Relieve Joint Pain: Ama and Vata-Related Joint Issues
Date Posted:27 May 2011
Relieve Joint Pain with Maharishi Ayurveda
Joint issues may be hereditary, caused by obesity, overexertion, stress, diet, lifestyle or a combination of these factors. Ayurvedic medicine highlights two types of joint disorders: Vata-related joint problems and Ama-related joint problems. The first type is connected with poorly nourished joints, low bone density or general joint weakness. The signs of this type of disorder may be cracking noises in the joints, which may worsen as the person ages. Bones that are not adequately nourished will eventually begin to degenerate. The second kind of joint problem is related to an excessive amount of toxins in the body, which accumulates in the joints. This ama (sticky, toxic matter) leads to stiff, heavy joints and can result in sore, swollen joints. Natural Ayurvedic treatments can help relieve joint pain, whether it’s Vata- or Ama-related.
Vata-Related Joint Issues
If the aspect of Vata connected to circulation and nerve impulses (Vyana Vata) is aggravated, a person will suffer from poor circulation, decreased metabolism and difficulty absorbing food. Consequently, the bone tissue is not adequately nourished and may degenerate. The joints are not lubricated sufficiently, which leads to the cracking noises, soreness and stiffness.
Natural joint remedies for this kind of joint disorder include Osteo Relief, a powerful herbal formulation created to nurture the bones and joints, support bone tissue and Shleshaka Kapha, and assist in the healthy renewal of cartilage. This supplement should be taken with water twice every day after meals, and contains triphala, a cleanser and tonic; pearl bhasma for calcium support; and turmeric, known for its anti-inflammatory properties. A herbal supplement such as Calcium Support can also help to relieve joint pain by helping the body absorb calcium.
It is important to recognise when your joint problems are becoming severe; in this case you should always consult a physician who will provide a professional diagnosis of the problem. A physician who is trained in Maharishi Ayurveda will be able to apply Ayurvedic principles to treat the disorder at its source, and then advise you on the most appropriate natural remedies to maintain joint health.
How to Treat Ama-Related Joint Problems
Maharishi Ayurveda recommends natural joint remedies to ease the pain and discomfort of ama-related joint disorders. It is important to act quickly, as the ama can convert to amavisha if left untreated, which is even more toxic and therefore more irritating and reactive. Amavisha is likely to lead to sore, swollen joints, which creates an environment in which ama can mix easily with the joint's natural lubricating fluids. This creates a sticky, toxic matter called Shleshma, which hinders mobility and has an adverse effect on circulation. The combination of ama, amavisha and Shleshma, left unattended in the joints for a prolonged time, can lead to serious, perhaps even irreversible, damage.
Fortunately there are many simple steps you can take to reduce ama. Eat a diet full of warm, light, dry, easily digestible foods, such as soups, warm grains and vegetables. Stimulate digestion with the Maharishi Ayurveda Kapha Spice Mix. In addition, get plenty of nighttime sleep (avoid sleeping during the day), exercise moderately on a daily basis, and avoid alcohol, caffeine and processed foods.
Elim-Tox and Elim-Tox-O contain effective herbs for joint pain; these remove ama fast and can be taken alongside Joint Soothe tablets and Joint Soothe II Oil for even quicker results. Another way to cleanse the joints is to drink plenty of ama pachana water throughout the day. To make the drink, boil two quarts of water and transfer it to a thermos flask. Add two thin slices of fresh ginger, 1/4 tsp. cumin, 1/4 tsp. fennel, 2 black peppercorns and 2 mint leaves, and leave it to steep.