Ayurvedic treatment for Sciatica

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In Ayurvedic treatment for Sciatica, Panchakarma as ‘Shodhana chikitsa’ eliminates the doshas from body and relieves sciatica pain. Herbs and ayurvedic medicines pacifies the vitiated dosha and its lakshanas(symptoms)as ‘ Shamana Chikitsa’ and  restore regular digestion and activity of body. Sciatica is called Gridhrasi in Ayurveda (gridhra means “eagle”) because the affected person’s gait resembles that of an eagle and the inflamed nerve resembles the beak of an eagle. Gridhrasi are divided into two categories: Vata and Vata -Kapha. Apana Vata vitiation causes pain, discomfort and inflammation in the lower back, whereas Vata-Kapha vitiation also causes pain, poor digestion, anorexia, heaviness and lethargy in the body. Impaired digestion causes toxins (ama) to build up in the body’s minute pathways, vitiating Vata-Kapha in the process. It is a type of neuropathic pain that travels from the lumbar region to the back of the legs and is caused by nerve injury, compression, or malfunction. Chronic diseases are treated holistically in Ayurveda by addressing the cause of the illness. Sciatica never appears without a reason and an Ayurveda consultant will help to find the real cause.

Ayurvedic treatment for Sciatica
Ayurvedic treatment for Sciatica

Causes

Sciatica can be caused by a variety of factors. Understanding the cause is important for Ayurvedic treatment for Sciatica

  • Lack of physical activity
  • Excess and long hours driving 
  • lumbar spondylolisthesis
  • Stenosis of the lumbar spine
  • Disc herniation
  • Poor posture  in desk job
  • Extra abdominal weight due to pregnancy
  • Obesity
  • Disc degenerative diseases
  • Injury to spine
  • Diabetes 
  • Age related osteoarthritis 

Symptoms

  • Severe pain in sitting posture 
  • Persistent discomfort in legs or hip 
  • Burning pain, tickling sense, and numbness in one leg 
  • Throbbing pain radiating from back to leg making walking difficult
  • Lack of ability to perform household tasks

Ayurvedic treatment for Sciatica

Panchakarma in Ayurveda is a better solution for sciatica than surgery.

  • Dhanyamla dhara, Abhyanga, Swedana, Patra pottali swedana, Sarvanga dhara, Kati vasti, and Basti (the most widely used karma for permanently treating sciatica) are among the Ayurvedic remedies employed as needed. The goal of these treatments is to reduce inflammation and the underlying causes of sciatica, as well as to relieve spasms and strengthen and nourish the entire spine and surrounding tissues. Treatment normally lasts 4-5 weeks, depending on the severity of the illness.
  • Basti- Patient is administered Anuvasana basti (medicated oil enema) and Niruha Basti (decoction enema) to remove Vata from the body, which causes symptoms like discomfort and inflammation. According to Basti protocol, it is necessary to administer Yoga Basti, Karma Basti, and Kala Basti, with the number of Basti varying depending on the symptoms and severity of the ailment.
  • Marma therapy– Marma is a term that refers to a group of key points that comprise muscle, nerve, joint, bone, tendon, artery, and vein. Marma points in the lower back and thigh are stimulated by massage. Massage has a therapeutic effect on specific areas and helps to enhance circulation.
  • Abhyanaga and Swedana– Abhyanga (Ayurvedic oil massage) is important for sciatica to reduce Vata and stiffness from the muscles. It should be done with medicated oil such as Vishagarbha oil, Dhanvantaram oil etc and Nadi Swedana (localised herbal steam) given to specific affected areas to manage symptoms early. 
  • Kati Vasti– Herbal oil is poured continually into a dough container and applied to the low back area for 30-45 minutes in this therapy. Kati Vasti relieves lower back pain and stiffness, as well as other ailments.
  • Agnikarma- Agni karma is a Panchkarma therapy used to treat musculoskeletal pain. It involves heating a particular pointed metal instrument called a Shalaka (gold, silver, or iron) and applying it to the tender area on the body. Agnikarma involves the transmission of heat energy, which is particularly helpful in addressing the main complaint of pain in Sciatica sufferers.
  • Shamana  chikitsa(Ayurvedic medicines)- Medicines should be taken after proper consultation of Prakruti, Dosha and Nadi pariksha. Some common  medicines are mentioned below 
    Yograj guggul, Trayodashanga guggulu, Triphala guggulu, Dasamoolarishtam, Dhanvantaram oil, Rasnadi kashayam , Balarishtam, Bala ashwagandhadi oil

Diet and lifestyle recommendations as Ayurvedaic treatment for Sciatica

  • The consultant will propose an Ayurvedic diet to balance the dosha.
  • Yoga positions and stretching exercises for sciatica, such as ‘Ardha Bhujangasana’ and ‘knee raise,’ as well as single knee twist activities, should be done under the supervision of a specialist.
  • Fiber-rich foods such as whole wheat, lentils, brown rice, beans, and fruits should be consumed.
  • Maintain a healthy body weight and avoid overexerting yourself when exercising.
  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle by visiting the doctor on a regular basis.
  • Do not disregard initial symptoms that last longer than a week.
  • Maintain a regular range of temperatures in your home’s air conditioning system.

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