Paralysis - How Can Ayurveda Handle It?

Facial paralysis is when there is a loss of voluntary movement of the face on one or both sides. The following are the most common causes of facial paralysis.

• Bell’s palsy, the most common cause of facial paralysis
• Stroke is another major cause of facial paralysis, could be combined with right side arm/leg paralysis
• Tumours, affecting the facial region can exert pressure on the nerves and lead to paralysis
• Infections such as herpes zoster infections cause paralysis

Symptoms:

1. Difficulty in speech, eating and drinking
2. Closing eyelids, movement, and expressions become difficult
3. Loss of sensation, which may be temporary or permanent

Ayurveda believes in not just correcting the paralysis but improving overall health so that there is no recurrence and other areas are also prevented from being affected. According to it, increased vata causes paralysis and so treatment includes correction of it plus prevention of vata accumulation through diet and lifestyle changes.

Dietary and lifestyle changes:

1. Avoid cold and sour foods like curd, buttermilk, ice creams, cold foods like cucumber, banana, watermelons, etc.
2. Avoid fermented foods as they aggravate Vata
3. Reduce or avoid pulses like dal as they can worsen gas accumulation
4. Substitute rice with wheat
5. Substitute cow’s milk with buffalo milk
6. Avoid smoking and alcohol completely
7. Diet must be easily digestible and simple with a lot of green leafy vegetables
8. Avoid foods which can cause constipation

Ayurvedic remedies:

1. Beejband or country mallow: This has nerve stimulating properties and so useful in paralysis of any sort
2. Kali Mirch or black pepper: Used as a water gargle, it is beneficial in correcting paralysis
3. Lavanga or cloves: People with Bell’s palsy were given water to which some drops of clove oil were added, and they showed remarkable benefits.
4. Mulethi or liquorice: This is proven to be effective in stopping the progression of paralysis. People with Bell’s palsy, in whom there was involuntary tearing, had a stoppage of the symptom.
5. Ashwagandha capsules: They treat paralysis and also reduce anxiety and stress and depression. It helps by calming and rejuvenating the entire nervous system. It also helps control muscle and joint pains and reduces stiffness. It also helps control insomnia and allows for improved blood pressure.
6. Curcumin: This is very beneficial in Bell's palsy patients. With its rich antioxidant content, it reduces the free radical release and helps control inflammation and reduces oxidative stress.
7. Nirgundi oil: It also cures the imbalance between Vata and Kapha in the body. Massaging with this oil heals injured facial muscles and nerves and improves paralysis. It also eliminates toxins and prevents greying of hair. Its anti-inflammatory properties provide relief from inflammation and pain.

Pranayam, meditation is sure useful in this condition. Do start asanas, slowly begin with surynamaskar. Along with this, one can take Shastrokta medicine, that are- 1. Ekangvir Ras vati 1 or 2 bd + Maharasnadi kashay ghan vati 2+2 during the day.