Bones-Building Blocks of Our Body
For the construction and development of nature and body also, PRITHWI, AAP, TEJ, WAAYU, and AAKASH are the five fundamental elements that are obligatory. Of these, PRITHWI, AAP, and TEJ contribute to the development of ASTHI (bones). On digestion of food, seven basic constituents like RASA, RAKTA, MANSA, MEDA, ASTHI, MAJJA, and SHUKRA emerge sequentially. Hence, MANSA and MEDA have a relation with the process of ASTHINIRMITI, i.e. bone formation. Unctuous, firm, and stiff attributes of MANSA and MEDA attain a solid and strong form to make a bone.
Bones have the function of supporting the body. They form the skeleton and framework of the body. All the other basic and fundamental quantities are rested upon this framework. When the ASTHI (bones) suffer wear and tear, problems like joint aches, and the fragility of teeth, hair, and nails arise.
AYURVEDIC VIEW IN ORTHOPEDIC DISORDER TREATMEMT
As a result of wear and tear of bones, whenever one experiences backache, pain in the neck region, lower back pain, knee joint pains, and other aches, many medicines are administered to enhance the strength and solidify the bones, but it is as equally necessary that in relation with the absorption of medicines and the diet, one should have good digestive state. This is seldom taken seriously, resulting in more wearing of bones even though we take a lot of supplementary calcium, vitamins, etc. In ayurvedic treatment, DEEPAN-PAACHAN-SNEHAN-SWEDAN-VIRECHAN-BASTI and other procedures enhance the digestive system, consequently increasing the rate and efficiency of the digested food being converted into bones.
PANCHAKARMAS IN TREATMENT OF ORTHOPEDIC DISORDERS
Virechana:- when done in the scientific procedure, virechana is a purgatory treatment by means of which the excess PITTADOSH (biliary problem-causing agents) are expelled out of the body.
Basti:- a decoction of certain bitter herbs in milk along with clarified butter is administered in the rectum. This is called as TIKTAKHSEERA BASTI. This procedure halts bone degeneration. Surgical procedures of knee replacement, and spine surgeries can be avoided with this treatment.
Katibasti, Manyabasti, Jaanubasti:- dough of wheat and black gram flour is encircled around the painful parts like the lumbar and cervical region, and painful joints like the knee joint. Warm-medicated oil is poured on that painful part. This procedure nourishes the bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons. Thus, bone degeneration and pain are halted.
Snehana:- use of oil and ghee by means of external and internally ways is called snehana. WAAYU responsible for bone degeneration is pacified and pain relief is established.
Swedana:- the process of induced medicinal perspiration is called swedana. Joint stiffness and pain are immediately suppressed with swedana.
Pathya:- wholesome dietary advice- dried dates, milk, meat, eggs, fish oil, dates, ghee, sunlight exposure, etc.
Apathya(not to do):- stale food, untimely meals, heavy physical work, inadequate sleep, fad diet, frequent fasting, bakery items, junk and fast food, sedentary lifestyle, lack of sunlight exposure, smoking, and alcohol intake, overall VAATADOSHA boosting lifestyle.