How To Get Rid Of Diabetic Neuropathy In Ayurveda

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

Diabetic neuropathy can be classified into four types like Peripheral neuropathy, Autonomic neuropathy, proximal neuropathy, and focal neuropathy.

A) Peripheral Neuropathy

The peripheral nerves are located outside the brain and spinal cord. Peripheral neuropathy is the most common form of neuropathy that affects mainly the feet, legs, hands, or arms. The general symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy are:

• 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

The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary actions in our body such as heartbeats, narrowing or widening of blood vessels, etc. A disturbance in the normal functioning of the nervous system leads to the development of 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

Proximal neuropathy is a condition that leads to a disorder of the nervous system as a result of Diabetes mellitus. Proximal neuropathy is very rare and generally affects your hips, buttocks, and thigh either on one side of the body or spreads to another side sometimes.

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

Focal neuropathy is a condition in which damages happen to a single nerve like leg, hand, head, or torso.

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

Diabetic neuropathy affects the nerves in different parts of our body. Herbal remedies are very effective in treating diabetic neuropathy without any side effects. Various herbs that can cure Diabetic neuropathy symptoms are:

• 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

According to Ayurveda, Vata and Pitta doshas are the main reasons for the occurrence of Diabetic neuropathy. The tingling sensation is due to vitiation of Vata dosha and the burning sensation is due to vitiation of Pitta dosha. Ayurvedic ways of treatment for Diabetic neuropathy are:

• 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

All the information mentioned regarding Diabetes neuropathy was collected from various Ayurvedic resources. Always get the advice of your Ayurvedic practitioner for better results.

References

• Charaka Samhita.