(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Muscat- Currently, bone- and joint-related diseases are becoming very common. This can be directly related to our lifestyle: Inactivity or prolonged hours at our desks and less exposure to sun are some practices we can blame for the increase in the incidence of this illness.
Arthritis is one such disease, which affects the joints causing inflammation of joints. It can affect a single joint or multiple joints. Over 100 types of arthritis are seen and among them osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are the most common.
There are different causes for arthritis. OA is caused by the 'wear and tear' of the joints whereas RA is an autoimmune disease, which occurs when our immune system attacks the tissues of the body, especially the synovium, which produces the synovial fluid to nourish the cartilage and lubricate the joint. Some infections or injuries may also exacerbate the breakdown of cartilage tissue. Family history also plays an important role in development of arthritis.
Joint pain, stiffness and swelling are the most common symptoms. Restricted movements and redness of the skin around the joint may also present. In most cases, the symptoms will be worsen in the morning.
According to the ayurvedic medical system, autoimmune diseases are caused by accumulation of toxins inside our body. These can be endotoxins (metabolic wastes from our body) or exotoxins (from food or other external sources). It is known as 'Aama Dosha'. Wherever this 'Aama' is present it can cause disease, which can be autoimmune, inflammatory or degenerative. Uric acid crystals, infections or underlying diseases such as psoriasis or lupus can cause other types of arthritis.
The ayurvedic view and approach is entirely different from the modern system as it treats OA as a degenerative condition, with rejuvenating type of natural anti-inflammatory medicines. Various kinds of massages, Dhara, Elakizhi, bandages and exercises based on patient condition are provided. In conditions were obesity is a cause, weight reduction is a very important aspect of management.
The immune response is triggered by 'Aama Dosha'. This is treated with 'Deepana' drugs that increase the digestive 'fire' and 'Pachana' drugs, which help disintegrate toxins and increase metabolism. These work together to help breakdown and eliminate toxins and metabolic waste from the body. Unlike allopathy which gives immunosuppressants, Ayurveda gives medicines which are immunomodulatory and rejuvenating.
Ayurveda therapies include Abhayanga (oil massage), Swedana(sweating/sudation), Elakkizhi (hot application with herbs), Lepana (local application of herbal pastes), cleansing and detoxifying 'Panchakarma' procedures which help tremendously in relieving the symptoms of the disease. Lifestyle modification is also very essential.
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