Stroke recovery can be a long and challenging process, marked by physical, cognitive, and emotional changes. While modern medicine offers numerous therapies and medications to assist recovery, many individuals and healthcare providers are turning to holistic approaches to complement these treatments. One such approach is Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine that offers unique perspectives and practices for stroke rehabilitation.
I am Dr Surej an ayurvedic practitioner employed at Ayur Bethaniya. As an Ayurvedic practitioner, I have seen firsthand how Ayurveda may significantly improve stroke patients. I have used the holistic approach of Ayurveda to assist many stroke victims in their recovery throughout the years. Here, I would want to discuss what I know about the potential benefits of Ayurveda for stroke recovery and rehabilitation.
Signs and Symptoms of a stroke
Understanding the symptoms of stroke can help you give the right medical attention to the patient at the right time:
- Sudden weakness or numbness on the side of the body, especially in the face, arm, or leg.
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech suddenly.
- Sudden vision problems in one or both eyes.
- Trouble walking, dizziness, and balance loss.
- Unexplained, sudden severe headache.
- Unexplained, sudden severe headache.
Although strokes usually occur without warning, they can also manifest slowly over hours or as a series of smaller strokes over some time. As the stroke progresses, the symptoms worsen.
Ayurveda and Stroke
In Ayurveda, the concept of "Pakshaghata" provides a framework for understanding and treating stroke, emphasizing the central role of the body's energy dynamics, specifically the Vata dosha.
In Ayurveda, health is maintained by a delicate balance of three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Vata dosha governs movement, circulation, and the nervous system. When Vata becomes aggravated, the innate qualities of Vata also aggravate and can manifest as dryness, erratic movement, and blockages in the body's channels. This imbalance can impede blood flow to the brain, leading to stroke symptoms like paralysis, speech difficulties, and sensory impairments. An aggravated Vata dosha can also manifest in emotional imbalances like anxiety and fear, which can further hinder the healing process.
Ayurvedic stroke rehabilitation focuses mainly on restoring the balance of the vata dosha through various therapies promoting circulation and smooth functioning of the nervous system. It also focuses on internal cleansing, rejuvenation and nutritional support to promote the overall well-being of a person suffering from the difficulties arising due to stroke.
The treatment involves both internal medicines and external therapies to restore sensory and motor functions. External therapeutic approaches, such as Panchakarma, help the nervous system work more effectively.
As an Ayurvedic physician, my main goal is to treat patients in a way that balances their Vata and gets rid of toxins that have built up in the body. Patients recovering from strokes get a variety of treatments aimed at eliminating internal toxins and regaining muscle function. There are tried-and-true Ayurvedic remedies for stroke that have shown to be quite successful in helping stroke victims recover and undergo rehabilitation.
Ayurvedic therapies for post-stroke rehabilitation and recovery
Paralysis is the most common result following a stroke. Taking into account the paralysis stage, duration of the condition, and strength, doctors develop an optimised treatment plan. When paralysis is new, doctors typically prescribe medications such as Dhanwantram Kashayam and incorporate mild treatments like Abhyanga or Kaya Seka. Extensive treatment is recommended for stroke patients with paralysis lasting beyond one year because when a body part remains inactive for a long period, the muscles begin to deteriorate and lose their strength to perform.
Therefore, the usual treatment plan consists of the following stages.
- Abhyanga (Medicated Oil Massage): This therapy improves circulation, reduces muscle stiffness, and promotes relaxation.
- Swedana (Fomentation): Applying heat with herbal poultices helps reduce inflammation and improve blood flow.
- Shirodhara (Medicated Oil Dripping on Forehead): This calming therapy can improve cognitive function and reduce headaches.
- Vasti ( Enema) - One of the major cleansing methods used in the condition of vata vitiated disease, it helps to eliminate the toxins from the body and also strengthens the nervous sytem.
- Virechana ( Medicated purgation) - This helps to eliminate the toxins from the body, and also keeps the Vata in check
- Nasya (Medicated Nasal Drops): This practice helps clear blocked channels and supports nervous system health.
Advantages of Ayurvedic Rehabilitation
It’s crucial to understand that stroke recovery requires time and persistent effort. With dedication and effort, individuals can make meaningful progress and enhance their lives after a stroke.
Here’s how Ayurveda helps stroke patients.
- Improve and revive neuromuscular abilities.
- Enhance the strength of your muscle tissues.
- Enhanced cognitive function and memory
- Increased independence and improved quality of life.
- Restore the body’s lost function.
- The patient is fully capable of carrying out their regular daily tasks.
Role of Ayurveda on Stroke Recovery
Stroke can be cured, but it takes patience and time. In contrast to conventional methods that concentrate on treating symptoms and curing the illness, Ayurvedic stroke treatment aims to identify the root cause of the issue to lessen damage and strengthen the core, hence preventing recurrence. Restoring blood supply to the brain is the first step in stroke recovery therapy. Reducing the effects of paralysis, numbness, and other symptoms is the primary objective of Ayurvedic stroke treatment, to accelerate the patient's recovery. Following an assessment of the patient's state, we will design a course of treatment to aid in their recuperation and renewal while relieving the symptoms brought on by the disease.
Ayurvedic stroke treatment in Kerala includes Kabalam, Njavarakkizhi, Sirovasti, and Elakizhi, as well as the required internal medications. Usually, the Ayurvedic approach to stroke therapy starts with rukshana followed by snehana and swedana therapies that usually act as the preparatory therapies for the body to receive the apt panchakarma treatment required for the body. This is usually followed by panchakarma treatments such as Nasya, Vasti, or virechana. The therapies are decided based on the body constitution and the physical condition of the patient. They may be given therapies such as sirovasthi and Shirodhara for further strengthening of the nervous system. Vasti is a detoxification therapy that helps to eliminate toxins from the body and helps restore balance to the damaged dosha. Nasya is a medicinal practice that involves the introduction of herbal or medicated oil into the nose to relieve nasal and headache symptoms. Oral herbal treatments such as Ashwagandhaaristha, Ashtavarga Kashayam, Ashvagandhachurna, Brahmi Vati, and others are also used to strengthen the body’s capacity to tolerate the favorable effects of detoxification. Rehabilitation treatments are designed to provide patients with comprehensive and high-quality care, an improved quality of life, and the capacity to do everyday chores independently.
Ayur Bethaniya, one of the leading Ayurveda hospitals in Kerala is known for its stroke rehabilitation treatments that blend Ayurvedic therapies, speech therapy, and physiotherapy. Our holistic treatment methods are administered in a friendly and welcoming environment, ensuring that patients feel at ease during their rehabilitation.
Ayur Bethaniya also combines Yoga and counseling into their complete treatment regimens, with the goal of not only restoring physical health but also increasing confidence and providing emotional support to stroke survivors, all without the use of invasive procedures.
Feel free to contact us for your queries.
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