Osteoporosis Ayurvedic Treatment

When the density of bones reduces, they become more fragile. This is called primary osteoporosis, and it is more common among females after menopause. Reduced bone density due to some diseases (hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, renal failure etc), medications and treatments are termed as secondary osteoporosis which is common among males. Bone density reduces as older cells are damaged and newer ones fails to develop.

Osteoporosis Signs and Symptoms

Body pain (over bones- knee, hip etc), weight loss, increased fatiguability etc are common symptoms of osteoporosis. If spine is affected, the symptoms are reduced height, change in body posture, low back pain etc.

Osteoporosis Ayurvedic Analysis

As age progress, dhatukshaya (reduced quality and quantity of dhatu/ tissue) occurs. Loss of asthi dhatu (bone tissue) is resulted from aging, increased intake of food or indulging in activities that lead to vata vitiation. The symptoms of asthidhatu kshaya are asthi toda (bone pain), brittle bones/ teeth/ nails, general weakness, loose joints, increased risk of fractures, leanness etc.

Medas (fat tissue) is the precursor of asthi dhatu as per Ayurveda. When medas reduces (in terms of quality and quantity), it causes krushata (loss of weight/ leanness). Majja (bone marrow) dhatu resided within asthi. If asthi kshaya continues, it leads to reduction of majja dhatu also (majja dhatu kshaya). It causes asthi soushirya/ pores in bone (reduced bone marrow- the main reason of low bone mineral density).

Srotas are the channels/ pathways involved in the transformation of one dhatu to next as per Ayurveda. Asthivaha srotodushti (vitiation of srotas which is involved in the formation of asthi dhatu) occurs due to over exertion, friction between bones (asthi vighattana) due to loss of sleshaka kapha (eg: in sandhigata vata, katigraha etc). As a result, asthi dhatu is not properly developed. Medovaha srotodushti (vitiation of srotas involved in formation of medo dhatu/ fat tissue) often caused by sedentary habit/ lack of exercise, day sleep and intake of more fatty food. It further leads to reduced development of asthi dhatu.

Osteoporosis Causative Factors (Ayurveda)

Old age, increased intake of pungent/ bitter/ astringent foods, cold food, fatty food, skipping meals, reduced intake of food, over exertion, sedentary habit, day sleep etc are the causes.

Possible Complications of Osteoporosis Disease

Fracture of bones is the major complication of osteoporosis.

Other systemic diseases and precautions to be taken

Consider other health conditions like malabsorption, thyroid dysfunctions, renal disorders etc before treatment.

Osteoporosis Disease Management with Ayurveda Treatment

Purification of the srotas is the treatment of choice. Internal medications, snehana (eg: abhyanga), swedana (eg: pizhichil), nasya, ksheeravasti, brumhana therapy (nourishing treatment) etc are provided as per the patient’s condition. Treatment options vary depending on the cause of the disease.

Diet

Wheat, njavara rice, green gram, horse gram, black gram, meat soup, fish, flattened rice/ poha, green leafy vegetables etc are good for bone health.

Exercise

Mild to moderate exercise as per the physician’s advice is recommended. Yoga, pranayama (breathing exercises) can improve bone strength.

Osteoporosis Preventive Aspects in Ayurveda

Food rich in calcium, vitamin D and minerals should be included in diet, especially women after menopause. Exercise regularly. Maintain healthy body weight. Control the intake of alcohol. Expose to mild sunlight in early morning and evening. Daily oil massage all over the body can reduce the aggravation of vata. Nasya with suitable drug also prevents difficulties due to aging.

Importance of Diet

Osteoporosis is a condition that usually occur in old age due to the natural changes in body. But its progression can be delayed by following a healthy diet plan.

Lifestyle

Include more calcium supplements in food (milk, egg, small fish etc). Exercise regularly. Avoid chances of falls. Apply suitable oil all over the body before bath. Avoid over exertion.