Osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative joint disease.” Arthritis” is a general term that describes many different diseases causing tenderness, pain, swelling, and stiffness of joints as well as abnormalities of various soft tissues of the body. Of the combined term, “arthros” means a joint and its attachments, and “–itis” means inflammation. Normal joints are hinges at the ends of bones usually covered by cartilage and lubricated inside a closed sack by synovial fluid. Normally, joints have remarkably little friction and move easily. With degeneration of the joint, the cartilage becomes rough and worn out, causing the joint halves to rub against each other, creating inflammation with pain and the formation of bone spurs. The fluid lubricant may become thin and the joint lining swollen and inflamed. Athletes and people with jobs that require repetitive, and particularly heavy, motion have been found to be at greater risk. Other known risk factors for developing spinal arthritis include:

• Aging: steady and advanced aging of spinal structures, beginning in the 30’s, often work-related

• Gender: osteoarthritis being more common in post-menopausal women (although below age 45, it is more common in males)

• Excess weight: causing more stress on weight-bearing joints and the spine, particularly during the middle age years

• Genetics: having a family history of osteoarthritis or congenital defects of joints, spine, or leg abnormalities

Holistic Perspective

Due to the intake of junk food and improper life style activities the vata in the body gets vitiated and moves towards the joints and dries up the sleshmaka kapha (lubricating substance in the joint, which is responsible for the free movements of the joint) thereby causing pain in all the joints of the body. This disease is known as sandhigata vatam in Ayurveda.

The causative emotions associated with this disease are many including inability to handle the authority, insecurity, loss of confidence and loss of self control. Apart from this patients suffer emotional pain due to the way they perceive their relationships.

Approach Followed by Ojas:

At Ojas through Sandivata nivartana kriya, Uttaradhatu Poshanam, Snigdha vardhanam and other supportive treatment programs the vitiated vata is reduced and the Kriyas helps one to nourish the soft tissues in between the two bones, reduced the dryness in the joints and thereby increases the flexibility and movement of the joints of the body

General Dietary Guidelines

A light, warm, unctuous & nourishing food is suitable. Intake of boiled vegetables, a glass of milk and food prepared out of sesame seeds are advisable. Use foods such as: warm milk, cream, butter, warm soups, and hot cereals. Take a hot herbal tea with snacks in the late afternoon. Avoid drinks with high caffeine as vata gets disturbed by it.

Warm milk is good. You can add a little candy or palm jaggery to it if you prefer.

Avoid unripe fruits as they are astringent. Take warm or hot water instead of ice water and cool drinks.

Suggested Home remedies

Intake of soaked raisin, fenugreek seed in the early morning in empty stomach.

Application of sesame oil once in a week will help you to restore the condition of the joints.

Suggested Asanas and Pranayama

• Pavanamuktasana part1

• Savasanam

• Anuloma viloma Pranayama

All asanas should be done under the doctor’s guidance.

Meditation:

Meditation would be extremely beneficial for this health condition provided it is guided.