Ayurveda and Osteoporosis: How Ayurvedic Care Supports Bone Health
Osteoporosis is known as Asthi Kshaya in Ayurveda and is caused by imbalance of Vata and weakens digestion. Thorough Ayurvedic treatment for such conditions includes healthy food habits, herbal oils and mineral-based formulations, along with a routine that involves weight-bearing activities. It is to be used in coordination with modern treatment and to monitor bone density. It is not a substitute for them.
Osteoporosis is called the “silent disease” because patients don’t show any signs or symptoms until a fracture happens. In the UAE, low vitamin D is widespread across all age groups because of an indoor lifestyle and less exposure to sun. This is a public health concern, especially for women after menopause and for people with a family history of fractures, regardless of their age.
What is osteoporosis, and how does Ayurveda understand it?
Osteoporosis is a condition in which bone density and quality decrease, making bones fragile. A diagnosis is made with a DEXA scan, where a T-score -2.5 or lower indicates osteoporosis and a T-score between -1.0 and -2.5 indicates osteopenia.
Asthi Kshaya is a similar condition described in classical Ayurveda, and is due to the depletion of bone tissue (Asthi Dhatu). This has three main features:
- Dominance of Vata: Vata controls dryness and lightness, and also movement. It naturally increases after the age of 50, and in Ayurveda, the main seat of Vata is in bone. This means that with increasing age and rising Vata, the bone tissue thins.
- Agni: In Ayurveda, after digestion, there are seven (or eight) tissues. Of these, bone is the fifth tissue. This means that if one is unable to properly digest food, this would impact the subsequent tissues, including bone.
- Asthi – Majja (Bone and marrow) relationship: In Ayurveda, together with strength of bone, quality of the tissue inside also has to be considered.
Because of all these reasons, if the bones are thin and fragile, though it looks similar to osteoporosis, Ayurvedically it is not osteoporosis. However, it is very close to osteoporosis, and in many ways similar.
How does Ayurvedic care support bone health?
A unique aspect of Ayurvedic approaches to bone health is they work on four aspects simultaneously rather than focusing on increasing bone density alone.
- Calming Vata: Bone loss is associated with dryness and depletion. Oil-based, warm therapy and a routine which helps ground the senses help with the dryness and depletion.
- Strengthening digestion: The bone nourishment process depends on the absorption of nutrients. Ginger, cumin and asafoetida, when added to meals at the right times, improve absorption.
- Supplying nutrition: If the body’s tissue requires a certain constituent to build or repair tissue, and that constituent is unavailable, it is considered the body is depleted. Formulations made from processed minerals and herbs are used to make tissue available to the body.
- Restoring load and movement: The effect of mechanical stress on bone is well known. It is part of the plan to help stimulate bone growth.
Prior to formulating a plan, an Ayurvedic physician assesses the individual’s current state, digestive strength, Prakriti, the medications being taken and whether the individual is pre or post menopause. Therefore, people with the same T-score may be prescribed different treatment plans.
Which Ayurvedic therapies and herbs are used for bone health?
The therapies most often included in a bone health programme are:
| Therapy | What it involves | Typical course |
| Abhyanga | Full-body warm medicated oil massage | 7–14 sessions |
| Kati Basti / Janu Basti | Warm oil pooled over the lower back or knee | 7–14 sessions |
| Matra Basti | Small-volume medicated oil enema, the principal Vata therapy | As prescribed |
| Patra Pinda Sweda | Herbal leaf bolus fomentation for stiffness | 7–14 sessions |
| Ksheera Dhara | Warm medicated milk poured over the body | As prescribed |
Herbs and formulations mentioned in classical literature of Ayurveda for bone and joint disorders are Laksha, Ashwagandha, Bala, Asthishrinkhala, Arjuna, Guggulu and calcium salts (Godanti/Praval). Some of the above are prescription only in practice and are to be used under medical supervision. The dose, duration and combinations are decided by the treating physician. Self-medication is not recommended as they interact with medications like blood thinners, bisphosphonates and thyroid medication.
Diet and daily routine for stronger bones
The biggest influence on health is what we eat. People living in the Gulf region have specific gaps in their diet, and three of the most important are addressed below:
- Sun Exposure: The ideal exposure time is 10-20 minutes between 8am-10am. Covering up during the hot weather and air conditioning make it very easy to be vitamin D deficient. Ask your doctor to test your 25(OH)D level instead of assuming you are deficient.
- Foods high in Calcium: Sesame seeds, ragi (finger millet), almonds, dates, moringa leaves, curd and milk cooked with ginger or turmeric help in bone nutrition in Ayurveda and are easily available in the UAE.
- What depletes bone: Caffeine, carbonated drinks, excess salt, smoking and alcohol can reduce bone density. Ayurveda adds that irregular meals, excessive dry, cold and/or raw food can also lead to reduced bone density.
- Weight bearing activity: Brisk walking or stair climbing for 30 minutes most days is ideal. Adding in balance training and resistance work helps if you are at increased risk for fracture.
Can Ayurveda be combined with conventional osteoporosis treatment?
Yes, usually. Most of the time Ayurvedic care will be used as a complementary approach along with the DEXA monitoring, calcium and vitamin D supplementation, and the prescriptions your physician has suggested. Ayurvedic care will not replace these other approaches.
You should tell both of your doctors about everything you are taking. Bring your latest DEXA report, as well as your blood work, to your first Ayurvedic consultation. They will help shape your plan and will be a baseline to compare against later. Repeat DEXA scans to test bone density are usually done once a year at most, so progress is measured against this, not weekly.
Frequently Asked Questions
No responsible practitioner will promise reversal. The aim of Ayurvedic care is to stop progression of bone loss, alleviate bone related pain and stiffness, and to improve bone health by enhancing nutrition and mobility. Bone density is evaluated by repeat DEXA scans, typically performed after 12-24 months.
The closest classical term is Asthi Kshaya, meaning depletion of bone tissue. Some texts also describe Asthi Saushirya, literally “porousness of bone,” which maps more directly onto the modern description.
Most programmes begin with a 7–21 day therapy course, followed by 3–6 months of internal medication, diet and routine. Duration depends on age, T-score and digestive strength.
Not all procedures are appropriate. Aggravating Vata further through purification therapies is not recommended. Therefore, most of the time nurturing therapies are performed, i.e., Abhyanga and Ksheera Dhara. The physician decides after making assessment of the patient.
Women over 65, men over 70, post-menopausal women with a fracture history, and anyone on long-term steroids. Many UAE residents also benefit from an earlier vitamin D test given indoor lifestyles.
Talk to an Ayurvedic Physician
Kottakkal Ayurvedic Treatment Center, operates four UAE clinics – Ajman, Deira (Dubai), Satwa (Dubai) and Sharjah. Our physicians assess bone health alongside your existing medical reports and build a plan around your constitution and current condition. Selected insurance plans are accepted; coverage varies by plan and treatment.
Reviewed by the Ayurvedic medical team at Kottakkal Ayurvedic Treatment Center – BAMS-qualified physicians licensed by MOHAP/DHA, UAE. Last Updated: 07/10/2026.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Osteoporosis requires clinical diagnosis and monitoring. Always consult a licensed physician before starting or changing any treatment.
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