Paralysis or stroke is a medical condition in which damage or dysfunction of the various parts of the body occurs due to pathology in the brain which results either from a diminished blood supply (80 -- 85%) or bleeding in the brain (15 to 20%). The blood supply to the brain vessels is usually reduced because of atherosclerosis or blood clots known as emboli. The symptoms of paralysis or stroke include weakness or paralysis of limbs, paralysis of muscles of the face, difficulty in speaking, coordination problems, giddiness and problems with vision, sudden headache, and loss of consciousness. Depending upon which part of the brain is affected and how much the severity is, paralysis can result in monoplegia (affecting one limb), hemiplegia (affecting upper and lower limb of one side), and paraplegia (affecting both lower limbs).
Acute paralysis is a medical emergency and usually needs to be treated in the intensive care of hospital in order to avoid serious complications and death. Once the acute stage has subsided, Ayurvedic herbal treatment needs to be initiated at the earliest, possibly within three to four days of the paralytic attack so as to obtain maximum benefit from treatment. Ayurvedic herbal treatment for paralysis or stroke includes both oral medication as well as localized therapy. Local therapy is in the form of application of medicated oils, fomentation with medicated decoctions, and massage with various herbal ointments and pastes. Local therapy helps in stimulating neuromuscular junctions and in strengthening muscles and tendons. This treatment also provides stimulus to the brain and nerves to heal at the earliest.
Oral medication is initially provided to heal the damage in the brain, and to reverse the pathology of the condition. Since an ischemic attack results in reduced blood supply, Ayurvedic herbal medicines are given to treat atherosclerosis and blood clots if present. In case of hemorrhagic paralysis, treatment is given to heal and soothe damaged arteries and capillaries. Further treatment is given to heal damaged nerve cells and to help in the process of regeneration. Treatment is then continued in order to rehabilitate the affected individual, minimize the damage, and bring about recovery to the maximum extent possible. Graded exercises and physiotherapy are also a must along with oral medication and massage.
Depending upon the extent and severity of paralysis, most affected individuals usually require treatment for periods ranging from two weeks to six months. Ayurvedic herbal treatment can bring about substantial and significant improvement in people affected with paralysis or stroke.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com
