When we hear the word ‘Virus’, we impulsively think of an awful experience; especially after the Covid-19 pandemic. Another virus that is as unpleasant as corona is Chikungunya. Often, people make the mistake of taking it lightly and deteriorating the condition immensely. The symptoms of this viral disease have long-term implications and, at times, can even become unbearable if not managed well.
Another peculiar fact about this disease is that it does not have a specific treatment; rather, supportive remedies, therapies, and medications are typically advised by the practitioners. Moreover, Ayurveda finds a decent place in soothing the symptoms, i.e. joint pain management in Chikungunya. Keep reading to explore the perks of ayurvedic remedies in Chikungunya management.
Why does Chikungunya cause joint pain?
Chikungunya is a viral disease spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Fever, body rashes, headache, insomnia, multiple joint pain, etc are the common symptoms of Chikungunya. Symptoms like fever, in most cases, subside in 2-3 days. However, joint pain may persist for longer. Given below are some of the reasons why joint pain occurs and persists in Chikungunya:
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Immune response:
Joint pain in Chikungunya is due to the body’s immune system responding to the viral attack. It is essentially because the immune system deems the body's cells as foreign or infective agents and begins to destroy them. As a result, the muscles and the joints are affected and subjected to pain.
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Viral toxins:
The toxins released by the virus are suspected to exist as residuals in the cells of the body. These toxins have the potential to invade the cartilage and also result in inflammation of joints.
According to one study conducted by the American College of Rheumatology, up to 70% of the people who were previously infected with Chikungunya were found to have the persistence of joint pain up to several months and years, similar to rheumatoid arthritis. Hence, it becomes important to effectively and timely manage joint pain in Chikungunya before it takes a severe turn.
Ayurvedic Remedies for Joint Pain in Chikungunya
In the Ayurvedic context, Sanhijwara has a mention which means fever of the joints. Remedies of this find its application in Chikungunya joint pain management. Given below are some of them:
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Diet & Lifestyle
Incorporating fresh fruits, vegetables; especially green vegetables and foods rich in calcium are highly recommended to pacify the vata dosha. Besides this, it should be ensured that the diet is anti-inflammatory, i.e. avoiding the consumption of food that causes inflammation, eg. Processed eatables, red meat, added sugar, etc.
Besides this, adequate hydration levels (increased consumption of water, coconut water, etc) and sufficient rest is required to ensure healthy healing.
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Ayurvedic Treatments
Panchakarma is one of the ayurvedic treatments that helps in getting rid of the toxins from the body. There are many types of Panchakarma, like Raktamokshana, Nasyam, etc that can prove to be beneficial for detoxifying the residues of viral toxins. This can help in reducing the inflammation as well as soothing the joint pain.
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Fomentation
Hot fomentation is often recommended for instant relief from joint pain. This works by heating the sand and then transferring it in a thick fabric which is then covered. The thick fabric is then applied to the affected joint areas. The fomentation technique works immediately on soothing the joint pain and it is usually considered to be safe for daily application for upto 15 minutes.
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Ayurvedic Herbs
Ayurvedic herbs such as Nirgundi, Dashmool kwath, Til, Chitrak and common ingredients like turmeric, ginger, etc are filled with anti-inflammatory and calming properties. They do work as natural painkillers by enabling the body to heal by itself.
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Ayurvedic Massage Oil
Massaging ayurvedic oil on the affected joint areas can help reduce the pain, stiffness, and inflammation. Ayurvedic oils such as Nirgundi, Camphor, til, etc are some of the most popularly used ones for treating pain. Moreover, a good massage oil formulated with the extracts of multiple beneficial ayurvedic ingredients should be preferred over assorted oils. This is because the combined oil will have the assembled power and can exhibit exceptional results.
Takeaway:
As we already discussed, there is no specific treatment for Chikungunya, hence, ‘prevention is better than cure’ become the most prevalent here. Mosquito repellent, clothes with full sleeves and a healthy lifestyle are some of the proven preventive measures.
Ayurveda is that holistic science that encompasses information about almost all ailments and discomforts within the body. Treating Chikungunya joint pain with ayurveda can be an incredibly smart and wise move as this does not involve any kind of invasive or painful remedy or therapy. Moreover, the ayurvedic herbs have minimal to no side effects, rather they activate the natural healing process and offer long lasting results.
Soham’s OstoCure Pain Care Oil is one wonder concoction oil that has the collective desired benefits we spoke of in the ayurvedic remedies section above. Made up of premium quality herbal oil and ayurvedic ingredients, the OstoCure Pain Care Oil is suitable and highly recommended to ease the acute or chronic pain, discomfort or swelling in Chikungunya. Navigate to our product page to buy it and initiate your natural healing soon.
FAQs
1. Can Chikungunya joint pain be cured with Ayurvedic oil massage?
Joint pain due to Chikungunya can be effectively managed by massaging Ayurvedic oil as the natural herbs hold the potential of soothing the pain along with reducing inflammation and stiffness of joints.
2. Do Ayurvedic remedies really work for Chikungunya?
Supported by some studies, Ayurveda finds a decent place in Chikungunya pain management, however, it is advised to follow the standard medical care also in combination with these remedies.