Ayurvedic Treatments at Vedagen Ayurveda Clinic in Kochi

As knees have to move bearing our body weight, these joints are prone to wear and tear. To resist the wear and tear, the cartilages at the joint functions as a shock absorber. The joint is within a capsule structure that contain a thick fluid similar to egg white for lubricating the movements of the joint.  
When the fluid gets dried up and the cartilage is damaged, the space between the bony ends of the joint gets narrower and narrower leading to pain and stiffness in the joints which in turn limits the movements. Further when the movements become less, the muscles around the knees get weaker, making the condition worse.

In stage – 1, the space narrows though it need not be painful. If not addressed properly on time, it progresses into Stage – 4 where the space becomes practically nil and the bons get deformed and rubs each other. Such cases are normally dealt with knee replacement surgery.

We have formulated a knee reconditioning program called PUNARJAKNEE to treat Asthigata Vata of knee (Knee Osteoarthritis). Since a person with severe degeneration in one joint is likely to have some sort of degeneration in other weight bearing joints too, our KNEE RECONDITIONING PROGRAM is formulated in such a way that the patient gets overall relief while focusing the therapy in the knee joint with severe pain.

Our 3 stage KNEE RECONDITIONING  PROGRAM consists of medicines, treatments and simple easy to follow exercises that the patient can do at home. 

Stage - 1 ( Aama pachana & Sopha hara stage)

The objectives of the first stage of treatment is to reduce the severe pain & inflammation. It also aims to correct the metabolic imbalances (Aama pachana) of the body. 

Agni karma, an anusasthra procedure that we do to relieve pain instantly, is often done initially. In the first week, Internal medicines are advised to relive pain and correct the metabolic imbalances. 

Stage - 2 (Snehana stage)

Addressing the damages in the knee joint and strengthening the muscles that move it forms the second stage of the treatment. This is the most important stage of the reconditioning program. 

A medicated ghee or oil, is to be taken internally in this stage. Those having difficulty in consuming medicated ghee or oil, we have medicated ghee/oil filled soft gel capsules..

The patient would start doing simple exercises at home in addition to taking medicines. once the intensity of the pain reduces and the metabolic imbalances are corrected (Aama pachana), 

Marma Therapy is usually done after amapachana. This helps to relieve pain and relieve the stiffness of muscles associated with leg movements.

Ultrasound Therapy is usually done in this stage to improve blood circulation in the affected joint and speed up the repair process. This is a painless process that is similar to the ultrasound scanning. The only difference is in the frequency and intensity of the sound waves used here. 

Normal duration of one session is about 10 minutes. Usually 3 - 6 sessions are advised over a period of 2 weeks.

Abhyanga / Marma Massage This procedure is a massage done to relieve pain and augment the repair process of the muscles and tendons. 

Pichu This is an ayurvedic procedure that helps improve the lubrication of the knee joint. The joint is wrapped with a cotton soaked in warm oil which is frequently heated.

Janu Vasti This traditional ayurvedic procedure is similar to Pichu but involves keeping the knee joint soaked in warm oil for the stipulated time.

Sneeha Paana Medicated oil or ghee is to be consumed internally for the stipulated time. This helps to lubricate and augment the repair process of the damaged joint. It is often done along with the other therapies of this stage.

Stage - 3 (Rasayana stage)

Rasayana treatment is the next stage, aimed at strengthening the joint health. In this stage, the patient starts doing exercising in standing position to strengthen the muscles in addition to internal rasayana medicines. Rasayana does not mean a sticky semi solid medicine prepared in jaggery base like the Chyavanaprasha. The term is used here based on the benefit of the medicine.

Maintenance Therapy

Severe cases like patients in stage 4 OA is normally dealt with TKR or total knee replacement surgery. If the patient is not willing to undergo TKR and is contented with some restricted mobility, this program might help him / her to perform the normal daily routine on their own and to improve the quality of life. 

In such cases, a 2-week maintenance therapy every 3 or 6 months may help them maintain the benefits accrued from the main course of the KNEE RECONDITIONING PROGRAM.