Sreelatha suffered a stroke one week ago at midnight. Her family rushed her to the hospital, and the doctors provided emergency care, however, Sreelatha developed stroke paralysis on one side of her body, a condition medically known as Hemiplegia. That was when her family decided to seek Paralysis treatment in Ayurveda Kerala.
Under the care of skilled practitioners with over 20 years of experience in stroke rehabilitation treatment, Sreelatha is now steadily recovering and getting better. The timely intervention of Ayurveda prevented her from being confined to bed for the rest of her life and also significantly reduced the chances of future strokes.
Of course, it might raise a few eyebrows; how can Ayurveda help cure a stroke? Well, while emergency medical care is important during a stroke, further complications like paralysis can be addressed through Ayurvedic treatments. Chaithanya Ayurveda Hospital at Kollam is one such center, offering the best stroke treatment in Kerala.
What is a Stroke?
A stroke occurs when there is a sudden blockage of blood supply to a part of the brain, depriving brain cells of oxygen and nutrients. This can result in various types of paralysis, which may initially appear as weakness on one side of the body, later developing into hemiplegia. This condition significantly restricts the movement of the arms or legs on one half of the body.
In more severe cases, patients may experience complete body paralysis, affecting the body from the neck down and all four limbs, a condition known as quadriplegia. While hemiplegia and quadriplegia treatment in allopathy are often limited, Ayurveda offers hope. Ayurvedic stroke rehabilitation can help patients respond more effectively to treatments and recover faster.
Beyond the Basics: Demystifying Stroke and Paralysis
Known as Pakshaghata in Kerala Ayurveda, stroke is a common cause of adult disability. As you already know, a stroke is caused by a blockage of blood flow to the brain. When the brain cells are deprived of oxygen and nutrients, one may experience weakness, sudden loss of speech, sensory disturbances, memory problems, or paralysis of one side of the body.
There are two main types of stroke, Ischemic and Hemorrhagic strokes. Considered a medical emergency, stroke paralysis is the third leading cause of death worldwide. Shocking, isn’t it? However, the level of disability and the death rate can be reduced with immediate medical care. Preventive measures in stroke management involve controlling diabetes and blood pressure.
Paralysis caused by a stroke can affect any part of the body, impairing its functions. According to Ayurveda, this condition arises from an imbalance in the vata dosha. Therefore, Ayurvedic stroke treatment primarily focuses on balancing vata dosha, boosting blood supply, strengthening brain activity, and improving the functioning of the nervous system.
What is Hemiplegia and Quadriplegia?
Hemiplegia is paralysis affecting one side of the body, and patients may experience stiffness in the muscles. Some may also face difficulty moving their arms and legs. This condition occurs when there are abnormalities in the brain or spinal cord. For instance, a stroke in the left hemisphere of the brain can cause paralysis on the right side of the body, and vice versa.
On the other hand, Quadriplegia is the paralysis of all four limbs, however, patients often find it difficult to move their body from the neck down. Therefore, the initial stages of quadriplegia treatment include immediate stabilization of the spine, preventing further damage. Paralysis treatment in Kerala often combines powerful Panchakarma rehabilitation therapies.
The common causes of both hemiplegia and quadriplegia are stroke, trauma to the brain, spinal cord injuries, and neurological damage. Simply put, when communication between the central nervous system (CNS) and specific body parts is disrupted due to serious damage to the brain or spinal cord, it can result in partial or complete paralysis of those body parts.
A Day in the Life: Living with Hemiplegia or Quadriplegia
The lives of patients suffering from trauma-induced paralysis conditions such as hemiplegia, or quadriplegia, can be challenging. The loss of sensation in the affected areas, and intermittent pain can make daily life feel unbearable. In many cases, families lose hope, believing their loved ones are permanently confined to a bed with no chance of returning to a normal life.
Living with hemiplegia or any other form of paralysis can take a heavy toll on patients. It may also lead to further muscular complications (muscular atrophy). However, there is hope, as patients who have undergone paralysis treatment in Ayurveda Kerala have shared encouraging testimonies, reporting significant improvement in both facial and body paralysis.
Symptoms and Effects
Stroke recovery is possible with appropriate, and most importantly, timely medical care. Early intervention can indeed save lives, and the first step is to recognize the signs and symptoms. The following symptoms can be seen in a patient suffering from stroke paralysis;
- Weakness or paralysis in specific areas.
- Difficulty with speech, swallowing, or coordination.
- Sudden unresponsiveness in the face, arm, or leg.
- Anxiety and depression.
- Changes in behavior and attitude.
- Confusion and dizziness.
- Trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
The commonly found hemiplegia symptoms also include muscle spasticity, which may increase the patient’s irritability. Acting quickly by identifying warning signs of stroke can help a stroke patient get the necessary treatment.
We now know that the brain damage caused by stroke can be reduced if the patient responds quickly to treatment given within 3 hours. If the patient can smile, raise both arms and repeat words clearly, the chances of recovery are higher.
Therefore, stroke rehabilitation therapies in Ayurveda follow the pattern of identifying the root causes and addressing the vitiation of Vata dosha, which affects blood vessels and circulation to the brain, ensuring a holistic recovery.
Ayurvedic Path to Recovery
Around 5000 years ago, the Acharyas provided possible methods of Ayurvedic treatment for stroke relief, focusing on the importance of balancing Vata dosha. Now, Ayurvedic practitioners follow the powerful methods suggested in ancient scripts and are dedicated to treating stroke patients with herbal formulations and oils, keeping long-term recovery in mind.
Stroke management in Ayurveda begins with detoxification therapies known as Panchakarma treatment. The treatment can vary depending on the type of paralysis and the patient’s other health conditions. However, key methods include snehana (oleation), virechana (purgation), vasti (medicated enema), abhyanga (oil massage), and Shirodhara.
Ayurvedic paralysis treatment is as follows;
- Starts with snehana treatments like Abhyanga oil massage and Shirodhara to improve circulation, followed by different medicated fomentations for 7 to 21 days.
- Massage with symptom-specific medicated oils followed by internal medicated fomentation to strengthen muscles and nerves and improve blood circulation.
- Swedna (mediated steam therapy) is performed to remove toxins from the body by inducing sweating in patients.
- Virechana (purgation therapy), is performed to improve digestion, gut health, and metabolism. It is an excellent detoxification therapy.
- Various herbal medications are also given to patients to help them regain muscle and nerve strength, and improve overall vitality.
Ayurveda and panchakarma encourage certain practices for paralysis patients, which should only be performed by experienced Ayurvedic practitioners, as improper execution can be dangerous. Medicated enema (vasti) is particularly powerful for healing stroke patients if done within two months of a stroke or paralytic attack.
Shirodhara and Shiro Basti panchakarma therapies involve massage with medicated oils, followed by rejuvenation therapies with medicinal herbs. Herbs like Ashwagandha and Brahmi are used in medicinal formulations, which play a key role in muscular and neural recovery for patients. Also, if recommended, patients can practice yoga alongside physiotherapy.
The Science Behind the Herbs
Herbal remedies for stroke can be started once the patient has passed the acute phase of the paralysis attack. Herbs like Brahmi and Ashwagandha are commonly used in Ayurvedic practices for stroke. These herbs are known to support memory, neural health, muscle strength, and fight body inflammation. Plus, Brahmi benefits neuroplasticity, promoting quick recovery.
Doctors typically prescribe potions made with Ayurvedic herbs for brain health. Herbal preparations like Balarista, Dashamoola arista, Mahavatavidwamsana, Bihar vata chintamani, and Gandharvahastadi kwatha are given in adjusted proportions to stroke paralytic patients along with powerful detoxification therapy, based on their response to the treatment.
Diet and Lifestyle for Stroke Recovery
Ayurveda suggests adding brain and nerve-nourishing foods like ghee, almonds, and turmeric to the diet for a speedy recovery from stroke paralysis. Doctors who specialize in Paralysis treatment in Kerala also advise including more black gram, garlic, ginger, radish, and ash gourd in the regular diet to provide the necessary energy for the recovery process.
In addition to recommended food, Ayurveda also advises against consuming vata-aggravating foods, such as cold and processed items. It is better to add more fruits and vegetables to your daily diet, enriched with protein and fiber and low in fat. For example, pomegranate, papaya, and grapes can safely speed up the stroke recovery process.
It is also important to practice regular stretching exercises or physiotherapy. Chaithanya Hospital, the Kerala Ayurveda Wellness Center in Kollam, suggests managing high-risk factors like diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension to prevent future strokes. Meditation and breathing exercises during the treatment period can also help reduce mental stress.
Prevention of Stroke and Related Conditions
Ayurveda clearly emphasizes the importance of managing high blood pressure as a key preventive measure in stroke management for adults. Proper management of hypertension involves identifying root causes, such as diet or lifestyle factors. Diabetes, high cholesterol, and chronic inflammation are other risk factors for stroke, and paralysis conditions like hemiplegia.
Medicinal herbs play a key role in promoting detoxification and metabolizing undigested or toxic substances in the body without harming the patient. Stroke prevention in Ayurveda also underlines the significance of blood circulation, with practices like Abhyanga, using specific oils, such as Brahmi oil to improve neurological function and sesame oil to promote circulation.
The best hospital for stroke treatment in Kerala follows a well-rounded approach, accessing the patient’s body constitution (Prakriti) and current imbalances (Vikriti) to achieve a complete cure in more than 80% of stroke cases. Regarding lifestyle choices, a stroke patient should completely avoid alcohol and smoking to prevent further consequences such as paralysis.
Why Choose Us for Stroke Recovery?
Chaithanya Ayurveda Hospital can be an ideal choice for stroke rehabilitation, offering the best stroke treatment in Kerala. With over 10 years of experience, the hospital has earned its reputation as the best hospital for stroke paralysis by helping patients who sought treatment in the early stages of the condition regain mobility, when treatment tends to be more effective.
Even patients who have been bedridden for months or years also receive therapies aimed at accelerating their recovery and helping them walk independently again. With its soothing atmosphere, which encourages patients to focus entirely on their treatments, this Ayurvedic hospital has become a trusted and preferred destination for stroke rehabilitation.
Chaithanya Hospital provides the best Paralysis treatment in Kerala. Due tothelimited availability of slots for stroke paralysis therapy, patients should book important sessions, such as Panchakarma, in advance to ensure timely care. With our trusted expertise and experience, you can be assured of authentic and proper Ayurvedic treatment for stroke and paralysis.