Pranavam Ayurveda · Kozhikode
Arthritis & Joint
Disorders Care
Physician-guided Ayurvedic treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gouty arthritis, and allied joint conditions — rooted in classical Kerala tradition since 2005.
Ayurvedic Name
Amavata & Sandhivata
Conditions We Address
Not One Condition —
A Spectrum of
Joint Disorders
Arthritis encompasses a wide range of inflammatory and degenerative joint conditions. At Pranavam Ayurveda, we see patients across this full spectrum — each requiring a distinct, physician-designed approach based on the joints affected, symptom pattern, and individual constitution.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
An autoimmune inflammatory condition causing progressive joint swelling, pain, morning stiffness, and deformity, most commonly affecting the smaller joints of the hands and feet. Classically described in Ayurveda as Amavata — a condition arising from the accumulation of Ama combined with aggravated Vata.
AmavataOsteoarthritis
Degenerative wear of articular cartilage leading to joint pain, crepitus, and restricted movement — most prevalent in the knees, hips, and hands. Known in Ayurveda as Sandhivata, associated with depletion of Sleshaka Kapha within the joint and aggravated Vata.
SandhivataGouty Arthritis & Allied Conditions
Acute inflammatory joint episodes caused by uric acid crystal deposition, typically affecting the big toe, ankles, and knees. Also encompassing psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Ayurvedic treatment for suitable patients addresses the underlying metabolic imbalance alongside joint-specific care.
VataraktaAyurvedic Therapies
Classical Treatments,
Individually Prescribed
No two joint conditions are identical. The therapies below are selected and combined by our physicians based on your specific joints affected, symptom pattern, and constitution — never as a fixed package.
Panchakarma Purification
Virechana
Medicated purgation therapy considered the foremost Panchakarma intervention for Amavata and Pitta-dominant joint conditions. By eliminating accumulated Ama and excess Pitta from the system through the gastro-intestinal tract, Virechana aims to reduce the inflammatory burden at its metabolic root — not merely suppress surface symptoms.
Classical Indication
Amavata, Vatarakta, and inflammatory joint conditions with Pitta dominance and systemic Ama accumulation as classically described.
Physician Note
Herbal formulation, preparatory Snehana, and Virechana intensity are individually planned following physician assessment and Prakriti evaluation.
Herbal Powder Bolus Therapy
Podikizhi
Boluses of specially selected dry herbal powders are heated and applied rhythmically over the affected joints and body regions. The dry fomentation penetrates deeply into tissues, traditionally used to reduce swelling, relieve joint stiffness, and address Kapha-dominant or Ama-laden presentations of arthritis where dry heat is more appropriate than oil-based therapies.
Classical Indication
Kapha-dominant joint swelling, Ama-stage Amavata, and conditions where dry fomentation is indicated over oleation as classically described.
Physician Note
Powder formulation and application intensity are tailored to the patient's dosha dominance and current disease stage.
Nourishing Bolus Therapy
Njavarakizhi
Warm boluses of medicated Njavara rice cooked in herbal decoctions are applied over the joints and along the body. Particularly indicated for osteoarthritis and conditions involving cartilage depletion or muscular wasting, Njavarakizhi aims to nourish Asthi and Majja Dhatu, restore joint lubrication, and support muscular strength around affected joints.
Classical Indication
Sandhivata, Asthi Dhatu depletion, degenerative joint conditions, and muscular weakness accompanying arthritis as classically described.
Physician Note
Number of sessions and suitability are determined based on individual clinical assessment and the dominant doshic pattern of the condition.
Full-Body Oil Therapy
Pizhichil
Continuous warm medicated oil poured in a steady stream over the entire body by trained therapists. One of Kerala Ayurveda's most revered therapies, Pizhichil is traditionally used to deeply nourish joint and muscular tissues, pacify systemic Vata, and support recovery in degenerative arthritis — particularly in cases with significant joint stiffness or neurological involvement.
Classical Indication
Systemic Vata disorders, joint degeneration, muscular wasting, and conditions requiring deep oleation of tissues as classically described.
Physician Note
Suitability, oil composition, and programme length are individually assessed — Pizhichil is not indicated during active inflammatory flares.
Localised Knee Oil Therapy
Janu Basti
Warm medicated oil is retained within a dough dam placed over the knee joint for a sustained period. The localised heat and herbal properties of the oil are traditionally used to nourish the knee joint structures, support cartilage health, reduce stiffness, and address chronic knee pain — particularly in osteoarthritis of the knee.
Classical Indication
Sandhivata affecting the knee, osteoarthritis, knee stiffness, and Vata-dominant degenerative conditions of the Janu Sandhi as classically described.
Physician Note
Oil formulation, temperature, and session frequency are determined individually following joint assessment and consultation.
Medicated Herbal Application
Lepanam
A freshly prepared paste of selected medicinal herbs and powders is applied directly over inflamed or painful joints and allowed to act for a prescribed period. Particularly useful during active inflammatory phases of arthritis, Lepanam is traditionally used to reduce local heat, swelling, and pain without aggravating the underlying doshic imbalance.
Classical Indication
Localised joint inflammation, Pitta and Kapha dominant presentations, swelling with heat, and Vatarakta as classically described.
Physician Note
Herbal combination is tailored individually to the doshic nature of the inflammation and the specific joints affected.
Common Questions
Arthritis & Joint
Treatment — FAQs
Answers to questions we hear most often from patients considering Ayurvedic joint care at Pranavam.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the joint lining, causing systemic inflammation — classically described as Amavata in Ayurveda. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition arising from cartilage wear, associated with Sandhivata. Both require distinct approaches at Pranavam.
Ayurveda may help support the management of arthritis through personalised therapies, Panchakarma purification, tissue-nourishing treatments, herbal medicines, and dietary guidance — all tailored to the individual patient following physician assessment.
Treatment suitability during active flares depends on the specific condition and severity. Certain therapies like Lepanam and Virechana may be appropriate during inflammatory phases, while oleation treatments like Pizhichil may be deferred. Your physician will assess and plan accordingly.
Patients are assessed individually. Ayurvedic treatment at Pranavam can often be integrated alongside existing medications. Your physician will review your current treatment regimen and advise accordingly during the initial consultation — never discontinue prescribed medications without medical guidance.
Duration varies based on the type of arthritis, severity, duration of illness, and your physician's assessment. Your treating physician will advise on the recommended programme length after your initial consultation.
Bringing existing reports — blood tests (RA factor, CRP, uric acid), X-rays, or MRI — considerably assists the physician's assessment. A thorough clinical examination will be conducted regardless of whether prior investigations are available.
Every treatment programme at Pranavam Ayurveda is personalised. No fixed packages — your therapies, medicines, and dietary guidance are designed after physician consultation based on your specific condition, constitution, and health history.
Begin Your Recovery
Speak With Our Physicians About Your Joints
Arthritis and joint conditions respond differently in each patient. A consultation at Pranavam Ayurveda gives you an honest clinical picture — and a treatment plan that matches your actual condition.
- Physician-led assessment from day one
- Distinct approach for each type of arthritis
- Authentic Kerala Panchakarma therapies
- No fixed packages — fully personalised
- Classical Ayurveda since 2005, Kozhikode
Authentic Kerala Ayurveda · Kozhikode