Paralysis

Paralysis is complete loss or impairment of the ability to use voluntary muscles, usually as the result of a disorder or an insult to the functioning of the nervous system.

The underlying pathology may be different such as Cerebro-Vascular Accidents (CVA), trauma to any part of brain or spinal chord, neoplasms, infections, etc..

There may be general paralysis, involvement of only one side (hemiplegia), paralysis on both sides at one level (paraplegia or quadriplegia), or localized paralysis in a small group of nerves or muscles.

The degree and extent of neurological deficit depend upon the location and extension of damage to the brain cells. In certain cases along with motor deficits, disturbance of speech (aphasia or dysarthria) and loss of higher functions are also observed.

The disease has been discussed in Ayurveda under Vatavyadhi neurological disorder. The terms Paksaghata, Paksha Vadha and Ekanga Vata have been used to describe hemiplegia in Ayurveda. There is basic aggravation of vata due to the obstruction in its flow through body channels, trauma, or aggravation after prolonged periods of accumulation.

Ayurveda offers excellent therapies for treating Paralysis. The main focus is to calm the aggravated vata and to tone up the affected limbs and to improve the functioning of Prana vayu majorly  and  all other components of Vayu in general. The strength of Ayurveda in the area of treating paralysis is globally appreciated. Since it addresses the root cause of the disease and hence the results are fantastic The causative diseases for the CVA, the most common cause for paralysis are appropriately treated. The therapies like Abhyanga swedanam, Nasyam, Virechanam, Shiro vasti, Pizhichil, Navarakizhi, Vasti etc. are done as per the necessity and condition of the patient for about 3 – 4 weeks.

Internal medication in form of nervine tonics and herbal mineral preparations are prescribed.

Needless to say, breathing exercises like anulom-vilom and mlder form of bhasrika are highly beneficial as it all improves the functioning of pranavayu.