Tennis Elbow Treatment In Ayurveda

Question

For the past six months, I’ve been struggling with tennis elbow. It started as mild pain around my elbow after playing a few matches, but now the pain is constant, even when I’m doing simple tasks like lifting a cup or typing. I’ve tried rest and physical therapy, but the relief is temporary. A friend suggested exploring tennis elbow treatment in Ayurveda, but I’m not sure where to start or how effective it is.

From what I’ve read, tennis elbow treatment in Ayurveda often focuses on reducing inflammation and balancing vata dosha. Are there specific herbal remedies or oils used in tennis elbow treatment in Ayurveda? I’ve heard about therapies like abhyanga and lepa (herbal paste application). Would these help reduce the stiffness and pain in my elbow?

I’m also curious if tennis elbow treatment in Ayurveda includes dietary changes or internal medicines to support healing. Should I avoid certain foods or include specific ones to help reduce inflammation? How long does it usually take for tennis elbow treatment in Ayurveda to show noticeable improvements?

If anyone here has tried tennis elbow treatment in Ayurveda, I’d love to hear your experience. Did it help with the pain and improve mobility? Were there any side effects from the treatments or herbs? I’m hoping to avoid cortisone injections or surgery, so I’m really looking for a natural, long-term solution.

Dr. Harsha Joy · Accepted Answer

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is often caused by vata imbalances, leading to stiffness, pain, and inflammation in the elbow joint. In Ayurveda, the treatment primarily focuses on reducing inflammation, balancing vata, and supporting tissue healing. Common remedies include herbal oils like *mahanarayan taila* or *nagarjuna taila* for massage (abhyanga), which help in reducing pain and improving circulation. Additionally, *lepa* (herbal pastes) made from herbs like *turmeric* and *ginger* can be applied locally to reduce inflammation and swelling. Internally, herbs like *ashwagandha*, *guggul*, and *turmeric* are often recommended to support tissue repair and balance inflammation. For dietary considerations, it's beneficial to avoid cold, oily, and heavy foods that aggravate vata, and instead, focus on warm, nourishing meals that are easy to digest. A balanced diet with anti-inflammatory foods, such as ginger, garlic, and turmeric, can complement the treatment. Results vary depending on the severity, but with consistent treatment, you may begin to notice improvements in a few weeks. It’s crucial to continue gentle exercises and avoid strain. While Ayurveda offers a natural approach, combining therapies with rest and proper body mechanics may be key to avoiding further injury. Always consult an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner for personalized guidance.

Dr. Ayush Varma · Answer

Yeah, tennis elbow can be a real pain, literally! Ayurveda could definitely be a good direction for you, especially since you've already tried rest and physio. What you're dealing with does seem like aggravated vata dosha – the main dosha that's all about movement and when imbalanced, it's known for causing dryness and pain.

First off, abhyanga, like you mentioned, is a solid therapy here. A daily self-massage with warm oils like sesame or Mahanarayan oil can really soothe the stiffness and calm that vata dosha. Just gently massage your elbow and forearm in circular motions, and if possible, let the oil soak in for an hour before washing off. Do it regularly, say in the mornings if you can, for best results.

And about those herbal lepa applications, you're right. Making a paste with herbs like Ashwagandha and applying it on the affected area can help reduce inflammation. Mix the powder with a little warm water and spread it over the elbow like a thick paste, then cover it with a cloth for an hour or so. It may feel a bit messy at first, but it can really help with pain relief.

Diet-wise, it’s good to keep an eye on balancing vata with warm, cooked foods. Things like soups, stews, or warm teas are great. Try to avoid cold or dry foods, which can increase vata's imbalances. Spice it up with ginger, turmeric and black pepper – they’re known for their anti-inflammatory powers.

In terms of duration for seeing changes, patience is key. Ayurveda works gradually but steadily. You might start noticing changes in a few weeks, but stick with the routine for at least 2-3 months to nail down some solid relief.

Others' experiences with Ayurveda can vary. Some folks find it magical, others may need time to adjust. People generally report fewer side effects than, say, conventional meds, but be observant to how your body reacts.

You got this – it’s all about finding balance and being consistent. Avoiding injections and surgery is a sensible route when you have these natural paths open. Keep listening to your body and don't hesitate to tweak your approach!

Tennis Elbow Treatment In Ayurveda - #6247

Doctors’ responses

If you need a detailed answer, ask the Ayurvedic doctor your question

About our doctors

Related questions

Popular questions

Doctors online

Latest reviews