Treatment of Osteoporosis in Siddha Medicine

Ostoeoporosis is a silent disease, makes the bone porous, weak and easy to break. Commonly seen in elderly people and especially women after menopause.

Osteoporosis means– ‘porous bone’. In Siddha System of Medicine, his disease is known as Enbu Uluthal. The bones loses density and, mass and structure of the bone becomes abnormal causing the bones to become weak and likely to break.

Breaking of bones or pathological fracture is a serious complication of this disease. The sites of pathological fracture are usually hip, spine, wrist, neck of femur etc.

Osteoporosis effects posture, there may be variation in height or upper back may appear curving due to quantitative reduction in bone mass.

Causes of Osteoporosis:

Age– Commonly seen in Old Age as bone density reduces
Sex– Women after Menopause due to decreased estrogen level.
Malnutrition- Deficiency or poor absorption of Calcium or Vitamin D as seen in diseases pertaining to Small Intestines
Body Stature – People with Thin Body Stature are usually affected
Family history– May be linked to a strong family history
Race– Asian/African women are more prone to Osteoporosis
Effect of medication/drugs like Corticosteroids, thyroid medications, antacids etc.
Smoking
Lack of Physical Activity
Alcoholism– Leading to Cirrhosis of Liver which is main store house of Vitamin D leading to Osteoporosis
Hormonal Disturbances– In conditions like Hyper-parathyroidism, Hypothyroidism, Hypogonadism, during menopause etc

Signs & Symptoms of Osteoporosis

Acute low back ache
Nocturnal leg cramps
Pain in major and minor joints
Rounding of Shoulders
Inflammation of gums and Loosening of teeth
Anxious or restless nature, Sleeplessness
Gradual shortening in height
Breaking of bones in minor injury or trauma

Investigation

X-Ray reveals decreased bone density, MRI of bones.

Western Treatment for Osteoporosis

Calium and Vitamin D supplements
HRT- Hormone Replacement Therapy
Weight Bearing Exercise
Bone friendly medicines like Bio-phosphonates given to prevent bone fracture

Siddha Concepts – Enbu Uluthal

According to Siddha, this disease is known as Enbu Uluthal. Initially due to various causative factors, Vatham is affected. Vitiation of Uthanan vayu and Abanan vayu leads to derangement of Pithagni which in turn causes reduced appetite and poor intake of food.

Slowly the circulation and absorption of nutrients get affected due to involvement of Viyanan and Samanan vayu respectively. Reduced absorption of ‘Saram’ or nourishing juice affects the other physical constituents – cheneer (blood), oon (muscle), kozhuppu (fat), moolai (marrow), enbu (bone) respectively. Body becomes lean and weak. Bones lose strength, mass and density and structural deterioration of bone seen.

Acute pain in low back and joints may be felt with difficulty in performing even simple activities like bending down, sitting and climbing stairs.Nocturnal muscle pain, sleeplessness and shortening or forward curving of upper back seen, If proper care is not taken, it may lead to pathological fracture of bones and serious complications.

Siddha Medicine & Treatment for Osteoporosis

Curative Herbs for Osteoporosis are

Amukkura – ( Withania sominifera)
Taneervittan kizhangu – (Asparagus racemosus)
Seenthil – (Tinospora cardifolia)
Pirandai – (Cissus quardan-gularis)
Nathaichuri – (Borreria hispida)

Siddha Medicines

Amukkura Choornam
Karisalai Preparations
Nathai churi choornam
Seenthil Choornam
Ksheerabala capsules
Sangu Parpam
Palakarai Parpam
Sringi Parpam
Muthuchippi Parpam

Note : The names of internal medicines are given only for purpose of knowledge. Kindly contact a Siddha Physician for consultation and Treatment. Please avoid self medication.

External Treatment

Heavy massage and Marma treatment strictly contraindicated. Some external therapies can be done but should be carried out only in presence and under strict supervision of a Siddha doctor

Advice

Calcium and Vitamin D rich foods like Milk, Yoghurt, Cheese, Soft boned Fishes, Dark green vegetables, carrot, broccoli,beans, ginger, pomegranate, apples, pineapples, almond, cashew, cod liver oil, etc should be included in diet.

Pirandai Thuvayal is a very good supplement for bones.
Include Vitamin C rich foods in diet
Expose body to evening and morning sunlight
Avoid soft/aerated drinks
Avoid smoking and Alcohol
Prevention of Fall
Yoga, Exercise for 20-30 minutes daily.
Pranayama