ORTHOPEDIC AND NEUROLOGICAL CARE

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of degenerative joint disease, marked by progressive cartilage breakdown that results in pain, swelling, stiffness, and diminished mobility. In Ayurveda, OA is typically linked to an imbalance of Vata dosha—the energy of movement—leading to reduced joint lubrication and tissue degeneration. While often associated with aging, OA’s onset in younger people is increasingly related to lifestyle factors.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), known in Ayurveda as Amavata, is a chronic autoimmune condition that leads to persistent joint inflammation, pain, stiffness, and often deformities—most notably in smaller joints like the fingers and toes. In Ayurveda, this condition is attributed to Ama (toxins) clogging Vata channels, leading to stagnation and inflammation of flowing energy. Genetics may create predisposition, but lifestyle factors like stress, poor diet, inadequate sleep, and sedentariness typically trigger its manifestation.

Cervical spondylosis refers to degenerative changes in the cervical spine—wear and tear affecting discs, vertebrae, and ligaments. Although age‑related, lifestyle habits such as poor posture, repetitive neck movements, and chronic stress are accelerating its occurrence in younger individuals. Ayurveda classifies this as Griva Stambha, a form of Vata Vyadhi, where aggravated Vata and Kapha disturb neck musculature, nerves, and microcirculation.

Lumbar spondylosis is a degenerative condition of the lower back that results from the wear and tear of the intervertebral discs, joints, and bones. While commonly associated with ageing, this condition is increasingly seen in younger individuals due to poor posture, sedentary lifestyles, and repetitive stress on the spine.

A herniated or bulging disc occurs when the soft, gel-like center of an intervertebral disc pushes through its outer layer, compressing nearby nerves. This leads to symptoms such as radiating back pain, numbness, tingling, stiffness, and reduced mobility. In Ayurveda, this condition is understood as a Vata Vyadhi, where aggravated Vata dosha disturbs the natural alignment and cushioning function of the spine.

At Healing Earth, we follow a non-surgical, root-cause approach, combining traditional Ayurvedic therapies with modern anatomical insight to restore spinal health:

Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is characterized by debilitating pain, stiffness, and restricted range of motion in the shoulder joint. When the shoulder capsule becomes inflamed and thickened, lifting or rotating the arm becomes difficult. Ayurveda identifies this condition as Apabahuka, a Vata‑Kapha imbalance causing joint stiffness, loss of flexibility, and progressive functional limitation.

A ligament tear refers to the stretching or rupture of the tough tissue that connects bones across joints. Often caused by trauma, sudden twisting motions, or repetitive strain, ligament injuries frequently affect the knee, ankle, and shoulder. Ayurveda classifies these as Snayugata Vata or Sandhi Marma Abhighata—conditions arising from aggravated Vata leading to dryness, weakened connective tissue, inflammation, and instability.

A meniscus tear occurs when the fibrocartilage cushion between the femur and tibia in the knee cracks, usually due to trauma, twisting motions, or degeneration. Common in athletes, it also affects older individuals from normal wear. Ayurveda identifies this condition under Snayu-Sira Gata Vata—where aggravated Vata leads to instability, degeneration, and diminished healing capacity of connective tissues.

Plantar fasciitis—a leading cause of heel pain—is characterized by microscopic tears and inflammation of the plantar fascia, the connective tissue band supporting the foot’s arch. This often results in sharp, stabbing pain with the first step of the morning or after long periods of standing. In Ayurveda, this condition parallels Vata-Kapha imbalance, clinically termed Vatakantaka, where aggravated Vata causes stiffness and Kapha contributes to heaviness and tissue congestion.

Gout arthritis is an inflammatory joint condition caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals, which leads to sudden, severe pain, redness, and swelling—commonly affecting the big toe. Although it typically occurs in older adults, lifestyle factors such as obesity, stress, poor hydration, and high‑purine diets are accelerating its rise in younger individuals. In Ayurveda, gout correlates with Vatarakta, a Vata‑Pitta imbalance where impaired detoxification (Ama) and metabolic stress cause joint inflammation.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic autoimmune condition primarily impacting the spine—especially the sacroiliac joints where the pelvis meets the lower spine. Inflammation can lead to vertebral fusion over time, causing stiffness, reduced flexibility, and eventual loss of mobility. AS typically begins in early adulthood and is more prevalent in men. In Ayurveda, AS aligns with Asthimajja Gata Vata, a severe form of Vata imbalance affecting bone and bone-marrow tissues.

Avascular necrosis (AVN)—also known as osteonecrosis—is the death of bone tissue resulting from disrupted blood flow. It most commonly affects the hip joint but may involve the knee, shoulder, or ankle. If untreated, it can lead to bone collapse and joint dysfunction. In Ayurveda, AVN maps to Asthimajjagata Vata—a degenerative Vata disorder affecting bone and bone-marrow tissues.

A calcaneal spur, commonly called a heel spur, is a bony outgrowth on the heel bone (calcaneus), typically forming where the plantar fascia attaches. Often precipitated by calcaneal stress or plantar fasciitis, spurs can intensify heel pain during the first steps in the morning or after rest. Ayurveda identifies this as Vatakantaka—a Vata-dominated disorder exacerbated by Kapha—characterized by heel pain, stiffness, inflammation, and bone overgrowth. 

Fibromyalgia is a chronic syndrome marked by widespread muscular and connective tissue pain, debilitating fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive issues—collectively termed “fibro-fog.” Emotionally driven stress and trauma often play a pivotal role, as altered pain processing in the nervous system amplifies pain perception. In Ayurveda, fibromyalgia is associated with Mamsagata Vata, a Vata-dominant imbalance affecting muscle tissue (Mamsa Dhatu) and leading to muscle stiffness, fatigue, and pain.

A stroke—or Pakshaghata in Ayurveda—occurs when blood supply to the brain is interrupted. This may lead to permanent damage, making stroke the leading cause of adult disability globally. Up to 60% of survivors face motor impairments, and one-third may require ongoing care or assisted living.

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a chronic neuropathic pain syndrome involving the fifth cranial nerve. Even mild facial stimulation—such as brushing teeth or exposure to wind—can trigger excruciating, shock-like pain, usually on one side. Ayurveda correlates TN with Anantavata (a severe Vata-dominated Shiroroga) or Ardhavabhedaka, both involving Vata aggravation invading Majja Dhatu (nervous tissue) and neural pathways, leading to hypersensitivity and neural misfiring. 

Peripheral neuropathy typically manifests as numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness in the limbs. In Ayurveda, this correlates with Vatavyadhi, where aggravated Vata disrupts neural pathways, leading to sensory and motor dysfunction. Effective management involves calming Vata, improving microcirculation, and nourishing neural tissues for sustainable nerve regeneration.

Migraine is a neurological disorder characterized by intense, throbbing headaches—often unilateral—accompanied by nausea, light/sound sensitivity, and occasionally aura. In Ayurveda, it’s known as Ardhavabhedaka, tied to imbalances in Vata and Pitta doshas, coupled with Ama accumulation in the head region.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) arises from compression of the median nerve at the wrist, leading to numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness in the thumb, index, middle, and half of the ring finger.
In Ayurveda, this aligns with Snayugata Vata, where aggravated Vata obstructs nerve-ligament pathways (Snayu/Nadi), disrupting neural signals and causing symptoms in the hand and wrist.

Tension-type headaches are the most common form of headache, typically presenting as a dull, aching pain or pressure around the forehead, temples, or back of the head and neck. Unlike migraines, they usually do not involve nausea or visual disturbances, but they can be persistent and draining. These headaches are often triggered by stress, poor posture, eye strain, dehydration, or emotional tension.

From an Ayurvedic perspective, this condition aligns with Vata-Kapha imbalance affecting the Manovaha Srotas (mental pathways) and Shira (head region). Accumulated stress, suppressed emotions, irregular lifestyle, and indigestion contribute to the stagnation of Prana Vata, leading to muscle tightness and impaired circulation in the head and neck.

Motor Neuron Disease (MND) is a progressive neurological condition that affects the motor neurons, the cells responsible for transmitting signals from the brain to the muscles. Over time, the motor neurons degenerate, leading to muscle weakness, loss of muscle control, and ultimately paralysis. The most common form of MND is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), but other types, such as progressive muscular atrophy and primary lateral sclerosis, also exist.

In Ayurveda, Bell’s Palsy is primarily linked to an imbalance in Vata dosha, which governs movement and the nervous system. Vata disturbances can lead to nerve dysfunction, affecting the facial muscles and causing symptoms like facial drooping, loss of taste, and difficulty closing the eye on the affected side.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS), leading to nerve damage and a wide range of symptoms including motor weakness, cognitive impairment, and sensory disturbances. MS is one of the most common causes of disability in young adults and can have significant impacts on the nervous system, musculoskeletal system, and quality of life.

Muscular Dystrophy (MD) refers to a group of genetic disorders that cause the progressive weakening and degeneration of skeletal muscles. The condition leads to muscle fibre breakdown, loss of muscle strength, and can impact both voluntary muscles (responsible for movement) as well as cardiac and respiratory muscles, leading to severe complications.