Article by Dr Raghuram Y.S. MD (Ay) & Dr Manasa S, B.A.M.S
Paralysis is a situation through which the muscle actions are hampered resulting from some harm or drawback within the nervous system. In easy phrases, ‘lack of muscle features within the physique’ is paralysis. It will possibly manifest in lots of varieties – localized or generalized, partial or full, non permanent or everlasting, spastic or flaccid.
Understanding Paralysis from Ayurveda lens
Paralysis is triggered resulting from vata imbalance
Paralysis is a situation associated to ‘actions’. All actions within the physique – be it within the limbs or organs or backbone – are brought on by vata. In different phrases, vata is chargeable for all actions.
Definition of Vata goes as – ‘Va gati gandhanayoh Vata’.
That means – ‘That which causes gati – motion or information and gandhana – carrying a message or continued effort, known as as VATA’.
Briefly – Vata might be outlined as ‘that which causes motion, allows acquiring information, makes one replicate enthusiasm and curiosity, reply to stimulus and make continued effort’
Right here we are able to see that the definition of vata has each ‘sensory and motor element’. The motor element is the response to do any work in response to stimuli. The that means of vata additionally covers the bodily and psychological talents, sensory and motor responses and all actions taking place within the physique as carried out by vata.
We additionally know that paralysis happens resulting from disruption of circulate of nerve indicators to the muscle tissue. This causes incapacity to maneuver the muscle tissue voluntarily. The general image of paralysis displays on the ‘disturbance of gati and gandhana facet of vata’ i.e. ‘disruption of nerve impulses’ and therefore a state of imbalance of vata.
All elements included within the definition of vata i.e. making motion, acquiring information (notion), enthusiasm and curiosity, response to stimulus and efforts – all are disrupted in paralysis to some extent or higher extent relying on the severity of the illness.
So, paralysis is a vata imbalance dysfunction.
Other than gati, ‘chala’ is one other phrase which is expounded to vata. Chala additionally means motion. It is without doubt one of the qualities of vata.
Vata Subtypes, motion issues and Paralysis
Mind, thoughts, mind and sense organs are managed by Prana Vata positioned within the head, the seat of the mind / nervous system. Amongst many features of Udana Vata, manufacturing of speech, effort, vitality, power and reminiscence are a very powerful ones. The disturbance in these features of Prana and Udana Vata are evident in these affected by paralysis. The opposite subtypes of vata could become involved in the end of time because the illness progresses.
Paralysis is a Vata Vyadhi
Vata Vyadhi is a gaggle of ‘particular or unusual issues – asadharana vyadhi’ triggered solely by ‘severely aggravated vata – vikruta vata’. Separate chapters have been devoted in Ayurveda treatises to clarify Vata Vyadhi.
Pakshavadha or Pakshaghata is without doubt one of the vatavyadhis. This situation in which there’s lack of actions in a single aspect, one half or one half of the physique has been popularly in comparison with paralysis. The medical image of Pakshaghata nearly resembles that of several types of paralysis.
With this we are able to conclude that Paralysis is a ‘Vata Vyadhi’.
Learn extra: Learn extra: Charaka Vatavyadhi Chikitsa twenty eighth Chapter
Pakshaghata / Pakshavadha
Pathogenesis of Pakshaghata
‘The aggravated vata will get lodged in and impacts one half (any half – proper or left) of the physique. In that half portion of the physique the vata dries up (destroys) the sira – veins and snayu – ligaments, tendons and nerves, causes looseness of the joints and destroys features / actions and sensations in that aspect of the physique. This situation known as Ekanga Vata or Pakshavadha. When the aggravated vata afflicts your entire physique i.e. either side of the physique are equally troubled, it’s known as Sarvangavata.’
Right here we are able to see many issues in widespread between paralysis and pakshaghata.
Identical to paralysis, pakshaghata too is happening in half aspect, part of or full physique. Sira and Snayu are the phrases which signify ‘nerves’. Looseness of the joints and destruction of features or actions and sensation within the affected half, elements or aspect of the physique as defined in Pakshaghata are additionally evident within the medical image of paralysis.
Ekanga Vata and Sarvangavata are synonyms of Pakshavadha.
Whereas ekanga vata represents partial paralysis / localized paralysis, sarvanga vata represents full paralysis / generalized paralysis.
Ekanga vata can also be just like monoplegia. Pakshavadha explains hemiplegia. Quadriplegia might be included in Sarvanga Vata.
Looseness of joints and destruction of actions point out flaccid paralysis.
Pakshavadha brought on by solely vata is tough to treatment. This may be in comparison with everlasting paralysis.
Pakshavadha brought on by vata related to pitta and kapha is curable. This represents non permanent paralysis. Pakshavadha brought on by destruction of tissues (muscle loss) can also be a everlasting paralysis which is irreversible.
Ardita
Ardita is one more vata vyadhi. It solely impacts the face.
Pathogenesis – ‘The aggravated vata spreads to and occupies the pinnacle, nostril, lips, chin, brow and joints of the eyes, impacts the face and causes Ardita.’ Signs of Ardita embrace – deviation or crookedness of 1 half of the face and neck, shaking of the pinnacle, obstruction of speech, eye deformities, deformities of nostril, neck, jaw and tooth and ache on the affected aspect.
This may be in comparison with Bell’s Palsy and Facial Paralysis.
Learn extra: Facial Paralysis- Ayurvedic Therapy, Medicines, Residence Treatments
Causative Elements
Injury to the nervous system, stroke, and spinal twine accidents are the main causes for paralysis. Traumatic damage, accidents, accidents, falls and violence are additionally the causes.
Among the many widespread etiological components of Vata Vyadhi – leaping, swimming, excessive bodily actions / adventurous actions, trauma, excessively driving elephants, camels or horses and falling throughout such rides have been talked about. These may cause damage to the pinnacle / mind, nervous system or spinal twine and trigger pakshavadha vis-à-vis paralysis.
The opposite etiological components inflicting vata vyadhi or vata rising etiological components might be thought-about to be distant components, but contributory or triggers of pakshavadha. Etiological components of ardita may also be thought-about as causal of facial paralysis or Bell’s Palsy.
Pakshavadha occurs in two patterns –
– Dhatu kshaya – depletion of tissues within the physique
– Avarana – blockage of the features of vata
All etiological components inflicting dhatu kshaya and avarana shall be thought-about as causal of paralysis.
Evaluation of ‘Signs of Paralysis’ by means of Ayurveda lens
Lack of actions is because of vata imbalance since all actions are managed by vata.
Lack of sensation can also be resulting from vata imbalance. Sparshanendriya – sense organ of contact or tactile sensation is without doubt one of the seats of vata.
Sama mamsa pramana – structural, purposeful and proportional steadiness of muscle tissue is without doubt one of the options of greatest well being in response to Ayurveda. Vata will increase, decreases kapha proportions within the physique and likewise the tissues through which kapha are positioned. Muscle tissue is one among the many ‘kapha class tissues’. When vata will increase resulting from trauma or in any other case, there’s lack of muscle tissue resulting in muscle weak point. This results in lack of management over the muscle tissue and lack of muscle actions and thereby paralysis. Muscle cramps and atrophy, tingling, ache or numbing sensation in affected muscle tissue additionally happens as a result of localization of aggravated vata within the muscle tissue.
Likewise the opposite signs of paralysis like lack of sensation, stiffness and involuntary spasms or twitches are additionally resulting from vata aggravation.
Prevention of Paralysis / Pakshavadha
Protecting away from the nidanas i.e. etiological components of vata aggravation as talked about in instances of vata vriddhi and prakopa, vata vyadhi and ardita is one of the simplest ways to stop ailments associated to nerves and nervous system together with pakshavadha vis-à-vis paralysis.
Vata structure individuals ought to take further care.
Abhyanga, talked about among the many dinacharya actions, is alleged to manage vata and maintain it in a state of steadiness in the very best approach. If not day by day, Abhyanga or oil therapies taken over the physique and head is not going to solely maintain one ‘off-stress’ in as we speak’s anxious life however may even rejuvenate the physique, calm down the thoughts and senses, and maintain one match and wholesome.
For these susceptible for vata issues or exhibiting early signs of the identical, abhyanga, dhara, murdni taila, nasya and vasti are one of the best therapies to be achieved periodically, particularly so through the appearing and anxious a part of life and in direction of and in previous age.
One must avoid extreme driving and driving automobiles and venturing into pointless adventurous actions particularly if she or he is exhibiting vata indicators and signs within the physique.
Food plan, life-style actions and workout routines
Unctuous meals, meals predominant in candy, bitter and salt tastes, meat and meat soup of animals dwelling in marshy areas are good to fight vitiated vata. Sizzling and recent meals are most well-liked. One ought to keep away from spicy, pungent, bitter and astringent meals.
One ought to keep away from extreme indulgence in workout routines, fasting, accidents and fractures, awakening at nights, suppression of pure urges, stress and consumption of chilly meals.
Therapy Ideas of Paralysis in Ayurveda
Therapy rules defined within the context of Pakshavadha and Ardita might be administered skillfully as and when required within the remedy of paralysis. Ayurveda physicians will conduct exams and examinations to search out out the dosha involvement and aggravation and plan the remedy rules after having identified the illness.
The therapies embrace –
– Snehana – unctuous therapies / oleation – exterior and inside oil therapies which incorporates abhyanga, samvahana, kayaseka, sarvanga dhara, shirodhara, avagaha and so on
– Swedana – steaming therapies / sudation together with bashpa sweda – steaming, pinda sweda – warmth utilizing natural boluses, Shashtika Shali Pinda Sweda and so on
– Murdni Taila – additionally included in snehana therapies however primarily achieved on the pinnacle, oil therapies on the pinnacle
– Virechana – purgation with medicated oils / ghee
– Navana – nasal medicines
– Tarpana – nourishing and vata assuaging meals
– Vasti – natural enemas utilizing medicated oils, decoctions or milk ready with vata assuaging herbs
To make the remedy extra complete your Ayurveda physician may even embrace –
– Prescription of dosha particular and illness particular medicines
– Advices associated to dietetic regimens and life-style adjustments
Therapy rules of Pakshavadha
– Swedana – sudation (after oil software within the type of therapeutic massage and so on)
– Sneha samyukta virechana – purgation recipes ready in oil base or combined with oil
Therapy principles of Ardita
– Navana / Nasya – instillation of medicines by means of nasal route
– Murdni taila – oil therapies achieved on head consists of Shiro Abhyanga, Shiro Pichu, Shiro Dhara and Shiro Vasti
– Tarpana – nourishing meals
– Nadi sweda – tube steaming / sudation
– Upanaha – medicinal poultices
– Anupa pishita – meat of animals and birds dwelling in marshy areas
Panchakarma for Paralysis
Virechana & Vasti – therapeutic purgation, primarily with unctuous purgatives and Vasti – medicated enemas, of decoction, oil and milk varieties are extraordinarily useful within the remedy of paralysis. Virechana expels morbid pitta and likewise balances vata because the purgatives are combined with oil or in oil type. Vasti then again balances vata at its root. Pittadhara Kala – the membranes regulating the features of the small gut is alleged to be the identical as Majjadhara Kala – the layers and cells of the mind which handle features of the nervous system by Grasp Dalhana. So technically, virechana and vasti, as a combo, work on the intestine mind axis and assist in rejuvenation and restoration of the nervous system.
Nasya is one of the best remedy for ardita – vis-à-vis facial paralysis / Bell’s Palsy.
Helpful herbs in Paralysis
– Bala – Sida cordifolia
– Ashwagandha – Withania somnifera
– Guduchi Tinospora cordifolia
– Guggulu – Commiphora mukul
– Shankapushpi – Convolvulus pluricauli
– Jatamansi – Nardostachys jatamansi
– Vacha – Acorus calamus
– Brahmi – Bacopa monnieri
– Nirgundi – Vitex negundo
– Shunti – Zingiber officinale, ginger
– Rasna – Pluchea lanceolata
– Rasona – Alium sattivum, garlic
Helpful formulations in Paralysis
– Maharasnadi Kashayam
– Ashtavargam Kashayam
– Gandharvahastadi Kashayam
– Pathyaksha Dhatryadi Kashayam
– Sahacharadi Kashayam
– Prasarinyadi Kashayam
– Mustadi Marma Kashayam
– Balarishtam
– Ashwagandharishtam
– Yogaraja Guggulu
– Mahayogaraja Guggulu
– Panchamrita Loha Guggulu
– Vatagajankusha Rasa
– Mahavatavidhwamsini Rasa
– Ekangaveera Rasa
– Ksheerabala Taila 101
– Dhanwantaram 101
– Maharajaprasarini Tailam
– Valiya Marma Gulika
– Dhanwantara Gulika
– Vayu Gulika
– Guggulutiktaka Ghrta
– Ashwagandha Ghrta
– Vidaryadi Ghrtam
Helpful formulations for exterior use
– Ksheerabala Taila
– Dhanwantaram Taila
– Mahanarayana Taila
– Sahacharadi Taila
– Balashwagandha Lakshadi Taila
– Prasarinyadi Taila
– Mahamasha Taila
– Saindhavadi Taila
Formulations utilized in Vasti
– Erandamuladi Kashaya Vasti
– Madhutailika Vasti
– Rajayapana Vasti
– Dashamula Vasti
– Dashamula Ksheera Vasti
– Mustadi Yapana Vasti
– Ksheerabala Taila
– Guggulutiktaka Ghrta
– Vidaryadi Ghrta
– Eranda Taila
– Sahacharadi Taila
Formulations utilized in Virechana
– Gandharvahastadi Eranda Tailam
– Nimbamritadi Eranda Tailam
– Trivrut Lehya
– Mishraka Taila
– Eranda Bhrista Haritaki
Formulations utilized in Nasya
– Ksheerabala Taila 101
– Mahamasha Taila
– Karpasastyadi Tailam
– Shadbindu Taila
– Dhanwantaram Taila 101
Useful Yoga Postures in Paralysis
– Utthita Trikonasana – Prolonged Triangle Pose
– Supta Padangusthasana – Reclining hand-to-big toe pose
– Tadasana – Mountain pose
– Uttanasana – Standing Ahead Bend pose
– Marjariasana – Cat Pose
– Supta Baddha Konasana – Reclining Sure Angle Pose
– Virasana – Hero Pose
– Sarvangasana – Shoulder Stand Pose
– Sirsasana – Headstand
– Setu Bandha Sarvangasana – Bridge Pose
– Siddhasana – Achieved Pose
– Mandukasana – Frog Pose
– Ardhamatsyendrasana – Sitting Half Spinal Twist Pose / Half Lord of the Fishes Pose
– Ujjayi Pranayama – Ocean Breath / Victorious Respiration
Few Ayurveda Researches / Research on Paralysis
Ayurvedic Administration of Facial Paralysis – A single case examine – Dept of Panchakarma, UPGIAS&R, Jodhpur
Sadyovamana – an efficient remedy within the administration of Bell’s Palsy – A case report
Ayurvedic Administration of Pakshaghata (Proper Center Cerebral Artery Hemorrhagic Infarct) – A Case Report
Therapy protocol of Stroke (Pakshaghata) by means of Ayurveda Drugs – A Case Research
Efficacy of Ayurvedic Shodhana and Shamana within the administration of Ardita (Facial Paralysis)
