Have you ever wondered just how dependent your every movement is on those miraculously slippery and cushioned spaces between your bones? Our joints are essential for bodily movement and yet somehow incredibly under-appreciated. Life without joints is hard to imagine; our joints really are crucial to living life as we know it, and caring for them can have a huge impact on how comfortable we feel in our bodies.

Ayurveda uses a different approach to treat joint pains in patients. As per this ancient science, there are two kinds of joint pains. The first kind occurs due to the low density of bones or when the joints are not nourished. Some of the common symptoms to look out for are discomfort and cracking sound during movement, and if left untreated, this can even cause immobility of joints. This condition occurs due to a lack of nourishment of the bones. (Degenerative)

The other kind of joint pain occurs when there is a toxic overload, which happens when your body is filled with toxins. When there is an accumulation of Ama in the joints, it can cause a feeling of heaviness and stiffness.Some patients also suffer from painfuland swollen joints. This kind of joint pain can get aggravated when exposed to cold or damp weather. (Inflammatory)

Ayurveda uses a very individualized approach to treat joint pains in patients. So, the treatments suggested for a patient suffering from pain due to inflammation vary from those caused due to degenerative condition.

As per ayurvedic experts, initial conditions of inflammation occur due to toxicity and can be cured with detoxification. Also, the process of detoxification is decided based on the severity of toxicity.

For a mild inflammation caused due to low toxicity, you may take a light diet with a lot of warm fluids along with good rest. Patients suffering from moderate levels of toxicity, herbal decoctions are given that improve the functioning of the liver, improving metabolism. This helps eliminate the toxins from the body.

Inflammation that occurs due to a high degree of toxicity is treated with the help of Panchakarma, a process that includes five levels of purification. Herbs that have anti-inflammatory action can also be taken to reduce inflammation and joint pains.

Joint pains caused due to inflammation are also treated with the help of therapies that Abhyanga, Dhanyamladhara, Podikkizhi, or Ilakkaizhi, all of which are known to be quite effective for inflammation and joint pains.

Ayurveda therapies, as well as herbs, can also address problems that occur due to the degeneration of bones and muscles. A holistic approach that comprises a healthy diet, herbal medicines, and a good lifestyle is used to treat joint conditions caused due to degeneration.

Patients suffering from mild to moderate joint pains can also take ayurvedic medicines that strengthen the muscle and joints and help in reducing the degeneration. Ayurvedic experts choose different combinations of medicines and therapies for each patient. Some of the common therapies used are Tailadhara, Njavarakkizhi, and Ksheera Basti. These are known to be the most effective therapies that strengthen the joints and provide enough lubrication, reducing any pain.

Ayurvedic experts only perform anti-degenerative therapy when there is no inflammation in the joints. This is one of the reasons why a thorough consultation by an ayurvedic expert is recommended before choosing any ayurvedic treatment for joint pain.

Note: Keep moving! Pain can discourage us from stretching and moving the way we normally do, but restricting your movement will only compound the problem. Toxins accumulate where there is stagnation and congestion in the body, and this causes pain. Contracting and relaxing our muscles with gentle asanas relieves the stagnation by mobilizing blood, lymph, and synovial fluid. Even 15 minutes of stretching every morning or evening will make a world of difference.

You can bid farewell to achy joints through Ayurveda by proper evaluation of cause and the type of joint pain and the respective Ayurvedic treatment in accordance with your doshic status, age, and the chronicity of the pain.