Ayurvedic Remedies For Cervical Dystonia

Cervical Dystonia

Cervical dystonia, also called spasmodic torticollis, is a neurological disorder in which your neck muscles contract involuntarily, causing your head to twist or turn to one side. It is a very painful condition. When it affects the neck muscles, causing stiffness, rigidity, and abnormal posture of the neck. The area of the brain called basal ganglia is responsible for initiating muscle contractions. The problem involves the way the nerve cells communicate.

According to Ayurveda, Cervical dystonia can be compared to Manya Stambh. When it occurs there is stiffness in the neck region and Vata Dosha is the main reason for this condition. So Ayurveda aims to minimize the symptoms by following Ayurvedic treatments and Herbal Remedies.

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Different Types Of Cervical Dystonia

Cervical dystonia can be differentiated into two types:

• Focal dystonia

  This type of dystonia affects a small muscle group in the neck. It is caused due to overuse or repetitive stress and leads to affects musicians and golfers.

• Generalized dystonia

  This type of dystonia affects the cervical spine. Generalized dystonia typically affects muscles in the torso and limbs, and sometimes the neck and face.

Two types of cervical dystonia are Focal dystonia and generalized dystonia:

Symptoms Of Cervical Dystonia

The common symptoms of cervical dystonia are:

• A dragging leg.
• Cramping of the foot.
• Involuntary pulling of the neck.
• Uncontrollable blinking.
• Speech difficulties.
• Fatigue.
• Exhaustion.
• Stress.
• Pain.

Causes Of Cervical Dystonia

Some of the possible causes identified by the Ayurveda are:

• Reaction to exposure to drugs.
• Brain trauma.
• Tumour.
• Stroke.
• Infections.
• Poisoning due to carbon monoxide or lead.

Ayurvedic Treatment For Cervical Dystonia

The general line of treatment for cervical dystonia is the following:

• Panchakarma

  Panchakarma treatment, according to Ayurveda, is effective for removing the causes of cervical dystonia. A wide variety of herbal and herbal-mineral drugs are used in Panchakarma treatment. Dystonia is a neurodegenerative disease that can be treated with Rasayana or a rejuvenating approach in Ayurveda. Rasayana drugs are usually nutraceutical agents, and Medhya Rasayana is a specific neuro-nutrient or nervine tonic with a nootropic effect.

Among Panchakarma Therapy, the most important of them are Nasya and Abhyanga.

• Nasya

  Nasya is one of the treatments in Panchakarma in Ayurveda. It is a treatment in which herbal medicines are instilled into nostrils. So Ayurveda recommends nasya to cure the symptoms of cervical dystonia.

• Abhyanga

  Abhyanga or oil massage is a form of Ayurvedic therapy that involves massaging the entire body from the head to the toe with Dosha-specific warm herb-infused oil. This massaging helps to cure the painful condition. .

• Medication

  Medicines, both internally and externally, play a significant role in bringing relief for Dystonia. Internal medicines include Kashaya, tablets, capsules, Ghrutham (medicated Ghee) Bhasmas, and medicated oils.

Ayurveda recommends panchakarma treatment and medication as treatment plans for cervical dystonia. Among panchakarma, the most important of them are nasya and abhyanga.

Herbal Remedies For Cervical Dystonia

As per Ayurveda, the main herbal remedies for the treatment of cervical dystonia are the following:

• Aamvatantak Churna

  It is an effective Ayurvedic remedy to cure the symptoms of cervical dystonia. It contains herbs like

• Ashwagandha

  Ashwagandha relieves anxiety and stress. The anti-inflammatory properties relieve joint pain naturally. So in Ayurveda, it is an effective treatment for 'Vata and Kapha' disorders.

• Fenugreek

  It is used to relieve and control pain due to its 'Vata' and reduces inflammation in the body.

• Suranjan, Autumn Crocus

  This herb helps decrease pain and inflammation in the joints.

• Gorakhmundi

  Gorakhmundi is an effective herb for treating the enlargement of the spleen and painful joints. It is considered very useful in cleansing the system.

• Haridra

  The Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Immunity booster properties of Haridra helps to reduce pain, tenderness, inflammation of the joints and thus get relief.

• Sonth

  It is also known as 'Dry Ginger. The detoxifying, as well as anti-inflammatory properties herb, reduce symptoms related to cervical dystonia.

• Boswellia Curcumin

  It contains two herbs-Shallaki and Curcumin. Both of them help with the overall health of the bones and joints of the individuals.

• Yograj Guggul

  It is an effective herbal remedy for Cervical Dystonia. The anti-inflammatory properties of the herb support healthy muscles and joints. These herbs provide support to various organs of the body. It helps to maintain the balance between the Vata dosha of the body.

As per Ayurveda, the herbal remedies used for managing cervical dystonia are Aamvatantak Churna, Boswellia Curcumin, and Yograj Guggul. Aamvatantak Churna contains herbs like Ashwagandha, Fenugreek, Suranjan, Autumn Crocus Gorakhmundi, Haridra, and sonth. Boswellia Curcumin contains two herbs like Shallaki and Curcumin. Yograj Guggul is an effective remedy to maintain the balance between Vata dosha of the body.

Conclusion

All the information related to Cervical Dystonia is based on various Ayurvedic resources. Always prefer the advice of an Ayurvedic doctor before using herbs and herbal medicines for the treatment.