Stroke Rehabilitation
Stroke Paralysis is a common medical emergency and can happen anytime and is the most common cause of adult disability. Stroke can be correlated with the disease Pakshaghata in Ayurveda.
It is the sudden death of some brain cells due to lack of oxygen when the blood flow to the brain is lost by blockage of an artery to the brain.
Stroke rehabilitation in Ayurveda mainly focuses on boosting the recovery of impaired functions post-stroke. For example, patients improving their ability to walk, use their fingers, hands increase the flexibility of the affected joints and muscles etc.. The most effective time to start Ayurvedic treatments after a stroke is the first two months after the onset. The earlier the Ayurvedic Rehabilitation start the more effective the recovery on impaired physical function, motor skills, language and mental functions.
The most common disabilities after a stroke
- Muscular: Paralysis of one side of the body, difficulty walking
- Speech: difficulty speaking, slurred speech, or speech loss
- Limbs: numbness or weakness
- Sensory: pins and needles or reduced sensation of touch
- Facial: muscle weakness or numbness
- Mental Confusion
- Lack of strength and flexibility of affected joints
Our therapies include
Abhyangam - Massage of the entire body from Head to Toe with special herb infused oil depending on the cause of the stroke. Helps to reduce spasticity of muscles , increase the flexibility of joints and increases the blood circulation which stimulates the compromised nerves .Shirodhara - Procedure in which medicated oil or medicated liquid is steadily dripped on the forehead. Helps to stimulate the nerve endings and there by enhance motor skills and speech, improves movements, reduces weakness and improves sensation
Shirovasti – Procedure in which a cylindrical cap is fitted on the head of the patient and medicated oil is poured on to the head and kept for 20 to 30 minutes. This is very effective in facial paralysis and also in muscle weakness. Reduces numbness. Improves sensory functions and speech.
Nasyam – Procedure in which medicated oil or herbal extract is administered through the nasal cavity. This is a Main panchakarma treatment in post stroke management. Very effective in paralysis of upper and lower limb.
Pizhichil(Sarvangadhara) - Pizhichil is an important part of Panchakarma Ayurveda treatment in which medicated oil or liquid is poured on your body in a steady and constant stream followed by a massage. This therapy reduces weakness, stiffness of muscles and joints ,enhances neuro-muscular function and is very effective in paralysis cases.
Njavarakizhi – Procedure in which cooked njavara rice is mixed with milk and herbal extract of kurunthotti, made into boluses called kizhi and a massage is given over the whole body with this .Very effective treatment in nourishing and strengthening nervous system. Reduces the weakness of upper and lower limbs and thereby improves functions.
Shiropichu - Procedure in which warm medicated oil is soaked in cotton or gauze and is kept over the head for 20 to 30 minutes. Internal medicines are given depending on the cause of stroke. Herbs like Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Eranda, Rasona, Rasna etc are very effective in managing different conditions.
Altogether, with Ayurvedic rehabilitation treatments, one can expect the following:
- Increased mobility of upper and lower limbs
- Reduced spasticity of muscles
- Increased flexibility of joints and muscles.
- Improved sensation
- Improved mental functions
Diet and Lifestyle in stroke paralysis
Diet plays a major role in the fast recovery of a post -stroke patient.- Practice regular exercises as advised
- Avoid use of spicy, oily food.
- Use garlic, ginger, turmeric, green gram etc in regular diet.
- Use fruits like pomegranate, grape or papaya.
- Consume high fibres diet as advised.
- Regular herbal oil application over head and whole body as per the advise from Doctor
