Let's be honest, Cerebral palsy (CP) is a difficult condition to deal with. But have we ever thought of seeking help for such conditions from our ancient wisdom? Cerebral CP is a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. It affects muscle tone, movement, and coordination. While there's no cure, Ayurveda, the ancient Indian medical system, offers a holistic approach rather than fighting the symptoms, but healing the whole person to manage CP symptoms and improve a child's quality of life. Browsing through this page will help you get an idea of what cerebral palsy is, and how Ayurveda approaches this condition.
Understanding Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy involves difficulty in movement or in maintaining balance. It is a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. It affects muscle tone, movement, and coordination. CP encompasses a spectrum of conditions, ranging from mild cases affecting a single limb to severe cases that limit a child's ability to walk, speak, and care for themselves.
Causes & Risk Factors
Prenatal factors
Infections: Infections during pregnancy, such as cytomegalovirus (CMV), rubella, toxoplasmosis, and herpes simplex virus (HSV), can cross the placenta and infect the developing brain, leading to brain damage and CP.
Maternal health issues: Maternal health problems like pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy), gestational diabetes, and nutritional deficiencies can restrict blood flow and oxygen supply to the fetus, increasing the risk of brain damage and CP.
Infertility Treatments: Conception assistance, even though it can sometimes result in multiple births or otherwise, can be a factor leading to an increased risk of cerebral Palsy.
Complications during pregnancy: Placental abruption (premature detachment of the placenta from the uterine wall) and umbilical cord problems (prolapse or knotting) can deprive the baby of oxygen and nutrients, leading to brain damage and CP.
Perinatal factors
Premature birth: Babies born before 37 weeks of gestation are more at risk of CP. The earlier the baby is born, the higher the risk. This is because the brain is still under development at this stage, and premature birth can disrupt this development.
Low birth weight: Babies born with a low birth weight (less than 2,500 grams) are also more at risk of CP. Low birth weight can be caused by premature birth, placental problems, or maternal health issues.
Complications during delivery: Difficulties during delivery, such as prolonged labor, instrumental delivery (using forceps or vacuum), and breech presentation (baby coming out feet first), can increase the risk of oxygen deprivation or bleeding in the brain, both of which can lead to CP.
Postnatal factors
Infections: Infections like meningitis and encephalitis in early infancy can cause inflammation and swelling in the brain, leading to brain damage and CP.
Head injury: Serious head injuries in a young child can damage the developing brain and cause CP.
Types of Cerebral Palsy
CP may be classified into
Spastic: affects muscle control, causing stiffness and difficulty with movement. This can be one-sided (hemiplegia), leg-dominant (diplegia), or affect all four limbs (quadriplegia).
Dyskinetic (Athetoid): Causes problems with controlling movement due to changing muscle tone, impacting walking, sitting, and speech.
Ataxic: results in imbalance and poor coordination, making movement unsteady. This type often preserves intelligence and communication skills.
Signs and Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy
Early identification of cerebral palsy may depend on identifying specific symptoms and indicators that differ from expected physical or developmental milestones. These signs can differ greatly, but frequently consist of
Muscle stiffness or weakness: This can manifest as difficulty controlling movements, clumsiness, or abnormal postures. In severe cases, it can lead to contractures, which are permanent shortenings of muscles or tendons.
Difficulty walking, crawling, or maintaining balance: Children with CP may have difficulty walking, crawling, or maintaining balance. They may walk on their toes, scissor their legs when they walk, or have ataxia (uncoordinated gait).
Tremors or uncontrolled movements: Tremors are involuntary shaking movements that can affect the limbs, head, or trunk. Other uncontrolled movements may include athetosis (writhing movements), dystonia (sustained muscle contractions), or chorea (jerky, involuntary movements).
Speech problems: Children with CP may have difficulty speaking clearly. This can be due to problems with muscle control in the face and mouth or to difficulty coordinating breathing and vocalization. Speech problems can range from mild articulation difficulties to a complete inability to speak.
Difficulty swallowing: This can lead to drooling, coughing, or choking during meals.
Seizures: Seizures are uncontrolled electrical discharges in the brain that can cause temporary changes in sensation, behavior, or consciousness. They can occur in up to 30% of children with CP
Ayurvedic Perspective on CP
Ayurveda views CP as a condition caused by an imbalance in the doshas, particularly Vata dosha. Vata dosha governs movement, coordination, and the nervous system. When Vata dosha becomes aggravated (vata vriddhi), it disrupts the flow of prana (vital life force) throughout the body, leading to the characteristic motor difficulties seen in CP. According to Ayurvedic theory, the damaged brain tissue in CP can impede the proper function of the srotas (channels) responsible for the movement of Vata dosha. This further disrupts the flow of Vata and aggravates the symptoms of CP.
How Ayurveda Can Help
Ayurveda focuses on the restoration of balance within the body and promoting optimal growth and development. Here is how it can benefit children with CP:
Panchakarma: This five-fold detoxification process helps eliminate toxins (ama) that can contribute to Vata imbalance. Techniques like basti (medicated enemas) can be helpful.
Diet: A customized diet emphasizing easily digestible and nourishing foods is crucial. It may include ghee, ginger, turmeric, and vegetables rich in essential vitamins and minerals.
Herbal Remedies: Herbs like Ashwagandha, Bala, and Shallaki (Boswellia) can help improve muscle tone, reduce stiffness, and promote overall well-being.
Massage Therapy: Abhyanga (oil massage) with specific herbal oils can improve circulation, ease muscle tension, and promote relaxation.
Shirodhara: This therapy involves pouring warm, medicated oil onto the forehead. It can promote relaxation, improve sleep quality, and reduce stress, especially when clubbed with yoga
Importance of Early Intervention
Early intervention with Ayurvedic therapies is crucial to maximizing benefits for children with CP. Combining these therapies with physiotherapy and occupational therapy can offer a comprehensive approach to management.
Additional Considerations
Individualized Treatment: Ayurvedic treatment plans are customized based on the child's specific needs and symptoms.
Parental Involvement: Parental participation in the treatment process is essential for ensuring consistency and optimal results.
Complementary Approach: Ayurveda works best as a complementary approach alongside conventional medicine.
A Note of Hope from Ayur Bethaniya
While there's no cure for CP, Ayurveda offers a promising approach to managing symptoms and improving a child's quality of life. At Ayur Bethaniya, I Dr. Shincy Kotarathil, have witnessed the effective nature of Ayurveda treatments in such cases. Undoubtedly, our devotion to uniting old wisdom and modern methods brings about the desired results, and each patient gets the ideal treatment. The comforting and supportive environment provided by the specialist team at Ayur Bethaniya, ensures that the families touched by cerebral palsy have a source of light during difficult times. It is here that the road to healing begins with compassion and kindness and continues with the help of empathetic experts. With a holistic approach focusing on detoxification, dietary adjustments, herbal remedies, and external therapies, Ayurveda can empower children with CP to reach their full potential.
Disclaimer
Always consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner alongside a pediatrician for a personalized treatment plan for your child with CP. Ayurvedic herbs can interact with medications, so disclose any current prescriptions.
