Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a condition where it causes damage to brain areas that causes muscle movement either congenitally or due to under development of specific brain areas. It starts with issues in muscle tone, posture or as movement disorders. Mostly due to the damage of brain during foetal development. It may also affect adjacent parts of brain associated with other functions but it seldom happens. So, the stereotype of all cerebral palsy patients being mentally retarded is incorrect.

According to the areas affected cerebral palsy is categorized into: –

• Diplegic- Affects all limbs being legs severely affected than arms
• Quadriplegic – Affects whole body including face
• Hemiplegic- Affects one side of the boy
• Monoplegic- One limb is mostly affected
• Paraplegic- Mostly the legs are affected

How ayurveda interprets cerebral palsy?

It is often associated with imbalance of vata dosha which governs the whole functions of the nervous system. Aggravated vata can result in stiffness of muscle, poor coordination and delayed motor development. Here we focus on calming vata by nourishing damaged tissues thereby enhancing nerve function.

Ayurveda treatment for cerebral palsy includes Panchakarma, Abhyanga, Nadi sweda and Bhashpa. So, lets look at the treatment procedures discussed by Ayurveda.

Panchakarma (Detoxification)

A comprehensive detoxification and rejuvenation therapy in Ayurveda, it helps to eliminate toxins (Ama) from the body and helps in balancing Dosha and regaining balance. Panchakarma consist of five distinct methods-

1. Vimana: – Eliminating toxins kapha from respiratory tract and stomach by vomiting.
2. Basti: – Medicated oils or decoctions are administered through rectum, to balance vata.
3. Virechana: – Uses herbs to cleanse digestive tract, it targets toxins in liver and small intestine.
4. Nasya: – Aims at cleansing the head and neck and proximal areas by administering medicated powder/oil through nose. It is effective for sinus and neurological issue.
5. Rakthmoshana: – By this we can remove impurities from blood to treat skin diseases and blood related imbalances by using leeches or venesection (through vein)

Abhyanga ( Medicated oil massage)

Massages are inevitable part of Ayurveda treatment because it gives out substantial results. A full body oil massage has a vital role in cerebral palsy treatment. Specific herbal oils are massaged on body using specific strokes by targeting specific muscles and critical points for revitalizing blood flow and for relaxing tight or contracted muscles. With abhyanga we can: –

• Reduce muscle spasticity
• Improve blood flow
• Enhance joint mobility
• Promote better sleep

Bashpa sweda (full body herbal steam therapy) & Nadi Sweda (Localized herbal steam application) are also assigned to treat cerebral palsy.

Herbal support in Ayurveda for nervous system balance

In Ayurveda, nervous system is primarily governed by Vata dosha. Ayurvedic herbal formulations containing nervine tonics and rejuvenating herbs helps strengthen the nervous system, improve muscle tone and enhance the overall cognitive function.

Here we give special care to customize these herbal preparations according to the child’s health conditions.

What does Ayurveda Assure?

Cerebral Palsy is a persisting condition that needs regular care and structured therapy. Cerebral palsy treatment in Ayurveda offers a holistic approach that focus on strengthening nervous system by regaining balance of Vata thereby enhancing the functional abilities.

Ayurveda could help children with the condition achieve better comfort, mobility and quality of life, even though it’s not a replacement for emergency or critical medical care.