Physical well being is very important for every human being. However, in reality, all people have some imperfection – either related to the body or the mind. Ayurveda, over the centuries has been contributing immensely towards the well being of those who are differently abled.
Ayurveda generally classifies physical disabilities into seven categories:
» Sahajam: Congenital abnormalities
» Garbhajam: Deformities that have their origin in the womb
» Jathajam: Those which are the result of bad habits
» Peedhajam: Imperfections caused by wounds, fractures and other injuries
» Kalajam: Abnormalities caused by change of weather
» Prabhavajam: Those which have appeared due to the failure of the individuals to carry out their regular tasks
» Swabhavajam: Imperfections caused naturally
Congenital deformities
They include many abnormalities inherited from mother’s or father’s side like cerebral palsy. Also termed brain paralysis, the condition affects movement as well as survival of the child. Ayurveda can be resorted to for helping the patient overcome the physical disability. Though a full cure will not be possible, the issues related to movement can be solved. Along with it, the mental capabilities can be improved. The treatment will be modified according to the degree of disability. Methods include ‘abhyangam’, ‘navarakizhi’ and ‘pizhichil’. For ailment related to the head, ‘thalam’, ‘thalapothichil’ may be resorted to. For better results, long-term treatment has to be carried out.
Ataxia
Children with this condition will walk haphazardly. Body equilibrium will be lost due to damage to the part of the brain that controls movements of muscles. The symptoms include shivering of the limbs, inability to bring the finger to touch the nose, inability to bring fingers of both hands together etc.
Treatment of this condition is very difficult. The earlier it is detected, the better. As it affects coordination of body movements, the condition can be diagnosed only after the child starts walking. In Ayurveda, the treatment is done for the head as the condition is related to the brain. Methods include thalam with drugs like amukkuram, gooseberry and brahmi, grinding these items into a paste and covering the head etc. Special medicines like abhyangam and brahmi rasnadi kashayam are also effective.
Scoliosis
Our spinal cord has some natural curves. But improper way of walking or lifting weights or congenital anomaly can affect these natural curves. In children, the spine may shift to one side. Though the problem may differ for children and adults, the treatment is the same.
The initial symptom is lower back pain. Some people feel severe back pain. Others will not be able to sit without support. To retain the natural curves of the spine, yoga can be adopted along with proper standing and sitting habits. To reduce stiffness of the muscles, Ayurvedic oils can be applied. One of the major oils is Kethakimooladi kuzhambu. Kethaki is the root of ‘kaitha’ plant. Applying the Kethakimooladi kuzhambu and taking bath in warm water is very effective during the early stages. Rubbing in this kuzhambu over the spine is also good.
Stroke
It is a condition that affects either the entire body or a part of it. Ayurveda deals with stroke in an elaborate manner. Treatment, ‘pathyam’ (proper diet), etc. are explained in detail in Ayurveda texts.
Patients depend on modern medicine for treatment of stroke during the initial stage. This will help in controlling blood pressure and bleeding from the blood vessels in the brain. Edema in the brain will also subside due to modern medicine. However, the deformities caused by stroke can be effectively treated by Ayurveda.
The methods adopted for regaining the ability of movement include abhyangam, pizhichil, kizhi etc. For improving the speech, Ayurvedic drugs like vayambu, rudraksham and irattimadhuram are used. Similarly, drugs are available for improving digestion. In order to achieve a balance between mind and body, yoga and meditation are prescribed.
In other words, Ayurveda suggests a well-being of not only the body but the mind, brain as well as spiritual aspects also.
Treatment after accidents
Ayurveda focuses on regaining the movements after an accident. The treatment depends on the nature of the injury. However, for stimulating the muscles, the treatment involves applying heat and cold. For this, various kizhis like navarakizhi, ilakizhi, podikizhi are resorted to. They will stimulate the nerves.
However, if injury has affected the excretory or urinary functions, recovery is very difficult. Similarly, erectile dysfunction and impotence after accidents are also difficult to treat.
Hearing disabilities
Nowadays, many people face hearing loss even during a young age. For this, apply two drops of gingelly oil in each ear and clean. Regular cleaning will help prevent hearing loss. Medicinal smoke can be applied to the ears to control the loss of hearing. There are remedies for hearing loss faced by elderly people due to damage to nerves. For them, various oils can be applied, including vilwam karaskadi, karaskadi coconut oil and oils mixed with devatharam. Bael is very effective for diseases related to the ear. To prevent hearing loss, oil made out of bael leaves can be applied to the head. However, congenital hearing abnormalities cannot be solved with Ayurveda.
