The nervous system is a complex and sophisticated system that regulates and coordinates the body’s basic functions and activities. It is a fact that our whole body is controlled by the nervous system.
Ayurveda is a traditional Indian system of medicine dating back to about 5000 years BC. Charak Samhita is the most authenticated and comprehensive compendium of Ayurvedic knowledge. ‘Indriya Sthana’ of Charak Samhita comprises of 12 chapters which deals with prognostication of life expectancy.
There are over 600 neurological disorders and conditions that affect the human system.
Various neurological conditions are mentioned in ‘Charak Indriya Sthana’. Some of the neurological conditions mentioned in Charak Indriya Sthana are:
- Neuropathies
- Seizures and movement disorders
- Paralysis
- Parkinsonism
- Agnosia and perceptual disorders or abnormalities
- Neuromuscular disorders
- Neuro ophthalmological conditions
- Diabetic neuropathy
Thus, it seems that clinical findings mentioned in ‘Charak Indriya Sthana’ are having the potential of clinical applicability and significance in present era also.
What are the causes of nerve damage according to Ayurveda?
Ayurveda considers nerve damage or neurological disorders to be the result of imbalanced Vata dosha in the body as imbalanced Vata dosha causes disharmony in the human system that leads to neurological disorders.
Tarpak Kapha is responsible for smooth functioning of nervous system due to its snehan (lubrication) qualities. Tarpak kapha is mainly responsible for neural function. It not only provides nutritional supplement to the functioning neuron but also acts as a protective barrier against various agents. The disarranged function of both Vata dosha and Tarpak Kapha leads to impairment of the function of nerve.
Management of Nerve Damage in Ayurveda:
The whole management of Nerve Damage in Ayurveda can be categorized under:
- Administration of Herbal/Herbo-mineral classical Ayurvedic preparations
- Panchakarma therapy
Some Herbs useful for the treatment of Nerve Damage are:
- Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus): Shatavari has been used in Ayurveda as a galactogogue, aphrodisiac, diuretic, antispasmodic and nervine tonic.
- The major active constituents of Shatavari are steroidal saponins that are present in the roots of the plant.
- Shatavari has vatakaphagna property.
- Shatavari along with matra vasti of Bala taila (Sida cordifolia) have been used in different clinical conditions.
- Vacha (Acorus calamus): This is a well-known herb useful for managing nerve disorders as it helps in balancing Vata and Kapha doshas.
- It also helps in eliminating toxins from the body thus helps in nerve damage.
- Bala (Sida cordifolia): Bala is a neuroprotective herb. It is a very useful herb in the treatment of nerve damage as it provides strength to the damaged nerve. It has multiple health benefits on nerves, brain, spinal cord, nerves, muscles, joints, bones etc.
- It helps in pacifying Vata dosha.
- It provides relief in pain, inflammation, swelling, stiffness and numbness.
- This herb nourishes the tissues and makes them strong.
- Bala herb is useful in soothing the piercing pain in sciatica, brings relief in paralysis and spondylosis, aids different types of myalgia and arthritis as well.
- Bala is also recommended for the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases.
- Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): Ashwagandha herb root extract contains therapeutic components such as withanolides and withaferin A. It is considered as one of the most effective herbs that balance Vata dosha and may be used as a health tonic for weakness.
- Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri): Brahmi herb contains the protein molecule bacoside B which fortifies the central nervous system and stimulates the brain to produce a stimulating effect on the cognitive ability.
- It also possesses antioxidant properties which help in preventing neural oxidative stress and stimulates the synthesis of intrinsic chemicals that antagonize the neural damage.
- Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis): Shankhpushpi is an amazing herb that curbs neurotoxicity and relieves stress due to the presence of alkaloids.
- The alkaloids present in shankhpushpi elevate serotonin levels.
- It is also useful in checking a wide variety of neurodegenerative disorders, cerebral hypertension, stress, seizures etc.
Panchakarma Therapy
Panchakarma, as the name suggests, is a five-fold treatment. Panchakarma is a bio-cleansing procedure which helps in detoxification of the body and helps in increasing the bio-availability of drugs, diet etc. This procedure is divided into three parts:
- Purva Karma (preparatory procedure)
- Pradhan Karma (main operative procedure)
- Pacchat Karma (post-operative regimen)
Basti (enema) is considered as the best treatment to encounter Vata disorders.
Thus, Ayurvedic herbs along with Panchakarma treatment are effective in the treatment of nerve damage.
Disclaimer:-
This article is not a substitute to the standard Medical Diagnosis or personalized Ayurvedic Treatment! It is intended only for Information!
For experts consultation, please write us at care@blessayurveda.com.
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