If you’re suffering from joint swelling, you know how debilitating and painful it can be. You may feel like you’ve tried everything to find relief, but nothing seems to work. Fortunately, there are a number of effective Ayurvedic treatments that can provide you with the relief you need.
In this blog post, we’ll share 10 of the best Ayurvedic remedies for joint swelling. With these treatments, you can finally find the permanent relief you’ve been searching for.
What are joints like?
A joint is a meeting point for two bones, a point of articulation. For example, there are joints at your knees, elbows, knuckles, etc. These bones are held and moved by muscles. Each joint is surrounded by a capsule with a loose fibrous layer for strength and an inner synovial membrane. The synovial membrane secrets synovial fluid for lubricating and cushioning the joints. Cartilages are present in joints for better cushioning. Ligaments may also be present, holding the bones together for added strength and stability of the joint. These joints also have their own neurovascular structures for supply of nutrients and nervous response to ensure optimal functioning.
Joints might not be all that large, but they are like their own little ecosystem, contained and sufficient. Until they are bothered, then they unleash great terror and fury. Not to mention that they might refuse to function, which means that you will not be able to move!
Ayurveda has a lot to say about Joint Swelling and Edema.
Generally Speaking, Edema.
Edema is a palpable swelling due to an increase of fluid in the interstitial space. It results from a tilting of the prakruti of the body off balance.
Primarily a problem with the Kapha dosha.
Edema, generally, is primarily due to an imbalance in the kapha dosha, which is responsible for the body fluids. When the kapha dosha is disturbed, there is a build up and accumulation of fluid, causing edema. Rasa, for example, can be backed up and cause swelling in tissues, like in a problem with the Lymphatic system.
Usually, however, when there is a problem with any of the doshas, causing an health problem, there is a chain reaction of symptoms, and this can result in an imbalance of the other doshas. So, essentially, a disturbance in one dosha leads to secondary problems with the other doshas.
In view of this, it is important to note that the other doshas can also play a part in the formation of edema.
Pitta can Cause Edema too
If agni, the digestive fire, which is controlled by pitta, is too weak, there is incomplete digestion. As a result, there is a build up of ama, a toxic waste product of incomplete digestion. Ama accumulates in the body, causing edema.
How Vata can also play a part in Edema
Vata is responsible for movement, and movement here includes blood circulation. If there is a spike is the vata energy, circulation is disturbed, and there is a back-up of fluid, coupled with the nutrient deprivation in the areas where enough blood cannot reach. This back up of fluid, including blood, leads to varicose veins.
Joint Swelling, to be more precise
Join swelling is a build up of fluid in the soft tissue surrounding a joint, causing the joint to become larger and irregularly shaped. Joint swelling may be accompanied by joint pain and stiffness.
Joints are surrounded by soft tissues, like the synovial membrane mentioned above, which secretes the synovial fluid to cushion the joint. If the fluid accumulates, it can lead to joint swelling and edema.
Sandhishotha (joint swelling) also links joints to health of medha dhatu, that is, the adipose tissue.
What other causes are there to Joint Edema?
There is no one single exact cause for this condition, as the it can even be strictly individual. However, some common progenitors of joint swelling include:
- Venous or lymphatic drainage obstruction.
- Arthritis, which is accompanied by swelling, redness, warmth and fever, etc. It could be osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, septic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, or any of the many other types or arthritis.
- Insect bite.
- Synovial sarcoma.
- Cartilage tear.
- Bone tumor, and many more varied causes.
- Medications and prescriptions.
- Pregnancy.
- High kapha composition: individuals with high kapha composition are more susceptible to edema because they secret fluids at a faster rate.
Symptoms of Joint Swelling and Edema
To diagnose, or at least, suspect edema in the joints, then:
- There will be presence of deep aching pain in the joint
- The joint feels warm to the touch.
- The joint is stiff with limited range of movements.
- Inability to move the joint normally at all.
Curing Edema in the joints.
Edema could be mild and go off on its own. It can be very disfiguring though, aside the obvious limitations it presents to the quality of life. The disproportionate, amorphous swelling of a body part isn’t something that a person will like to present in public.
If you find yourself in this situation, then not to worry, there are methods that can be used to relief edema. Some include the use of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs(NSAIDs). NSAIDs are used if the cause of the edema in the joint is an injury. Sometimes, anti-inflammatory drugs like steroids are used. Diuretics may also be used to drain off the excess fluids in form of urine.
However, Medhya Herbals has an all natural approach to dealing with joint swelling and edema with Ayurveda.
Ayurveda- Sure bet to alleviating joint swelling and edema.
- Punarnava: This is used to remove excess fluids. It exerts a cooling, cleansing and firming effect on the joints that will serve to remove the warmth/heat, clear off ama, and help the sagging skin regain it’s normal state.
- Essential Oils: such as eucalyptus, mint, lemon, etc, are effective remedies for edema too.
- Abhyanga: is a massage therapy. Massage will help to ease the tension in the fluid distneded area. Stroke the affected area toward the heart using firm, but gentle strokes.
- Use of tea tree oil and neem.
Lifestyle Adaptions to manage Edema.
Below are some lifestyle changes that you can make to alleviate your symptom of edema at home:
- The PRICE method, which involves Protection of the affected joint, Resting the joint, Ice packs applied to it, Compression with elastic bandages, and Elevation above the level of the heart.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
Best Diet for Joint swelling and Edema
- Eat kapha-pacifying diet to reduce the rate of production of fluid and reduce risk of accumulation of excessive fluids.
- Avoid dairy(particularly the processed one) and meat. These further aggravate kapha.
- Processed grains like cereals, oats, etc, will not help, and should be avoided.
- Tridoshic diets and herbs are also recommended to cover all the bases.
Joints are essential to movement. Without joints, you would not be walk, talk or even so much as rotate your neck. If you had no joints, you would not be able to operate your computer or mobile phone to view this page right now. They are as essential to movement as are the muscles that pull them. However, joint swelling may sometimes occur, making it difficult to function effectively.
FAQ
1. Which Ayurvedic medicine is best for swelling?
Ayurvedic medicine is a holistic system of healing that dates back thousands of years. Although it is often used to treat physical ailments, it can also be used to address imbalances in the body that lead to disease. One common issue that Ayurveda can help with is swelling.There are many different Ayurvedic medicines that can be used to reduce swelling, but the best one for you will depend on your unique constitution. If you have a lot of Pitta energy in your body, for example, you may benefit from cooling herbs such as aloe vera or cucumber. On the other hand, if your body is predominantly Kapha, you may need warming herbs such as ginger or black pepper. No matter what type of medicine you choose, make sure to consult with an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner before taking anything.
2. What reduces joint swelling?
Ayurveda is a system of medicine that originated in India. One of the principles of Ayurveda is that imbalances in the body can cause disease. Joint pain and swelling are often caused by imbalances in the Pitta and Kapha doshas. To reduce joint swelling, Ayurvedic doctors recommend a diet that is low in Pitta- aggravating foods such as hot spices, sour fruits, and caffeinated beverages. They also recommend avoiding Kapha-aggravating foods such as heavy, greasy, or processed foods. In addition, they may recommend herbs and supplements such as turmeric or ashwagandha to help reduce inflammation. By following these recommendations, you can help to reduce joint swelling and pain.
3. What is the best Ayurvedic medicine for joint pain?
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine that originates from India. It is based on the principle of balance in the body, mind, and spirit. Ayurveda practitioners believe that joint pain is caused by an imbalance in the body. Therefore, the goal of treatment is to restore balance and harmony. There are many different Ayurvedic medicines for joint pain, but some of the most effective include ashwagandha, turmeric, and ginger. Ashwagandha is an herbal remedy that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of health conditions. It is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce joint pain. Turmeric is another herb with strong anti-inflammatory effects. It also contains curcumin, which has been shown to improve joint function. Ginger is another effective Ayurvedic medicine for joint pain. It helps to reduce inflammation and pain by stimulating blood flow and reducing stiffness.
When it comes to managing joint pain, there are a number of different Ayurvedic medicines that can provide relief. One of the most popular options is Ashwagandha, an herb that has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. Ashwagandha is thought to help reduce inflammation and pain by reducing stress levels and boosting the immune system. Another popular option is Boswellia, an herb that has anti-inflammatory properties. Boswellia is often taken in capsule form or applied topically as a cream or ointment.Turmeric is another Ayurvedic medicine that is commonly used to treat joint pain. Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound with powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric is typically taken in capsules or added to food as a spice. There are many other Ayurvedic medicines that can be used to treat joint pain, and it is best to speak with an Ayurvedic doctor to find the best option for you.
4. Is giloy good for swelling?
Giloy is an Ayurvedic herb that has been used in India for centuries to treat a variety of conditions. It is particularly effective in reducing swelling and inflammation. Giloy contains a substance known as quercetin, which is thought to reduce inflammation by inhibiting the production of histamine. Histamine is a chemicals that plays an important role in the immune system but can also cause allergic reactions. By reducing the production of histamine, giloy can help to reduce the symptoms of allergies, such as hay fever and asthma. In addition, giloy may also help to reduce the risk of developing certain autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Thus, giloy is an effective natural remedy for swelling and inflammation.
5. What is the treatment for inflammation in Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is a system of medicine that is native to India. It is based on the premise that all illness is caused by imbalances in the body. Ayurvedic treatments are designed to restore balance and promote health. One of the main areas of focus in Ayurveda is inflammation. Inflammation is a natural response of the body to injury or infection. However, chronic inflammation can lead to a variety of health problems. Ayurvedic treatments for inflammation typically involve the use of herbs and other natural substances. These substances are thought to help reduce inflammation and promote healing. In addition, Ayurvedic practitioners may also recommend lifestyle changes and dietary modifications to help treat inflammation.
