guru (heavy), and Mridu (soft). Abhyanga reduces the stimulated Vata, which is necessary for Dhatus degradation and the development of symptoms such as pain, stiffness. For example, Narayana Taila, Maha-narayana Taila is significant Vata-alleviating oil
2. Bashpasvedana (fomentation therapy) with Nirgundipatra (fresh Vitex nigundo leaves - Svedana has effects such as Stambhaghna (relieves stiffness), Svedakaraka (induces perspiration), Gauravaghna (cures heaviness)
3. Nirgundipatra Upanaha - Nirgundipatra Upanaha improves local blood flow and hence improved bioavailability of drug. Nirgundi has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties (Vedanasthapana and Shothahara).
4. Niruha Basti (proctocolonic decoction administration) of Dashamula Kvatha (decoction) as per disease's dosha-avastha.
5. Matra Basti - Sneha Basti is a type of Matrabasti. In terms of administration, it is convenient and comfortable. It nourishes the body, increases vigour, and alleviates Vata-related ailments.
6. Jalaukavacharana(leech application).- It is type of Raktamokshan(bloodletting therapy) in which impure blood is sucked out by leeches and reduces the aggravating doshas. If pain and stiffness persist after Snehana, Svedana, and Basti . Jalaukavacharan needs to be done
7. Internal medications –

Herbs aid to balance the Vata and Kapha doshas, reduce srotovarodha, and alleviate joint pain, swelling, heaviness, stiffness, and tightness. The use of Tikta-Katu Aushadis improves agni, srotoshodana, kapha reduction, and bodily lightness.