Does Ayurveda help in Osteoarthritis?

Yes, Ayurveda can be highly effective in managing osteoarthritis. The Ayurvedic approach is holistic, focusing on whole-person health assessment to identify the root cause of your condition rather than just alleviating symptoms.

What is the best ayurvedic treatment for osteoarthritis?

Ayurveda offers several natural remedies, external therapies, diet, and lifestyle recommendations to reduce inflammation, arrest disease progression, nourish degenerated tissues, and prevent further complications and disease episodes. Before starting any new treatment, it's important to consult with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner to ensure it's appropriate for your specific condition and needs.

Can Ayurveda cure Osteoarthritis?

Ayurveda can significantly relieve symptoms, reverse disease pathways, address the underlying risk factors, and improve quality of life. While reversal is possible in the early stages, advanced conditions may need long-term health management to arrest further progression and improve overall conditions.

Are there side effects or risks associated with ayurvedic treatments?

Most Ayurveda treatments have no side effects when administered. While most medicines are safe, some may interact with conventional medications. Additionally, certain external therapies and procedures may not suit everyone; thus, one should only undergo these treatments only if prescribed.

How long will it take to see improvements in mobility and pain?

Initial improvements in pain and stiffness can be seen within 1-2 weeks of treatment. Improved mobility and long-term effects can be achieved with 3-6 months of dedicated treatment and lifestyle changes. The results depend on the severity of the condition and the patient's compliance.

How does Ayurveda address inflammation in OA?

Ayurveda reduces inflammation through certain internal medications and external therapies, such as Lepa (herbal pastes), churna pinda sweda (Medicated powder massage), and kashaya or dhanyamla dhara (pouring warm decoction over the site). Additionally, detox therapies like Snehapana (internal oleation) and Virechana (therapeutic purgation) help cleanse toxins (Ama) that cause inflammation.

Does Ayurveda address muscle damage in OA?

Yes, Ayurveda strengthens surrounding muscles through tailored exercises and herbal remedies. Medicated ghee and Abhyanga (oil massage) nourish tissues, improve blood circulation, and restore muscle strength.

Is Ayurveda safe for OA?

When administered by a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner, treatments are generally safe and free of side effects. However, it is essential to inform your physician about any ongoing medications or conditions.

Can Ayurveda regenerate knee cartilage?

Ayurvedic treatments for restoring knee cartilage are highly potent. They can significantly help manage symptoms, improve joint health, and prevent further degeneration. Ayurveda may also be effective in avoiding knee replacement surgery.

What joints are most often affected by Osteoarthritis?

Although osteoarthritis can affect any joint, it most commonly affects the hands, knees, hips, and spine (either at the neck or lower back).

Ayurveda Lower Back Pain Treatment

August 1, 2025

Overview

Fistula -in-ano is characterised by a tract between the perianal skin and anal canal. The quality of life of an individual is greatly affected by this condition, which causes recurrent pus discharge, swelling, pain, and irritation. If not treated, it is prone to recurrent infections and recurrence and usually arises as a result of an untreated or prior anal abscess.

In Ayurveda, fistula-in-ano is referred to as “Bhagandara”, which is one of the eight major diseases (Ashta Mahagada), that are considered difficult to treat due to their chronic and relapsing nature. The term Bhagandara is derived from “Bhaga” (perineum) and “Darana” (tearing or breaking), indicating the pathological tearing of the Bhaga (perineum), guda (anal region) and vasthi (bladder region). When it is in a blister stage, it is called Pidaka, and if it is ripened (pakwa avastha). It is called Bhagandara (fistula). The causative factors in Ayurveda include impaired Agni (digestive fire), accumulation of Ama (toxins), and vitiation of doshas, especially Vata and Pitta, leading to suppuration, abscess formation, and tract development.
Apollo AyurVAID adopts an integrated, individual, and protocol-driven approach (Precision Ayurveda), addressing the root causes of piles rather than merely suppressing its symptoms.
A whole-person health assessment by an expert team of Ayurveda physicians is conducted to design a personalised treatment protocol. This includes classical Ayurveda medications and therapies, targeted anorectal care, and individualised diet and lifestyle modifications.
The treatment protocol includes classical Ayurvedic medications to correct the deranged Agni and dosha’s, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue healing. If the tract is chronic or complex, specialized Ayurvedic para-surgical procedures such as Ksharasutra therapy — a medicated thread ligation technique — are used. This method gradually cuts, and heals the fistulous tract, there by reducing the chance of recurrence. Along with Ksharasutra therapy, the treatment plan also includes personalized diet advice, bowel regulation strategies, and lifestyle modifications to strengthen digestive health, support immunity, and prevent future aggravation.
The integrative and multidisciplinary care at Apollo AyurVAID not only manages the symptoms but ensures sustainable healing and long-term relief from fistula-in-ano.

Who Can Benefit and Who May Not: Ayurveda Treatment Scope

Who Benefits from AyurVAID’s Treatment?

Patients with Simple, Low-Level Fistula
Chronic or Recurrent Cases
Patients Seeking Natural, Long-Term Healing
Patients who are looking to avoid invasive surgeries

Who May Not Benefit from Ayurveda Treatment?

Complex or High Anal Fistula
Associated Systemic Illnesses
Any other situations requiring immediate surgical management

What Patient’s Can Expect from AyurVAID’s approach?

Improved Digestion: Increased digestive fire resulting in improved bowel movements.
Tissue Healing: Strengthening anal tissues to avoid recurrence.
Personalised lifestyle plan: Diet and habits tailored to your body.
Long-Term Prevention: Treats the root cause to avoid future flare-ups.

Struggling with persistent lower back pain or stiffness?

89%* of our patients found real relief with the Precision Ayurveda Approach

*Based on PROM (Patient-reported outcome measures), rated on a 5-point scale: 1–Very Bad, 5–Excellent.

Risk Factors for Anal Fistula

Perianal abscess: If not treated properly, it recurs and leads to tract formation.
Prolonged sitting: Long period of sitting causes reduced blood supply in the perianal region leading to increased pressure and moisture further causing infection and inflammation of anal glands.
Inflammatory bowel diseases: Like Crohn’s disease, the incidence of fistula is more
Tuberculosis, HIV: In these conditions, the body’s immune system weakens aking the patient susceptible for infection and delayed healing
Chronic constipation: Continuous straining leads to increased intra abdominal and rectal pressure causing anal fissures, if not treated may get infected and causes abscess formation.
Poor anal hygiene: Inadequate cleaning of the area leads to bacterial growth and glandular infection which causes abscess
Obesity: This causes increased pressure, sweating and moisture retention in the perianal region, which can cause skin friction, poor hygiene and impaired immunity. All these leads to recurrent infections and further fistula formation.

Lower Back Pain can also disrupt Quality of Life parameters such as sleep.

74%* of patients treated with Apollo AyurVAID’s Whole-Person approach reported experiencing better, deeper sleep.

*Based on PROM (Patient-reported outcome measures), rated on a 5-point scale: 1–Very Bad, 5–Excellent.

Causative Factors (Nidanas) for Anal Fistula

Ayurveda explains Bhagandara (Anal Fistula) as a disease of guda(anorectal region) which is caused by the imbalance of the doshas like vata, pitta, and kapha, that leads to the dushti of raka, mamsa, and medo dhatu.

Acharya’s explain it as a complication of untreated parikartika (fissure in ano) and Pidaka (abscess/boil), which further leads to Bhagandara (Anal Fistula). And the causes can be broadly classified as Aharaja, Viharaja nidanas, and due to preexisting conditions.

The conventional medicine explains Anal Fistula as a result of cryptoglandular infection, ie, infection of the anal glands, leading to abscess formation, which, when does not heal completely causing Anal Fistula. Also, the risk factors include dietary and lifestyle causes.

Untreated abscess: The most common cause is an untreated abscess or an abscess that bursts but is not drained properly.
Chronic constipation or diarrhoea: Long-standing conditions like constipation and diarrhoea can increase the risk of infection of the anal glands
Lack of proper hygiene: Leads to infection in that area
Inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease contribute to fistula formation
Other infections and Cancer: Like TB, STDs(sometimes), Carcinoma of the rectum may lead to fistula formation
Diet and lifestyle: Intake of improper diet, prolonged sitting, and incompatible foods (virudha ahara) leads to imbalance of the doshas and mandagni (compromised digestive function)
Trauma or surgery: Ayurveda also gives this as a cause of bhagandara. Any foreign body in the anal region or previous injury can lead to a fistula if not properly treated.

Signs (Lakshanas) and Symptoms (Rupas) of Anal Fistula

Common symptoms:

Pain and swelling in the anal region which aggravates while sitting
Formation of small openings near the anal region
Recurrent pus discharge from the openings
Blood-stained pus or foul-smelling discharge
Itching, irritation and fever due to chronic infection
Recurrent perianal abscess

Acharya Susrutha explains 5 different types of bhagandara based on the dosha involvement

Vataja type:

Severe piercing and throbbing pain around the anal region
Multiple openings like a sieve or multiple fistula
Red frothy discharge

Pittaja type:

Single raised pustule appearing like a camel’s neck
Severe burning sensation
Hot and foul-smelling discharge

Kaphaja type:

Large firm pustule
Mild pain and severe itching
Continuous thick whitish discharge

Combination of Vata, Pitta and Kapha (Sannipataja type):

A large ulcer the size of a big toe
Horseshoe-type tracts
Migratory pain in the anal canal
Multi coloured discharge

Agantuja (Due to external trauma):

Injury-induced tract, due to worm infestations,
No specific course of tract
Multiple openings with ulcers
Discharge of pus, urine, faeces, semen, and flatus through the openings.

Pathogenesis (Samprapti) of Anal Fistula

Due to the above causative factors, the doshas gets imbalanced at their natural sites. These doshas then move from their original sites and spread throughout the body and eventually localize in the anal region and affects the rakta and mamsa. At this point the patient may experience the prodromal symptoms like pain, itching, burning sesation in the anal region, developement of pidika (boil/abscess). When not treated at this stage, the disease then becomes fully manifested and pidakas (boils/abscess) gets suppurated and bursts leading to different types of discharges. If ignored at this stage, the condition may worsen and leads to tracts extending into bladder, scrotal region which causes discharge of urine, semen and feaces through the multiple openings formed.

Prevent risk-prone surgery for lower back pain and long periods of recovery

Don’t let back pain progress to surgery. Apollo AyurVAID’s treatments target the root cause with natural, personalised therapies.

AyurVAID's 4-Step Approach to Determine Root Cause and Create Individualised Treatment Plan

1. Whole-Person Health Assessment

Conducted by our specially trained doctors, this assessment includes an in-depth evaluation of present and past complaints, Nidana Panchaka (causative factors), and disease pathways using clinical methods such as Ashta Sthana Pariksha (8-fold examination), Dasha Vidha Pariksha (10 factors), and Srota Pariksha, along with clinical examination (proctoscopic examination). The assessment encompasses a comprehensive medical history, which includes any associated conditions such as constipation, liver disorders, or pregnancy. Advanced diagnostic procedures may include colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy to rule out other conditions when clinically indicated.

2. Disease Tree

A comprehensive disease tree, from root cause to all signs and symptoms, is derived from causative factors, imbalances in doshas, involved sub-systems, and progression.

3. Personalised Protocol-Based Care Plan

Based on the disease tree and assessments, we create:

Customised treatment protocols targeting specific dosha imbalances
Phase-wise treatment approach from acute symptom management to long-term prevention
Integration of internal medicines, external therapies, and procedural interventions (ksharasutra)
Personalised dietary and lifestyle modification plans

Yoga and exercise recommendations specific to piles management

4. Disease Monitoring and Outcomes Tracking

The Perianal Disease Activity Index (PDAI) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) are the scales used to monitor treatment success and disease progression.

The assessment parameter includes fistuolus discharge, pain and restriction of activities, sexual activity restriction, degree of induration, and functional assessment to gauge overall well-being.

AyurVAID's Protocol-Driven Treatment for Fistula-in-ano (Precision Ayurveda)

The Apollo AyurVAID’s protocol-driven approach for Ayurveda treatment for piles focuses on symptom relief, healing of damaged tissues, restoration of normal bowel function, and prevention of recurrence. Piles Treatment in Ayurveda – duration and approach are individualised based on the grade, type, and severity of piles.

Treatment Protocol:

Measures to Maintain Treatment Outcomes and Prevent the Recurrence of Piles

1. Nidana Parivarjana (Evading Causative Factors):

Avoid sitting for long periods, particularly on hard surfaces
Avoid constant constipation through diet and lifestyle modification
Avoid intense straining while passing stools
Reduce spicy, fried, and processed food
Moderate alcohol and stop smoking

2. Dietary Suggestions:

Case Studies

Scientific Publications

Efficacy of Apamarga Kshara Application and Sclerotherapy in the Management of Arsha (1st and 2nd Degree Piles) – An Open‑Labeled, Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial; 2018, Research Article: This study compared two treatments—Ayurveda Apamarga Kshara application and modern sclerotherapy—for 1st and 2nd degree hemorrhoids. Results showed faster relief with Kshara therapy, especially in bleeding and prolapse, indicating it as a superior and safer non-surgical option.
A Clinical Study on the Role of Kshara Vasti and Triphala Guggulu in Raktarsha (Bleeding Piles); 2011, Research Article: In this CCRAS study, 129 patients with bleeding piles were treated using Apamarga Kshara Basti and Triphala Guggulu. About 55 patients showed marked improvement, demonstrating that the combination can be an effective and recurrence-preventive therapy for Shonitarsha (bleeding hemorrhoids).
Efficacy of Kshara Application in the Management of Internal Haemorrhoids – A Pilot Study; 2016, Research Article: This pilot study investigated the use of plant-alkali-based Ksharakarma (using Apamarga) in internal hemorrhoids. In 33 patients, significant improvement was noted in prolapse, bleeding, and pain within 15 days—without surgical intervention, emphasizing its utility as a minimally invasive approach.
Comparative Clinical Study of Apamarga Kshara Application, Infrared Coagulation and Arshohara Vati in the Management of Arsha (1st and 2nd degree hemorrhoids); 2017, Research Article: This clinical trial compared Apamarga Kshara, infrared coagulation (IRC), and Arshohara Vati tablets in treating 1st and 2nd degree piles. Apamarga Kshara application emerged as the most effective therapy, offering significant symptom relief in a shorter time frame.
A Critical Review on Management of Arsha (Hemorrhoids) in Ayurveda; 2019, Review Article: This review article explores the theoretical and practical aspects of Arsha (hemorrhoids) from Ayurvedic texts. It discusses etiology, pathogenesis, classifications, and therapeutic modalities, including Kshara, Agni, and Shastra Karma, while reinforcing the relevance of holistic approaches in modern times.
Systematic review on efficacy of various Pratisarneeya Kshara application in Ayurveda for the management of hemorrhoids w.s.r. to size reduction of pile mass; 2024, Research Article: This 2024 systematic review analyzes 18 clinical studies exploring the effectiveness of various Pratisarneeya Kshara types for reducing pile mass in internal hemorrhoids. Ksharas like Apamarga, Arka, Kutaja, and Saptacchada were found to induce coagulation, necrosis, and fibrosis, leading to sloughing and healing of pile tissue. Most formulations achieved significant size reduction within 14–30 days. Apamarga and Saptacchada Kshara showed 100% efficacy, while complications such as burning and discharge were mild and manageable. The study affirms Kshara therapy as a cost-effective, minimally invasive alternative to surgery with favorable outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Hear from our patients!

What is the main cause of piles?

Chronic constipation and straining during bowel movements are considered the foremost causes of piles. Lifestyle factors such as prolonged sitting (drivers), heavy lifting, consuming dry, spicy, processed food, and improper meal timing also exacerbate the situation.

How long will piles last?

Small hemorrhoids may resolve in a few days or weeks with good home care, diet, and lifestyle modification. More extensive hemorrhoids may take weeks to get better, and these may require medical treatment. Piles can become chronic without proper treatment and lifestyle changes.

What is the fastest treatment for piles?

Over-the-counter creams.

What is the best relief for piles?

Piles Treatment in Ayurveda such as ksharakarma provide immediate relief. Usually, the most effective option involves a combination of dietary changes, adequate hydration, topical treatments, and sitz baths for milder instances. Ayurveda treatment for piles with some lifestyle management is beneficial in the more severe cases.

What are the early signs and symptoms of piles?

Early signs include rectal bleeding, particularly during bowel movements, anal itching, discomfort while sitting or during bowel movements, and small lumps near the anus that are painful.

When is surgery necessary for piles?

When home remedies for piles don’t relieve the symptoms, when hemorrhoids are large, severely symptomatic, or don't respond to other treatments, surgery becomes necessary. Complications like persistent bleeding or thrombosis may also necessitate surgical intervention.

Are piles more common during pregnancy?

Pregnancy has an impact on the development of hemorrhoids. It puts additional pressure on the pelvis which leads to hormonal changes. These slow down the rate of bowel movement along with other factors, making it even more likely for piles to develop in an expectant mother.

Do hormonal changes during menopause contribute to piles?

Menopause hormonal variations may even slow down digestion, manifest into constipation, and raise the chances of hemorrhoid formation. This hormone change is associated with age-related weakness of supportive tissue, increasing the susceptibility of menopausal women further to piles.

What are the long-term effects of untreated piles?

If left untreated, piles will give rise to serious complications like chronic bleeding with anemia, painful thrombosed hemorrhoids that might need surgery, etc. The condition may also progress to a situation in which the rectal lining may slip out of the anus, causing intense pain and requiring medical intervention.

How to remove piles naturally?

Mild cases of piles can be managed naturally by increasing dietary fiber, staying hydrated, avoiding straining during bowel movements, taking warm sitz baths, using aloe vera or coconut oil topically, and maintaining regular exercise. If symptoms persist, consult a doctor.

an I eat chicken in hemorrhoids?

Yes, lean chicken can be eaten in moderation. However, avoid fried or spicy chicken as it may irritate the digestive tract and worsen symptoms. Stick to grilled, steamed, or boiled preparations.

What is high risk of hemorrhoids?

Factors that increase the risk of hemorrhoids include chronic constipation or diarrhoea, prolonged sitting (especially on the toilet), pregnancy, obesity, low-fiber diet, heavy lifting, and aging. Addressing these risk factors can help prevent recurrence.

Is rice good for hemorrhoids?

Brown rice is a good choice as it contains fiber which helps prevent constipation. White rice, being low in fiber, may not be as beneficial. Incorporate whole grains into your diet for better digestive health.

Which fruit is best for piles?

Fruits rich in fiber and water are best for piles. Bananas, apples (with skin), pears, papaya, and berries help soften stool and promote easy bowel movements, reducing strain during defecation.

What is the best treatment for bad haemorrhoids?

The best treatment for haemorrhoids is Ksharasutra, providing long-term relief with minimal recurrence. Along with herbal medicines and dietary changes, procedures like Kshara Karma and Agnikarma help shrink pile masses and prevent complications.

What are the worst symptoms of haemorrhoids?

Symptoms of haemorrhoids include severe pain in the anus, too much bleeding, thrombosis (a blood clot in the haemorrhoids), prolapse (the haemorrhoids moving outward the anus), and strong itching or burning.

References

Y., R. (2022). Conceptual view on Arsha and its Management through Ayurveda Prospective. International Journal of Indian Medicine.

Ram, B et al. (2023). Multimodal Treatment Approaches for Arsha: A Critical Review. August – September 2023.

Sharma, S et al. (2023). The Management of Second-Degree Internal Haemorrhoids with Apamarga Pratisaraneeya Tikshna Kshara. AYUSHDHARA.

Dissanayake, D et al. (2019). Clinical Study to Evaluate and Compare the Efficacy of Two Ayurvedic Treatment Regimens Including Cyathula Prostrata and Achyranthes Aspera in Managing Bleeding Piles. International Journal of Ayurveda and Pharma Research.

Mehra, R et al. (2011). A clinical study on the role of Ksara Vasti and Triphala Guggulu in Raktarsha (Bleeding piles). Ayu, 32, 192–195.

Parés, D et al. (2021). Influence of Bowel Habit and Hormonal Changes on the Development of Hemorrhoidal Disease During Pregnancy and the Postdelivery Period: A Prospective Cohort Study. Diseases of the Colon & Rectum, 64, 724–734.

Ali, Z H et al. (2011). Effect of Conservative Measures in Improving Hemorrhoid Stages and Relieving Symptoms among Patients with Hemorrhoid.

Rao, S, Lakshmi, T. (2014). Natural Remedies for Haemorrhoids and Bleeding Piles – An update. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology, 7, 253–254.

Dr. Nikhil S, Dr. Geetha B. Markande, & Dr. Prashanth Jain. (2020). Understanding the Etiology of Arshas – An Observational Study. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences, 5(04), 107–111.

Raj Kishor Shah, Binod Kumar Singh, Ram Adhar Yadav, Prashant Kumar Singh, Shiva Mangal Prasad. (2019). A Critical Review on Management of Arsha (Hemorrhoids) In Ayurveda. AYUSHDHARA, 6(6), 2468–2472.

Pre and Post AyurVAID’s Protocol-Based Treatment

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Disclaimer

The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, Ayurvedic practitioner, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

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