Did you know, Ayurveda can effectively treat paralysis to almost complete cure!!

Ayurveda can also re-initiate the movement and associated sensations of the paralyzed area!

Key features:

• Paralysis treatment with Ayurveda
• Medications that treat paralysis
• Treatment protocol of paralysis in Ayurveda

According to Ayurveda, Paralysis is a broad concept that comes under Vatavyadhi, or a disease that occurs to an exacerbation of the Vata entity. The condition of Monoplegia or paralysis or a single organ of limp is termed Ekangavata. On the other hand, Hemiplegia (Paralysis of half of the body) is understood as Pakshaghata while Quadriplegia (Paralysis of all limbs) is understood by the term Sarvangavata. 

Ayurveda mentions specific aetiology for the occurrence of these conditions in the body. Taking excess weight over the head, immense stress, sleeplessness, compromised diet and lifestyle, chewing extremely hard and sleeping in unoriented grounds, bed or using multiple pillows for sleep, all tend to aggravate the Vata entity leading to the loss of sensation and movement of half the body or the associated structures.

While Ayurveda briefs about the possible aetiology and pathology of this condition, it also mentions a strict treatment protocol to treat Pakshaghata.

Ayurvedic treatment protocol for stroke

Susrutha Samhita, one of the oldest classic literature in Ayurveda mentions a systematic treatment protocol to alleviate the symptoms and treat the malady along with treatment of its complications. Another classic that effectively describes the treatment protocol is Chakradatta. Even today, modern Ayurvedic physicians still follow these methods to help their patients.

Panchakarma therapies including Abhyangam, Swedanam, Nasyam, Virechanam, Shiro vasti, Sarvanga dhara (Pizhichil), Pichu, Njavarakizhi and Vasti are most promptly effective in curing paralysis with maximum results.

So it is always strongly advised to have Ayurvedic treatment as quickly as you are released from an acute care facility or hospital.

Treatments for paralysis

Vatavyadhi chikitsa is the chief method employed to treat such conditions along with other supportive measures like physiotherapy and IR therapy.

Treatment includes internal and external oleation and fomentation therapy followed by systematic Vasti (Medicated enema) administration according to the condition of the patient. Snehan or oleation may be achieved using Vatahara combinations such as Dhanwantharam Taila, Sahacharadi Taila, Narayana Taila, or others. Fomentation varies according to the strength of the patient from simple Nadi sweda ( steam bath) to Patra Pottali sweda ( massaging the body with a bolus of leaf prepared with medicated oil mix). Various Vasti combinations or even Matra Vasti ( most minimum dose of vasti administration) are given according to the patient and their strength. 

Medications for Paralysis

The medications used to treat paralysis may be divided into two spectrums. Those which are used for shodhana procedures and those that are used for Samana purposes. Sodhana stands for the complete elimination of the doshas while samana stands for pacifying therapy. 

For sodhana, Narayana Taila, Dhanvantharam Taila, Sahacharadi Taila, Masha Taila and other formulations relating to the condition and constitution of the individual.

For Samana, various other decoctions, Bhasmas, tablets and external therapies are used as supportive management along with sodhana medications. EkangaveeraRasa, RasaRajaRasa, RajasirobhushanaRasa, SidhaMakaraDwajam and other Rasa preparations are very effective in treating conditions of paralysis.

Decoctions like Rasnadi kashayam, Astavarga Kashayam and other vatahara formulations are employed.   

Relying on the rate of recovery, oral medications and external therapy will be administered for 3 to 6 months. In addition to these, dietary changes such as timely meals, stopping the consumption of incompatible food combinations and lifestyle changes including optimal exercise, the practice of yoga and pranayama are crucial for the management of paralysis, maximizing the possibilities of recovery from Paralysis conditions in an early Ayurvedic intervention.

General characteristics of stroke

Strokes and paralysis are common in today’s world, where hypertension and compromised lifestyle are key constituents. Most impending life situations including stroke which leads to paralysis occur due to a cranial dysfunction in the form of hemorrhage (bleeding), aneurysm (weakening of the vessel wall), or ischemia (a condition of compromised blood circulation).

One or more bodily parts on either or both sides of the body may become paralyzed as a result of a stroke. The transmission of impulses from the nerves to the affected bodily regions will be negatively impacted by the demise of brain cells. As a result, the patient will experience loss of feeling, sensation, and mobility in the affected areas. The brain or the route that communicates signals from the brain to the muscle may be where the message is being disrupted. According to the damage, the degree of paralysis and other physical problems will vary.  

Paralysis is a broad term. It implies loss of movement and loss of sensation of a part of the body or the whole body in general. Paralysis may be restricted to a particular body part like the tongue, face or even a huge area of the body like half the body or two limbs or even the whole body.

Paralysis is a grave condition that needs prompt diagnosis and treatment to help the person support their functioning and restore their well-being. Once the brain and its cells are compromised in its circulation it leads to permanent damage to the nerves and thus destroying the function of the associated structure. The brain is protected from direct blood contact to prevent any damage to the corresponding nerves. Therefore when a hemorrhage or aneurysm occurs within the brain, the blood-brain barrier is lost, thus increasing the possibility of grave damage. 

The doctor will need to perform a clinical and physical examination to determine exactly where the nerve damage is located. By looking at the paralyzed area, a skilled doctor can identify the malfunctioning location of brain damage. Whether an upper or lower body portion, a side, or both sides of the body has been paralyzed. Most often, modern medical science deals with physiotherapy and medication to cope with functional loss. Which may not always lead to fruitful results. Though it does help the individual with a minute level of support, it does not treat the condition completely unless it’s of acute origin.