As per ayurveda Chikungunya Arthritis is a condition caused by a Vata dosha disorder. It is a result of the chikungunya virus affecting the body's immune system that leads to the production of toxins (ama). These toxins accumulate in the lining of the joints and result in pain and inflammation giving the symptoms which are similar to arthritis.
Arthritis has more than 100 types; one of the types is Post viral arthritis. This means after a viral infection, the person has the symptoms of arthritis.
So coming back to the Chikungunya arthritis, this blog will cover everything about this disease, from the explanation of how is it transmitted to what can be the possible Ayurvedic treatment for Chikungunya arthritis.
Let’s begin!
Table of Content
- What really is the Chikungunya virus?
- How is this transmitted to humans?
- What are the symptoms that a person experience after getting infected with this virus?
- What is Chikungunya arthritis?
- What does Ayurveda say about Chikungunya arthritis?
- Is there any other mode by which Chikungunya arthritis can be treated?
- How can the transmission be prevented?
- How is Ayurveda helpful in the treatment of Chikungunya arthritis?
- Ayurvedic herbs for Chikungunya arthritis
- Dietary changes for treatment of Chikungunya arthritis
- What can be done for the stress that comes along?
- What is the takeaway?
What really is the Chikungunya virus?
Viruses lie on the borderline of living & non-living. When in contact with the living host it can reproduce.
The viruses have their own machinery and this virus is a single-stranded RNA virus that causes acute illness to the affected person and is transmitted through a mosquito belonging to the Aedes species.
How is this transmitted to humans?
As mentioned above, it is transmitted through mosquitoes. Let’s begin with the mechanism.
If a person somehow has the virus in the circulating system and the uninfected mosquito feeds on the same person, it will pick up the virus while ingesting the blood. This virus will replicate inside the mosquito.
Now, when this mosquito will feed on a human, it will transfer the virus inside the person and this virus will amplify itself affecting the person. This is how the cycle goes on.
The virus is known as CHIKV and the species of mosquito that are involved in the transmission are Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.
After the transmission, a person starts to experience various symptoms which are covered in the next part of the section.
What are the symptoms that a person experience after getting infected with this virus?
Now that the person is infected, he/she will have this broad range of symptoms. The symptoms appear usually after 3-7 days after an infected mosquito has bitten you. The following listed are the signs that you may have Chikungunya.
- High fever
- Severe pain in the muscles & joints
- Swelling in joints
- Headache
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Skin rashes (maculopapular)
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Sore throat
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Backache
- Inflammation of eyelids (conjunctivitis)
- Swollen lymph glands (lymphadenopathy).
What is Chikungunya arthritis?
Following this viral infection, a person may develop chronic Chikungunya arthritis that resembles Rheumatoid arthritis.
So, this type of arthritis is post-viral as mentioned in the starting. In this type after or during the recovery phase from the CHIKV, the affected individual starts to experience the symptoms of arthritis that mostly turns chronic.
The signs of arthritis include pain, swelling, inflammation, tenderness, and stiffness of the joints. Along with this, the affected area becomes red and the range of mobility also decreases.
With just the Chikungunya the patient feels better within two weeks, but the joint pain can go long and may persist for several months.
What does Ayurveda say about Chikungunya arthritis?
Sandhijwara means fever of joints and is similar to Chikungunya arthritis. Ayurveda uses a simple approach to treat this disease. The modifications in diet and lifestyle, along with the consumption of Ayurvedic herbs are the base of Ayurveda.
These practices help in easy recovery of the diagnosed by giving no side effects. It also enables the body to develop a strong immunity, which decreases the chances of being affected by this virus again.
Is there any other mode by which Chikungunya arthritis can be treated?
There are no vaccinations available to deal with this. The only way is to prevent it and manage it by natural means. Protecting yourself from mosquito bites is the only way and if there was not enough protection from the your side, then the best way is Ayurveda.
How can the transmission be prevented?
- The water must not be stagnant near your surroundings. Make sure the environment does not have any natural and water-filled containers or habitats that become the breeding environment for mosquitoes.
- The insecticides must be sprayed to kill the breeding mosquitoes. The health authorities should take the initiative of controlling the population of mosquitoes.
- One should also minimize skin exposure and wear clothes that cover the skin region of the body.
- The mosquito repellants can be applied to the clothes or the skin as they will keep the mosquitoes away.
- Mosquito nets can also be used while sleeping. These nets provide great protection to the people.
How is Ayurveda helpful in the treatment of Chikungunya arthritis?
Ayurveda is the ancient form of science that naturally deals with diseases and removes the root cause of the diseases. It is a safe way that does not give any side effects.
Ayurveda has a remedy for every condition. Let’s know more to know the treatment of post-viral arthritis, it offers.
Ayurvedic herbs for Chikungunya arthritis
- Aswagandha: This herb is known to improve the immunity of the person. With this, the severity of the infection decreases. It also works for providing energy in fighting fatigue and weakness.
- Guduchi: The Guduchi too is an immunity booster. It helps in reducing the symptoms of this type of arthritis.
- Amalaki: It is the richest source of vitamin C and helps in effective treatment. It reduces inflammation.
- Yashthimadu: This is the best herb as it promotes the overall health of the affected person. It is a tonic for the treatment of Chikungunya arthritis. It also acts as a laxative and possesses anti-inflammatory properties.
- Manjishtha: It helps with the purification of the blood. It reduces joint pain.
- Shallaki: It helps in balancing the Doshas and reduces the pain and swelling in the joints.
- Rasna: It stimulates the immune system of the body. It reduces the excessive inflammation that is present in the joints.
- Guggulu: It is the best herb for treating inflammatory conditions as it has various antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Turmeric: It reduces the pain caused during the infection. The curcumin present inside the turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which ease the symptoms of post-viral arthritis.
- Ginger: It has pain-relieving properties and helps to control the pain, providing relief to the patients.
- Tulsi (Basil Leaves): It helps with fever by reducing body temperature. By boosting immunity, it promotes a speedy recovery. Either chew the leaves or add them to tea for the benefits.
- Sunflower seeds and Honey: This mixture helps in relieving joint pain. Honey has anti-inflammatory properties that help in minimizing inflammation and sunflower seeds have zinc and vitamin –E which are essential for the body so that it can fight against foreign particles.
Dietary changes for treatment of Chikungunya arthritis
- First of all, do not overeat. Eat according to your hunger. Similarly, drink when you are thirsty.
- Do not eat stale food items. It will deteriorate your already existing conditions. Plus, it is unhealthy. Eat only fresh and homemade food.
- Eat fresh fruits and vegetables. They will instill the body with various nutrients and minerals.
- Add salads to your diet. Cut those cucumbers, tomatoes, and lettuce.
- Add raw food items, and steamed/boiled vegetables to your daily regimen.
- Drink fresh fruit/vegetable juices to keep the body well-nourished.
- Keep the body well hydrated with water and other drinks like coconut water, coconut milk, honey water, and ginger water.
- Prefer to have a vegetarian diet and avoid an animal-based diet.
- Get rid of caffeine and tea. Start having herbal/green tea as it contains so many benefits. Enriched with various antioxidants and minerals, it keeps the overall body fit.
- Carbonated drinks and fizzy beverages must be avoided. They are not good for health as they contain chemicals.
- Fast food items, junk food, and spicy foods must be not eaten. They are considered toxic for the easy functioning of the digestive system.
- Foods that are heavy and rich in saturated fats are oily & sticky and pose a risk for you. They decrease the immunity levels and also hinder the functioning of the heart and other organs.
- Excess of anything is bad. So do not increase your intake of salt and sugar. They become toxic to the body.
- Limit the use of dairy products in your diet. They become too heavy for the digestive system to function well.
What can be done for the stress that comes along?
A very simple and easy way to bust the stress is to perform yoga and meditation.
Yoga will calm the brain and release the tension present in the muscles and various organs of the body. Meditation is known to rejuvenate and purify the body, mind, and soul.
The other ways are to start going out for morning/evening walks or mild jogging. Ensure you cover up your body so that any mosquito does not bite you.
A mild workout routine will also help. Just do not strain your body otherwise it will make the situation worse.
What is the takeaway?
This condition is not deadly, but the pain that it brings along is unbearable. So, you need an expert who is going to guide you with all this. Before following anything, consult us!
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