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Pain Management
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We all have experienced pain in the body some time or the other in our lifetime. This may be mild to severe pain in the head region owing to sinusitis or migraine headaches, joint and muscular pains which are generally related to movement of the joint involved, gnawing pain in the abdomen due to gas or indigestion, spasmodic and recurrent pains that may result from stone formation inside the urinary tract, severe tooth ache which could be presenting itself in the form of third degree pain etc. One thing that we need to understand is that any kind of pain, whether it is acute or chronic, is problematic and it throws you out of your regular routines and lifestyle, forcing you to succumb to forced rest and gulp down pain-killers for relief. The only problem with taking to pain-killers regularly is that one, these provide only temporary relief, and secondly, these pain-killers could leave you being addictive to them.
Ayurveda Approach to Pain Management
Pain management in Ayurveda healing would generally start with identifying and correcting the dosha imbalance. Specific measures would be recommended to find relief from pain as well as counselling would generally be provided to enhance the positive attitude and forbearance.
Proper detoxification of the blocked channels in the body owing to ama build in, is considered mandatory to undo the underlying cause interfering with stimulation of nerves resulting into pain sensation.
Enhancing Agni
Enhancing of the Agni or the gastric fire which would generally be found hampered, is considered essential. This is brought about by the means of taking internal herbs and Ayurvedic medications as well as Ayurveda therapies for boosting digestion. Ayurveda pain management includes number of herbs like Garlic, Ginger, Guggulu, Turmeric, Bishop’s weed, Shilajit, Rasna, Nirgundi etc. Also, combinations of herbs like Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus ), Bala (Sida Cordifolia) , Eranda (Ricinus Communis) , Medicated ghee , Sallaki ( Boswellia serrata) , Guggulu (Commiphora mukul) etc are generally recommended for relieving the pain.
Along with and besides all other therapies for pain management, Ayurveda counsels proper stretching and flexibility exercises so as to ease the circulation and functions of the nervous system. Yoga asanas and Yoga techniques like Pranayama (Deep Breathing techniques), Physiotherapy and Aqua Yoga are beneficial add-on therapies included in Ayurvedic pain management. Therapeutic Yoga is another effective remedy for pain management which comprises of a wide range of mind and body practices, from postural and breathing practice to deep relaxation and mediation.
Pain Management Options
There are many Pain management options that are prevalent. These Pain Management therapies and treatments would generally include medications, therapies, sometimes surgery and mind-body techniques for relieving pain in the body. Most of the Pain Management Clinics commonly named as Pain clinics would also offer physiotherapy and counselling to the patients relating to lifestyle modifications.
Need For Pain Management
Ayurveda believes that pain in the body is more or less an outcome of the aggravated and imbalanced Vata dosha or the air body humor. Although, pain in the body may be caused by some acute or chronic disease or trauma, yet Ayurveda gives great emphasis on the Vata dosha imbalance which might result from a number of underlying causes like improper digestion abilities, accumulated toxicity in the body which further blocks the channels, increased anxiety and stress (both physical and mental) and also indulging more in the Vata aggravating diet and lifestyle. All these factors tend to increase pain response in the body.
Pain Management Approach in Ayurveda
Ayurveda treatments and therapies work to remove the root cause of the condition, so as to provide holistic balance and healing to the person who is suffering from the pain. These therapies provide great assistance in balancing the vitiated Vata dosha. Once the Vata dosha is treated efficiently and in comprehensive manner, the pain tends to subside spontaneously and steadily.
Ayurvedic Pain Management Treatments
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Pain Management
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Ayurvedic Pain Management Treatments include abhyanga full body massage with medicated Vata balancing oil and is performed by two therapists using synchronized strokes along with providing pressure at the advised Marma points. This Abhyanga massage helps clear the accumulated toxins from the body’s vital circulation channels. The herbal massage oil used for Abhyanga massage is specially prepared at the Ayurveda Centre. This specialized oil nourishes the skin and mobilizes deeper tissues. Also, this full body massage using specialized Herbal oil which is prepared following the ancient Ayurveda wisdom text, is great aid in balancing the doshas, particularly Vata dosha. The abhyanga massage therapy for pain management in Ayurveda is generally followed by sudation therapy (steam, dry heat, patra pinda sweda etc.)
Patra Pinda Sweda
Patra Pinda Sweda is a special technique of massaging the whole body with boluses prepared out of medicated leaves and herbs, fried in sesame seed oil and dipped in warm herbal oil. This pain management procedure helps in relaxing; the stimulated muscles and tissues, improving the circulation and reducing the body stiffness, pain and joint inflammation.
Navarakizhi
Navarakizhi or Shastika Shali Pinda Sweda (SSPS) is a special technique of massaging the whole body with boluses prepared with red rice cultivated under specific conditions and dipped in herbal decoction and warm milk. This is highly recommended Ayurvedic pain management therapy in case of Paralytic strokes, chronic joint pains and body aches.
External Therapies For Pain Management In Ayurveda
These External therapies for pain management are localized on particular body parts and site of pain. These therapies are greatly helpful both to relieve the pain, and also strengthening the affected organ or body part.
Kati Basti means bathing the lower back with medicated oil or herbal decoction. After a gentle massage of the lower back, using herbal dough, a round doughnut shaped tank is formed and medicated oil is poured into it. This external therapy for pain management is highly beneficial in relieving chronic and acute back pain, prolapsed disc, Lumbar spondylitis, Osteoporosis and sciatica.
Greeva Basti
In this external therapy for pain management, medicated oil or herbal decoction is used to bathe the back of the neck. This particular procedure provides relief in chronic pain and stiffness in the neck region and also strengthens the neck muscles, thereby facilitating proper mobility. This therapy is also highly recommended in case of Cervical Spondylitis.
Janu Basti
This is another External Therapy for Pain Management in Ayurveda which is advised for treating knee pain and osteo arthritis. In this therapy, warm medicated oil or herbal decoction is used to bathe the knee. Ayurveda believes that this particular therapy for pain management balances the Sleshaka Kapha, which regulates the synovial fluid in the joint and thus provides proper lubrication to the joint.
Chakra Basti
This external therapy provides pain relief in stomach ache, abdominal gas and distension, and also strengthens the gastric fire or Agni for enhancing digestion. In the Chakra Basti, the warm medicated oil or herbal decoction is used to bathe the naval region and the Solar Plexus.
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Pain Management
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Hrid Basti
In Hrid Basti, the warm medicated oil or herbal decoction is poured over the heart region. This external therapy for pain management relieves pain in the heart region; strengthens chest muscles; normalizes heart function and pacifies Vata dosha.
Ayurveda Panchkarma Therapies For Pain Management
Basti Karma or Enema Therapy
Basti Karma is regarded as the best Ayurvedic therapy for balancing the vitiated Vata dosha and is therefore believed to be highly relieving therapy for Pain management in Ayurveda. In this process, there is administering of herbal medication into the body through the anal route to balance doshas, mainly Vata dosha. Colon is the predominant site of Vata. Therefore, Basti is considered as an excellent Panchkarma therapy for Pain Management. It is highly recommended in relieving abdominal pain due to constipation, bloating, kidney stones, lumbar pains, heart pain, sciatica, arthritis, rheumatism, gout, muscle spasms and headaches.
Nasya Karma Or Errhine Therapy
Nasya karma is another form of Ayurveda Panchkarma which is regarded as best procedure for treating pain in the head region like migraine, chronic headaches and sinusitis. In this procedure, there is instillation of herbal medications like oil, powder, and fresh juices through the nostrils.
Raktamokshana Karma or Blood Letting
The process of removing the vitiated toxic blood from the body is termed Raktamokshana Karma. This is done either by direct puncture of the blood vessel or incisions on the infected area with the help of Jalauka (Leech), Raktamokshana removes localized impurities from the blood, thereby healing a specific wound/and purifying the whole body. This Ayurveda Panchkarma provides substantial pain management in conditions like headache due to vitiated Pitta dosha, painful skin diseases, swelling in various tissues or joints, pain due to wound where blood capillaries get ruptured and swollen.
Article published here
Pictures Courtesy: Indus Valley Ayurvedic Centre
About the Author:
Dr Sonica Krishan is Author and Speaker in the areas of Healthy and Joyous Living through Ayurveda, Meditation, Yoga and other Contemplative practices. She is a leading Ayurveda Professional in India. She is also Health Writer, Columnist, Editor, Ayurveda Consultant and Holistic Healing Coach. Dr Sonica is open for National as well as International Collaborations with interested people / institutions in fields of Ayurveda, Meditation and Yoga.
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