Joint Pain (Sandhivata) is a condition in Ayurveda caused by Vata Dosha aggravation leading to degeneration of Asthi Dhatu (bone tissue) and depletion of Shleshaka Kapha (synovial fluid). It manifests as pain (Ruja), stiffness (Stambha), and swelling (Shotha) in the joints (Sandhis), and aligns with conditions like Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis in modern medicine.
Signs & Symptoms of Sandhivata
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Joint Pain (Sandhishu Shoola): Especially worse in cold and windy weather.
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Stiffness (Stambha): Reduced ease of joint movement during flexion/extension.
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Mild Swelling (Shotha): Without significant warmth.
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Crepitus (Atopa): Cracking or popping sounds during joint motion.
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Restricted Movement (Hraswa Gati): Limited range of motion.
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Instability & Weakness: Laxity in joints and reduced muscle strength (Shithilata, Daurbalya).
Ayurvedic Understanding of Sandhivata
Sandhivata is rooted in Vata Dosha vitiation and Dhatu Kshaya (tissue depletion), compounded by Ama (toxins). Causes include dry/cold foods, excessive or no exercise, aging (Jara), stress, and past trauma (Abhighata). Vata Dosha aggravation dries the synovial fluid, affecting joint function and causing degeneration.
Ayurvedic Approach to Treatment
At Aimil Healthcare & Research Center, we follow a personalized approach based on Dosha imbalance, Agni strength, and causative factors:
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Dietary Regime (Ahara Chikitsa): Warm, nourishing meals like Yusha, Mamsarasa, milk, and ghee. Ama-reducing herbs like Trikatu and Jeeraka. Avoid dry, cold, and bitter foods. Include Shunthi, Rasna, Guggulu, and Eranda for anti-inflammatory support.
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Lifestyle Modifications (Vihara Chikitsa): Gentle yoga (Tadasana, Bhujangasana), pranayama (Anuloma-Viloma), and walking. Avoid cold environments and overexertion. Manage stress with meditation (Dhyana).
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Panchakarma Therapies (Shodhana Chikitsa): Daily Abhyanga with medicated oils, Swedana using Dashamoola or Nirgundi, and Basti (Anuvasana and Niruha) with Balataila or Dashamoola Kwatha for deep detoxification of Vata.
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Palliative Therapies (Shamana Chikitsa): Kati Basti, Janu Basti, and Greeva Basti using oils like Sahacharadi Taila. Application of herbal pastes (Lepa) like Rasnadi or Shunthi-Eranda to relieve pain and inflammation.
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Herbal Formulations (Aushadha Chikitsa): Yograj Guggulu, Maharasnadi Kwatha, Trayodashang Guggulu, Simhanada Guggulu (in Ama presence), Dashamoolarishta, Ashwagandha Churna, and Shallaki capsules for pain, inflammation, and joint rejuvenation.
Ayurveda provides a holistic, long-term approach to joint pain by restoring balance, nourishing joints, and addressing the root causes through diet, detox, and natural therapies.
