Stroke Paralysis represents a prevalent medical emergency that can occur suddenly, making it a global health concern and the third most prevalent cause of mortality across the world. Stroke, also medically referred to as CVA (Cardiovascular Accident), and is characterized by the abrupt demise of brain cells due to insufficient oxygen supply caused by the occlusion of a brain artery. This condition stands as the leading cause of adult disability, impacting individuals’ quality of life significantly.

In the context of Ayurveda, stroke can be linked to the ancient concept of “Pakshaghata,” underscoring the timelessness of this ailment in human history.

Stroke Paralysis Symptoms

• Sudden Numbness or Weakness: One of the most recognizable signs is the sudden onset of numbness or weakness, usually on one side of the body. This can affect the face, arm, or leg.
• Trouble Speaking: Stroke can impair speech and language abilities. You may experience slurred speech, difficulty finding words, or an inability to speak at all.
• Confusion: Stroke can lead to confusion, making it challenging to understand or process information. This may be accompanied by disorientation.
• Trouble Walking: People having a stroke often have difficulty walking or maintaining balance. They may stumble, feel unsteady, or even collapse.
• Severe Headache: A sudden, severe headache, often described as the “worst headache of your life,” can be a symptom of a stroke, especially if it occurs abruptly.
• Vision Problems: A stroke can cause vision problems, such as blurred vision, double vision, or a sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes.
• Dizziness or Loss of Coordination: Feeling dizzy or experiencing a loss of coordination and control over your movements can be indicative of a stroke.
• Facial Drooping: One side of the face may droop or become asymmetrical, particularly around the mouth and eye.
• Difficulty Swallowing: A stroke can affect the ability to swallow, leading to choking or coughing while eating or drinking.
• Loss of Consciousness: In severe cases, a stroke can cause a loss of consciousness or fainting.

Causes of Stroke/ Paralysis

Stroke paralysis can happen anytime and it is the third leading cause of death estimated. Damage to the central nervous system is the main cause of paralysis and the chances of stroke in today’s fast lifestyle have been more than before.

Stroke paralysis can be due to various reasons:

• Cerebrovascular accident (Ischaemic or hemorrhagic)
• Damage to the spinal cord – A fall or heavy shock in the spinal cord can be fatal. It can, in turn, affect the central nervous system and result in paralysis.
• Trauma with nerve injury – A trauma and subsequent nerve injury can lead to defects in the nervous system. This will adversely affect signal transmission from the brain and lead to stroke/ paralysis.
• Multiple sclerosis – This problem occurs when our immune system attacks the protective sheath called Myelin on the nerve fibers. The communication between brain and body parts is impaired due to it and leads to paralysis.
• Muscular Dystrophy – Muscular Dystrophy is caused by a group of diseases. Abnormal gene mutation affects the production of proteins required for the strengthening of muscles, thus causing paralysis.
• Brain damage – Brain damage due to high Blood Pressure, physical damage, or other physical conditions can be fatal. It can drain the brain of blood and result in a stroke.
• Exposure to toxins and poisons – Persons working in a toxic environment can fall prey to paralysis due to pollutants, in unacceptable proportions, entering the body.
• Metabolic disorders – Several Metabolic disorders are also found to be the reason for paralysis.
• Inherited demyelinating disease – Hereditary abnormalities may cause demyelination of the central nervous system resulting in stroke or paralysis.
• Poliomyelitis – The virus is the cause of Poliomyelitis, which is simply called Polio and is also a reason for paralysis.

Ayurvedic treatment for Stroke Paralysis

According to Ayurveda, the main line of treatment for Paralysis is regulating the flow of Prana Vayu. This is done by following Ayurveda therapies and has to be carried out in all stages of Paralysis depending on the general condition of the patient. In the realm of Ayurveda, the management of stroke-related paralysis often involves Panchakarma, a set of cleansing therapies. These therapies for paralysis patients encompass a range of techniques:

• Snehana (Oleation) Treatment: This involves applications like massages, Kayaseka, Shirodhara, Shirobasti, Pichu, and more, using medicated oils. These treatments are administered over a period of 7 to 21 days. The application of symptom-specific medicated oils, followed by medicated fomentation, serves to enhance circulation, strengthen muscles, and fortify nerves.
• Virechana (Purgation): Virechana therapy is employed to boost metabolism, alleviate constipation, fortify the gastrointestinal system, and enhance nerve function in the affected areas.
• Basti (Medicated Enema): Basti therapy, offered in various forms such as Matra Basti, Anuvasana Basti, and Nirooha Basti, extends for a duration of 8 to 32 days. Medicated enema treatments contribute to nourishing, strengthening, and stabilizing overall bodily functions. These treatments assume a pivotal role in the recovery of stroke patients, particularly when sought within three months of the paralytic episode.
• Nasya Karma: Administered for 7 to 9 days, Nasya therapy focuses on strengthening muscles, nerves, and circulation above the shoulder area.
• Abhyangam: Abhyanga  is a full-body Ayurveda massage technique that relaxes the muscles and soothes the nerves
• Pizhichil: Pizhichil Ayurvedic Treatment includes massaging with warm oil and therefore can stimulate the nerves and muscles.

Diet and Lifestyle in Stroke Paralysis

• Avoid excessive use of spicy, salty, oily/ fatty foods.
• Include black gram, horse gram, onion, garlic, ginger, radish, ash gourd, green gram, etc. in your regular diet.
• Intake more fruits like pomegranate, grape, or papaya.
• Intake of low-fat and high-fiber diets as advised by a physician.
• Control Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and heart diseases.
• Practice Yoga and regular exercises.
• Avoid alcohol consumption and smoking.
• Avoid discontinuing any regular medicines without a doctor’s advice.

Conclusion

At Ayurclinic Melbourne, we offer safe and effective Ayurvedic treatment for Stroke and Paralysis. Our treatment plans are customized depending on the cause and severity of the condition. We believe in the overall health improvement of every patient. Our dedicated team of Ayurvedic doctors is at your service and recommends appropriate lifestyle changes, exercise, and eating habits to ensure faster healing and better well-being for improving the strength and immune system of the body. These changes in lifestyle and dietary control will also help in the faster recovery of the patient.

To know more about Stroke Paralysis Ayurvedic treatment methods and treatment costs, book an appointment now!