Role of Diet, Exercise and Yogic Practices in prevention and Management of Sandhigatavata (Osteoathritis)

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease and leading cause of chronic disability that involves synovial joint. It has been estimated that around 9.6% of men and 18% of women 60 years have OA with clinical symptoms all over the world. The disease generally starts in the 2 nd and 3 rd decades although clinical features are not apparent but it has been found to be common at the age of 70. Almost all persons by age 40 have some pathologic change in weight bearing joint. 25% females and 16% males have symptomatic OA. The clinical features of OA resemble with Sandhigata Vata described in Ayurvedic classical texts, which is a disease of Sandhi (joint) characterized by symptoms of Sandhishula (pain), Sandhishotha (swelling) and Akunchana Prasarana Pravritti Vedana (pain on flexion and extension of the joint) and in the later stage Hanti Sandhigatah (diminution of the movements at joints ).OA is an incurable disease. Experts suggest non drug approaches like exercise, weight loss and physical therapy along with drug therapy. Ayurveda is the science of life having holistic approach that considers the importance of physical, mental, social as well as spiritual aspects in the prevention and management of diseases. Diseases result from the disturbance in homeostasis of Tridosha (Vata, Pitta, Kapha ) which are affected by dietetic factors, lifestyle as well as environmental factors. Chronic and non-communicable diseases such as OA are preventable with changes in diet, lifestyle and performing regular exercise and Yoga. Ayurveda emphasizes regulation of Ahara -Vihar in the form of Ashtaharvidhi Visheshayatanani, Dwadasha Ashanapravicharana and Dinacharya. Regular practice of various Yogic practices such as Kapalbhati, Nadishodhana Pranayama, Bhramari, Konasana, Uttanapadasana, Dhanurasana and Ushtrasana are effective in prevention as well as management of arthritis by increasing flexibility, reducing pain, improving function and lowering stress. This article will deal in length about role of diet, exercise and yogic practices in prevention and management of Sandhigatvata (osteoarthritis).