Previous   Next

A new study has revealed that Ayurvedic Drugs may be safer, and just as effective, as Glucosamine and Celecoxib in treating patients with Knee Osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis, or OA as it is commonly called, is the most common joint disease affecting middle-age and older people. It is characterized by progressive damage to the joint cartilage, the slippery material at the end of long bones, and causes changes in the structures around the joint. These changes can include Fluid Accumulation, Bony Overgrowth, and Loosening and Weakness of Muscles and Tendons, all of which may Limit Movement and Cause Pain and Swelling.

Ayurvedic Therapy is rooted in ancient Indian civilization and is considered to be the precursor to many other forms of Asian medicine. It is practiced popularly in India to treat several chronic disorders.

Researchers recently spent five years studying the safety and effectiveness of ayurvedic herbal drugs, in comparison to glucosamine and celecoxib, two commonly used treatments for OA.

In this randomized, double-blind study, researchers followed 440 with painful knee OA.

After dividing patients into one of four groups (two groups were placed on different types of ayurvedic therapy, one group was placed on Glucosamine, and one group on Celecoxib), researchers compared the effectiveness and safety of each therapy over a 24-week period by looking at active pain, difficulty and function, and side effects in the patients.

Researchers found that none of the groups experienced serious side effects - those taking Ayurvedic Therapy showed even fewer side effects overall.

The results showed Ayurvedic Treatments to be relatively Safe and as Effective as Glucosamine and Celecoxib for improving Pain and Function in patients with OA.

The Study has been presented at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting in San Francisco, California.

Menopause is not a disease. It is a natural process in a woman's life. It is a unique experience for every woman. It is the ending of a woman's monthly Menstrual Periods and Ovulation. It also signals other changes to the body and mind, brought on in part because the body begins producing lesser amounts of the hormones Estrogen and Progesterone.

How a woman views this time of her life can have a lot to do with how frequent and severe her symptoms are. If menopause is viewed as the end of youth and sexuality, this time will be much more difficult than if it is viewed as the next, natural phase of life, a time of greater freedom, liberation from the restrictions of youth. .

Although Menopause is one of the important physical milestones in a woman's life, with a proper diet, nutritional supplements, and exercise and simple lifestyle changes, most of the unpleasant side effects of menopause can be minimized to a great extent and with this knowledge and preparation you can step forward with grace and embrace Menopause.

Ayurveda links Menopause with Aging. Aging is a ‘Vata’ predominant stage of life. Thus, the symptoms of menopause experienced by some women are similar to the symptoms seen when the Vata dosha rises and upsets the normal balance of the body. Vata-type menopausal symptoms tend to include depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Menopause may also manifest itself as a rise in the other two humors also. Women with Pitta-type symptoms are often angry and suffer hot flashes. Kapha type symptoms include listlessness, weight gain, and feelings of mental and physical heaviness. The type of treatment depends upon the dosha in which the woman's menopausal symptoms are manifesting.

Here it is important to note that health problems at menopause represent imbalances in the body that were already growing in the body and are unmasked by the stress of shifting hormones. Menopause symptoms are Nature's wake-up call to let you know you need to start paying more attention to your health. Taking proper steps in the direction of balancing the imbalance doshas, paying attention to your diet and making lifestyle changes now is critical to ensuring that you age gracefully without the burden of chronic health problems.

Key factors in achieving Graceful Menopause –

A smooth Menopause Transition and Great Health in the years to come can be achieved with the help of –

1. Balancing Doshas - Ascertain the imbalance dosha according to your symptoms and follow the advice by an Ayurvedic Specialist to balance that dosha.

2. Balancing Diet - Diet plays a key role in balancing hormones during and after menopause. It is well known that Japanese women rarely experience hot flashes, probably because their diet contains large amounts of Soy/Soya, a food rich in certain plant estrogens called "Isoflavones." Soya products are not the only source of plant estrogens, however. Another equally healthful source of phytoestrogens are "Lignans," compounds found in a variety of whole foods including grains and cereals, dried beans and lentils, flaxseed, sunflower seeds and peanuts, vegetables such as asparagus, sweet potatoes, carrots, garlic and broccoli and fruits such as pears, plums and strawberries. Common herbs and spices such as nutmeg, turmeric and licorice also have estrogenic properties.

Eat a varied diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. It’s a rich source of phytoestrogen. Variety and moderation are important because just as too much estrogen is unhealthy after menopause, too much phytoestrogen may also be dangerous.

Apana Vata, which governs the genito-urinary tract, elimination, and menstruation, is a key area to attend to when preparing for menopause. Drink plenty of warm water throughout the day. Eat plenty of cooked, leafy greens, as this helps elimination and is also a good source of calcium.

3. Panchakarma - More serious symptoms, such as frequent hot flashes, continual sleep disturbance, and moderate to severe mood swings, are signs of deeper imbalances.
Ayurveda describes that these stubborn symptoms are usually due to the buildup of wastes and toxins, referred to as "ama," in the body's tissues.

In this case, a traditional Ayurvedic Detoxification program "Panchakarma," may be needed to clear the body's channels and gain relief. This internal cleansing approach is also the treatment of choice for more serious problems such as osteoporosis and high cholesterol.

4. Rejuvenation Procedures: Speciality Rasayana Chikitsa or Rejuvenation Procedures are told in Ayurveda to rejuvenate the systems of the body and thus live a healthy, Peaceful and long life.

Ayurveda has excellent solutions for a safe and happy Menopause. There are several single drugs and preparations that can be taken by women who are nearing the age of menopause to remain symptom-free.

Previous   Next