A stroke or brain attack is a medical emergency that requires urgent and intensive treatment. Strokes occur when there is a disruption of blood flow to an area of the brain. Various causes can lead to this condition, including blockages in the arteries or ruptures in vessels. If the person receives treatment immediately, their chances of survival are very high. Emergency treatment aims primarily to restore the blood supply to the affected area and to prevent complications. 

 

There will, however, be some after-effects of the stroke that will take some time to resolve. Stroke rehabilitation helps patients recover from these after-effects and return to full health. Additionally, it helps the patient regain some skills they may have lost during the stroke. 

 

A stroke can result in weakness of the muscles, which is one of the most critical issues to deal with after the event. This condition can affect a small area of the body or even one side. Modern medicine uses physical therapy to help patients regain muscle function.

 

In the holistic Indian medical system of Ayurveda, treatments are available for issues that bother people after a stroke. These treatments aim to rejuvenate the body and mind as well. It helps to stimulate muscles, strengthen nerves, and improve blood circulation. In addition, it has the ability to refresh the mind and make a person feel energized and positive.

 

The duration of an Ayurvedic stroke rehabilitation program is usually between 30 and 45 days. The patient must be an inpatient in a proper Ayurvedic hospital to reap maximum benefits. Most hospitals will require a bystander or attendant to accompany the patient during the treatment period. In addition to treatment, a proper diet and regular exercise play a crucial role in the success of the program.

 

A stroke occurs when cells in some areas of the brain do not get enough blood to function. The patient will have a stroke when the blood supply to some areas of the brain gets blocked. It happens for two reasons, resulting in two types of stroke. 

 

An ischemic stroke occurs when blood clots form in the arteries that supply blood to the brain. The patient will have a hemorrhagic stroke when the artery that supplies blood to a part of the brain ruptures, and blood flows out to clot outside it. 

 

Whatever the cause, the brain cells in the area of the stroke will not live long without a proper blood supply. As the cells in these areas die, the functions that they control in the body will also decline. If the stroke affects a larger area, the person may have paralysis, where one side of the body is weak. Or, it may affect only a small part of your body, like a side of the face, an arm or leg, etc. 

Difficulty while speaking and walking, confusion, numbness in some parts of the body, vision problems, etc., are other common symptoms. 

 

In Ayurveda, stroke or Pakshaghatha occurs when Vata levels in the body drastically change. A person's Vata is the force that controls everything from nerve impulses to blood flow to muscles. Additionally, it is the driving force behind the two other doshas, Pitta and Kapha.

 

The system of Ayurveda recognizes that the body consists of three kinds of energy forces, or doshas, which regulate its functions, namely Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. The balance of these forces is essential for overall health. There are several factors that can disrupt this balance and lead to illness. As one energy force takes over the control of two or more of the others, it affects the functions of all three as well.

 

It is through this balance of these energy forces that Ayurveda helps one to return to health. By doing so, Ayurveda treats the body as a whole instead of just the affected system. The purpose of Ayurvedic treatment for stroke rehabilitation is to bring down the Vata dosha to its normal level. In the process, it restores the normal levels of the other doshas as well. Bringing these doshas back into balance restores a patient's lost health.

 

Ayurvedic treatment aims to achieve the following objectives: 

When treating a stroke, it is critical to address the underlying causes of the disease 

It is vital to restore the functions of various body parts, such as muscles, ligaments, etc.

Enhance the flow of blood through the body by stimulating the blood vessels

Make the nerves work as they did before by stimulating and stimulating them.

 

Ayurveda doctors usually determine the line of treatment as per the following factors.

The severity of the stroke attack

Age of the person

Overall health condition of the person

Presence of any other health conditions like kidney or heart ailments

 

The first line of treatments will be preparatory in nature and include procedures like Snehanam (oleation) and Swedanam (fomentation). These procedures help the body prepare for the primary therapies for stroke rehabilitation. The main therapies include 

Dhara - As part of the Dhara treatment, the therapists will pour medicated oil from a height over the affected body area. There will be gradual dripping of medicinal liquid onto the points in the affected regions. It stimulates the nervous system, activates the muscles, and reduces inflammation. It also makes a person mentally and emotionally stronger.

Pizhichil - It is a type of massage therapy with warm medicated oils. Experienced masseurs will massage the body from head to toe. It helps to stimulate the nerves and blood vessels and restores muscle tone. It helps restore sensory and motor functions to their optimal levels by re-energizing nerve endings.

Nasyam - In Nasyam, the doctor administers medicine through your nose. This process helps to improve the functions of the nerves.

Virechanam - The most critical treatment for stroke is to induce loose bowel movements.

Vasthi - It is a type of medicated enema. It helps to expel toxins from the body and brings the dosha back into balance.

Oral Ayurvedic medicines are an integral part of the treatment. The medications will be in the form of pills, powders, decoctions, etc. The patient may have to continue the medication at home even after the Panchakarma detox treatments.

 

Some of the common medicines for stroke rehabilitation in Ayurveda are: 

Ashwagandha, Bala churna

Herbal decoctions like Dhanwantara Kashayam, Ashtavarga Kashayam, Bala Arishta, and Ashwagandharishta

Oils or Thailas like Balaswagandhadi thaila, Ksheerabala thaila, Dhanvantara thaila and Maha Masha thaila

Note: Please be aware that medicines will be only as per the prescription of qualified Ayurveda doctors.

 

There are many factors that play a role in the success of stroke rehabilitation, including:

The extent of the brain injury: A less severe damage has a higher chance of being fully recovered than a more severe one.

The attitude of the stroke survivor: A survivor's positive attitude will help them cope with difficult times and will help them focus on getting better in the future.

Support from family and friends: The family of a stroke survivor can be one of the most valuable sources of support during the rehabilitation process. Support in this form helps to restore a person's emotional and mental well-being.

Start of rehabilitation: After a stroke, rehabilitation must begin as soon as possible. Delays can lead to irreversible damage.