Ankylosing Spondylitis is an inflammatory disease that can cause some of the vertebrae to fuse in the spine to fuse over a period of time. Due to this fusion, spine becomes less flexible and results in a hunched-forward posture.
Ribs may also be affected. If ribs are affected, there is a difficulty in deep breathing. It affects more in men than in women. There is no specific cause for ankylosing spondylitis. Ayurveda offers excellent therapies for treating Ankylosing Spondylitis pain.
The strength of Ayurveda in the area of spine and joint treatments is globally appreciated as it works on the root cause of an issue. According to Ayurveda, all rheumatic pains are caused by formation of Ama (toxins) in the body therefore Ayurvedic treatment for ankylosing spondylitis aims at digestion of Ama in the body and the balancing of Vata dosha.
The body organs most commonly affected are:
- The vertebrates in the lower back
- The joints between the base of the spine and the pelvis.
- The cartilage between breastbone and ribs.
- The hip and shoulder joints.
Joints pain, Limping, Fatigue, Weight loss, severely disturbed sleep etc. are symptoms of this painful condition.
Top 10 Natural Supplements For Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain
1.Castor Oil – Take castor oil with warm milk at night before going to bed is an effective remedy for ankylosing spondylitis.The castor seeds mixed with ginger powder and sugar mixed together must be taken early in the morning.
2.Turmeric – 1 tablespoon of turmeric boiled in milk for half an hour is must be consumed regularly as turmeric has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
3.Drinking water from copper vessel – Drinking water kept over-night in the copper vessel is quite effective in treating the ankylosing spondylitis pain.
4.Vitamin-C-Regular intake of Vitamin-C in the diet is helpful in increasing the flexibility of the joints. It also plays an important role in fighting the disease. Use Amla (Indian gooseberry) in the diet as it is the richest source of Vitamin C. Vitamin C increases the immunity of the body.
5.Ginger-Include Ginger in the diet as it improves the digestion. Ginger powder along with jaggery can be consumed before meals twice a day.
6.Pippali-Powders of Pippali (long pepper), Pippalimool (root of long pepper), chavya (Piper retrofractum) can be taken with hot water as this mixture prevents the formation of Ama in the body.
7.Giloy-If fever persists, take decoction prepared from Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) or the powder of Giloy with plain water.
8.Massage -with herbal oils is an integral part of Ayurvedic treatment for ankylosing spondylitis as Ayurveda believes that the best remedy to pacify Vata dosha is the oil application as it provides lubrication of the joints by helping in decreasing the Vata dosha. Massage over the affected area with sesame oil is recommended.
9.Cow’s ghee – Include the intake of cow’s ghee in the diet as it pacifies Vata dosha in the body. There are certain misconceptions about Cow’s ghee. A person who is allergic to dairy products or gluten, it is not necessary that he is also allergic to cow’s ghee. There are so many ways of consuming cow’s ghee (clarified butter). Unlike milk, ghee improves the digestion capacity (Bhav Prakash). But it does not help in Ama (altered digestion and metabolic conditions)
10.Ashwagandha – Also known as Withania somnifera is a powerful herb that provides strength to the joints. It is a boon for old-age as well as patients suffering from joint problems. It is used for improving immunity, muscle strength since ages. It balances Vata dosha. Take half tsp. to 1 tsp. of Ashwagandha powder with milk regularly.
One can opt for good quality Ashwagandha capsules for easy convenience on daily basis for few days. Itis commonly used to increase vitality after recovery of major illness and also in many painful conditions. Also it has positive effects on central nervous system, cardiovascular system, and endocrine system!!
Ashwagandha contains many useful medicinal compounds including withanolides, alkaloids, choline, fatty acids, amino acids and a variety of sugars.
Diet and Lifestyle Tips –
- Include cow’s ghee in the diet.
- Avoid sleeping during the day time
- Try some Yoga asanas such as – Dhanurasana, Vakarasana, Bhujangasana etc. and Pranayama like – Bhramari, Nadi Shodhana, Chandrabhedi, Sheetali etc.
- Ensure proper evacuation of bowels. Avoid constipation at all costs.
- Include light foods and avoid the intake of oily foods items. Avoid curd, buttermilk and sour foods like pickle.
- Application of heating pads and cold pads in the affected area relieve pain and stiffness.