Ayurvedic Cure for SciaticaAn Ayurvedic cure for sciatica is one of the requests I receive from patients regularly. I am not a practitioner of Ayurveda, but I have studied both the Indian system and the Chinese counterpart for many years. I do not see any evidence that Ayurveda has developed an actual universal cure for sciatic nerve pain, but some of the practices are good for symptomatic relief.
Ayurveda is a traditional Indian healing system which translates as the science of life. Ayurvedic medicine has branched out of India and is one of the main complementary health systems in the world today. For
sciatica,
and general
back pain,
Ayurveda uses a variety of techniques to enact relief. These modalities focus on
dietary,
herbal and
exercise
modalities and can be effective for some patients with some forms of sciatica.
Ayurvedic treatment typically includes herbal preparations and dietary supplements. Patients are advised to eat carbohydrates, fiber, vegetables and fruits in quantity, while avoiding heavy and creamy foods and meals, including bean curd, potatoes and fried foods. Useful and prescribed botanicals and herbs for external application via poultice include: nutmeg, juniper, chamomile, Vanda orchid, frankincense and others. Patients are often told to wear a lumbar
back brace
and
rest in bed
for extended time frames. Exercise therapy is advised, but is kept gentle, including
walking,
swimming
and especially
yoga.
Ayurvedic Cure for Sciatica AdviceI do not subscribe to most of the dietary, herbal and exercise prescriptions used in Ayurvedic sciatica treatment. They are not harmful in most cases, but they just do not recognize the underlying source of pain in most instances. The bed rest part is actually counterproductive and if I could advise patients to change one factor told to them by their Ayurvedic physician; it would be this recommendation…DO NOT STAY IN BED. For advanced practitioners of Ayurvedic therapy, here are some traditional names of treatments which you might consider for your sciatica patients: * Thailams, Brihat Vata Chintamani,Grithams, Gutika, Trayo Dasanga Guggulu, Lehyams, Sinhanada Guggulu, Churnams, Asavaaristams & Kashayas, Simhanada Guggul for internal intake. * Topical use of tamarind plotice, garlic and til oil, Elakizhi, castor oil, Maha Vishagarbha Telu, Abhyangam. * Yogic postures including: Halasana, Supta Padangushthasana, Shalabhasan, Adhomukha Shwanasan, Bhujangasana. Ayurvedic Cure for Sciatica to Sciatica 2/09/10 Revised 7/25/11 |
Sensei Adam Rostocki
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