Introduction

“The body’s healing potential lies not only in its ability to repair, but also in its capacity to restore balance, mind, body, and spirit.” — Dr. Antonio Damasio, Neurologist.

In Ayurveda, paralysis is a condition which is about when the loss of muscle function in one specific or more body parts occur. As per Ayurvedic principles, treating paralysis effectively refers to addressing the underlying cause, which is most often affiliated with an imbalance of Vata Dosha, the dosha that controls locomotion and nerve impulses. The mind, muscles, and nerves cannot synchronize when Vata is agitated, which leads to weakness and immobility.

In addition to treating physical symptoms, Ayurveda takes an exhaustive approach to paralysis disease treatment and assures that paralysis can be cured, focusing on restoring complete bodily and mental equilibrium. Ayurveda offers a road to recovery for those who are paralyzed through therapies, including Panchakarma, herbal remedies, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle changes. This blog will discuss the causes, symptoms, types, and Ayurvedic treatment for paralysis recovery—including special facial paralysis treatment.

 

1. Paralysis and Ayurveda

The most important cause of paralysis 

The primary cause of paralysis or Pakshaghata, as per Ayurveda, is a disturbance in Vata Dosha, the energy that regulates the neurological system and movement of the body. This disturbance in Vata impairs brain connectivity and results in a lack of motion and muscle weakness.

Ayurveda strongly emphasizes restoring Vata equilibrium via individual Ayurvedic treatment for paralysis, herbal cures, and dietary modifications for recovery.

Although the pitta and kapha doshas can also be very substantial in paralysis, the vata dosha is the main element:

• Pitta Dosha: May cause inflammation and nerve impairment, making you feel searing.
• Kapha Dosha: This makes paralysis symptoms worse by making you feel heavy, stern, and lethargic.

Ayurveda contends that the nervous system is very nearly connected to Prana Vata, a sub dosha of Vata that manages nervous system functions, and Majja Dhatu, which is bone marrow and neural tissue. A disruption in the brain and body rhythm may result from agitation in these regions.

Alongside treating the paralysis signs and symptoms, recovering from body paralysis entails addressing the root causes by repairing tissues (dhatus), clearing blockages in the body’s channels (srotas), and achieving balance of the doshas.

 

Symptoms of Paralysis

Paralysis is not only about losing the movement in the body, but it also disrupts life in various unique ways. Paralysis impairs the functioning of muscles in a part of the body or affects the whole body.

Loss of Muscle Movement:

• Not being able to make a movement in one or more parts of the body
• Losing strength in the affected parts of the body.

Tingling or Numbness:

• Complete loss of feeling or feeling of pricking of pins and needles in the affected area of the body.

Difficulty in Mobility

• Not being able to walk, stand, or perform daily routine and day-to-day tasks due to lack of coordination between the brain and the muscles functioning.

Muscle Tone Change

• Muscles become saggy or floppy or tight and rigid.

Absence of Reflexes

• The ability to be spontaneous and respond if it gets entirely disturbed by that affected body area.

Speaking and Swallowing Problem

• If the affected parts of the body are facial and throat muscles, it will become difficult to speak, chew, or even swallow food.

Impaired Bladder and Bowel Control

• If the target site is the spinal cord, then the ability to control urine goes, and bowel function gets disturbed.

Change in Body Shape or Posture

• The misaligned posture of the body or muscle-related deformities due to paralysis.

Pain and Discomfort

• Sometimes, paralysis is accompanied by persistent pain and spasms, possibly due to nerve damage, muscle imbalance, spasticity, and inflammation.

 

Ayurvedic Treatment for Paralysis Attack

Ayurveda employs a variety of Ayurvedic Treatment for paralysis to help with detoxification, nerve renewal, and doshic balance restoration.

1. Ayurvedic Treatment for Paralysis Recovery with Panchakarma

2. Abhyanga (Therapeutic Massage): To improve circulation, promote nerve activity, and calm Vata, medicinal oils like Mahanarayan Tailam or Dhanwantaram Tailam are administered and help in paralysis attack treatment.

3. Shirodhara: This type of Ayurvedic treatment for paralysis recovery helps get rid of facial paralysis to the maximum extent. The application of warm medicinal and ayurvedic oil on the forehead of the patient soothes and restores the mental balance.

4. Basti (Medicated Enemas): Herbal enemas strengthen the nervous system and remove toxins by concentrating on the colon, which is the primary seat of Vata. 

5. Nasya (Nasal Administration): Medicated oils, such as Anu Tailam, can be administered through the nasal passages to help relieve obstructions in the brain area, which is particularly useful for facial paralysis treatment.

6. Herbal Ayurvedic Treatment For Paralysis Recovery

7. Ashwagandha: This herb increases mobility and fortifies the neurological system.

8. Bala: It reduces stiffness and improves neuromuscular function.

9. Guggulu: renowned for promoting tissue regeneration and lowering inflammation.

10. Chyawanprash: This strengthens immunity and revitalizes tissues.

11. Pathya-Apathya Diet and Lifestyle

12. Nutritional Advice:

Vata is calmed by warm, moist, and easily digested meals, including soups, herbal teas, ghee, and sesame oil. Steer clear of processed, cold, and dry foods as they irritate Vata and hinder digestion. 

 

2. Lifestyle Pursuits:

• Asanas: Yoga poses like Pawanmuktasana and Bhujangasana enhance circulation and flexibility.
• Pranayama: Breathing relaxes the mind and enhances the body’s oxygenation.
• Meditation: Reduces stress and encourages dosha equilibrium.

Types of Paralysis

According to the affected area and the severity of the ailment, Ayurveda divides body paralysis into several types:

• Monoplegia: This condition of paralysis affects one limb, such as an arm or leg, often due to nerve damage or localized injury.
• Hemiplegia: It impacts one side of the body, typically resulting from a stroke paralysis attack or brain-related problems. Ayurvedic remedies for such cases emphasize enhancing nerve function and blood circulation.
• Paraplegia: This type of paralysis implicates both legs and regions of the lower body, usually driven by spinal injuries. Disciplined paralysis exercises and natural herbal therapies can help in getting rid of paralysis.
• Quadriplegia (Tetraplegia): This is a severe type in which all four limbs, and sometimes the torso, are typically caused by critical and grave spinal cord breakdown. Ayurvedic treatment for paralysis, including Panchakarma, are exclusively tailored to reinforce recovery.
• Facial Paralysis: This condition leads to the loss of muscle control in the face, commonly due to Bell’s palsy or stroke. Facial paralysis treatment, like herbal oils and specialized massages, can bring significant improvement.

 

Reasons for Paralysis in Ayurveda

The Ayurvedic Reasons for Paralysis are as follows:

1. Aggravated Vata Dosha: Vata can be upset by consuming dry, cold, or stale meals and by irregular eating habits, which impair nerve and muscle function.

2. Emotional Stress: Anxiety, grief, and mental stress can throw off the balance of the doshas, particularly Vata, which damages mental-physical coordination.

3. Trauma or Injuries: Damage to the Marmas, or key energy points, which can obstruct the flow of Prana or human bio-energy.

4. Toxin Accumulation (Ama): Weak digestion can produce Ama, or toxins, which can blockade the body’s channels (srotas) and hence adversely disfigure the neurological system.

 

The Modern Medical Causes of Paralysis are as follows:

1. Stroke: When blood flow in the brain is interrupted, it leads to the loss of function of that particular body part, which is coordinated by that part of the brain where blood flow is interrupted.

2. Traumatic Injuries: Accidental injuries to the brain and spinal cord may result in paralysis by breaking the communication between the brain and the body.

3. Multiple Sclerosis: An autoimmune condition that impairs the nervous system, resulting in muscle weakness and paralysis.

4. Brain Tumors: Brain tumors can lead to paralysis in the brain or spinal cord; these tumors tend to increase in size and hence can press against the critical areas of the brain and muscles and thus distort the connection between the brain and muscles.

5. Guillain-Barré Syndrome: This is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system attacks its peripheral nerves.

 

Facial Paralysis Treatment and Causes

Facial paralysis is the inability or failure of motion in one side of the face, oftentimes caused by nerve impairment from Bell’s palsy, stroke, or concussion. Ayurveda furnishes a holistic cure to repair nerve function and muscle strength intrinsically.

1. Panchakarma Therapies:

• Oil Streaming Therapy, or Tailadhara: The face is streamed with medicinal oil to stimulate nerves and relax facial muscles.
• Facial Exercises with Massage: Ayurvedic massages and yoga strengthen facial muscles and enhance symmetry.
• Lepa Herbal Pastes: This herbal lepa is not the ultimate and permanent solution to facial paralysis but can provide instant and localized relief.

2. Herbal Remedies:

Ayurvedic herbs are beneficial for strengthening nerves and muscle functions:

• Ashwagandha: It strengthens immunity, memory, and cognitive abilities and helps reduce stress.
• Bala: It possesses anti-inflammatory properties and helps relieve pain, soothe joints, and promote flexibility. It also helps in blood circulation.
• Brahmi: It stimulates the production of brain chemicals, which is beneficial for repairing damaged neurons and brain growth.

3. Facial Exercises:

There are a few exercises that Ayurveda recommends to improve facial mobility and facial muscles and, hence, treat facial paralysis:

• Massage on face
• Repeated movements of affected muscles to regain function.

Conclusion

Practicing yoga postures like Simhasana (Lion Pose) to improve blood flow.

Since paralysis is a complicated illness, its underlying causes and symptoms must be thoroughly understood. Ayurvedic therapies, which emphasize tissue regeneration, cleansing, and Vata balance, offer a safe and efficient way to treat and recover from paralysis. Long-term recovery can be achieved with Ayurvedic treatment for paralysis attack, regardless of whether the paralysis is regional, one-sided, or facial.