Getting Rid of Arthritis Toxins the East Indian Way
Ayurvedic medicine, which is widely practiced in India and which is gaining popularity in West, holds that arthritis toxins in the joints are what give rise to the disease and cause the pain, stiffness, and discomfort felt by millions of arthritis sufferers worldwide. Getting rid of these toxins is essential in relieving symptoms and preventing possible complications that may arise from the disease.
Ayurveda, also known as Indian herbal medicine, has been practiced for thousands of years in that country. The word itself derives from a Sanskrit word that means life science. Integral to this discipline is the belief that the body, mind, and spirit must be in harmony in order for one to be healthy. Amavata is how arthritis is referred to in Ayurveda and according to belief, arthritis toxins are pushed into the joints and surrounding tissues because of colon problems. If the colon functions poorly, the body is unable to efficiently digest food, resulting in the accumulation of toxins.
Practitioners believe that these toxins can be burned by promoting digestive fire, which is to either go on short-term fasts or by eating spicy herbs and other food. However, these measures are not applicable to all cases: pregnant women and elderly people should not practice fasting, and in cases where a person is suffering from fever or inflammation, spicy herbs are not recommended. Aromatherapy message is one of the healing aspects of Ayurveda, and the use of essential oils during massage is believed to help the body excrete accumulated toxins.
Many plant extracts and plant products are used by Ayurveda practitioners in providing herbal medicine to their patients. Herbs have been used not only in Indian culture, but in other cultures as well for healing purposes since the earliest times. Some herbs that are known to have a positive impact on arthritis pain and swelling are ginger, boswellia, and ashwagandha (or Indian ginseng). These herbs and more were tested in clinical studies and they were shown to be effective in inhibiting inflammation and pain. In a number of cases, they have even been shown to play a role in the formation of new cartilage -- good news for the millions of people all over the world who suffer from osteoarthritis.
With the kind of lifestyle and diet that most people have today, it's no wonder that arthritis toxins can multiply rapidly in the body. Keeping the principles of Ayurveda and herbal medicine in mind would certainly not be a bad thing to do, especially when considering alternative ways to stay healthy.
