Ayurvedic Treatment For Stroke (Paralysis) In Kerala

Introduction to stroke:

Cerebrovascular accident (CVA) commonly known as stroke, is a condition where the blood supply to a part of the brain is disturbed or reduced, disrupting brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. When oxygen flow towards the brain is blocked, the brain cells begin to die which can cause neurological impairments and even death in some severe cases.  Hypertension, atherosclerosis (build-up of plaque in arteries), blood clots in arteries and atrial fibrillation (irregular heart rhythm) are some of the main causes of stroke. A stroke can have a lot of effects on a person’s health, including physical impairments, paralysis, weakness, cognitive issues, vision loss, sensory issues, etc… The impact of a stroke can vary from person to person based on the severity and the location of the stroke in the brain. Early detection of a stroke is crucial because it improves the chances of recovery and the risk of long-term illness. The sooner a person receives treatment, the greater their chance of recovery and survival. So, it is essential to recognize stroke symptoms and seek immediate treatment. But how to recognize stroke symptoms? Don’t worry we got you covered!

Recognizing stroke symptoms:

There is a simple way to recognize common CVA symptoms and it is using the acronym FAST:

F- Face drooping: One side of the face might start drooping or may feel numb. Ask the person to smile to see if the smile is uneven.

A-Arm weakness: One arm may feel weak or numb. Ask the person to lift both arms and check if one drifts down.

S- Speech difficulty: Speech might start to sound slurred or unclear. Ask them to repeat simple sentences and check if they can say it correctly.

T- Time to call emergency services: If you notice any of these symptoms, immediately call emergency services as time is critical in minimizing the effects of stroke.

Symptoms like sudden weakness or numbness, balance issues, paralysis, speech difficulty, vision problems, cognitive issues, severe head ache, seizures and drowsiness can manifest as stroke. It is best to use the FAST method and seek medical help as soon as possible.

Understanding the cause of stroke:

• Ischemic stroke:

About 85% of the cases are ischemic stroke. This is caused by the blockage in a blood vessel that supplies blood to the brain. Some of the common causes include:

Thrombosis: A blood clot forming inside an artery supplying the brain, often due to the narrowing of artery from plaque build-up.

Embolism: A clot or debris breaks off and travels through the blood stream blocking a brain artery.

Small vessel disease:blockage of small arteries deep within the brain usually caused due to high blood pressure or diabetes.

• Haemorrhagic stroke:

This kind of stroke about 15% of the cases. This occurs when a blood vessel in or near the brain bursts, causing bleeding in the brain. Some of the common causes include:

Intracerebral haemorrhage: A blood vessel inside the brain bursts due to high blood pressure, trauma or blood vessel abnormality.

Subarachnoid haemorrhage: bleeding occurring in-between the brain and the thin tissue covering it (the subarachnoid space)

• Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA):

Often called as “mini-stroke”, it occurs when the blood flow to the brain is temporarily blocked, but the blockage clears on its own. It usually lasts for minutes to hours but doesn’t cause any severe damage. This would be a warning for future strokes.

Hypertension, heart diseases, diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol, obesity, heavy alcohol use, age, genetics are also some of the risk factors contributing to stroke. Managing these risk factors by doing yoga, meditation, quitting smoking and alcohol, taking regular health check-ups, maintain healthy weight and managing stress can significantly reduce the risk of cerebrovascular disease.

Ayurvedic perspective on stroke (Pakshaghata):

The ancient system of medicine, Ayurveda says that paralysis and stroke are interconnected and it views stroke as a disorder caused by the imbalance of body’s natural energy known as doshas. Vata dosha and pitta dosha imbalance might cause stroke.

Vata dosha imbalance: Vata governs the movement of the body, including nerve function, circulation and muscular activity. An imbalance in the Vata dosha is believed to block the flow of prana (life force) and lead to stroke.

Pitta dosha imbalance: Excessive pitta, especially in blood and bile, may lead to inflammation in blood vessels or brain which can also cause stroke.

Ayurvedic treatments for stroke aims to balance the Vata and Pitta doshas, unblock channels and restore functions in our body through detoxification therapies, diet modification and herbal remedies.

Modern medicine follows an immediate approach, solely focusing on the emergency care targeted to minimize the damage caused by stroke meanwhile Ayurveda follows a holistic approach focusing on the whole body of the person rather than curing just the damage. Ayurveda aims to treat the root cause and imbalance of the body while modern medicine focuses on symptoms relief.

Ayurvedic treatment approaches:

Detoxification therapies:

Panchakarma:panchakarma therapy for stroke is a series of purification treatment used to detoxify body and promote recovery.

Basti (enema therapy): Herbal oil or decoctions are administered through enema to cleanse the colon and balance the doshas.

Nasya (nasal administration): Herbal oils are powders are administered through nasal passage to improve brain function and treat neurological disorders.

Herbal remedies:

Ayurvedic medicines for stroke recovery:

Brahmi: Used to enhance memory and cognitive brain function, Brahmi is believed to improve brain health and aid in neurological recovery.

Ashwaganda: It is well known for its neuroprotective properties and it also helps to improve cognitive function.

Turmeric: It is well known for blood purification and enhancing cognitive function which can balance Vata dosha.

External therapies:

Ayurvedic massage for stroke patients:

Abhyanga:It is a therapeutic massage using medicated oils used to improve circulation and stimulate the nervous system.

Shirodhara: It is a process of pouring warm oil on the forehead to calm the mind and reduce stress.

Pizhichil:It is also known as king’s treatment due to its luxurious healing effects. It involves continuous pouring of warm oil all over the body accompanied by gentle oil massage to balance Vata dosha.

Integrative rehabilitation services:

Stroke patient rehabilitation is process that involves addressing both physical and cognitive impairments resulting from a stroke. Brain damage recovery is also addressed in these rehabilitation services. Here are some of the key components of rehabilitation program:

• Physical rehabilitation:

Physiotherapy for stroke recovery:

One of the primary goals of rehabilitation is to restore mobility and muscle function and physiotherapy is the key for it! Physiotherapists work alongside patients to develop a personalized routines to cater their needs.

Mobility training:

Mobility training is an essential part of stroke rehabilitation as it aims to restore a patient’s ability to walk and move around safely. This involves strengthening exercises, balance improvement and gait retraining. Through regular practice patient patients can face physical challenges in their environment without any difficulties.

Dry needling:

Dry needling is a technique where thin needles are inserted into trigger points or tight muscle areas to relieve pain and improve muscle function. By targeting specific muscles affected by stroke, dry needling improves mobility and reduces discomfort during rehabilitation exercises.

Acupuncture:

It is a traditional Chinese method where tiny needles are inserted into specific points of the body to stimulate the nervous system and enhance the flow energy. It promotes healing by increasing blood flow to the affected area and helping to restore the balance within the body.

Occupational therapy:

Occupational therapy focuses on helping stroke patients regain the ability to perform daily activities, such as dressing, eating and bathing. Occupational therapists work closely with stroke patients to adapt their living environments and introduce tools and techniques that enhance independence and quality of life.

• Speech therapy and Cognitive rehabilitation:

After a stroke, many patients find it difficult to speak and also face difficulties in cognitive functions such as memory, attention and problem solving. Speech therapy helps patients improve their communication abilities including language comprehension, speech production and swallowing issues.

In the other hand, cognitive rehabilitation focuses on enhancing brain function, helping patients to regain mental clarity and improve their cognitive abilities. Therapists use targeted exercise to stimulate brain regions affected by stroke, aiming to recover the overall mental performance.

• Yoga and Meditation:

Incorporating mind-body practices like yoga and meditation into rehabilitation process offers immense benefits for neurological recovery. Yoga helps in improving physical balance, strength and flexibility while reducing stress and anxiety. It also helps the brain’s ability to adapt and heal after injury, helping stroke patients regain lost functions more effectively.

Stroke prevention strategies:

1. Control blood pressure: By keeping blood pressure under control through low-sodium diet, exercise and medication can control stroke effectively.
2. Manage diabetes: Maintain proper blood sugar levels through diet and exercise.
3. Lower cholesterol:Maintaining proper diet while reducing saturated fats can help maintain healthy fat levels.
4. Quit smoking: Quitting smoking can benefit overall-health a lot and can reduce the risk of stroke significantly.
5. Limit alcohol consumption: Excessive consumption of alcohol can increase blood pressure levels which can cause stroke.
6. Exercise regularly:Regular physical activity can help maintain a healthy weight reducing the risk of stroke.
7. Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight can increase stroke risk, by maintaining a healthy weight through diet and physical activity is necessary.
8. Healthy diet: Eating a diet rich in nutrients and fibre while avoiding processed foods can reduce the risk of stroke.
9. Prevent blood clots: Medications prescribed to thin blood can reduce the risk of clots than can lead to a stroke.
10. Manage healthy heart condition:Heart conditions should always be monitored and treated to reduce the risk of stroke.

A diet for stroke  

Foods to Emphasize:

1. Fruits: Berries, citrus fruits and apples.
2. Vegetables: Leafy greens, broccoli, and bell peppers.
3. Whole grains: Brown rice, quinoa, whole wheat bread, and whole grain pasta.
4. Lean protein: Poultry, fish, beans, lentils, and low-fat dairy.
5. Healthy fats: Nuts, seeds, avocados, and olive oil as they are rich in healthy fats.

Foods to Limit or Avoid:

1. Sodium
2. Saturated and trans fats: Food items such as butter, lard, processed meats and fried food.
3. Cholesterol rich food
4. Added sugars
5. Refined carbohydrates: Limit refined grains, sugary drinks, and processed snacks.

Specific Nutrients:

1. Potassium: Bananas, leafy greens, and sweet potatoes to help lower blood pressure.
2. Omega-3 fatty acids: Fatty fish, flaxseeds and walnuts help reducing inflammation.
3. Fiber: Grains, fruits and vegetables.

Beverages:

1. Water: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
2. Limit sugary drinks such as soda, energy drinks and sweet

Vaidya Health Care for ayurvedic stroke treatment in Kerala:

At Vaidya Heath Care, we combine the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda with modern expertise to provide holistic stroke recovery. We are known for our unmatched expertise in ayurvedic stroke treatment. Our ayurvedic therapies focus on holistic recovery, making us the top choice for patients seeking a natural, non-invasive approach for healing after a stroke. We are the best ayurvedic hospital in Kerala ensuring you receive the best care possible.

Dr. Kiran B Nair
MD Ayurveda Panchakarma, BAMS

He is a renowned ayurvedic practitioner with an extensive experience in the field of Ayurveda. He is the current CEO of Vaidya Health Care at Perumbavoor, Kerala. He is widely credited for blending modern theory of health with ancient Ayurveda. His reputation as a trusted healer is built on a foundation of empathy, skill and a commitment to natural healing.

Achievements:

• MD of Sreeragam Ayur Retreat, Cochin.
• CEO of Vaidya Ayurveda Hospital.
• Fellowship Neurocare.
• Active member in the programs of Nalanda Foundation and Prithvi foundation.
• He was a part of the organisation committee in conducting ASWINI-2011, International conference held of Ayurveda by Sri Sairam Ayurveda Medical college at Chennai.

At Vaidya Health Care, we take immense pride in the positive impact we’ve had on our patient’s lives.  Every recovery is a testament to the power of Ayurveda. Below are some of the success stories and heartfelt testimonials from patients who have regained their health and well-being.

Facilities and services provided:

We aim to deliver holistic care, ensuring each patient receives personalized treatment. Below is the facilities and services designed to enhance the healing journey:

Facilities:

• Modern Ayurvedic Hospital: Combines traditional Ayurveda with modern amenities for patient comfort.
• Private & Semi-Private Rooms: Spacious, well-equipped rooms for a comfortable stay.
• Therapeutic Rooms: Specialized areas for Ayurvedic treatments like massages and oil therapies.
• Yoga & Meditation Halls: Dedicated spaces for holistic wellness.
• Pharmacy: On-site Ayurvedic pharmacy for prescribed medicines.
• Physiotherapy Unit: Fully equipped for stroke and orthopedic rehabilitation.
• Dietary Services: Personalized Ayurvedic diets for healing.
• Relaxation Areas: Peaceful gardens for recovery.

Services:

• Ayurvedic Treatments: Panchakarma, detox, and rejuvenation therapies.
• Stroke Rehabilitation: Comprehensive recovery programs with external therapies and medications.
• Pain Management: Treatments for arthritis, joint pain, and chronic conditions.
• Holistic Programs: Integration of Ayurveda, yoga, and physiotherapy for overall wellness.
• Geriatric & Stress Care: Tailored programs for elderly care and stress relief.
• Detox & Rejuvenation: Personalized packages to enhance vitality and health.

Ayurveda being the ultimate cure:

Numerous studies had been conducted on ayurvedic treatment for stroke recovery proves that patients show about 50-70% improvement in motor function after 3 to 6 months of consistent ayurvedic therapy which mainly includes panchakarma therapy, herbal medicines and physical therapy. It is also reported that patients experience 60-80% improvement in speech with Nasya therapy and herbs like Brahmi within just the same period of time. Patients suffering from partial paralysis showed 40-60% improvement, alongside that, patients going through Post-Stroke Depression also showed about 50-60% reduction in symptoms which can never be achieved through modern medicine. Ayurveda has always been the answer, which just had to be uncovered.

What is the cost of Stroke Treatment in Ayurveda?

We at Vaidya Healthcare offer complete, personalized Ayurvedic stroke therapy. Our broad approach, that includes physiotherapy, Panchakarma therapy, and other tried-and-true techniques, guarantees a speedy and reasonably priced recovery. The comprehensive cost breakdown for our treatments can be found below.

Stroke Treatment Cost Overview

Stroke treatment at Vaidya Healthcare is meant to be both cost-effective and successful. The therapies chosen, the number of sessions, and the length of therapy all affect the overall cost. With fees ranging from a minimum of ₹25,000 (approx.) to a maximum of ₹6,66,900 (approx.), we offer clear pricing to accommodate diverse patient needs. Below is a comprehensive cost breakdown.

Duration of Treatment

The treatment typically lasts 21 to 45 days, depending on the severity of the condition and individual recovery needs.

Why Choose Vaidya Healthcare for Stroke Treatment?

• Recognized as the best ayurvedic hospital for stroke in Ernakullam.
• Proven results in improving patient outcomes through natural therapies.
• A trusted name when it comes to holistic and patient-first approach.

At Vaidya Health Care, we use traditional rehabilitation techniques to address the root cause of stroke and promote long term healing. our treatments aim to restore the balance in the body reducing the effects of stroke. Our specialized stroke treatment focuses on revitalizing both the body and mind, ensuring a comprehensive recovery process for our patients. Our team of highly skilled ayurvedic practitioners and stroke rehabilitation experts are committed to providing personalized care. Our experts not only focus on physical recovery but also emphasize mental well-being which is crucial in stroke rehabilitation.

Enquire Now for a Personalized Treatment Plan and Cost

Curious about the exact cost for your stroke treatment? Contact us today to get a detailed, personalized quote.

Contact information and consultation:

At Vaidya Health Care, we believe that true healing begins with personalized care and a holistic approach. Whether you’re seeking relief from chronic condition or looking for preventive care, our experienced practitioners are here to guide you on your path to wellness.To make it easier, we also offer online consultation and telemedicine options, so you can access expert ayurvedic care from the comfort of your home. Book your Ayurvedic consultation for stroke now and discover the ways Ayurveda can transform your life. 

Address:

Vaidya Health Care Hospital,
MC Road, Vattakatupady,
Perumbavoor, Ernakulam, Kerala 683542
0091-9744-55-3000, 0091 9744553019
info@vaidyhealthcare.in

Authored by Dr. Kiran B