Can ayurveda really help with arthritis? Let’s explore in this detailed, experience-driven content blog where we break down one of the most common joint disorders—Arthritis—from the lens of Ayurveda. At Tatva Ayurved Hospital, Calicut, we have decades of combined experience in treating chronic arthritis conditions naturally. Our expert doctors and therapists bring deep-rooted Ayurvedic wisdom together with compassionate care—helping patients not just manage pain, but reclaim their mobility, energy, and confidence. Let’s dive in.
Modern Medicine View:
Arthritis is an umbrella term used for more than 100 joint-related conditions. The most common types are Osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). OA involves wear and tear of cartilage, while RA is autoimmune in nature. Typical treatment includes painkillers, steroids, and sometimes surgery.
Ayurveda’s Perspective:
Ayurveda doesn’t classify diseases just by names, but by the imbalance of Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha). Arthritis is primarily seen as a Vata imbalance—leading to degeneration, dryness, and restricted mobility. Depending on the associated doshas, it can be classified as:
Unlike modern treatment which focuses only on symptom relief, Ayurveda focuses on root cause elimination by balancing doshas, detoxifying the body (Panchakarma), and rejuvenating tissues.
Yes. Many. Here’s the story of Mr. Rajan (name changed for privacy), a 64-year-old retired school teacher from Palakkad.
Before Treatment – Symptoms:
X-ray: Moderate to severe Osteoarthritis
Previous allopathic treatment: NSAIDs and calcium supplements with no long-term relief
Diagnosis at Tatva Ayurved:
Our team—led by Dr. Satheesh Kumar and Dr. Anu Lakshmi Mohan—performed Nadi Pariksha (pulse diagnosis), evaluated Agni (digestive fire), Ama accumulation, Prakriti, and lifestyle.
It was diagnosed as Sandhivata, aggravated by sedentary habits and irregular food patterns.
Customized Ayurvedic Treatment:
Progress Timeline:
Week 1: Pain reduction by 30%, swelling subsided
Week 2: Improved mobility and sleep quality
By Week 4: Knee pain reduced by 70%, he was able to walk unaided for 30 mins
After 3 months of follow-up medicines and diet: His condition was stable with very minimal pain
Patient Feedback:
“I was skeptical about Ayurveda at first, but Tatva’s doctors made me feel safe. The therapies were soothing, and I could see real progress. I feel ten years younger!”
At Tatva Ayurved Hospital, Calicut, we combine decades of clinical experience with authentic Ayurvedic practices passed through generations. Here’s what sets us apart:
Here are the top therapies we offer at Tatva Ayurved Hospital for different types of arthritis:
1. Abhyanga (Therapeutic Oil Massage)
A warm herbal oil massage that improves circulation, reduces stiffness, and pacifies Vata.
2. Kizhi (Bolus Fomentation)
Herbal powders, rice, or leaves are tied in cloth and applied warm over joints to relieve pain and swelling.
3. Vasti (Medicated Enema)
One of the most powerful Panchakarma therapies to balance Vata—essential for managing degenerative arthritis.
4. Pizhichil (Oil Squeezing)
Warm medicated oils are continuously poured and massaged—soothes nerves and reduces inflammation.
5. Lepanam (Herbal Paste Application)
Fresh herbal pastes applied to joints to reduce swelling and stiffness.
6. Internal Medications
Herbal formulations like Rasnadi kashayam, Guggulu-based tablets, Dashamoolarishtam, etc. are prescribed based on body constitution and disease type.
Note: All these are given after thorough assessment. Self-medication is discouraged.
In Ayurveda, “Ahara” (diet) is half the treatment. At Tatva Ayurved, we counsel patients on anti-inflammatory, dosha-specific diets.
Dietary Recommendations:
Foods to Avoid:
Lifestyle Tips:
Mostly yes, but with careful customization. At Tatva Ayurved, we assess:
Only then do we decide whether therapies like Vasti, Pizhichil, or Njavarakizhi are safe and effective. In some cases, we start with oral medications and later proceed to Panchakarma after building strength.
Ayurveda, when started early and followed sincerely, can significantly reverse early-stage arthritis and arrest the progression of advanced conditions. We have seen cartilage preservation, improved joint space, and reversal of inflammatory markers in many patients. While it may not “cure” bone-deep degeneration completely in all cases, it prevents worsening, offers sustained relief without side effects, and enhances quality of life.
Case Study – Ms. Leela (Name changed), Age 49, Kozhikode
Symptoms:
Diagnosis:
Treatment at Tatva:
Progress:
Week 2: Appetite improved, ESR dropped
Week 4: Joint pain reduced, morning stiffness down to 10 minutes
Month 3: RA factor lowered, energy improved.Patient able to resume office work comfortably
Patient Feedback:
“I was tired of steroids and side effects. Tatva’s treatment gave me my life back, slowly but surely.”
Yes, many! Let’s bust a few:
Here’s a simple checklist:
At Tatva Ayurved Hospital, we tick all of the above.
Our doctors have completed BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery) and advanced MD (Kayachikitsa, Panchakarma, etc.) from leading institutions like:
They are experienced in managing complex cases—ranging from Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Gout, Ankylosing Spondylitis, to Peripheral Neuropathy and Autoimmune disorders.
Yes! We offer secure online consultation where our expert ayurvedic doctors evaluate your condition using detailed history forms, video consultations, and reports. If required, we ship authentic Ayurvedic medicines across India and abroad.
If you’re looking for a natural, time-tested, and root-cause-based approach without the long-term side effects of painkillers and steroids—Ayurveda is a powerful option. And when Ayurveda is practiced by a team with clinical authority and integrity, like Tatva Ayurved Hospital, the results can be life-changing.
Book your online doctor consultation or visit Tatva Ayurved Hospital, Calicut for a personalized arthritis treatment plan. Let your joints rediscover ease. Let your body heal the Ayurvedic way.