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Intervertebral discs are the soft pads between the bodies of the vertebrae, which make up the spinal column. The discs contribute to the flexibility of the spine and act as shock absorbers.
Prolapsed intervertebral disc, also known as a slipped disc, is the protrusion of the nucleus pulposus through its fibrous covering into the spinal canal due to degenerative changes, heavy lifting, or injury in sports. This can press on the spinal cord or on the nerve roots, leading to pain, numbness, paraesthesia, or even paralysis. It is most common in the lumbar region, causing sciatica if the roots of the sciatic nerve are compressed.
Ayurveda categorizes slip disc as one of the diseases caused by vitiated Vata (one of the principal doshas in the body, responsible for movement and functionality). Therapy in Ayurveda aims at restoring equilibrium by correcting the underlying functional imbalance. Ayurvedic therapies for slip disc concentrate on bringing the aggravated Vata back to the state of equilibrium and, thereby, to the state of health.
The therapies like Abyanga Swedam, Pathrapotala Swedam, Choornapinda Swedam, Pizhichil, Shirodhara, Kadeevasthy, Greevavasthy, Navarakizhi, and Vasti are performed as per the necessity and condition. These therapies aim to relieve inflammatory changes, release spasms and nerve compressions in the affected area, strengthen the supportive tissues holding the spine, nourish the joints, and improve circulation.
Spondylosis refers to degenerative osteoarthritis of the joints between the center of the spinal vertebrae and/or neural foramina, resulting in pain, paraesthesia, etc. If it occurs in the cervical vertebrae, it is called cervical spondylosis (neck pain), and if in the lumbar vertebrae, it is called lumbar spondylosis (low back pain). It typically affects people post-middle age (35+ years) due to the degeneration of apophyseal and intervertebral disc joints with osteophyte formation, with or without neurological signs.
Ayurvedic therapy focuses on normalizing the vitiated and obstructed Vata, toning muscles, reducing inflammation, and rejuvenating the affected tissue. As these conditions may also relate to stress, a holistic approach is recommended with medicines, therapies, lifestyle modifications, diet, minimal exercises, and yoga. External therapies employed include combinations of Podikizhi, Elakkizhi, Narenga Kizhi, Pichu, Lepan, Pizhichil, Greeva/Kati Vasti, and Njavaratheppu.
Arthritis is one of the most common ailments for which Ayurvedic help is sought. According to Ayurveda, most pains are caused by the aggravation of Vata (air) dosha. The most common forms of arthritis seen are:
Paralysis, or ‘Plegia,’ refers to severe muscle weakness. It can manifest as hemiplegia (affecting one side of the body), paraplegia (affecting the lower body), or quadriplegia (affecting all four limbs). It occurs due to disease or injury in the motor centers of the brain.
Ayurveda terms paralysis as Pakshavada, a disorder caused by the vitiation of Vata dosha. Ayurvedic therapies aim to rectify the vitiated Vata dosha. Vata is responsible for proper coordination of voluntary movements in the body, and any disruption in its movement can cause paralysis. Therapies like Vasti, Abhyangam, Kizhi, Sirodhara, Thalam, and Njavara Kizhi, alongside exercises, help remove toxins and bring the patient back to normalcy.
Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by high blood sugar, often affecting nerves in the legs and feet. Ayurveda diagnoses it as Prameh, and therapy focuses on pacifying Vata and Pitta, reducing inflammation, nourishing nervous tissue, minimizing tissue damage, and rejuvenating tissues.
Insomnia, derived from Latin meaning “no sleep,” is the inability to fall or stay asleep. Ayurveda attributes insomnia to increased Vata and Pitta levels, which prevent the body and mind from relaxing. Therapies like Shirodhara, Nasya, Thalam, Shirovasti, and Shiropichu help control insomnia by relaxing the mind, reducing stress, and pacifying Vata and Pitta.
Sports injuries result from acute trauma or repetitive stress during athletic activities. Common issues include sprains, strains, tendinitis, bursitis, and ligament injuries. Ayurveda uses therapies like Lepanas, oil massages, Elakizhi, Njavara Kizhi, and bandaging to refresh the body and mind, improve logical capacity, and enhance stress endurance.
Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder, limiting mobility. It commonly affects people aged 40-60, especially women, and is often linked to diabetes, thyroid disorders, Parkinson’s, or cardiac disease. Ayurvedic treatments like Abhyanga, Pizhichil, Kizhi, and Pichu address pain and stiffness effectively.
Sinusitis is inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the nasal passages and sinuses, often caused by infections or allergies. Ayurvedic therapies like Nasyam (medicated nasal oil), Shirodhara, oil pulling, and steam inhalation help treat sinusitis, improve sinus drainage, and prevent recurrence.
