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Learning tips to prevent Arthritis
 Arthritis is a very common disease seen in the elderly. It is of two types:
Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common one
and occurs after the age of 40 but rheumatoid arthritis can occur at any age.
The latter is more disastrous as it destroys the ligaments and tendons that join
the bones and muscles. Thus deformities can be seen in this type of arthritis.
In case of osteoarthritis the bones increase in size and the space between them
decreases, making the bones rub against each other, causing pain.
Here are some
tips to prevent arthritis:
 1.
Those who
massage daily with oil do not suffer from joint pains. Their body
develops the capacity to tolerate fatigue. Oil massage should be done at least
four times a month.
2. With feet massage
eyesight improves and dryness, swelling and roughness of
the feet are relieved. The feet become strong and soft. Diseases like sciatica
and others related to nerve pain do not occur.
3. The first step to prevent arthritis is to relieve
constipation. According to Ayurveda, arthritic pain is due to aggravation of vata dosha (air in the body).
Constipation stops the proper passage of air from the body, aggravating pain.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, due to aggravation of vata and
kapha according to Ayurveda. Garlic and ginger (1-2grams) taken regularly
relieve vata and kapha.
4.
 Improve your digestion and metabolism as arthritis is basically caused due to
improper digestion and disturbed
metabolism of the body.
5. Avoid fried food as this is difficult to digest and leads to digestive
ailments that aggravate arthritis.
6. Sour fruits should be avoided.
7. Except mung all pulses aggravate vata and arthritis.
8. Rice should be avoided especially during the night. Cooked rice kept for 3-4
hours should not be taken. It aggravates vata.
9. Avoid heavy meals, meat and fish because of low digestive power of the
intestines.
 10. Arthritics should not sit idle nor over-exert themselves. Immobility may
lead to stiffness of joints and over-exertion may lead to damage of ligaments.
If the joints are inflamed rest should be given to the affected joint. Movement
of the painful joint should be done at least twice daily to prevent stiffness.
11. In the morning, before getting up and even without brushing your teeth,
drink at least one litre of
water at a stretch. Do not eat anything one hour
after this. Then wash your face and brush your teeth. Those who cannot drink so
much water should drink two glasses, there is excessive urination or sometimes
loose motions. But after a few days everything is normal.
People suffering from arthritis and vata diseases should do this treatment
thrice a day. This treatment can be done two hours after having meals, both for
healthy and unhealthy persons.
Precautions to be Taken While Doing the Treatment
-
Do not take chilled items, fried, spicy, extra sweets but fruits and green
vegetables only.
-
Do not take tea, coffee, chocolate, ice-creams etc.
-
Avoid alcohol and try not to smoke.
-
Four glasses of water should be taken in the morning and then whenever thirsty
during the day.
-
Do not eat anything just before sleeping, particularly apples.
-
Water should be purified.
12.
 Take four peeled pieces of
Garlic
, and two grams of Sprague. Powder both and
dip in 30 grams of mustard oil and heat slowly. When the colour changes, stop
heating and let it cool. Now sieve the oil with a cloth. Daily massage with this
warm oil for relief from all types of pains.
13. Those suffering especially from rheumatoid arthritis should boil Indian
gooseberry and gur (molasses) in water or make tablets of powder of Indian
gooseberry and gur. One tablet should be taken twice daily.
14. Take 10 grams of
Camphor
and 200 grams of mustard oil. Mix in a glass bottle
and close with a tight cork. Now keep the bottle in the sun. Pick it up when
camphor gets dissolved in the oil. Massage with this oil for relief from any
type of pain.
15. Soak Spiegel seeds in water, form a poultice and apply on the inflamed
joints for relief from pain.
16.
Bananas
are considered good as they make the joints greasier and give them
strength.
 17.
Carrot
juice increases physical and mental powers of the ligaments. It
strengthens heart, brain, liver, gall-bladder and
bones and is a tonic for all
persons. It is used as an alternative for cod liver oil. Carrot contains iron, sulphur, carotene, vitamin A and phosphoric acid. By drinking carrot juice daily
for 3-4 months a person can work for hours together. S/he will never feel tired
or exhausted.
18. For rheumatoid arthritis,
fenugreek (methi) seeds
or fresh leaves taken
along with gur is very useful, especially in winters. It is very important for
the muscles to rest while in pains.
19. Moderate activity for just half an hour a day will help greatly in
preventing stiffness, aches and pains. Using your joints regularly but carefully
is the key to keeping them in good condition.
20. Try to sit squarely on your chair, with both feet flat on the
ground. Try to avoid crossing your legs if possible as this pulls your spine out
of alignment and also hinders your blood circulation
While there is no cure for arthritis, there are many
things you can do to help alleviate your symptoms and improve quality of life.
These can help with other pain conditions too. Practicing regular
low impact exercise, such as
water aerobics or stationary
cycling, eating a
healthy diet, maintaining an appropriate
weight, getting enough quality
sleep,
properly taking prescribed medications, and making an effort to reduce the
stress to your joints during everyday tasks can help keep arthritis pain at bay.
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