Diabetic Neuropathy
Ayurveda is a healing system that originated in India more than 5000 years ago. Ayurveda believes Tridoshas like Vata, Pitta, and Kapha are the main reasons behind every disease. Ayurveda aims to find out the root cause of every disease naturally.
Diabetic neuropathy is a health condition where the nerve becomes damaged due to long periods of diabetes. Severe pain on the peripheral parts is the major symptom of Diabetic neuropathy. Around 30% of diabetic patients suffer from Diabetic neuropathy. Because of the severe pain in the legs, people may feel difficulty in movement due to damaged nerves.
According to Ayurveda, imbalance of Vata and Pitta dosha are the main reasons for the development of Diabetic neuropathy. Ayurveda can effectively manage Diabetic neuropathy by reducing high blood sugar levels and aims to get rid of pains associated with Diabetic neuropathy.
Types Of Diabetic Neuropathy
A) Peripheral Neuropathy
- Sharp pain or cramping.
- Weakness in muscles.
- Paralysis happens if motor nerves are affected.
- Extreme sensitivity to touch.
- Numbness.
- Tingling in the feet, pins, and needles.
- Burning pain in the feet.
The exact causes of Peripheral neuropathy are diabetes, alcoholism, deficiency of Vitamin B12
B) Autonomic Neuropathy
Symptoms
- Blood pressure.
- Cardiac diseases.
- Facing problems in swallowing or troubles in breathing.
- Erectile dysfunction in men.
There are various reasons behind the development of Autonomic neuropathy such as alcoholism, Parkinson's disease, and diabetes. The disease affects either a certain part of the system or all of the system depending on the severity.
C) Proximal Neuropathy
Symptoms
- Loss of muscle tissue.
- Severe pain on the hips and buttocks.
- Weight loss.
- Loss of knee-jerk reflexes.
- Severe stomach pain.
- Face difficulties in moving from a sitting position to a standing position.
High levels of glucose and high levels of fats are the general reasons for the development of proximal neuropathy.
D) Focal Neuropathy
Symptoms of Focal neuropathy
The general symptoms of focal neuropathy are:
- Pain on the outside of your lower leg.
- Pain and numbness on your little and ring fingers.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome like pain, numbness, and tingling on your fingers and sometimes causes weakens of your grip.
- Pain in your torso.
- Double vision.
- Difficulty in concentrating.
High blood sugar and high levels of fats are the general reasons for the development of Focal neuropathy.
Herbal Remedies To Cure Diabetic Neuropathy Symptoms
- Cardamom
cardamom is rich in antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Cardamom is very effective in calming the nerves efficiently.
- Cinnamon
Cinnamon contains anti-inflammatory properties that regulate blood sugar levels and rejuvenates the central nervous system. .
- Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is the queen of herbs and is very effective in controlling high blood pressure and high blood sugar levels. .
- Tulsi
Tulsi can efficiently calm the nervous system. Moreover, tulsi has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties that protect our bodies from various diseases. .
- Black pepper
From ancient times onwards black pepper has been widely used to get rid of nerve pains. .
Tulsi, black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, and ashwagandha are natural remedies to cure nervous disorders and for treating various health issues.
Ayurvedic Treatment Of Diabetic Neuropathy
- Abhyanga
Abhyanga means whole body massages with herbal oils. Abhyanga is one among the Panchakarma therapy. The treatment improves blood circulation, stimulates nerves, and helps in relaxing the body and mind. Here some specific care should be given on foot (Padabhyanga) as it is mainly affected by Diabetic neuropathy. .
- Siro Dhara
Siro Dhara is the process of administering medicated oils to the middle of the forehead for a specific time. Siro Dhara helps to calm and rejuvenate the nervous system. .
- Ksheera Dhoomam
Ksheera Dhoomam is a very effective treatment for nervous disorders. Here the process is treating the patient with the dhooma or steam coming from the heated milk through the tube. Neck and facial problems can also be effectively treated with Ksheera Dhoomam. .
- Pizhichil
Pizhichil is an unavoidable part of Panchakarma therapy. Pizhichil improves blood circulation and helps in expelling toxins from the body. Here the process is massaging the whole body in streams of lukewarm medicated oils.
- Njavarakizhi
Njavarakizhi is also very effective in expelling body toxins and get rid of nervous diseases. Kizhi means bolus which is filled with cooked Navara rice. Medicated oils are applied to the kizhi and used to massage the whole body gently for better results.
Abhyanga, Njavarakizhi, Pizhichil, Sirodhara, and Ksheera Dhoomam are the popular Ayurvedic treatments to cure Diabetes neuropathy effectively.
(Ahar And Vihar) Diet And Lifestyle Practices
- Always follow a nutrient-rich diet regularly.
- Stop smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Include more fruits and vegetables in your diet.
- Avoid excess sugar and sugar products.
- Practice consuming smaller meals at regular intervals.
- Practice regular exercises which help to control your blood sugar levels, cholesterol, prevent fats, etc.
- Take good care of your feet especially if you are affected with diabetic neuropathy.
- Do check-ups with your doctor occasionally.
- Relax your body and mind with meditation.
Ayurveda suggests certain ahar and vihar recommendations to prevent symptoms of Diabetes Neuropathy and for leading a healthy life as well.
Conclusion
References
- Charaka Samhita.