Ankylosing Spondylitis is thought to affect anywhere from 0.1% to 1.4% of people worldwide. Patients who are positive for HLA-B27 have an increased prevalence of Ankylosing Spondylitis of about 5% in the general population. Men are more likely than women to get Ankylosing Spondylitis (2:1).
In the second and third decades of life, disease onset age typically reaches its peak. Only 5% of patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis will show symptoms before the age of 45, while about 80% of patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis experience symptoms by the time they are 30 years old.
What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Ankylosing spondylitis is an anti-inflammatory disease that over time causes vertebral bones to fuse. This fusion results in less flexibility of the spine and hunched posture. In a few cases, it may also affect the ribs, which may cause breathing difficulty.
Katigata/Prishtagata / Grivagata Amavata are the terms used for Ankylosing spondylitis in Ayurveda. It is caused due to imbalance of Vata Dosha.
Ayurveda states ‘sa kastah sarva roganam’ which means among all diseases Amavata is very difficult to treat. It can be healed with Ayurvedic herbs, spices, and modifications in diet/lifestyle.
The affected areas in Ankylosing spondylitis are
- The base of the spine
- The vertebrae in the lower back
- The hip and shoulder joints
- Tendons & ligaments of the bones
- The cartilage between the breastbone and ribs.
Ankylosing Spondylitis Signs & Symptoms
- Pain in spine
- Exessive Stiffness
- Neck pain
- Fatigue
- Feverish feeling
- Appetite loss
- Discomfort
If searching for ankylosing spondylitis cure and home remedies for relief in ankylosing spondylitis then this blog will share with you all the knowledge related to this disease.
As, Ankylosing Spondylitis Ayurvedic Treatment involves a purely natural approach that helps the individual to heal in the most effective way!
So, the following is the list of home remedies for Ankylosing Spondylitis that are best for Ankylosing Spondylitis treatment.
Natural Remedies For Ankylosing Spondylitis
1. Ayurvedic Herbs for Healing Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Boswellia Serrata:
It is known as Indian frankincense (Shallaki). It acts as an effective anti-inflammatory agent. Further, it perfectly acts as a painkiller. Regular consumption will also prevent in loss of cartilage.
- Turmeric:
It is an anti-inflammatory property, It contains the curcumin substance which plays an important role in healing. It helps in getting relief from the pain of Ankylosing spondylitis and well as it enhances wound healing.
- Ashwagandha:
It is also known as Withania Somnifera. It has several anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, it supports healing the pain of ankylosing spondylitis. This herb has been used for ages, to treat bone-related disorders.
- Guggul:
It is an anti-inflammatory herb that stops the growth of spondylosis. It is effective in reducing pain in ligaments and tendons and well as reduces stiffness.
- Giloy:
It is also known as Tinospora Cordifolia. Giloy helps in reducing the various symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis due to its anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory properties.
2. Diet Modifications for Healing Ankylosing Spondylitis
Diet plays an important role in shaping the body of the person. If you are having a healthy diet it will impact the body and at the same time, consuming unhealthy food items will have bad effects on the body.
Fresh fruits and vegetables will keep the body fit and provide the body with enough nutrients, vitamins, & required elements to the body. Start having a balanced diet that does not contain processed food items, excess sugar/salt, non-veg, and carbonated drinks.
It is very important to focus on a diet that will help in healing the body and not harming it.
3. Hot Fomentation And Massage For Healing Ankylosing Spondylitis
Heat gives relief to soreness and pain in stiff muscles and joints, a hot washcloth or towel can be used in the affected area to reduce the pain, and relax the tension in muscles, it is easily accessible and can be performed at home.
Basically, the warmth increases the blood flow in the affected area. You can immerse the body in hot water tubs or can take hot showers to manage the pain, discomfort, and other related symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis.
Massage can help with more flexibility and increase blood circulation. For people with Ankylosing spondylitis, gentle massage can give relief from pain immensely.
The massage can calm the mind and soothe the pain. Massage can be done with essential oils that can be obtained from flowers, herbs, or trees. Some of the oil that can be used to find comfort is Peppermint oil, Wintergreen oil, Lemongrass oil, Ginger oil, Lavender oil, Eucalyptus oil, and Rosemary oil. This can help to improve physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
4. Yoga and Meditation for Healing Ankylosing Spondylitis
Yoga is much more than the flex and some fad! The yoga asanas not only help with the physical tension but also help in restoring mental peace. It helps in increasing the calmness within the body, mind, and soul. Additionally, Meditation can boost the mind's power and concentration. Meditating regularly for a few minutes keeps you away from tension and stress.
Performing yoga on a daily basis helps with flexibility, promotes mobility within the body, and reduces all the stress present in the body.
Some of the best asanas for helping your spine to heal are Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose), Ardha Matsyendrasana (Sitting Half-Spinal Twist), Dhanurasana (Bow Pose), Marjariasana (Cat Pose), Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose), Matsyasana (Fish Pose).
Just keep in mind, not to over-stretch and stay in one pose for a long time.
5. Stretching and Regular exercise for healing Ankylosing Spondylitis
The stretching exercise can reduce the stiffness present in the body and the range of motion will help in easy movement of the joints. Additionally, flexibility is enhanced.
The following stretching can be done to ensure, proper movement of the spine:
- Neck rotation: Rotate your head in a clockwise motion with a slow pace and as per comfort.
- Spinal stretch: Perform a mild spinal stretch which will ease the tension present in the vertebral region. Make sure to stretch according to the limit and not overstretch.
- Hip circles: Hip circles will enhance the movement of the body and will provide the required flexibility to the body.
For the proper mobility of the body, regular motion is required. A mild workout is a must which will help with the movement and will also reduce the stiffness present in the body.
A mild exercise regimen must be practiced, which has normal movement of the body. Do not exert the body as it will, harm the body in return.
Walking, Jogging, and Zumba can become part of your daily routine.
By quitting a sedentary lifestyle you can easily manage the symptoms of the disease.
Ayurvedic General Tips for Healing Ankylosing Spondylitis:
- Follow a proper sleeping position which will help the spine to be in an erect posture.
- One should avoid a large head pillow as elevating the neck distorts the spine, try sleeping without a pillow, if not then use a slim and thin pillow. Also, do not tuck the pillow underneath the legs.
- Further, prefer sleeping on the back than on your stomach or side. Lastly, a mattress will help your back a lot if it is comfortable and does not sag!
- Smoking is linked to aggravating the symptoms of the disease. The functions are compromised as well life becomes hard. So, one should not smoke as your condition will fare up. It may be a good coping mechanism for stress, but it harms the body instead of healing it. So, along with smoking, quit all kinds of activities related to it. Avoid substance abuse at all costs.
So, these are the best natural remedies for ankylosing spondylitis. Try it out and see the difference on your own. If you have been dealing with severe pain these remedies for ankylosing spondylitis will help you, but you still need an Ayurvedic expert who can guide you with the treatment.
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