Chikungunya: Ayurvedic Management, Signs, Symptoms, and Diet Recommendations

Introduction:

Chikungunya is a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes, primarily the *Aedes aegypti* and *Aedes albopictus* species. This disease is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, and outbreaks have been reported across Africa, Asia, and India. Though rarely fatal, chikungunya can cause severe discomfort due to its hallmark symptom of joint pain.

In Ayurveda, chikungunya is seen as an imbalance in the body’s dosha (Vaata, Pitta, and Kapha) caused by the invasion of external pathogens. Ayurvedic treatments aim to manage symptoms and restore balance through natural remedies, diet, and lifestyle modifications.

In this blog, we’ll explore the signs and symptoms of chikungunya, the Ayurvedic perspective on the disease, effective Ayurvedic treatments, and dietary recommendations for managing it.

Signs and Symptoms of Chikungunya:

Chikungunya has a rapid onset of symptoms, which typically appear 4 to 8 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. The most common signs and symptoms include:

  1. Fever: Sudden onset of high fever, often exceeding 102°F (39°C), which may last several days.
  2. Joint Pain (Arthralgia): Intense joint pain that may persist for weeks or months after the initial infection. It most commonly affects the wrists, ankles, and knees.
  3. Muscle Pain: Myalgia or muscle pain is common and often accompanies joint pain.
  4. Skin Rash: A maculopapular rash (red spots) may appear on the trunk, limbs, or face. The rash typically lasts for a few days.
  5. Fatigue: Weakness and fatigue are common symptoms that can linger even after the fever has subsided.
  6. Headache: Severe headaches, often located around the forehead, are frequently reported.
  7. Nausea and Vomiting: Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

 

While these symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable, chikungunya is generally not life-threatening. However, lingering joint pain can significantly affect a person’s quality of life, leading to a need for holistic and effective treatment options.

 

Blood Investigations for Chikungunya:

CBC or Heamogram

ESR

ELISA

can be advised to ruled out chikungunya.

Ayurvedic View of Chikungunya

In Ayurveda, chikungunya can be understood as a condition resulting from the aggravation of Vaata and Pitta dosha. The viral infection disrupts the balance of these doshas, leading to fever (Pitta imbalance) and joint pain (Vaata imbalance). The disease can be compared to “Sandhi-gata -jwara,” or “Sandhik Sannipaat” a type of fever that affects the joints and muscles, often linked to seasonal and environmental factors, such as exposure to external pathogens.

 

Ayurveda focuses on strengthening the immune system (Vyadhikshamatva) and balancing the aggravated dosha while eliminating toxins (aama) from the body.

 

Ayurvedic Management of Chikungunya

A) Herbal Remedies:

  1. Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia): Guduchi is a powerful immune booster that helps manage fever and detoxifies the body. It helps restore balance in both Vaata and Pitta dosha.
  2. Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum): Tulsi is revered in Ayurveda for its antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immune-enhancing properties. It is beneficial in reducing fever and respiratory discomfort.
  3. Shunthi (Dry Ginger): Shunthi helps in improving digestion, reducing nausea, and alleviating joint pain caused by Vaata imbalance.
  4. Shallaki (Boswellia serrata): An excellent herb for managing chronic inflammation and joint pain.

 

B) Ayurvedic Formulations:

  1. Mahasudarshan Churna: This herbal powder is traditionally used for managing fevers and viral infections. It helps detoxify the body and supports the immune system.
  2. Amritarishta: A liquid formulation that helps manage fever and strengthens the immune system, balancing Pitta and promoting recovery from infections.
  3. Rasna Saptak Kwath: An Ayurvedic decoction specifically formulated to manage joint pain and swelling, making it useful for chikungunya-induced arthralgia.
  4. Dashamularishtha: An ayurvedic decoctions formulated for vaata disorder management that can be used in Chikungunya pain management.

All medicines are advised to be consumed after medical advice only.

 

C) Dietary Recommendations for Managing Chikungunya

Diet plays a crucial role in both recovery and prevention of chikungunya. During the illness, it’s important to eat foods that balance Vaata and Pitta dosha while promoting easy digestion and immune function.

Do’s:

– Warm, Nourishing Foods: Opt for light, easily digestible meals like khichdi, soups, and broths. These help balance Vaata and Pitta while providing energy for recovery.

– Fresh Vegetables: Include cooked leafy green beans, carrots, pumpkin, and other vegetables that are easy to digest. Avoid raw foods during the recovery phase, as they are harder to digest and can aggravate Vaata.

– Herbal Teas: Drink herbal teas made from Tulsi, ginger, and turmeric to boost immunity, reduce inflammation, and improve digestion.

– Hydration: Stay hydrated with warm water or coconut water. It helps flush out toxins and supports overall healing.

– Ghee: Use ghee in moderate quantities to lubricate the body internally and balance Vaata.

Don’ts:

– Avoid Spicy and Oily Foods: Spicy, fried, or overly greasy foods can aggravate Pitta and slow down digestion, leading to aama (toxins) buildup.

– Cold Foods: Cold drinks, ice creams, and refrigerated foods should be avoided as they can disturb the digestive fire (Agni) and aggravate Vaata.

– Heavy Foods: Avoid meat, excessive dairy, and hard-to-digest food items like pizza or processed snacks, as they can create toxins and impair recovery.

– Caffeine and Alcohol: These can dehydrate the body and aggravate Pitta, leading to inflammation and slower recovery.

Do’s and Don’ts in Ayurveda for Chikungunya Recovery

Do’s:

  1. Take adequate rest to allow the body to recover.
  2. Practice gentle yoga and breathing exercises like Pranayama to strengthen the immune system and enhance circulation.
  3. Use warm water for bathing and drink warm herbal infusions.
  4. Oil Massage (Abhyanga): Massage the body with warm oils like sesame or mustard to improve joint mobility. Medicated oils like Mahanarayan oil or Dhanwantharam oil for gentle massage help soothe joint pain and reduce stiffness caused by Vata imbalance. This therapy not only alleviates pain but also improves blood circulation and muscle flexibility.
  5. Panchakarma Therapy:
  • Snehana (Oleation Therapy): Internal and external use of medicated oils can help lubricate the joints and alleviate pain. (Only if there is no swelling)
  • Swedana (Steam Therapy): This treatment helps reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and relax muscles, relieving joint pain and stiffness.
  • Virechana (Therapeutic Purgation): This detoxification therapy is used to eliminate excess Pitta from the body, helping manage fever and inflammation.
  • Basti (Medicated Enema): Vaata-balancing Basti treatments can alleviate chronic joint pain by nourishing and detoxifying the lower gastrointestinal tract.

All the Panchakarma therapies have to be done only after a doctor’s recommendation.

Don’ts:
  • Avoid overexertion and heavy physical activity until full recovery.
  • Do not skip meals or consume cold, stale, or processed foods.
  • Refrain from exposure to cold drafts or air conditioning, as it may aggravate joint pain and Vaata dosha.
  • Avoid daytime naps, which can impair digestion and slow recovery.

 

All the above-mentioned ayurvedic medications and formulations are for the purpose of information and awareness about the Chikungunya disease. Patients are advised to take necessary consultation and advice from the doctor while treating with chikungunya.

At Dr. Bathe’s Ayurvidhi Clinic – Ayurvedic & Panchakarma Clinic we have treated many Chikungunya Cases with Ayurvedic medication and also cured post-chikungunya effects effectively with our ayurvedic and panchakarma treatment. 

We are the best Ayurvedic clinic for Ayurvedic & panchakarma treatment and consultation of various chronic diseases.  

Read More

Basti Panchakarma in monsoon : an ultimate detox

Ayurveda is a science of life. It emphasizes on curing diseases along with maintaining health of a healthy pal. So for that Ayurveda has mentioned yearly three seasons for detoxifying the body from toxins.  Vasant to eliminate vitiated Kapha, Sharad to eliminate vitiated Pitta & Monsoon, or Varsha Rhutu for vitiated Vaata. 

What is the basti procedure?

Basti is one of the procedures from the panchakarma therapies. Basti is an introduction of medicate decoction or kadha along with the emulsification of honey, medicated oil, and other medicine through anal opening.  It is carried out with the help of basti instruments such as rubber catheters and enema pots.  The basic procedure is carried out after full body oil application followed by a steam session.

What are the types of basti procedures to do this monsoon?

There are mainly two types of basti to be done in monsoon which are Kadha basti or niruha and another one is Tail basti or Anuvasana.  Generally, each one of them is introduced on an alternate day for 8 15, or 21 days. The duration of Basti depends on the chronicity of diseases and the accumulation of toxins in the system.

 

Eligibility for Monsoon Detox:

People who have healthy lifestyles and good physical and mental health are eligible for basti this monsoon season. Along with those people who are suffering from health issues are also eligible for the basti this monsoon.

Doing the Basti procedure in the monsoon has tremendous health benefits Such as:

It is beneficial for people suffering from;
  • People suffering from osteoporosis
  • People suffering from joint problems such as arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, spondylitis,
  • People suffering from disc bulge, herniated disc, slip disc, lower back pain & sciatica
  • People suffering from gastric issues like gastric disturbance, bloating, heaviness in the lower abdomen
  • People suffering from hair fall and other hair problems
  • People suffering from stubborn body fat
  • People suffering from menstrual problems
  • Helps to get rid of chronic constipation
  • Also beneficial for people trying to conceive naturally (for both male & female partners)
  • Helps in balancing the three doshas which are Vaata, Pitta & Kapha
  • Aids in the removal of accumulated toxins from the colon along with vitiated Vaata Dosha
  • Regulates Vata doshas by balancing the qualities vitiated
  • Enhances absorption of food by improving digestion
  • Nourishes and strengthens the colon tissues
  • Improves blood circulation
  • Boosts immunity by eliminating the toxins
  • Helps in the management of numerous gynecological issues
  • Can help regulate hormonal imbalance
  • Improves the tone and texture of the skin so helpful in various skin diseases

 

 

The Basti procedure holds a major compact in the panchakarma treatment. It is the main line of treatment for Vaata doshas which is a major causative factor for vitiating doshas in the body. So overcoming Vaata with basti during monsoon season can help you to restore the balance of health and eliminate the toxins from the body.

At Ayurvidhi Clinic we offer best ayurvedic panchakarma treatment for various diseases.

At Ayurvidhi Clinic we are giving a flat 20% discount on regular basti charges on 8 days basti program till 01.09.2024. We request you to communicate with us to know more and avail the benefit of this offer.

Read More

Revitalize Your Knee Health with Janu Basti: A Panchakarma Perspective

In the realm of traditional Ayurvedic medicine, Janu Basti Panchakarma stands out as a unique and effective treatment for knee-related ailments. Derived from the ancient Sanskrit words “Janu” (knee) and “Basti” (to hold or contain), this therapeutic procedure focuses on rejuvenating and healing the knee joint. As a part of the broader Panchakarma system, Janu Basti offers a holistic approach to knee care by addressing the root causes of pain, discomfort, and inflammation.

Understanding Janu Basti:

Before diving into the specifics of Janu Basti, it’s crucial to grasp the concept of Panchakarma. Panchakarma is an essential component of Ayurveda, aimed at detoxifying and rejuvenating the body. It involves a series of treatments and therapies designed to remove toxins, balance the doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), and restore overall health.

Janu Basti is a therapeutic procedure within the Panchakarma system, tailored to alleviate knee-related issues.

 

The Procedure

Janu Basti uses warm herbal oils and a dough dam to create a reservoir around the knee joint. The process begins with the patient lying on their back, followed by the application of a herbal oil on the knee area. A dough dam made from black gram paste is then placed around the knee, creating a sealed space. Warm, medicated oil is poured into this reservoir and allowed to remain for a specific duration.

Indication:

Janu Basti is seen as beneficial in the following knee conditions:

  • Knee pain while movement
  • Osteoarthritis of the knee
  • ACL tear
  • PCL tear
  • Previous old history of knee operative with current knee pain condition,
  • Cartilage tear
  • Meniscus tear
  • Tendonitis

 

Benefits of Janu Basti

  • Pain Relief: Janu Basti is particularly effective in relieving knee pain caused by arthritis, osteoarthritis, or other inflammatory conditions. The warmth of the oil and its therapeutic properties soothe the joint, reduce inflammation, and ease discomfort.
  • Improves Mobility: By nourishing the knee joint and supporting natural lubrication, Janu Basti enhances joint mobility and flexibility. This, in turn, helps in restoring a broader range of motion.
  • Long-Term Healing: Unlike temporary pain relief solutions, Janu Basti addresses the root causes of knee issues by oiling the knee ligament, tissue attached to the knee joint, etc. Regular treatments can lead to long-term healing, making it an ideal choice for chronic conditions like a meniscus tear, ACL tear, osteoarthritis of the knee, etc.
  • Preventive Care: Janu basti serves as a preventive measure in old age, for patients having degenerative changes in knee joints due to its rejuvenating properties.
  • Curative Care: Janu Basti can also serve as a curative measure to cure knee pain in degeneration of knee joints, especially for individuals at risk in old age & for professional players with knee injuries like athletes, tennis players, those who have undergone knee surgeries and now facing knee problem again, also in ACL tear, PCL tear, meniscus tear, and tendonitis, etc.

Janu Basti Panchakarma is a testament to the holistic approach of Ayurveda towards healthcare. By addressing the underlying causes of knee problems and promoting overall well-being, this ancient therapy offers a natural and effective solution for those seeking relief from knee pain and discomfort.

At  Ayurvidhi Clinic Ayurvedic & Panchakarma Treatment Centre many patients have found a good relief in knee problems with our Janu Basti program. We always choose the right oil for Janu Basti according to the patient’s complaints, which suits them giving the best result in knee pain and problems.

Read More

Relieving Knee Pain with Ayurveda

Knee pain is a common ailment that affects people of all ages and can significantly impact one’s quality of life. Whether it’s due to an injury, arthritis, or overuse, the discomfort and limitation in mobility can be frustrating. While conventional treatments like pain relievers and surgery are available, Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, offers a holistic approach to managing and treating knee pain. In this blog, we will explore the causes of knee pain, Ayurvedic principles behind it, and natural treatments to find lasting relief.

Understanding Knee Pain in Ayurveda:

In Ayurveda, knee pain is often attributed to an imbalance in the Vata dosha, which represents the elements of air and ether. When Vata is aggravated, it can cause dryness, stiffness, and pain in the joints. However, other doshas can also play a role, especially in cases where inflammation is present, such as in rheumatoid arthritis.

Common Causes of Knee Pain:

  1. Osteoarthritis: This is the most common form of arthritis and occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears down over time.
  2. Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks the synovial (lining of the membranes that surround the joints), causing pain and inflammation.
  3. Injuries: Knee injuries, such as ligament tears (ACL or MCL) or meniscus tears, can lead to chronic knee pain.
  4. Overuse: Repetitive strain on the knee joint, often seen in athletes and individuals with physically demanding jobs, can result in pain and discomfort.

Ayurvedic Treatments for Knee Pain:

Ayurveda emphasizes on treating the root cause, so first (@ Ayurvidhi Clinic) we diagnose according to Ayurvedic way by taking detailed case history. As per it by making final Diagnosis we start treatment as per dosha and the disease.

  1. Diet and Nutrition: Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet to maintain healthy joints. Foods rich in anti-inflammatory properties, such as ginger, turmeric, and garlic, can help reduce knee pain. Ghee (clarified butter) is also beneficial for lubricating the joints.
  2. Herbal Remedies: Ayurvedic herbs like Ashwagandha, Dashamool, Guggul are known for their anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. They can be consumed in various forms, including capsules, tablets or as part of Ayurvedic formulations.
  3. Massage and Other Therapy: Abhyanga, (the practice of self-massage with warm herbal oils) can alleviate knee pain. Mahanarayan oil, which contains a blend of herbs, is commonly used for joint pain relief. Few other treatments like Pottali Massage, Janu Basti (putting oil on the knee for specific timing) helps to relieve the pain also helps in painless movement of the joint.
  4. Basti: A course of basti helps to elevate the pain of knee by providing the nourishment and keeping the Vaata doshas in check which is a major cause for Knee pain.

Treatment and medicine mentioned above are only for the purpose of information please consult to your Ayurveda Doctor before consuming any ayurvedic medicine.

At Ayurvidhi Clinic (Ayurveda Panchakarma Treatment Centre) we provide best ayurvedic & panchakarma treatment for knee pain and other joint pain problem.

Read More

Arthritis

 

Arthritis is a common joint disease faced by numerous people nowadays. Arthritis is a degenerative disease of joints commonly found in old age people, but nowadays people from young age group are also been prone to arthritis. It is characterized by swelling and stiffness in joints.

Types of arthritis

There few types of arthritis which are important to know while treating it.

  1. Osteoarthritis:

It is one of a common type of an arthritis mostly affecting joints and its cartilages. In this the cartilages attached to bones are gradually wore out over the period of time due to various causes. It affects mostly weight bearing joints of the body. Common example is knee joint.

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis:

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease. It is a condition in which the immunity cells attacks its own body cell. In this case the immunity cells attacks on cartilages. The symptoms of RA are inflammation of synovial membrane which causes pain and tenderness in joints.

3. Ankylosing Spondylitis:

Ankylosing Spondylitis is a type of arthritis that mainly affects spine and its muscle. It has chronic back pain, stiffness mostly at the junction of ligaments attaches to bone.

4. Psoriatic Arthritis:

Psoriatic Arthritis is an autoimmune joint disorder develops in the patient suffering from Psoriasis. This disease has red and slivery patches on the body.

So, while treating the patients suffering from arthritis it is a big challenge as it is not a condition that completely cures in current scenario. It also has several limitations like use of drugs there are only use for static muscle relaxants for pain relief, using of NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to cure the inflammation are used for long term are the only solutions till now.

Ayurvedic view while treating arthritis 

But ayurveda medicine gives a best way to manage and avoid the further complication associated with arthritis. Ayurveda has a holistic approach while treating arthritis. For the treatment arthritis it is important to understand the nature of disease and the root causes. The Ayurvedic herbal medicines are very effective in reducing the symptoms of the disease and prevent the further deterioration of body. Whereas the panchakarma therapies are effective in regenerate the cartilages cells and improve the health of joints.

At Ayurvidhi Clinic (Ayurvedic Chikitsalaya & Panchakarma Therapy Centre) we offer effective and authentic treatment for arthritis.

Read More