SANDHIGATA VATA (OSTEO ARTHRITIS)

Dr.Santhosh Kumar

BAMS, DNHE, DHHM

Vata is consider to be important biological humors among the three.It is considered to regulate all movements of body, like movement of joints, contraction & relaxation of muscles, circulation etc. All these are said to be carried out only in normal state of vata. In the aging process, all the components of body are diminished gradually.Which leads to vitiation of vata dosha in the body, this vitiated vata starts causing various impairments in the body. The commonest impairment during the aging process and due to impairment of vata is Sandhigata Vata. In Sandhigata Vata most of the bigger joints get affected especially knee and pelvic joints are the commonest joints to be effected.Symptoms like Pain, Swelling and cracking ( crepitations ) sound in joints on movements are seen.

Joints are the sites for Madhyama Roga Marga, Affiliation of vitiated vata dosha take places in joints and due to involvement of Marma, Joints and vata prognosis of disease is worst. Sandhivata is common after 50yrs of age due to wear & tear of bony tissues, ligaments & reduction of lubricating material in the joints. Obese people are commonly found with this disease as knee joints are the weight bearing joints and in obese people more burden is caused on knee joints.

X-Ray is the commonest method to diagnosis OA as it shows Osteophytes ( degenerated bony fragments ), Blood test is also indicative and also helps in differential diagnosis with other arthritis.

Treatment Principles :

1. Avoid probable causes, which leads to further vitiation of vata. It includes both dietary and regimen. Dietary things peas, nuts, pulses, big beans, cold drinks, cold water etc. Regimens like taking cold water bath, working under Air conditioner atmosphere for longer time, vigorous activities, excessive aerobic activities.

2. Regular oil massage to all joints before bath & once a week whole body oil massage.

3. Periodical oil enema .

4. Regular exercise for all joints.

Dietary Guidelines :

Proper nutritive food like Vitamins A & D should be taken regular. Natural calcium supplements should be taken, like dairy products.Ghee and plenty of green leafy vegetables should be taken regularly.

Ayurvedic Prescriptions :

1. Lakshadi Guggulu

2. Mahayogaraja Guggulu

3. Ashwagandharishta

4. Dhanwantarishta

5. Dhasamoolarishta

6. Kushmadalehya

7. Shatavari Kalpa

Panchakarma :

1. Janu Basti - Retention of oil over affected area reduces pain & inflammation. Oil such as Sahacara Taila, Dhanvantari Taila, Bala Ashwagandha Taila etc.

2. Local Application - MN Taila, Hingutriguna Taila etc can be on affected area and          warping of the area improves the result.

3. Matra Vasti - Gandharvhastadi Taila or Bala Taila are used in quantity of 50ml to          70ml for 7 to 15 days.It can repeated every three months once.

4. Abhyanga - Bala Guduchidyadi Taila or Bala Ashwagandha Taila can be used for regular Abhyanga.

5. Pinda sweda - Rice cooked in Bala decoction and soaked in milk or rice cooked in        meat soup.