Arthritis

In the context of Sri Lankan Ayurveda and traditional medicine (Deshiya Chikitsa), Arthritis is primarily viewed as a disturbance of the Vata Dosha (the air and ether element), which governs bodily movement and circulation. It is broadly categorized into conditions like Sandhi Vatha (similar to Osteoarthritis) and Amavatha (similar to Rheumatoid Arthritis). The tradition believes that poor digestion leads to the accumulation of metabolic toxins known as Ama. When this "Ama" circulates and lodges in the joints along with aggravated Vata, it causes the stiffness, swelling, and pain characteristic of arthritis.

Treatment in Sri Lanka is highly holistic and focuses on expelling these toxins rather than just masking the pain. External therapies are very popular; these include applying specialized medicated oils (Thaila), steam fomentation (Wanda) using boiled herbal leaves to loosen stiff joints, and the application of thick herbal pastes known as Pattu to reduce inflammation. Specific oils, such as Mahanarayana Thailaya, are frequently used in these therapies to nourish the tissues and lubricate the joints.

Dietary discipline is considered just as important as medication. Ayurvedic physicians often advise patients to avoid "cooling" or gas-producing foods (such as manioc or certain dairy products) that aggravate Vata. Instead, the diet is adjusted to include warming spices like garlic, ginger, and coriander. Internal medicines, usually in the form of bitter decoctions (Kashaya) and herbal powders, are prescribed to strengthen the digestive fire (Agni), cleanse the blood, and restore the body's natural elemental balance.