Osteoarthritis (OA) – Modern (Allopathic) Versus Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

 Osteoarthritis (OA) involves degeneration of the smooth cartilage which lines the long bones and forms joints. This can cause pain, swelling, stiffness and limitation of movement. The knee, hip, spine and hands are most commonly affected. OA is most commonly due to old age, obesity, trauma, occupational hazards, and genetic influences; it is more common in women.

Treatment is with pain killers, physical activity, weight loss measures, local injections, and surgery to correct bone deformity or joint replacement. Most affected people do well with conservative treatment. Regular physical activity is important to maintain stability of the joint, strengthen supporting muscles, and reduce pain.

Modern pain-killers and anti-inflammatory medicines are very effective in reducing severe pain; however, these medicines cannot prevent disease progression and have a whole range of serious side effects because of which they cannot be used for prolonged duration. Local injections of steroids directly into the affected joint can dramatically reduce pain; however, the effect is short-lived, and many patients end up with increased pain. Joint replacement surgery can also dramatically cure all disease symptoms; however, the cost of the procedure is prohibitive, and the range of post-operative joint movement may be limited. Though rare, surgery itself may have serious complications; mostly resulting from infection and reactions to anaesthesia.

Ayurvedic herbal treatment is very effective in treating both moderate as well as advanced OA. Depending upon the severity of the condition, Ayurvedic medicines need to be given in high doses for about 3 to 6 months to get complete relief from pain, swelling and other symptoms related to OA. Ayurvedic medicines work by reducing and treating inflammation and swelling, and reversing cartilage damage. Immediate relief in pain can be induced by local fomentation of affected joints using medicated steam or modified acupuncture techniques.

Ayurvedic herbal treatment is also very effective in treating advanced OA, especially for those people who have been advised complete joint replacement. Aggressive treatment with herbal medicines, combined with local pain relief ointments or fomentation, graded exercises, and weight loss measures have resulted in stabilising affected individuals to such an extent that joint replacement is no longer required. Treatment duration for such patients is usually about 6 to 12 months. Side effects or unwanted effects of Ayurvedic medicines used for such patients are virtually nonexistent, even though high doses are required to effectively treat advanced OA. A few patients who do not respond satisfactorily to these treatment protocols, may require supplementary treatment with medicated enemas.

Ayurvedic herbal treatment thus has a very important role to play in the treatment and management of OA.

The writer, Dr A A Mundewadi is available as an Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com  To start Ayurvedic treatment for osteoarthritis, kindly click here

Avascular Necrosis (AVN) – Modern (Allopathic) versus Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

 Avascular necrosis (AVN) is a disease in which the blood supply to the head of the joint bone reduces drastically, causing a complete disorganization and ultimate collapse of the head of the joint bone.  Though the hip joint is most commonly affected, AVN can also involve other joints such as the shoulder.  This condition may be caused due to sudden or repeated, low-grade trauma, long-term use of steroids, excessive intake of alcohol, and chronic diseases like blood disorders and auto immune disorders. 

 Of late, there has been a gradual increase in the incidence of auto immune disorders with a resulting increase in the use of steroids; hence, AVN is being diagnosed much more frequently. Patients in their late 20s and early 30s usually present with this disease. The condition may happen within a span of a few days to a few weeks, but the ensuing physical disability may remain life-long. A similar condition in children, known as Perthe’s disease, may reverse spontaneously within a year or two.

 The conservative management of this condition in the modern system of medicine is to give biphosphonates in order to possibly reduce the rate of decrease of calcium and thereby preserve the joint structure to the maximum extent possible.  This is supplemented with graded physiotherapy to preserve joint function and maintain muscular strength.  A slightly advanced condition calls for core decompression surgery in order to reduce stress on the joint.  Further management is only with the use of pain killers like paracetamol, and to adopt a ‘wait and watch’ policy.

 Patients who progress to the third or fourth stage of the disease, involving gross destruction of the joint, are usually advised total replacement of the joint.  Joint replacement surgery can be prohibitively costly; in addition, it may not provide the full range of movement which the person previously had with a normal joint. If the causative factors persist, other joints may become involved.

 Most patients taking biphosphonates, or having undergone core decompression surgery, either do not benefit at all, or find the beneficial effects to be transitory. Such patients can be treated with Ayurvedic herbal medicines for a period of about four to six months and usually get complete and lasting benefit from pain, stiffness, and limitation of movement.

 Patients having the third or fourth stage of the condition usually require higher doses of Ayurvedic oral medicines, supplemented with one or several courses of medicated enemas. Most patients with severe involvement of AVN do recover significantly with the regular use of Ayurvedic treatment for a period of about eight to twelve months.

 To sum up, modern treatment is not very effective in controlling the severe pain and other symptoms associated with AVN. The much touted joint replacement surgery is available to only a select few, and has its own limitations. Ayurvedic herbal treatment is a comprehensive, safe and economical treatment for all the stages of AVN.

The writer, Dr A A Mundewadi is available as an Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com To start Ayurvedic treatment for AVN, click here

Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment for Hypothyroidism

 Hypothyroidism is a medical condition in which the secretions from the thyroid gland are less than normal due to various causes such as inflammation or destruction of the thyroid gland, deficiency of iodine or iron, and abnormalities in the pituitary or hypothalamus of the brain.  Hypothyroidism can cause symptoms such as course and thick skin, weight gain, depression, cold intolerance, constipation, decreased concentration, excessive sleep, and pain and swelling in the body.  Hypothyroidism can also cause accumulation of fluid in the heart or lungs.  The modern treatment of hypothyroidism consists in supplementing the body with synthetic thyroxin, which controls the symptoms partially, but needs to be taken life-long. 

The Ayurvedic herbal treatment for hypothyroidism consists of treating the cause of the disease as well as giving symptomatic treatment.  Deficiency of iodine or iron needs to be corrected within the daily dietary intake.  Abnormalities of the brain in the pituitary and the hypothalamus need to be properly investigated, after which the appropriate Ayurvedic treatment can be instituted to correct the abnormality.  Inflammation of the thyroid gland can be treated with Ayurvedic herbal medicines which reduce inflammation and gradually bring the thyroid gland back to normal. 

Simultaneously, Ayurvedic medicines are also given reduce the retention of fluid in the body and gradually increase the metabolism so that symptoms like thick skin, weight gain, depression and swelling and pain in the body disappear, and the body returns to normal.  Excess fluid from the body is washed out through the kidneys with the help of Ayurvedic herbal medicines; in addition, toxins from the blood are treated and also flushed out.  Medicines which act directly on the thyroid gland and thyroid cells are used, so that the thyroid gland starts functioning normally and smoothly.  Normally, treatment is required for a period of eight to twelve months, in which most people affected with hypothyroidism recover completely.  Patients who have developed hypothyroidism after the intake of radioactive iodine suffer large-scale destruction of the thyroid gland; individuals with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis also develop hypothyroidism in the long run. In such individuals, treatment may be required with Ayurvedic herbal medicines for a much longer time. 

Ayurvedic herbal treatment is thus very effective in the successful management of hypothyroidism.

The writer, Dr A A Mundewadi is available as an Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and www.ayurvedaphysician.com  For Ayurvedic herbal treatment of hypothyroidism, kindly click here

Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome is a medical condition which causes a dysfunction of the intestines resulting in different types of symptoms such as abdominal pain, discomfort, cramping, bloating, and either diarrhoea or constipation.  Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome vary from person-to-person and therefore require different types of management.  Irritable bowel syndrome can usually be diagnosed when a person has the typical symptoms of this disorder and when all other organic causes have been ruled out.  Stress and food allergy are believed to be important in causing irritable bowel syndrome.  This condition can be very chronic but is usually manageable.  Changes in diet and lifestyle are usually important in the successful management of this condition. 

Ayurvedic herbal treatment for irritable bowel syndrome is aimed at strengthening the intestines, improving digestion, and also treating chronic stress in the affected individuals.  Ayurvedic herbal medicines which have a specific action on the small as well as the large intestine are used in high doses as per individual requirements.  Medicines which improve the digestion as well as improve the resistance power of the intestinal mucosa are also used in combination with the above-mentioned medicines.  Ayurvedic herbal medicines are also used to treat and reduce stress and anxiety, which are known factors in the propagation of this disease.

 Individuals affected with irritable bowel syndrome may also require medicines to improve the general immune status of the body and as well as medicines to strengthen all the tissues, especially the blood and muscle tissue.  This treatment indirectly helps in the successful management of irritable bowel syndrome.  Most individuals affected with chronic and severe irritable bowel syndrome require regular Ayurvedic herbal treatment for about six to eight months; however, the results of regular treatment are dramatic and can significantly alter the life of affected individuals for the better.  After a complete remission of symptoms, that dose and frequency of medicines can be gradually reduced and then tapered off completely. 

Ayurvedic herbal treatment thus has a significant role to play in the successful management and treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.

 The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com For Ayurvedic herbal treatment of IBS, kindly click on https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com/product-page/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs 

Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment of Eczema

 Eczema is an eruption of the skin, usually preceded by intense itching. The eruptions, which are actually fluid filled vesicles, usually rupture with the leakage of fluid, following by crusting of the rash. Most individuals have a hereditary component, and are also usually susceptible to asthma, and hay fever. Most individuals gradually outgrow the tendency to eczema by 5 years of age; those who do not, may have chronic and persistent affliction. Environmental factors are also responsible, like excessive dryness. Rough, tight clothes, harsh chemicals, sweating, rubber or plastic gloves, and frequent washing can also cause or aggravate the condition.

Diagnosis is usually made by looking at the characteristic appearance and distribution of the rash, along with a detailed history of its appearance and trigger factors. Rarely, a biopsy may be required for a confirmed diagnosis. Treatment is usually with anti-inflammatory and anti-itch creams as well as steroid applications. Emollient creams help preserve moisture in the skin and are helpful. Antibiotic applications or oral medicines are sometimes required to treat secondary infection. Individuals are advised to keep the skin clean, avoid known irritants, and wear loose, soft clothing.

There is always some element of hypersensitivity or allergy in the manifestation of eczema. While steroid and antihistamine applications suppress this sensitivity, Ayurvedic herbal medicines work directly on the skin, the subcutaneous tissue, and the vascular apparatus, to reduce sensitivity, treat inflammation, remove accumulated toxins and damaged tissue, reduce hyperpigmentation and strengthen the affected skin parts. Medicines are also given to heal the lesions and modulate overall immunity so that the tendency to recurrence subsides gradually.

For patients who have extensive lesions all over the body, or have intractable eczema not responding to standard oral treatment, generalized detoxification is done using Ayurvedic Panchkarma procedures. These include induced emesis, induced purgation, and bloodletting. A systematic course - or courses - of these detoxification procedures are done and followed up with oral treatment for helping the skin lesions subside fully, without recurrence. For limited, localized, and long-standing eczema, sometimes just simple bloodletting from a nearby vein does wonders as a standalone treatment.

From the point of view of Ayurved, dietary advice is an important part of treatment, both for early and complete healing, as well as for preventing recurrence. Dietary recommendations for eczema – and for all skin diseases in general – include avoiding excess of salt, curds (yogurt), sweets; fermented, fried or acidic food items; and fruit salads prepared in milk. Other than these, even other food items known to aggravate the condition, should be avoided. Breathing and relaxation techniques help in reducing stress. Clothing and lifestyle choices which act as triggers should also be avoided.

For most people affected with eczema, Ayurvedic herbal treatment of about 6-8 months usually suffices to bring about a complete remission. Further treatment at tapering doses, or dietary advice, suffices in bringing about a recurrence. Ayurvedic herbal treatment can thus be judiciously used in the comprehensive management and treatment of chronic eczema.

The writer, Dr A A Mundewadi, is available as an Ayurvedic consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com For Ayurvedic herbal treatment of chronic eczema, kindly click on this link https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com/product-page/eczema-chronic 

Behcet Disease – Successful Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

 Behcet disease consists of the classical triad symptoms of recurrent oral ulcers, genital ulcers, and inflammation in the eyes. It is a rare autoimmune disease caused by generalized inflammation of arteries; most probably arising from an autoimmune response triggered by an exposure to an infectious agent, especially in genetically predisposed individuals. Inflammation of arteries (vasculitis), clot formation (thrombosis), and ballooning of artery walls (aneurysms) are the mechanisms which cause the symptoms and damage to the body systems in this disease.

The onset of symptoms is usually in the age from 20-40 years. In addition to mucocutaneous involvement, multiple systems in the body may be involved. Usually, involvement of only skin and mucous membranes denotes a mild course of disease, whereas serious manifestation may occur with involvement of the eyes, nervous system, heart, lungs, intestines and kidneys. Symptoms usually exhibit a relapsing and remitting course. There are no specific diagnostic tests for this condition, though the pathergy needle prick test may help with the diagnosis.

The Ayurvedic herbal treatment of Behcet disease commences with cellular detoxification as well as healing treatment of the affected parts of the body. Since inflammation of arteries is the hallmark pathology of this condition, the mainstay of treatment revolves around treating this inflammation aggressively as well giving herbal medicines for gradually bringing about immune modulation. If important organs are affected, these are treated on a priority basis to prevent serious damage and reduce mortality from this disease. Those individuals who have access to Ayurvedic Panchkarma treatment can opt for a course of raktamokshan (bloodletting) and tikta-ksheer basti (medicated enema).

Once the patient starts improving with treatment, other treatment to normalize metabolism and bring about a rejuvenation of the body systems, is started. This facilitates gradual tapering of medicines and prevents relapse of symptoms in the long run. Depending upon the severity of symptoms and response to treatment, most affected individuals require treatment for periods ranging from 8 – 18 months for a complete remission of symptoms and cessation of therapy after gradual tapering of medicines. Ayurvedic herbal treatment can significantly reduce the morbidity and mortality resulting from this disease.

It is equally important to avoid known trigger factors, reduce or manage stress, adapt relaxation techniques, bring about positive lifestyle modifications, and consume healing foods, mostly in the form of fresh vegetables and fruits.

The writer, Dr A A Mundewadi, is available as an Ayurvedic consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com  and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com  For Ayurvedic herbal treatment of Behcet disease, kindly click on this link https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com/product-page/behcet-s-disease 

Spondylosis – Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

 Degenerative or osteoarthritic changes in the spine are known as spondylosis.  This is characterized by the presence of bone outgrowths known as bone spurs, and degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs. Spondylosis can occur in any part of the spine, but cervical and lumbar spondylosis tends to have more symptoms. This condition is different from spondylitis which involves inflammation, physical non-development (spondylolysis), and physical dislocation either forward or backward (spondylolisthesis). Spondylosis and a herniated disc can cause compression of the sciatic nerve causing symptoms of sciatica.

Ageing, genetics, and trauma are risk factors for spondylosis. Chronic pain is the commonest symptom of spondylosis; if a nerve is affected, symptoms like numbness and tingling can also occur. Treatment involves the use of medications, self-care, exercise and physical therapy, adjunctive therapies (chiropractics and acupuncture), and minimally invasive procedures such as injections, and surgery.

Ayurvedic herbal medicines have a special role to play in the long term management and treatment of spondylosis. Since spondylosis is said to be associated with age related degeneration, it is generally believed that no particular medicines can influence the long term outlook of this condition, since modern medicines only reduce swelling, inflammation and pain. However, Ayurvedic herbal medicines can reverse the ageing process in the spine to a significant degree.

When given in high doses for long durations, Ayurvedic herbal medicines can reduce the damage in the spine, make the vertebral bones strong and healthy, and reduce the swelling due to osteoporosis. In addition, the medicines also help to make the tendons and muscles attached to the spine very strong and healthy. This helps to reduce and eliminate chronic pain, which is the hallmark of spondylosis. In addition, pressure on sensitive nerves is also removed, thereby treating nerve related symptoms like pain, numbness, and impending paralysis.

A judicious combination of oral Ayurvedic herbs, local application of Ayurvedic medicated oils, hot fomentation, and regular exercise, can help most people suffering from spondylosis recover completely even from very chronic and severe affectations. That said, it is always advisable to get examined, investigated, diagnosed, and treated with Ayurvedic herbal medicines at the earliest possible in order to get the maximum possible benefit from treatment.

The writer, Dr A A Mundewadi, is available as an Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com  and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com  For Ayurvedic herbal treatment of spondylosis, kindly click on https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com/product-page/spondylosis