A Holistic Approach To Ayurvedic Treatment For Arthritis And Insomnia

0
96

In this era of a fast-paced lifestyle, arthritis and insomnia are pretty common diseases among people. Modern medicines can cure diseases only externally. But, for a lifestyle disease, one needs mental and spiritual healing along with physical treatment.

Ayurveda is a traditional form of medicinal discipline. It was discovered in India about 3000 years ago. The word Ayurveda is a “Sandhi” (joining) of two words – “ayu” meaning life and “Veda” meaning knowledge. So, the name literally means the knowledge or the science of life. Ayurveda focuses on a complete healing procedure rather than just focusing on the body. It takes you through a complete healing process of body and mind.

Ayurvedic Treatment For Arthritis

In Sanskrit arthritis is referred to as “Sandhivat”, or the disease of the joints. As the name suggests, arthritis patients go through immense pain and swelling in the joint areas of their body, brought about by wear and tear in the cartilage of the joints. The cartilages provide a cushion effect in the joints and reduce the friction between the bones. If the cartilage breaks the bones start to rub against each other causing pain and swelling.

How Ayurvedic Treatments Reduce Arthritis

Ayurvedic procedures focus on improving the metabolism of the patients. Ayurveda believes that arthritis stems from problems of the digestive tracks. So, the Panchakarma treatment along with Ayurvedic medicines try to improve the digestion and metabolism of the patients. Arthritis rising from indigestion is called “Aamvata” which eventually becomes “Sandhivat” or osteoarthritis in old age. So, the “Shodhana” or the purification and “Shamana” or specialised care together play a major role in the treatment of arthritis.

  • At first, the “Ama” or the digestion problem from the body needs to be removed. This is the root cause of the inception of arthritis. Ayurveda cures this through some herbal medicines and periodic fasting treatments.
  • After “Ama” is removed from the body, Panchakarma treatments come into play. It’s a form of massage that involves applying essential oils to the body and then removing the impurities externally. It also helps in increasing blood circulation in the body and giving relief to painful joints.
  • Once the main therapies are done, your ayurvedic practitioner will give you some medicines like Kashyam and some herbal powders (Churan) that you need to consume for a certain period of time as prescribed.
  • You will have to follow a proper diet regime throughout this time period. Diet plays a crucial role in curing arthritis. The ayurvedic practitioner you are consulting will give you a proper diet chart along with some herbal supplements that you need to intake.
  • Many patients apply Sallaki oils to their joints to get better results in their treatment procedures.

Ayurvedic Treatment For Insomnia

Studies show that every 1 in 3 adults suffers from insomnia in the present world. In Ayurveda, sleep deprivation is considered to invite a lot of other diseases into the mortal being. Unwanted pain, diseases of the nervous system, and gastric disorders become a common part of an insomniac’s life. The overall quality of life deteriorates if a person can’t have a proper 8 hours of sleep. The proper functioning of endocrine glands depends largely on a person’s sleep pattern.

There are many different kinds of Ayurvedic treatments for insomnia. Ayurveda sees sleep as one of the three pillars of a healthy life. So, it has a specialised procedure to treat insomnia. According to Ayurveda insomnia is caused due to a dysfunction of Vata or mental stress and anxiety and Pitta imbalance that cause light sleep and awakening multiple times in the middle of sleep.

How Ayurvedic Treatment Reduce Insomnia

Ayurveda advises you on the following ways to cure insomnia:

  • Any Ayurvedic practitioner will advise you to maintain a proper sleep cycle. Early to bed and early to rise is indeed a healthy habit to maintain. More importantly, maintaining the same time of going to bed is equally important. Your biological clock needs to get used to the fact that you go to sleep at the same time of the night.
  • Following a proper diet and avoiding junk foods help the stomach to easily digest the food you are having. So, when the body is at peace it’s easier to get a good sleep.
  • Practising meditation and Pranayam helps to keep your mind at peace and your focus centred. If you are spiritually healthy, you will be able to sleep well. This is why practising Yoga is highly recommended in Ayurveda.
  • Medicines like Brahmi, Vacha, Ashwagandha, and herbal tea are used in Ayurvedic treatment for insomnia. These natural leaves and herbs have medicinal values that act like a tonic to provide a good sleep at night.

Summing Up…

Ayurvedic treatment offers an overall healing approach to arthritis and insomnia. Ayurvedic treatment for arthritis involves curing the root cause of “Sandhivat” which is the problem with digestion. On the other hand, Ayurvedic treatment for insomnia helps one gain a mental and spiritual consciousness along with intaking herbal medicines. If modern medicines have failed to cure your ailments, you must consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner to rejuvenate yourself and cure your disease from its root.