Osteoarthritis Management With Ayurveda

Osteoarthritis is a common degenerative joint disease that millions of patients suffer across the world. Osteoarthritis joint pain affects nearly 20% of the population.  The condition affects your joints, especially in the knees, hands, and hips. In some cases, the shoulders are affected. The large weight-bearing joints face depleted cartilage and affect mobility. The condition is incurable; but Ayurveda can help manage the symptoms. Ayurvedic treatment for osteoarthritis includes Panchakarma therapy, Abhyanaga, dietary and routine correction and more. In this blog, let us learn more about managing osteoarthritis with Ayurveda.   Understanding Osteoarthritis   Osteoarthritis occurs due to wear and tear of joints resulting in cartilage deterioration. This is most often due to ageing. But obesity, heredity and joint trauma can also be the reasons.  The symptoms and their severity can differ for each individual. People often feel their joints being tender and painful. There is a limited range of motion thereby hampering free movement. The muscles surrounding the affected joint might be painful and might swell. The symptoms are usually prevelant in the morning on waking up. They tend to be more severe in winter or after strenuous physical activity. Patients suffering from osteoarthritis feel tenderness when any pressure is applied.  The ageing process reduces the cartilage and causes it to degenerate. Additional weight lays extra pressure on the joints, resulting in degeneration of the cartilage. Repetitive jobs and joint injuries are other possible causes for symptoms of osteoarthritis. Joint discomfort and cracking are the early symptoms of arthritis.  If left unattended, there is progressive destruction of the articular surface. In advanced stages, the patient has a deformity of the joint. Pain relief for severe osteoarthritis involves careful examination of the condition before prescribing a customised treatment.   Ayurveda and osteoarthritis   Osteoarthritis is called Sandhigata Vata in Ayurveda. According to Ayurveda, the reason for osteoarthritis is the rush of morbid Vata into the joints of the body, affecting their mobility and causing pain and inflammation.  Vata controls joint health and mobility. Any imbalance in Vata Dosha can result in reduced joint lubrication, inflammation and pain. Ayurveda can help in pain relief for osteoarthritis pain and improve lubrication and joint strengthening. The Vata levels can be reduced to improve mobility and reduce pain.  The unique perspective of Ayurveda is that it traces the disease to accumulated toxins and blocked channels of the body. Reactive arthritis and seronegative arthritis have a direct link to the gut.  Therefore, the treatment begins with expelling the toxins (Ama) from the gut. Dietary changes are suggested to treat the buildup of Ama and the lowering of the digestive fire (Agni).   Ayurvedic Treatment for Osteoarthritis   Sandhigata Vata is addressed in Ayurveda mainly with rejuvenating and detoxification therapies. The treatment also involves dietary and lifestyle changes and treatments to improve mobility and reduce pain.   External Treatments   Bahya Chikitsa or external treatment for osteoarthritis includes the following:   Abhyanga Abhyanga means oil massage. Ayurveda recommends including Abhyanga in your Dinacharya or daily routine. It is also a great remedy for osteoarthritis.   You can massage the joints using organic black sesame oil, Adirekha Ayurveda Pain Oil or any other medicated oils. In some cases, a combination of herbal oils and medicated ghee is used. Doing Abhyanga eases the morbid Vata in the joints and also provides relief from inflammation and pain.    Swedana or steam therapy This therapy involves inducing sweat through any of the different methods recommended in Ayurveda. One way to do it is steaming treatment (applying herbal steam on the whole body or affected joints). Another method is Pinda Sweda, where hot or boiled medications tied in cloth boluses brought down to tolerable heat are used to massage the joints until sweating happens. Swedana provides relief from stiffness by improving joint mobility. It also rejuvenates the joints and relieves pain.   Janu Basti Janu Basti – an Upakarma (subtype) of Panchakarma is also a great remedy for osteoarthritis.  For this therapy, a dough ring of black gram flour is placed on the affected joint. Medicated oil is poured and placed in the dough ring for nearly an hour. The gentle pressure provided by the warm oil boosts blood circulation to the affected joint. This goes a long way in improving joint mobility and reducing inflammation.    Internal Treatment   Internal treatment for Osteoarthritis involves some of the steps of Panchakarma. But the treatment methods recommended for a patient depend on factors, such as Prakriti, Dosha imbalances, health conditions and more.  Snehapana Snehapana involves the consumption of medicated oils or ghee by the patient in prescribed doses. This treatment helps pacify the vitiated Doshas.    Basti  Basti or medicated enema is best for vitiated Vata.  Medicated oils are used in the enema to balance the Doshas and provide nourishment.    Virechana  Virechana or therapeutic purgation helps restore Vata imbalance. The patient experiences well-being once the impurities are expelled and the Doshas are in balance.    Dietary changes for osteoarthritis   Your gut health is everything. The vitiated Vata Dosha that is the main reason for your osteoarthritis could be a result of poor Agni. Therefore, it is important to have foods that can help correct your Agni. You can consult an Ayurvedic doctor to help strategise a diet plan that aligns with your Prakriti, health conditions, Dosha imbalances and more.  Always opt for warm and freshly prepared foods. Have plenty of vegetables and fruits in your diet. Stay clear of oily food. Include ghee to benefit from its pain-relieving and lubricating properties. Foods that induce inflammation must be avoided.  Turmeric is rich in anti-inflammatory benefits and must be added while cooking. Ginger offers plenty of anti-inflammatory properties too. Excessive fasting can increase Vata in the body and is not suitable for those suffering from osteoarthritis.  Include black gram cereals, lentils, pulses and other wholesome foods. Do not eat dry and cold foods.    Lifestyle changes for osteoarthritis   Correcting your routine and lifestyle as recommended by Ayurveda is equally important to… Continue reading Osteoarthritis Management With Ayurveda

Pseudoscience or Timeless Wisdom? The Truth About Ayurveda

Ayurveda is a pseudoscience!   Ayurveda is old and outdated!   and Ayurveda is not relevant!     As much as I have a huge number of Ayurveda enthusiasts who love my content on Ayurveda, I also come across a few who have the above-mentioned notions.     Hence this blog to enlighten you about the relevance of Ayurveda.      Ayurveda is a 5000-year-old medical science. It is a science and it follows the scientific method of hypothesis, observation and validation.      Every older scripture of Ayurveda is validated by newer scriptures and corrections are made with time. For example, Ashtanga Hridaya validates the principles mentioned in Caraka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita which is further validated by Ayurvedic textbooks like Nighantus and Teekas that came later.     Ayurveda is individualised   Ayurveda is not a “population-based” medicine. It is, in fact, an “individual-based/ individualised medicine.” There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach in Ayurveda.     Ayurveda believes that every person is unique. One person’s individual constitution, family history, lifestyle, food habits, thoughts, environment etc. are completely different from another person’s. Hence every human needs individualised medicine and treatment.     We may not do randomised control trials on 1000 people and come up with a conclusion that this medicine worked for all 1000, so this will work for 10,00,000 people in the world; we believe that how a disease manifests in one person is completely different for another person.     According to modern medicine, a disease is diagnosed merely by numbers – based on a lab report. But does the lab report show details like a person’s sleeping pattern, diet, thoughts, environment at home, office, etc. – all of which might have an impact on their health?     In Ayurveda, the diagnosis depends on all of these and many more parameters.     Ayurveda beyond the notions   There are many notions about Ayurveda, the primary reason being people assuming things from hearsay.      They say Ayurveda is a pseudoscience as it doesn’t show instant results. Yes, Ayurveda isn’t about popping a pill for your health condition. It is all about diagnosing your health condition, deeply understanding the circumstances that led to your condition, delving into the root cause and helping you heal through personalised dietary and lifestyle changes, treatments and medicines, if necessary. So, it’s going to take time, but rest assured your condition will not come back haunting you in the long run.    However, I do agree that all medical systems exist for a purpose – to alleviate suffering. No medical system is perfect.     For example, there is no treatment for Myocardial Infarction or cancer in Ayurveda. For this, modern medicine is the best. But Ayurveda is the best for gastroenterology conditions, arthritis, all kinds of chronic diseases, autoimmune conditions, skin diseases etc. and can remove the disease from the root.     Ayurveda is not specialised   Ayurveda is a whole system of medicine and is not specific.  Ayurvedic doctors treat everything from the common cold to Parkinsonism.  We not only treat just one problem but also we treat the whole person from head to toe.       Also, Ayurveda is not just about treating humans. An Ayurvedic doctor can treat everything with a body, mind and souland that includes treating animals.        So, the next time you say, “stick to your forte,” when I say Sankalpa and Yoga Nidra are deeper than hypnotherapy or use Triphala for oral health or  Prachanna is safer, time tested and better than PRP and microneedling, remember, Ayurveda is my forte.  And no, Ayurveda is not a pseudoscience.   Ayurvedic texts have solutions to almost all health conditions and the best part is there are barely any side effects or aftereffects. Therefore, Ayurveda is very much relevant today as it was 5000 years ago.    So, when the world is going for super modern, let’s go back and chase our roots!      If you are struggling with any health issues, you can book a consultation  with us or give us a message via WhatsApp at +91 79074 89839. We have the Best Ayurvedic Doctors in Trivandrum who is always glad to helps you . If you have any queries, contact us. You can also  visit.

Infertility Solutions Through Ayurveda – Natural Ways to Conceive

Recently, a couple – a 37-year-old woman and a 38-year-old man, joined my 6-month program to help them get pregnant. The woman was a patient of mine from seven years ago when she took part in my 3-month program to improve her gut health. The couple have been trying to conceive naturally for the last 5 years. Because they didn’t succeed and because of their progressing ages, they had approached a doctor who told them that her AMH levels were low and suggested IVF as they were losing time. They were warned that waiting longer could make it even harder for IVF to work.   Because the woman believed in Ayurveda and lived an Ayurvedic life, she was hesitant to go for IVF. She was emotional during the consultation saying how she didn’t want to go through all those procedures. I spent the hour talking to the couple, reassuring them that it was okay to explore all options, including trying to conceive naturally. As they proceeded with the treatment, the lady was able to conceive naturally in 2.5 months.   It’s becoming common for doctors to suggest IVF to couples who approach them for infertility issues. Just like the woman, there are many who approach them as the last resort but are made to feel scared in the name of progressing age and more. Nobody must go through such fear and anxiety. This is where Ayurveda can be helpful.   So, to answer the question, yes! Ayurveda does provide treatment for infertility. In fact, Ayurveda has all answers to infertility and offers treatment that is not invasive or painful. The messages brimming with happiness, sharing the fruitful results of the treatment we provided to patients who had come to me with fertility issues show how effective Ayurvedic fertility treatment can be!      Infertility  from  the  Ayurvedic  Perspective      In Ayurveda, infertility is viewed as a multifaceted issue stemming from imbalances in the body’s Doshas (biological energies), low digestive fire (Agni), and the accumulation of toxins (Ama).  These imbalances can be attributed to various factors such as lifestyle choices, stress levels, and reproductive issues like PCOS, hypothyroidism and endometriosis. You can have them easily treated with Ayurveda.    Age as a factor in conception    While age plays a significant role in fertility, Ayurveda recommends the optimal age for conception to be between 24 and 30 years. However, fertility can still be supported beyond this age if you are in good health.    You should not be suffering from conditions like PCOS, endometriosis or thyroid. Also, you should have good AMH levels and optimum size and number of follicles. Now, in case If you have any of the above-mentioned health conditions, you can take a break from trying to conceive for at least three months and get your health conditions treated with Ayurveda. Once you are healed, you can again try to conceive naturally.      Conception essentials    According to Ayurveda, there are 4 essentials (Garbhasambhava Samagri) for conception. Whether you are just starting or have been on this path for a while, understanding these essentials can make the journey smoother.  They include the following:  Fertile period (Garbhasaya Ritu)    The uterus (Kshetra)   Nourishment (Ambu)   The gametes (Beeja)     Ayurvedic treatment for infertility      Whether you are just starting or have been on this path for a while, it is best to consult an Ayurvedic doctor for guidance. At my hospital, we offer a conception program where I and my team help couples, especially the mothers-to-be, create the right environment in their womb to help them conceive naturally.     The conception program is for 6 months. Both partners should be present for the consultations with their reports that contain basic parameters like TSH, AMH, size and number of follicles, LSH, FSH, prolactin, testosterone levels, semen analysis (for men), etc.    We thoroughly analyse the reports to understand the condition of their bodies and to check for any underlying health conditions. If they have any such conditions, we spend the first three conditions to correct them to bring the body to a normal balance or to optimise the body.  Then we start the conception treatment.    Ayurveda does not have concepts like ovulation. There are higher chances to conceive on the 7th day after period. So, we ask the patients to try to conceive then. Meanwhile, we also help to improve the fertility of women and men with the help of Ayurvedic herbal combinations and formulations and cleanses like Vasti and Virechana that enable natural conception. So, the minimum time taken will be 6 months.       I believe in looking at things from a spiritual perspective as well. I always tell my patients that 95% of the journey is in their control. My team and I will guide couples by equipping them with knowledge and helping the mother prepare her body for conception. Meanwhile, the patients should also focus on their Karma (actions) by following principles and practices to optimise their digestive fire (Agni) and their fertility.  The rest 5% should be left to the universe.     Despite challenges like age and fertility issues, our Ayurvedic fertility program has yielded remarkable results. I even had a 44-year-old woman who attended my program conceive naturally.    Role of lifestyle practices in fertility    Ayurveda highlights lifestyle practices as a significant contributor to fertility. Ayurvedically one of the most important causes of infertility these days is the consumption of Kapha increasing foods and following practices that aggravate Kapha. It could also be genetic, where daughters inherit Kapha tendencies from their mothers.  Conditions like thyroid, fibroids, PCOS, etc. are all results of aggravated Kapha. Therefore, it is essential to make dietary and lifestyle changes to reduce Kapha tendencies. Regular exercise, such as brisk walking, can help break down Kapha.    Practices to improve sperm health    Here are a few practices that can help boost sperm health:  Keep your laptops away from your lap   Keep your phones away from your pocket  … Continue reading Infertility Solutions Through Ayurveda – Natural Ways to Conceive

Depression : Five physical symptoms

Depression is a condition that causes prolonged feelings of sadness and hopelessness in individuals. Experiencing sadness or feeling low is a common response following a difficult loss or experience. But how can you understand whether those are symptoms of depression?    Symptoms of depression   Here are some physical symptoms that help you know whether you have depression: Unintentional weight loss Digestive issues like lack of appetite, indigestion Abnormalities in the head, neck, and above regions include:  Aches and pains Noise in the ears Uncomfortable dreams The feeling of a void in the head Restless eyes Abnormal facial expressions Increased/decreased or irregular sleep Increase respiration /chest tightness      If these symptoms persist for longer than 2 weeks, it may indicate a severe form of depression. These symptoms may also indicate the presence of other mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder.    Is there any cure for depression in Ayurveda?   If you are moving around this question, then the good news is depression is not considered a MAJOR disease in Ayurveda and is treatable!   The treatment of depression in Ayurveda includes the following:   Yoga and meditation Overcoming depression requires balancing the Doshas. Consider incorporating daily meditation and yogic breathing practices into your routine to promote a sense of calm and balance for your Vata.   Medicines, diet and routines Yoga and meditation are the two main effective methods to treat depression while balancing the mind and emotions. Some postures like shoulder stand, fish pose and seated twist help stimulate blood vessels and rejuvenate the expressions. A regular diet, including fruits and vegetables, while checking it on a routine basis is vital to get effective results because it plays a key role in medication to cure the disease.   Detoxification Detoxification is designed to assist your body in regaining health. Each individual has a unique combination of Doshas determined by their genetic makeup and personality and can impact their well-being in various ways. Seeking the guidance of an Ayurvedic doctor can help assess your unique body type (Prakriti) and offer remedies for it.   The cardinal symptom of depression is the feeling of helplessness, hopelessness and worthlessness. In our daily lives, with life chasing us literally, it is normal to feel that way. However, if this feeling continues for over 14 days, do not stop yourself from seeking help. Luckily, it is very much treatable without much difficulty.     You  can join our  Health Programs  for mind and body detox. And If you are struggling with any health issues, you can book a  consultation  with us or give us a message via WhatsApp at +91 79074 89839.  We have the Best Ayurvedic Doctors in Trivandrum who is always glad to helps you . If you have any queries,   contact us. You can also  visit.

Treatment for Uterine Fibroids: How Ayurveda Offers Natural Relief

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus common in women in their reproductive ages. Modern medicine suggests strong medications and surgery as its  treatment. Unfortunately, most people resort to these methods without looking for other options.      While they can occur at any age, they are most prevalent among women in their 40s and early 50s. Studies show that about 20% to 80% of women will develop uterine fibroids by the time they reach the age of 50.        Do you know that Ayurveda can treat uterine fibroids and reduce them in size without strong medications and surgery?    What are uterine fibroids?    Uterine fibroids are benign tumours that develop within the uterine muscle. These growths can vary in size, number, and location within the uterus.     Symptoms of uterine fibroids    The following symptoms suggest that you may have uterine fibroids:   Heavy flow during periods   Longer periods lasting more than 10 days   Pain around the pelvis   Frequent urination & difficulty in emptying, etc.     However, they can be asymptomatic too, and you may detect it only with an ultrasound.    Ayurveda and uterine fibroids    Ayurvedically, we treat this based on the Dosha-Dhatu imbalance of individual patients, with Ayurvedic medicines, diet and routines. They can be completely reduced in size with Ayurveda.      Ayurvedic practitioners prescribe herbal formulations that aim to restore balance to the Doshas and promote the body’s natural healing processes. These herbal remedies can help reduce the size of fibroids and alleviate associated symptoms.    Ayurvedic dietary recommendations are personalized to address the specific Dosha imbalance. A balanced diet with an emphasis on whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and herbs is encouraged to support overall well-being.    Ayurveda places great importance on daily routines (Dinacharya) and seasonal routines (Ritucharya). Adhering to these routines can help maintain a harmonious balance within the body and mind, promoting healing.    But unfortunately, Ayurveda is considered the “last resort” or the “last option” when other medical systems fail. Most patients come to Ayurveda for treatment for uterine fibroids only after they have grown quite big in size – when modern medicine has advised surgery as the only option. At this point, it becomes difficult even for a good Ayurvedic doctor to treat.      So, seek Ayurvedic support as soon as you are diagnosed with fibroids. Don’t wait for the fibroids to get bigger, even if it stays asymptomatic!      You can join our   Health Programs for mind and body detox. And If you are struggling with any health issues, you can book a   consultation with us or give us a message via WhatsApp at +91 79074 89839. We have the Best Ayurvedic Doctors in Trivandrum who is always glad to helps you . If you have any queries,   contact us. You can also   visit.

Treatment for Ulcerative Colitis: How Ayurveda Heals from Within

For those struggling with ulcerative colitis, life can feel like a constant battle. Imagine living with discomfort, pain and the frustration of not being able to enjoy life fully.  Treatment For ulcerative colitis is a relief for those people.   Years of taking medications to subdue symptoms, enduring pain and struggling with invasive tests like endoscopies and colonoscopies are just the tip of the iceberg. A “normal” life can seem out of reach, leaving you with the sinking feeling that this condition is your lifelong companion. The worst part is relying on medications for years that leave long-lasting damage to your gut, liver, intestines and kidneys. It is a tough reality for many.     But here is something you do not know – Ulcerative colitis is completely curable with Ayurveda. That too without Panchakarma or inpatient treatment!    Before we delve further into the details of Ayurvedic treatment for ulcerative colitis, let us first learn more about the condition.      What is Ulcerative Colitis?      It is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulcers (sores) in your digestive tract. If left untreated, it can lead to increased risk of colon cancer and life-threatening complications.    Symptoms of ulcerative colitis   Here are the symptoms you may experience if you have ulcerative colitis: Diarrhoea with blood or pus   Abdominal pain and cramps   Rectal pain   Rectal bleeding – passing small amount of blood with stool   Urgency to defecate   Inability to defecate despite urgency   Weight loss and fatigue    Causes of ulcerative colitis   The following are the causes of ulcerative colitis as per Ayurveda: Excessive intake of excessive sour, salty, spicy incompatible food.    Intestinal parasites   Unaddressed extreme heat in the body   Unmanaged stress   Explicitly expressing anger   Prolonged grief    Ayurvedic treatment for ulcerative colitis   Ayurveda brings a multi-faceted approach in the treatment for ulcerative colitis. The first line of treatment includes the following:   Fasting   Consuming light digestive food   Stress management   Counselling to handle emotions   Ayurvedic medicines      As the conditions get better, the treatment includes the following:   Nourishing diet to regain strength and vitality   Medicines to improve nourishment as per the body of the patient    Ulcerative colitis can be completely cured with Ayurveda, under the guidance of a skilled Ayurvedic practitioner through diet and medicines. Panchakarma is not required.  And the treatment duration can range from just 3 to 6 months. So, there you have it – a roadmap to saying goodbye to ulcerative colitis.    Remember, with Ayurveda, relief is not just a dream – it’s a reality waiting for you to embrace. And the earlier you embrace it, the results will be much better!