Ayurvedic viewpoint - Healthy Joints
Problems such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and gout can all cause joint pain and limited mobility, making life feel very uncomfortable. There are some very effective natural remedies that can slow and even reverse these types of problems.
General symptoms of joint problems
Pain
Inflammation
Stiffness
Swelling
Feeling hot or cold
Degeneration
Ayurvedic viewpoint
Ayurveda is the traditional medical system of India. It uses natural remedies, diet and lifestyle to give optimum health. The joints require a continual supply of blood and regenerating nutrients to remain healthy. If there is any obstruction to circulation, any deficiency in nutrient supply or so much wear and tear which prevents regeneration, then the joints may suffer with any of the above symptoms. A deficiency in nutrients can come from eating the wrong diet or having an under functioning digestive system. The treatment is to promote circulation and strengthen digestion which helps to reduce inflammation and stop pain. A warning about conventional treatments that usually involve a range of manufactured drugs know as Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): These aspirin like compounds are known to damage mucus membranes (i.e. causing bleeding to the lining of the digestive tract), cartilage and the joints. Whilst they may sometimes be useful for preventing pain, they do not treat the cause of the problem.
Treatment
There are some very effective natural treatments for healing the joints. Here are some of the recommendations that Ayurveda makes that are all vegetarian friendly:
Reduce inflammation: Turmeric & Boswellia formula contains a range of organic herbs that increase circulation, reduce inflammation and encourage healthy digestion. Use it for treating arthritis, joint pain, bruises, sporting injuries and hastening healing of broken bones. Boswellia works as effectively as NSAIDs without causing digestive irritation. Turmeric strongly limits Arichidonic Acid which is an acid that triggers the inflammatory process through the cyclogygenase (COX) enzyme process. It contains a little Black Pepper, which makes Turmeric 10 times more effective, as well as Ginger and Ashwagandha, which act as rejuvenative catalysts to protect the joint from degeneration.
For an extra anti-inflammatory effect also take Organic Turmeric capsules. This is a superb remedy for “frozen shoulder” and also helps to heal bruises.
Prevent Degeneration: Organic Hemp Seed Oil contains anti-inflammatory Essential Fatty Acids (EFA) that help to protect the joints - it also tastes delicious.
Taking an added supplement of Ashwagandha capsules (which is analgesic and antiinflammatory) can also help to strengthen the joints and bones.
Increase circulation: Mahanaryan Joint Oil is a specialist formula for reducing inflammation and pain. This traditional massage oil can be applied to the affected joint twice a day.
Please note that as joint problems take some time to occur, their natural treatment must be continuous and regular.
Some Ayurvedic dietary suggestions
Eat a nourishing diet that removes all processed foods, refined sugars, poor quality dairy, poor quality oils and hydrogenated oils.
Increase foods that are good for circulation; garlic, turmeric, ginger and saffron. Include whole grains, pulses and foods high in essential fatty acids such as hemp seed oil.
Increase foods that are regenerative; seaweeds, oats, barley, rice, quinoa, clarified butter (ghee), honey.
Lifestyle recommendations
All joint problems will gain extra benefit from adjunctive treatment to herbal and dietary measures. Seeing a Chiropractor, Osteopath or Acupuncturist can be very useful. Otherwise gentle exercises involving simple joint rotations are beneficial. Yoga has many useful and simple exercises known as ‘wind-relieving-exercises’ as they get the ‘cracks’ out of the joints.
Testimonial
“A while back I wrote to you for recommendations for my inflammatory Rheumatoid arthritis. I just wanted you to know that since taking it (now for 4-5 months) I really do feel much improved. I also started doing some light yoga exercises which I was able to do when I first felt the immediate effect of the Ayurvedic supplements (Turmeric, Turmeric & Boswellia and Aloe Vera). The Mahanarayan oil has only just arrived and that too is brilliant on my knees and wrists and I am watching my diet as far as it is reasonably practical!”
Shaku Sindle, London.
If you are taking medication seek the advice of your doctor.