Ayurvedic Treatment for Paralysis – Causes, Symptoms, Ayurvedic Remedies

Ayurvedic Treatment for Paralysis: Paralysis is a medical condition in which a person is unable to move one or more muscles. It can be caused by a variety of things, including spinal cord injuries, stroke, and nerve damage. Paralysis can be temporary or permanent, and it can affect any part of the body. Here will discuss Ayurvedic treatment for Paralysis

Paralysis means loss of ‘muscle function in a part of the body.

It can occur in different forms –

1. Localized or generalized
2. Partial or complete
3. Temporary or permanent

It can affect any part of the body. It occurs at any time in your life.

In Ayurveda, paralysis is primarily associated with aggravated Vata dosha, which governs movement and motor functions in the body. When Vata becomes imbalanced, it disrupts the proper functioning of nerves, muscles, and blood vessels, leading to loss of muscle coordination.

• Pakshaghata: Describes hemiplegia, where one side of the body is affected.
• Ardita: Correlates to facial paralysis, often resembling Bell’s palsy.
• Ekanga Vata: Paralysis affecting one limb or specific areas.
• Sarvanga Vata: Generalized paralysis affecting the entire body.

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Root Causes of Vata Imbalance Leading to Paralysis

1. Improper diet (Viruddha Aahar) such as dry, light, or cold foods.
2. Excessive stress and lack of proper sleep.
3. A sedentary lifestyle leads to poor circulation.
4. Trauma or injury to nerves or brain.
5. Aging or degeneration of tissues.

Ayurveda aims to restore Vata balance, rejuvenate the nervous system, and improve muscle strength through therapies, herbs, and lifestyle changes.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Paralysis: Symptoms of Paralysis

Loss of function in a specific part or widespread areas of your body. Numbness or tingling sensation can sometimes occur before paralysis completely manifests. You will find it difficult or impossible to control muscles in the body parts affected by paralysis.

Types of Paralysis

1. Localized or Generalized Paralysis

Localized paralysis – affects one part of your body, like the hand or face.

Generalized paralysis – will affect multiple body parts and constitutes a group of conditions

1. Monoplegia – affects only one arm or leg
2. Hemiplegia – affects one arm and one leg on the same side of the body
3. Paraplegia – affects both your legs
4. Quadriplegia / Tetraplegia – affects both arms and both legs

2. Partial or Complete Paralysis

• Partial Paralysis – You will have some control over the muscles in the affected parts of the body
• Complete Paralysis – You will not have any control over the muscles in the affected parts of the body

3. Temporary or Permanent Paralysis

• Temporary paralysis – This can be found in Bell’s palsy (which causes temporary paralysis of the face) & stroke (temporary paralysis of one side of the body). These are temporary because one may regain a part of or complete sensations and coordination with proper treatment and with time.
• Permanent paralysis – in other conditions excluding the above-mentioned conditions (in temporary paralysis).

4. Flaccid or Spastic Paralysis

1. Flaccid Paralysis – the muscles shrink and become flabby resulting in weakness of muscles.
2. Spastic Paralysis – the muscles get tight and hard. It causes uncontrollable twitches or spasms in muscles.

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Causes of Paralysis

Before going to Paralysis Ayurvedic treatment you should know its causes. It is the loss of muscle function in one or more parts of the body. It can occur for various reasons, and the causes of paralysis can be broadly categorized into the following:

Neurological Causes of Paralysis

• Stroke: A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted, leading to damage to brain tissue. Ischemic strokes, caused by blood clots, and hemorrhagic strokes, caused by bleeding in the brain, can both result in paralysis.
• Spinal Cord Injury: Trauma to the spinal cord from accidents, falls, or sports injuries can lead to paralysis. The level and severity of paralysis depend on the location and extent of the spinal cord damage.
• Multiple Sclerosis(MS): MS is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the protective covering of nerve fibers, leading to a range of neurological symptoms, including muscle weakness and paralysis.
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and eventually paralysis.
• Guillain-Barré Syndrome: This rare autoimmune disorder can cause rapid muscle weakness and paralysis. It often begins in the legs and may progress to affect other parts of the body.

Medical Conditions of Paralysis

• Bell’s Palsy: Bell’s palsy is a condition characterized by sudden weakness or paralysis of facial muscles, often caused by viral infections, such as herpes simplex virus.
• Polio: Poliomyelitis, or polio, is a viral infection that can lead to muscle weakness and paralysis, particularly in the legs.
• Cerebral Palsy: Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect muscle control and movement, often due to damage to the developing brain during pregnancy, childbirth, or early childhood.

Nerve-related Causes of Paralysis

• Peripheral Neuropathy: Damage or dysfunction of peripheral nerves, often due to diabetes, alcohol abuse, infections, or toxins, can result in muscle weakness and paralysis.
• Radial Nerve Injury: Trauma or compression of the radial nerve in the arm can lead to paralysis of certain forearm and hand muscles.
• Brachial Plexus Injury: Damage to the brachial plexus, a network of nerves that control the arm and hand, can occur during childbirth or traumatic accidents, causing arm paralysis.

Autoimmune and Inflammatory Disorders of Paralysis

• Transverse Myelitis: This rare inflammatory disorder affects the spinal cord and can lead to paralysis. It is often triggered by viral or autoimmune processes.
• Myasthenia Gravis: Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder that affects the neuromuscular junction, leading to muscle weakness and, in severe cases, paralysis.

Infections and Diseases:

• Tropical Diseases: Diseases like leprosy and African trypanosomiasis can cause nerve damage and paralysis.
• West Nile Virus: Infection with the West Nile virus can lead to a condition known as West Nile polio, resulting in muscle weakness and paralysis.
• Toxins and Chemicals: Exposure to certain toxins, heavy metals, or chemicals can damage nerves and lead to paralysis.
• Genetic Disorders: Some genetic conditions, such as hereditary spastic paraplegia and certain muscular dystrophies, can cause progressive muscle weakness and paralysis.

Diagnosis of Paralysis

Doctors diagnose this condition after a thorough examination. Loss of muscle functions is an important clue.

You may be recommended some tests to identify the paralysis of internal body parts. They include –

• X-rays
• CT scans
• MRI scans
• Other imaging studies

Myelography or electromyography may be needed in some conditions.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Paralysis 

Ayurveda offers a range of therapies and treatments that can be used to support individuals with paralysis. Ayurvedic therapies can help improve overall well-being, circulation, and muscle strength. The selection of therapies should be personalized and administered by a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner after a thorough assessment.

Here are some Ayurvedic therapies that may be beneficial:

Best Ayurveda Therapies to Treat Paralysis

Ayurvedic Panchakarma Therapy for Paralysis

Panchakarma is a detoxification and rejuvenation therapy in Ayurveda. While it may not directly treat the underlying cause of paralysis, it can help remove toxins, improve digestion, and promote overall health. Panchakarma therapies that can be considered include Abhyanga (full-body oil massage), Swedana (herbal steam therapy), and Basti (enema therapy).

Ayurvedic Massage for Paralysis

Bala tailam is a medicated oil often used in Ayurveda to massage the affected muscles and joints. Massaging with this oil may help improve circulation, reduce muscle stiffness, and enhance muscle tone. It can be particularly useful in cases of paralysis caused by nerve damage or muscle weakness.

Pizhichil for Paralysis Ayurvedic Treatment

Pizhichil is a specialized Ayurvedic treatment where lukewarm herbal oils are poured over the body while massaging. It is known for its rejuvenating properties and can be beneficial for paralysis as it improves circulation and muscle strength.

Nasya Therapy

Nasya treatment involves the administration of herbal oils or powders through the nasal passages. It is believed to have a positive impact on the nervous system and can be used to support neurological conditions, including certain types of paralysis.

Dhanyamla Dhara

Dhanyamla is a fermented herbal liquid. Dhanyamla Dhara involves pouring this liquid over the body, similar to Pizhichil. It can be beneficial in cases of paralysis due to its muscle-relaxing and rejuvenating properties.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Paralysis: Basti Therapy

Basti therapy involves the administration of medicated enemas to address Vata dosha imbalances. This therapy helps nourish and strengthen the nerves, muscles, and tissues affected by paralysis. It aids in eliminating Vata-related toxins from the body and provides deep rejuvenation.

Pinda Sweda (Sudation Therapy)

Pinda Sweda involves applying warm poultices filled with medicated herbs, rice, or other materials to the affected areas. This therapy can be customized to target specific regions of the body affected by paralysis. The warmth and herbal properties of the poultices can help relax muscles and improve circulation.

Agnilepam

Agnilepam, also known as Agni lepa, is an Ayurvedic therapy involving the application of medicated herbal pastes to the body.  Agnilepa is an Ayurvedic treatment for neurological and muscular conditions, including some cases of paralysis. Applying this paste to affected areas can potentially help relax stiff muscles, reduce muscle spasms, and improve muscle function.

Najvarkizhi for Paralysis Ayurvedic Treatment

It is an Ayurvedic therapy that involves the use of a special type of rice-based poultice.  Najvarkizhi is a supportive therapy to address certain neurological and muscular conditions, including paralysis. The heat from the poultices and the herbal properties of the rice and herbal decoctions can help relax muscles, reduce muscle stiffness, and improve muscle tone. This can be beneficial for individuals with paralysis, particularly if there is muscle spasticity or tightness. It is also helpful to pain, improve circulation, and nourish muscle tissues.

Can Ayurveda Cure Paralysis? / Ayurvedic Treatment for Paralysis

Ayurveda has explained a condition called Pakshaghata or Pakshavadha. The description looks similar to one or more of the types of paralysis. Another condition named Ardita, which is often compared to facial paralysis also, can be included in correlation with paralysis.

The terms Ekanga Vata – wherein one part or one side is afflicted and Sarvanga Vata – wherein the disease is generalized – mentioned in the same context is also considered.

These conditions are caused when the aggravated vata afflicts the blood vessels, muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

Herbal Oils for External Application:

• Mahanarayan Taila: Improves muscle tone and nerve strength.
• Dhanvantaram Taila: Relieves pain and stiffness.
• Kshirabala Taila: Used for Abhyanga and Nasya for muscle relaxation and rejuvenation.

Which Therapy is Good for Paralysis?

Ayurvedic Treatment principles explained in the context of Pakshavadha and Ardita can be administered skillfully as and when required. Ayurveda physicians will conduct tests to read the dosha involvement and aggravation and plan the treatment principles after having diagnosed the disease.

The treatments include –  Ayurvedic massages to treat Paralysis

• Snehana – external and internal oil therapies
• Swedana – steaming therapies/sudation (Nadi Sweda – tube sudation, Upanaha – poultices)
• Virechana – purgation with medicated oils/ghee
• Navana – nasal medications
• Murdni Taila – oil therapies on the head (Shiro Abhyanga, Shiro Pichu, Shiro Dhara, and Shiro Vasti)
• Tarpana – nourishing and vata-alleviating foods

Other therapies

• Abhyanga – generalized massage with herbal oils
• Vasti – herbal enemas (oil, decoction, milk)
• Sarvanga Dhara – showering medicinal oils or milk over the body
• People ask questions like What is the fastest way to cure paralysis?

To make the treatment more comprehensive your Ayurveda doctor will also plan Ayurvedic treatments

• prescribe dosha-specific and disease-specific medicines
• advise you with dietetic regimens and lifestyle changes

Have a good and complete healing experience at Adyant Ayurveda Treatment Centre, Bangalore. You can meet our team of  best Ayurveda doctors to get a cure for Paralysis.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Paralysis: Conclusion

Paralysis may seem like an insurmountable obstacle, but Ayurveda offers hope and effective treatments to improve the quality of life for individuals living with paralysis. By following Ayurvedic principles, undergoing specialized therapies, and embracing a balanced lifestyle, individuals can gradually regain mobility and experience a renewed sense of well-being. Remember to consult the best Ayurveda doctor at Adyant Ayurveda to personalize your treatment approach and achieve the best results

For consultation and personalized Ayurvedic care, visit Adyant Ayurveda’s centers in Jayanagar, Indiranagar, Kalyan Nagar, and Rajarajeshwari Nagar. Our team of experienced Ayurvedic doctors ensures comprehensive care with time-tested therapies and formulations.