Nature is referred to as Prakriti in Sanskrit and Ayurveda is a gift of nature. Ayurveda is strongly rooted in the ancient philosophy that was developed by the Ayurvedic practitioners of yore. According to the Ayurvedic perspective, health conditions or diseases are governed by Tridoshas – Vata, Pitta and Kapha respectively. These three doshas need to be in equilibrium to maintain a healthy body. If the balance is disrupted, it gives rise to various diseases. Nerve problems as well as other health problems are related to the body’s functional energies or Doshas. In Ayurveda treatment is prescribed according to the patient’s body composition and Dosha aggravation.

What is a Neurological disorder?

The nervous system is one of the key systems of the human body. It ensures proper coordination between the brain and other body parts by transmitting signals to and from different parts of the body to the brain. A neurological disorder refers to a disorder of the nervous system that affects the central and peripheral nervous systems. These include the brain, spinal cord, cranial nerves, peripheral nerves, nerve roots, autonomic nervous system, neuromuscular junction, and muscles.

There are more than 600 neurologic diseases. Severity, symptoms, and causes of each neurological disorder may vary accordingly.  Major disorders include:

• Diseases caused by gene malfunction (Huntington’s disease and Muscular dystrophy)
• Under developed nervous system (Spina bifida)
• Degenerative diseases, where nerve cells are damaged or die (Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease),
• Diseases of the blood vessels that supply the brain (Stroke)
• Injuries to the spinal cord and brain
• Seizure disorders (Epilepsy)
• Cancer (Brain tumors)
• Infections (Meningitis)
• Migraine and Sinus
• Anxiety, stress, and insomnia
• Vertigo
• Epilepsy
• Hysteria
• Cerebral palsy

A detailed examination of the patient will be necessary for confirming the cause. Now let’s have a look at some of the common reasons:

1. Alcoholism and drugs
2. Side effects of medicines
3. Drug overdose
4. Head injury
5. Hormonal disorder
6. Immunity issues
7. Epilepsy
8. Multiple Sclerosis
9. Meningitis
10. Encephalitis
11. Guillain-Barre Syndrome
12. Hepatitis C
13. Vascular problems

Symptoms of Neurological Disorders

The following are the most common symptoms of neurological disorders. However the occurrence of any of the below-mentioned symptoms is not a neurological disorder. You may consult an Ayurveda doctor for further examination if you observe the symptoms.

• Partial or complete paralysis
• Muscle weakness
• Partial or complete loss of sensation
• Seizures
• Difficulty reading and writing
• Decreased alertness
• Loss of sight or double vision
• Back pain that spreads to other parts of the body
• Memory loss
• Loss of feeling or tingling
• Persistent or sudden onset of a headache
• Tremors and seizures
• Slurred speech

Apart from this, involving in a lifestyle in which people do not exercise, consume no food at times or having junk food at odd hours, having very less or excessive sleep hours are the major contributing factors for common neurological disorders like as Alzheimer’s, stroke, Parkinson’s, and many other conditions.

Managing Neurological diseases through Ayurvedic practises

Neurological disorders according to Ayurveda are problems with the Majja Dhatu (Bone Marrow). In Ayurveda, the imbalance of Vata dosha in the body leads to neurological disorders. Besides Vata dosha complications, Pitta and Kapha doshas can also create neurological complications in some patients under severe conditions.

Various ayurvedic massages are seen very effective in restoring your Vata balance. These include:

• Shirovasti: This therapy is performed by holding oil on the head to a particular time with the use of cap fitted on the head. Shirovasti is considered as one of the best treatments for neurological diseases such as migraine, and chronic headache.

• Abhyanga: In this therapy, the entire body is massaged for 45 minutes with warm herb-infused oils from top to toe to improve the health and nourishment of the skin. Abhyanga helps in treating Osteoarthritis, body aches, migraines, and obesity.

• Ksheera Dhara: This treatment is performed by pouring herbal milk over the forehead or the entire body. Ksheera Dhara is very helpful for people having headache, Migraine, insomnia and mental irritability.

• Panchakarma: The therapies involved in Panchakarma treatments are very beneficial in treating neurological diseases to improve blood circulation and thereby relieving tension in the muscles. These includes

1. Vamana – This therapy is used for eliminating excess Kapha dosha out of the body. Excess kapha dosha can trigger certain types of diseases like Cold, Cough etc. In this treatment a special medicated drink is given to the patient.
2. Virechana – This is a medicinal purification therapy which includes cleansing your body from excess Pitta accumulation. Since the treatment mainly focuses on the toxins accumulated in the liver and gallbladder, it can cleanse the gastrointestinal tract thoroughly.
3. Vasti – This therapy eliminates body toxins and accumulated doshas by introducing medicated oils through anus, urethra or vaginal canal.
4. Nasya – This line of treatment promotes nasal administration of certain medicinal herbs, decoctions and oils. Nasya can eliminate accumulated toxins from head and neck region.
5. Raktamokshan – This is a blood cleansing and purification therapy. Raktamokshan is an inevitable part of Panchakarma treatment and is considered as the primary process of detoxification.

• Yoga: Practicing Yoga therapies along with breathing exercises (pranayama) is very helpful in improving the flexibility of body muscles and thereby relieving stress for patients suffering from neurological diseases.

Conclusion

Neurological disorder symptoms can differ in each and very persons. And if not treated on time, these can trigger serious consequences.  People suffering from Neurological disorders can also experience depression or delusion.

So getting a personalized ayurvedic treatment is the best option for patients with neurological disorders. At Ayurclinic, we have experienced Ayurvedic practitioners to offer you the best treatments depending on the nature of disease. We focus on eliminating toxins or doshas from the body which helps in improving blood circulation and rejuvenates the body thereby retrieving the overall health of the person.

To know more about neurological disorder treatments, book an appointment today or Call us +61 3 9078 2940.