Ayurveda Treatments for Neurological Disorders, Arthritis, Lumbago

Integrated Ayurveda – Neurology treatments at Harivihar

Neurology is that branch of modern medicine which deals with diseases of the brain, spinal cord, nerve, muscle and neuromuscular junction. Various genetic or hereditary, environmental, traumatic, vascular, neoplastic, infective and inflammatory causes affect the optimal functioning of the central and peripheral nervous systems leading to various diseases. Neurological diseases are usually chronic and not all are curable. Take for example a person affected with stroke. Stroke produces a vascular damage to the brain resulting in neurological deficits which can be reduced to a great extent with timely neurological intervention followed by rehabilitation. However, in most cases, we see stroke survivors with partial deficits having to lead the rest of their life with their deficit thus affecting the quality of their life.

The same is the case with neuro degenerative diseases like Parkinsons disease, Dementia, Myelopathy, Neuropathy, Myopathy etc. Many a times, the neurologist faces patients with chronic ailments for which he doesn’t have a cure.

The important question here is whether you could do anything to make them better

It is here that we have to consider integrating divergent systems of medicine. Is there a role for integrating different systems of medicine for the ultimate betterment of the patient? There are different systems of medicine, some well standardized and validated like modern medicine and some not so well validated. There are systems like Ayurveda, which even though not currently validated by clinical trials like modern medicine, has stood the test of time and enjoyed the patronage of a vast section of population due to its holistic approach and beneficial effects. There are practices like yoga and meditation which have such wonderful effects on the body and mind and shall perfectly complement medical treatments. Each system has its own advantages and disadvantages and if such systems could complement each other for the betterment of the patient, we would have a successful integration of therapies. This is our philosophy of starting the Integrated Ayurveda-Neurology Centre at Harivihar.

Why choose Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is a 5000 year old system of medicine which originated from India .It is probably the oldest system of medicine in the world today. Ayurveda has a holistic approach in that it treats not just the disease but the entire being. It takes into account the physical ,intellectual, mental and spiritual aspects of the individual it treats. Ayurveda treatments are based on the trisdosha concept of vata, pitta and kapha, the balance of which leads to harmony of the being as a whole and the imbalance of which leads to accumulation of toxins leading to diseases. Kerala has contributed immensely to the field of Ayurveda since many eminent Ayurveda physicians (ashtavaidyas) had their origin here. Ayurveda has effective treatments for many chronic neurological and musculoskeletal diseases.

Yoga and meditation

Yoga is a life of self-discipline based on the tenets of simple living and high thinking. Regular practice of yoga will help to attain happiness and inner peace of mind. Yoga is a complete life. It is a method which overhauls all aspects of the human personality. Yoga does not require a turning away from life. It demands transformation and spiritualisation of life. Yoga is primarily a way of life ,it is not a creed. The practice of Yoga is not opposed to any religion. It is purely spiritual and universal and does not contradict any ones sincere faith. It is an aid to the practice of the basic spiritual truth in all religions. The practice of yoga is based on the five cardinal principles of proper breathing, proper exercise, proper relaxation, proper diet and positive thinking.

Integrated Ayurveda Neurology centre at Harivhar.

Harivihar offers integrated treatments for chronic neurology ailments. This centre will comprise the services of a consultant neurologist ,Ayurveda physician and yoga therapist. The services of this centre is strictly limited to inhouse guests .

The diseases which can be treated in the Integrated Neurology-Ayurveda clinic include the following.

Headaches, including migraine headaches, tension headaches, muscular contraction headaches and sinus headaches.
Trigeminal neuralgias and other cephalalgias.
Chronic pain syndromes including low back pains, sciatica, fibromyalgia etc.
Neuropathies and disorders of muscle and nerve
Demyelinating disorders including multiple sclerosis.
Hereditary and degenerative neurological disorders including motor neuron diseases, spinocerebellar ataxia, Parkinsonism etc.
Anxiety and stress related disorders including post traumatic stress disorder.
Sleep disorders.
Vascular diseases including stroke.
Ayurveda treatments for Lumbago and frozen shoulder, Arthritis – including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, spondylitis.
Writers cramps and dystonias
Cerebral palsy

Approach

The neurologist evaluates the case and might ask for relevant investigations and subsequently discusses with the Ayurveda physician who then formulates a treatment strategy according to the Ayurvedic principles. The treatments are done purely according to the Ayurveda protocol. Yoga and breathing exercises (pranayama) is an integral part of the treatment. Most neurological diseases would need two to three weeks or even longer duration of ayurvedic treatments. It is important to note here that the aim of treatment in chronic neurological disorders is not always to cure. Sometimes cure can be impossible and in those instances prevention of disease progression by bringing the doshas into balance and correcting the Agni(majja dhathu ) of the nervous system may be the treatment goals. Sometimes, regular follow up treatments might become necessary. However most chronic neurological disorders make good improvement with regular ayurvedic treatments.

Facilities

Harivihar has five double rooms and two single rooms.Being an old royal manor Harivihar is not very disabled friendly and hence we would advise only people who are mobility independent to stay with us. All the rooms have attached bathrooms with hot and cold showers.

Team

The team at the Integrated neurology clinic consists of Dr Srikumar ,a qualified senior consultant in neurology with more than twenty years of experience ,Dr Manoj and Dr Valsala Devi , Ayurveda physicians from the Sakalya Ayurveda center having a rich experience in Ayurveda and Gopalji, the yoga guru. The services of a consultant in orthopedics is available when needed.