Sandhivata, the classical name for joint degeneration, is framed not as simple wear but as a depletion disorder, joints that have lost the tissue and lubrication needed to contain Vata.

Classical texts link this closely to age, since Vata is understood to increase naturally as tissue gradually depletes over a lifetime.

Understanding Sandhivata as a depletion process is what shapes the entire classical treatment approach, nourishing therapies rather than purification protocols.