Osteoarthritis (Sandhigata Vata): An Ayurvedic Perspective on Joint Wellbeing

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is widely recognised as a degenerative joint condition. It develops gradually over time as the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones becomes thinner and less resilient. As this protective layer wears down, joints may become stiff, painful, and less mobile, particularly during movement or after periods of rest.

Osteoarthritis most commonly affects weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, spine (neck and lower back), as well as the hands. The condition is more prevalent with increasing age, particularly after the age of 60, and is slightly more common in women. Symptoms often feel more noticeable in the morning or after inactivity.

Understanding Osteoarthritis

From a medical perspective, osteoarthritis involves changes not only to cartilage, but also to the surrounding bone, connective tissue, ligaments, and joint capsule. Over time, the joint may lose its normal shape, and small bony growths known as osteophytes (bone spurs) may develop. These structural changes can contribute to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion.

Osteoarthritis is a chronic and progressive condition, meaning it tends to develop slowly and requires ongoing management rather than a single course of treatment.

Common Symptoms

People living with osteoarthritis may experience:

• Joint pain during or after movement

• Morning stiffness or stiffness after rest

• Reduced flexibility and range of motion

• Joint tenderness or swelling

• A grating or clicking sensation during movement

• Gradual loss of strength or stability in the affected joint

Symptoms vary from person to person and may fluctuate over time.

Risk Factors

Factors commonly associated with osteoarthritis include:

• Increasing age

• Previous joint injury or overuse

• Excess body weight placing stress on joints

• Genetic predisposition

• Occupations or activities involving repetitive joint strain

Osteoarthritis in Ayurveda: Sandhigata Vata

In Ayurveda, osteoarthritis is traditionally described as Sandhigata Vata, a condition associated with aggravation of Vata dosha in the joints. Vata is responsible for movement, dryness, and degeneration within the body. As part of the natural ageing process, Vata predominance increases, which may contribute to joint dryness, reduced lubrication, stiffness, and discomfort.

Ayurveda views joint wellbeing holistically, focusing on comfort, mobility, circulation, and functional independence, rather than structural repair.

Ayurvedic Approach: Supportive Joint Care

At Ayur Healthcare, Ayurvedic care for osteoarthritis is approached as supportive wellbeing management, designed to:

• Support joint comfort

• Improve mobility and flexibility

• Assist circulation around affected joints

• Promote overall quality of life

• Encourage healthy daily movement and lifestyle balance

Ayurvedic care is not a replacement for medical management and does not claim to reverse cartilage degeneration.

Ayurvedic Therapies Offered at Ayur Healthcare

Therapies are selected based on individual assessment and may include:

• Abhyanga – warm herbal oil massage to support circulation and muscle relaxation

• Swedana – gentle herbal steam therapy to ease stiffness

• Janu Basti / Kati Basti – localised oil pooling therapies used for knee or lower back comfort

• Udwarthana – herbal powder massage, particularly useful where excess weight contributes to joint stress

• Gentle Panchakarma therapies – used only as supportive detoxification and wellbeing care

All therapies are delivered by trained practitioners and tailored to individual needs.

Diet & Lifestyle Support (Ayurvedic Guidance)

Ayurvedic lifestyle guidance for joint wellbeing may include:

• Warm, nourishing, easily digestible meals

• Anti-inflammatory style food choices

• Adequate hydration

• Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce joint load

• Gentle, joint-friendly movement such as walking, yoga, or stretching

• Avoiding prolonged exposure to cold and excessive strain

These measures aim to support daily comfort and mobility, not cure disease.

Why Choose Ayur Healthcare?

Ayur Healthcare, based in Parramatta, Sydney, is known for its classical Ayurvedic approach delivered within Australian healthcare expectations. Our practitioners take time to understand each individual’s constitution, lifestyle, and health goals before recommending any therapy.

We focus on:

• Personalised wellbeing plans

• Safe, ethical, and compliant care

• Supporting clients alongside their existing medical treatment

Importance of an Ayurvedic Consultation

An Ayurvedic consultation is essential before commencing any therapy. This allows the practitioner to:

• Assess individual constitution and imbalances

• Understand medical history and current care

• Recommend appropriate therapies safely

• Ensure treatments complement, not replace, medical advice

Conclusion

Osteoarthritis is a long-term, degenerative joint condition that requires ongoing, balanced management. Ayurveda offers a holistic wellbeing-focused approach that may help support joint comfort, movement, and daily function when used responsibly alongside conventional care.

At Ayur Healthcare, our goal is to support individuals living with osteoarthritis through personalised Ayurvedic therapies, lifestyle guidance, and compassionate care—always with safety and integrity at the forefront.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition, and Ayurvedic therapies do not reverse cartilage loss or cure osteoarthritis. Individual responses may vary. Please consult your GP, specialist, or allied health professional for medical management. Ayur Healthcare provides supportive wellbeing care and does not make claims of guaranteed outcomes.