Paralysis, also called as hemiplegia is the condition where one side of the body loses the ability of muscle function or movement. It is often caused by the damage to the nervous system or the spinal cord. Stroke, trauma, injury to the nerves and muscular dystrophy can be the other major causes for partial or complete paralysis.
Paralysis is classified into 3 different types,
Hemiplegia – Muscle weakness on one side of the body which may be a result of the damage to the opposite side of the brain.
Paraplegia – Paralysis of the lower half of the body.
Quadriplegia – The partial or complete paralysis of the four limbs and the torso.
Ayurvedic treatment for paralysis
Ayurveda refers to paralysis as Pakshaghat which is caused due to the imbalance of Vata dosha, which governs the sensory activities and coordinates the voluntary movements in the body.
The Ayurvedic line of treatment is aligned with restoring the motor and sensory functions of the brain through treatment modalities that include Panchakarma, external therapies, internal medications, yoga, pranayama, meditation, etc.
Panchakarma – Panachakarma treatment for paralysis aim for improving the functioning of the peripheral nervous system and blood circulation. Therapies like Virechana, Vasthi and Nasya for cleansing the body off aggravated doshas are highly recommended.
Abhyanaga – Full body Ayurvedic massage with oils like Dhanwantaram Taila, Ksheerabala taila, Bala ashwagandha taila, Mahamasha tails are performed to rejuvenate the body and strengthen the muscular system.
Pizhichil – The patient’s body will be bathed in continuous stream of warm medicated oils in different postures for improving blood circulation and for overall rejuvenation.
Njavara Kizhi – Boluses containing rice of medicinal value that is cooked in milk along with herbal decoction is used for fomentation of the body in this therapy. It is very effective for nourishing and rejuvenating the body and is advised in paralysis.
Shirodhara – Continuous stream of medicated oil is poured gently on the head for relaxing both the mind and body, while also being therapeutic to conditions like hemiplegia.
Udwarthanam – The procedure of massaging the body with medicated herbal powders using upward strokes is recommended for improving circulation and to rejuvenate the muscles.
