Ayurvedic Treatment of Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is the condition of bone thinness or brittleness. It is a result of low calcium, protein, or hereditary causes. Thus, the body does not form sufficient bone mass, or reabsorbs existing bones into the body. It is most common amongst elders. For instance, it affects half of 60-year old American males, and one-third of males of the same age and ethnicity.
This condition is also common among post-menopausal women or those who have undergone surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus. This causes oestrogen secretion levels to fall. As a result, the activity of osteoclasts (bone producing cells) rises, which reabsorbs phosphate and calcium from the bone cells to body. Subsequently, bone density can reduce by over 4% during the following 5-8 years. As a result, the risk of bone damage is highest among the elderly.
However, ageing is not not the only cause of osteoporosis. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis chronic kidney disease can also increase risk levels. In addition, poor lifestyle factors such as drinking, smoking, or drug abuse can certainly affect your risk levels.
It is essential to seek out an expert, irrespective of whether you are at risk or have a diagnosis. The latter can customise a solution which suits you best. Moreover, an Ayurvedic diagnosis can provide a sustainable and long-term solution. It houses a variety of natural supplements herbs to ward off existing risk factors. Given below are some all-natural Ayurvedic remedies for the same.
Basti Karma
Basti Karma is the introduction of liquid-based ayurvedic medication, such as herbal oils or decoctions, through the patient’s colon. This balances out the vata dosha, which is predominantly located in the colon and bones. Further, basti karma can cure upto 80 types of vata dosha disorders.
The literal translation of basti is ‘to stay’. This implies how the oil or decoction remains where it is, for its absorption and circulation of tissues . This heals tissues and eliminates dosha-centric toxins. In this manner, there are some specific basti therapies which enable bone strength. For instance, Nirhua basti and Anuvasana basti provide such benefits.
Nirahua Basti
Nirahua basti or decoction enema helps to treat musculo-sketelal ailments such as arthritis, muscle stiffness, and nerve-related disorders. Further, it can help with constipation and indigestion, flatulence, amenorrhea and infertility.
This method uses small amounts of medical kashaya or honey to treat ailments. It also uses contaminated vayu (air) and toxins from the body, which helps to restore optimal bone strength. As this takes on a sustainable approach towards bone health, these medicines can also increase lifespan.
Anuvasana Basti
In this method, you deposit fat or ghee for longer periods within the intestines, bladder, or uterus. This is one of the most effective basti treatments for bone tissue and muscle relaxation, and to soothe the mind. Similarly, treatments such as Abhyanga or Koti Basti can increase the strength and range of body joint movements.
The different basti types vary in their benefits. For instance, you can opt for shodhan basti (cleansing), Lekhan basti (scraping), Snehan (oleation) and Bruhan (nourishments).
Sesame seeds
This is a popular Ayurvedic medicine for bone health as it includes minerals, such as copper, magnesium, and calcium. In fact, one daily serving of sesame seeds (33 grams) contains 22 of your calcium RDI. Most importantly, it is high in omega-3 fats and protein content which can aid bone tissues. Many people use it as an antioxidant and vitamin rich addition to their diet.
You can reap the health benefits of this seed in multiple ways. For instance, try soaking sesame seeds in a glass of water overnight. Strain the concoction and drink it the next morning. This is a foolproof and hydrating method which is most common during hot summer months.
Alternatively, you can sprinkle these seeds over salads during winters. This can either be roasted or plain. Apart from the nutritive component, it adds taste and crunch to your meals.
Ayurveda recommends sesame seed oil massages for bone health. Massage warm sesame seed oil over your body for at least 15 minutes. This method will allow the oil to penetrate into multiple layers of your skin. After that, take a bath to wash the oil off. Practice this method for at least a month to seek best results.
Milk
Milk is a calcium-rich beverage and a vata-pacifying remedy. Thus, it is one of the most effective remedies for bone health. You can boil with saffron, pitted dates, and coarsely chopped almonds as an effective bedtime drink. This is soothing and bata-pacifying drink. Moreover, it is heating in nature and best during winters.
Full-fat milk is also helpful to growing children and teenagers, pregnant and nursing women, and recovering patients. Make sure to boil the milk first. After that, you can add warming spices such as cardamom, ginger, turmeric, or black pepper. Likewise, you can add raw honey to balance out excessive dosha content in your body. Each of these are Ayurvedic superfoods which can boost the existing benefits of milk.
Find out the recipe and benefits of golden milk here.
Takeaways
Remember that there is no one best Ayurvedic medicine for osteoporosis. Nevertheless, you can avoid and even gently cure bone brittleness with Ayurveda. For instance, sesame seeds, milk, and occasional practice of Basti Karma are vata-pacifying techniques which can strengthen your bones.
Thus, Ayurvedic medicines can work in tandem with over-the-counter medicines to relieve osteoporosis. Be sure to follow healthy lifestyle choices through your diet, sleep, and work routines to reduce or eliminate risk.
Find out more about Ayurveda and joint health here.
Strengthen your own bone health with an Ayurvedic treatment in Kerala, here at Mekosha.