Woman Says Ayurveda Helped Reverse Severe Arthritis and Gout; Can Alternative Therapies Really Deliver Lasting Relief?

Patanjali Wellness, an Ayurvedic center from Haridwar, has claimed to treat and cure a 40-year-old woman suffering from severe arthritis and gout for the last six years. Sheela Das, a resident of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, said she was battling debilitating pain and inflammation, and her condition worsened, affecting her movement. Sheela said she underwent treatment at various hospitals but could never get lasting relief; however, she was told to ultimately get surgical intervention. However, Das, in an interview with the Times of India, said she decided against it and sought an alternative—the holistic approach to healing. In March 2024, she began the treatment under the supervision of Ayurvedic physicians, who designed a treatment plan

that they said focused on balancing her body through yoga and lifestyle modification. According to Das, the Ayurvedic therapies she underwent include hot and cold fomentation, knee packs, abdominal packs, and reverse walking therapy. All of these, she said, were aimed at reducing inflammation, relieving joint stiffness, improving circulation, and strengthening the musculoskeletal system.

What is the Ayurvedic approach to arthritis?

According to experts, Ayurveda correlates arthritis with Amavata in rheumatoid and Sandhivat in osteoarthritis – viewing it as an imbalance of the body's doshas or energies – mainly Vata, and the accumulation of toxins called Ama in the joints. Experts say the treatment plans mostly focus on a holistic approach, which includes addressing the root causes and not just the symptoms. This mostly involves a combination of:

Panchakarma

Also known as detoxification, panchkarma is a cleansing procedure that includes therapy and medicated enemas to eliminate toxins and provide a balance.

Herbal remedies

There are natural anti-inflammatory herbs and formulations that Ayurveda uses extensively, like turmeric for anti-inflammation, guggulu for reducing pain, ashwagandha to relieve stress, and shallaki to slow cartilage degeneration.

Oil massages

There is also an extensive usage of medicated oils used for massages that aim to improve blood circulation, ease stiffness, and nourish joints.

Are there any dietary modifications used in Ayurveda?

Ayurveda focuses on providing warm, cooked, nourishing foods to those suffering from joint issues – while avoiding cold, dry, processed, and fermented foods that can aggravate symptoms. Recommended foods include rice, barley, horse gram, and moong dal, which are very easy to digest. Also, ghee, sesame oil, or extra virgin olive oil should be used for cooking to lubricate joints and reduce dryness. Vegetables include bitter gourd, drumstick leaves, snake gourd, carrots, and bottle gourd. Drinking lukewarm water throughout the day helps aid digestion and promote detoxification.

Can Ayurveda cure arthritis?

Doctors say that since Ayurveda is an ancient medical system, it can be used as a complementary therapy for arthritis. However, it should not be used in place of your doctor-prescribed arthritis treatment plan. Get your doctor’s approval before incorporating any of these practices into your overall arthritis management routine. Always discontinue use or consult your doctor if you experience any new, unusual, or worsening symptoms.