Osteoporosis means porous bone and is a disease in which the skeleton loses density and becomes very weak. This happens when the rate of bone loss, which happens naturally as we age, outpaces the formation of new bone. The first symptom is usually a fracture after a knock or fall.
In Ayurveda, we view osteoporosis as a vata (air and space) imbalance. It is believed that excess dryness, lightness, and lack of nourishment may cause this imbalance. Osteoporosis can be a result of injury, hormonal changes, and nutritional imbalance, or caused by menopausal changes. The main aim of treatment is to get rid of excess vata and replenish the body with all of the essential lost nutrients and nourishment.
There may be toxins (known as ama) in the body, so the first approach is getting rid of these. It’s important to ensure that you aren’t constipated. The Ayurvedic herbal formula Triphala really helps to get rid of this, ensuring easy elimination.
Foods
- Avoid eating an excess of dry, cold and light foods.
- Avoid stimulating drinks like coffee and green tea in the evening.
- Include plenty of fluids in your diet.
- A cup of warm milk with chyawanprash in the evening is also very helpful.
- Almond milk contains plenty of calcium. Soak ten almonds in water overnight. Remove the skin and blend it with warm milk. Have this every day.
- Blend sesame seeds with fresh ginger and take 1-2 tablespoons with warm water three times daily.
- Regular intake of ghee (clarified butter) either in foods or soups is beneficial.
Herbs
- Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) contains natural estrogens. Taken with warm milk regularly it’s especially beneficial during the menopause.
- Triphala is also very good for osteoporosis as it is very high in vitamin C and helps to nourish the bone tissue.
- Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is known for skeletal and nervous benefits and helps to strengthen the bones.
- Turmeric has been used for many years for bone injuries and weaknesses. This is also a very good herb for osteoporosis.
Massages
- Have regular body massages.
- Pinda Veda, the ayurvedic bolus therapy with herbs like ashwagandha, Triphala and bala is very beneficial.
- Abhyanga whole body massages with data-reducing oil with help.
- Basti therapies: ayurvedic enema therapies are the treatment of choice for osteoporosis. This can either be done with herbal extracts or oils. It’s best to consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner to receive this therapy.
Yoga
- Regular physical movement is essential when suffering from osteoporosis.
- Practice gentle sun salutations.
- Paired yoga poses with opposite actions are the best for this illness. For example, forward ben followed by backward bend; downward dog pose; shoulder stand followed by bridge pose.
- Perform plenty of breathing exercises like alternate nostril breathing, right nostril breathing, and breath of fire.