Ayurveda’s role in supporting Cerebral Palsy: A Holistic approach

When it comes to Ayurveda, it not just focuses on the physical symptoms but also the mind and the spirit. While modern treatments for Cerebral palsy focus on managing symptoms, Ayurveda seeks to promote long-term health by focusing on the doshas. Before getting into the treatment for CP, let’s understand what CP is.

Cerebral Palsy:

Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder which affects movement, muscle tone and motor skills. This is caused by the damage to brain before, during or shortly after birth. CP is a lifelong condition which primarily affects the motor function, but the symptoms and severity will change from person to person. In Ayurveda, cerebral palsy is understood as a condition resulting from an imbalance in Vata dosha, which governs movement, the nervous system and sensory functions. Cerebral palsy involves neuromuscular and motor dysfunction, which aligns with disruptions in Vata energy, especially in its subtypes related to movement, muscle control and neural coordination.

Types of cerebral palsy:

1. Spastic cerebral palsy

This is the most common case of CP and the symptoms lead to jerky movements and difficulty with coordinated movements. This is caused due to muscle stiffness

Subtypes:

1. Spastic hemiplegia: affects one side of the body (arm and leg)
2. Spastic diplegia: affects both legs more than the arms.
3. Spastic quadriplegia: affects all four limbs and torso.

• Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy:

         The symptoms are involuntary or uncontrollable movements, this can affect hands, arms, feet and face making it difficult to sit, stand or walk.

• Ataxic Cerebral palsy:

The symptoms are difficulty in balance and coordination. Precise tasks like writing or grasping objects can be challenging for people with this kind of CP.

• Mixed cerebral palsy:

The symptoms are a combination of symptoms from different types, typically spastic anddyskinetic CP.

Why Ayurveda?

  Ayurveda offers a multidimensional approach to healing, addressing the body, mind and the soul of individuals with Cerebral palsy. Through personalized herbaltreatments, therapeutic treatments and mental and spiritual practices such as meditation and yoga givenby Vaidya health care provides a pathway for holistic healing. By integrating these natural therapies, individuals with CP can experience improved physical mobility, mental clarity and emotional well-being, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Healing the body:

• Herbal remedies:

herbs like Ashwagandha and Bala are known to strengthen muscles and improve motor function. Brahmi is known to support brain function.

• Abhyanga:

A daily oil massage with medicated oils to reduce stiffness, improve blood circulation and enhance muscle tone, making the body more relaxed and flexible.

• Panchakarma therapy:

A cleansing and rejuvenating therapy, helps remove toxin from the body and supports healing. Basti is a particularly useful for Vata disorders like CP, promoting joint lubrication and reducing pain.

Healing the mind:

• Shirodhara:

This calming therapy involves continuously pouring warm herbal oil on the forehead. This calms the nervous system, reduces stress and promotes deep relaxation.

• Brahmi and Shankapushpi :

These herbs are neuroprotective and is known to improve cognitive function, memory and concentration. Regular usage can enhance mental clarity and reduces stress and overwhelming.

• Pranayama:

This is an ayurvedic breathing technique which calms the mind and improves oxygen flow to the brain.

Healing the soul:

• Meditation:

Meditation is a powerful tool in Ayurveda for nurturing the soul. It promotes a sense of inner calm and mindfulness.  Regular meditation can help people with CP to feel centered and can promote the acceptance of their condition.

• Yoga:

Yoga is an essential aspect of Ayurveda. Modified asanas can help improve the mobility and flexibility of people with CP. Beyond physical benefits, yoga can enhance spiritual connection which helps individuals feel grounded and empowered.

• Lifestyle practices:

Ayurveda encourages the practice of gratitude, mindfulness and living in harmony.  These practices help cultivate emotional resilience and embrace self-compassion, promoting long-term emotional healing.

Conclusion: Cerebral palsy may be a part of their life but it does not define who they are. They are capable of so much more than their diagnosis and the key to unlocking the potential is Ayurveda, the ancient science of healing. Vaidya Health care centre takes a holistic approach towards people with CP as a whole, rather than focusing solely on the symptoms of cerebral palsy. It’s about addressing the root cause of imbalances in the body, mind and spirit, not just managing symptoms. Vaidya Health care centre provides you with customized therapies, herbal medicine and ayurvedic physiotherapy after proper diagnosis of the individual. Our integrative care helps manage symptoms and supportover all development.

Authored by Dr. Kiran B

Vaidya Healthcare Kochi

Vaidya Healthcare Ayurveda in Perumbavoor, Kerala, is a NABH-accredited center that excels in traditional Ayurvedic treatments. Our diverse offerings include Panchakarma, Ayurvedic massages, spinal rehabilitation, acupuncture, and yoga therapy, supplemented by effective naturopathy treatments.

See Full Bio