Back pain is a widespread issue worldwide; practically everyone has it at some point, from young professionals to elderly people. Back pain can be brought on by heavy lifting, bad posture, long desk work hours, stress, or simply aging. Even if contemporary painkillers might provide momentary comfort, they frequently have negative side effects. India’s ancient medical system, Ayurveda, treats the underlying cause of back pain rather than merely its symptoms, providing a long-lasting and natural remedy. According to Ayurveda, a Vata dosha imbalance is primarily responsible for back pain or katishoola. Vata controls the neurological system, movement, and circulation. The Ayurvedic treatment for back pain in Kerala is based on the root cause of the pain as well as the patient’s constitution (Prakriti). The primary objective of the therapy is to cleanse the body, feed the joints and muscles, balance the doshas, and reduce inflammation.
AYURVEDIC TREATMENT FOR BACK PAIN
Ayurveda hospital in Kerala provides a highly practical alternative therapy that tries to enhance function and prevent impairment from worsening. Through the use of natural medicines, food, lifestyle changes, and low back strengthening exercises, Ayurvedic treatment approaches for low back pain concentrate on calming the Vata Dosha (movement force). A variety of herbs and therapies are used in Ayurveda to treat back pain and encourage recovery.
Panchakarma
This five-step detoxification method is one of the most well-known Ayurvedic treatments. Bloodletting, steam baths, nasal administration, enemas, and a series of deep tissue healing massages utilising medicinal ayurvedic oils are often included in an authentic Panchakarma therapy to guarantee thorough bodily purification.
Abhyanga
It is a very powerful ayurvedic massage that balances the irritated dosha by combining oils with certain herbs. Additionally, this massage promotes tissue health by stimulating the back’s soft tissues and muscles.
Kati Vasti
Warm ayurvedic oil is applied to the afflicted lower back region as part of this ancient and widely utilised treatment.
Njavarakizhi
Njavarakizhi is a unique rejuvenation therapy that uses pouches of cooked rice combined with milk and herbal extracts. It relieves stress, promotes sweating in order to flush the body of toxins, builds muscle, and even heals nerve damage. Additionally, Njavarakizhi works really well to improve the texture of your skin, which enhances your appearance and well-being.
Patra Pinda Sweda
This treatment involves massaging the lower back with a bolus prepared from medicinal herbs. By profoundly penetrating the tissues, the heat and herbal ingredients relieve pain, reduce stiffness, and increase flexibility.
Lepa
Lower back pain and inflammation are reduced by using herbal pastes produced from anti-inflammatory plants, including neem, turmeric, and sandalwood. These herbs’ cooling and anti-inflammatory qualities offer instant relief from severe back pain.
DIETARY GUIDELINES
Diet is an important factor in Ayurveda’s approach to managing and preventing back pain. Particular food suggestions are given to enhance joint health and balance Vata.
Vata Pacifying Diet
A diet that pacifies Vata is advised since Vata aggravation is the main cause of back discomfort. This includes food like soups, stews, ghee, cooked veggies, and whole grains that are warm, filling, and simple to digest. Foods that are cold, dry, or processed should be avoided since they irritate Vata.
Avoid Dehydration
Warm water consumption throughout the day promotes better digestion and hydration, which helps to avoid Ama buildup. In order to improve digestion and reduce inflammation, herbal drinks such as ginger or cumin tea are also advised.
Use Healthy Fats And Anti-Inflammatory Spices
Spices with anti-inflammatory qualities, such as black pepper, ginger, and turmeric, could reduce pain. Sesame oil and ghee are good for lubricating joints and reducing Vata.
Include Following Foods
- To soothe Vata, eat warm, freshly prepared food made with sesame oil or ghee.
- Whole grains for tissue support and energy include barley, rice, wheat, and millet.
- Cooked vegetables, including bottle gourd, spinach, ash gourd, pumpkin, carrots, and beets.
- Legumes that are easy to digest, such as moong dal, when prepared properly and seasoned with digestive herbs.
- Fruits that aid in digestion and nourishment include figs, papaya, ripe bananas, soaking raisins, and stewed apples.
- Spices that enhance Agni (digestive fire) and reduce inflammation include turmeric, ginger, garlic, cumin, and ajwain.
- Ginger, fennel, or cinnamon-infused herbal drinks that promote detoxification and warm the body.
- To promote bone health and soothe anxiety, warm milk with nutmeg or turmeric before bed.
- Fennel, cumin, and coriander are added to detox herbal water to aid with interior cleaning.
Avoid Following Foods
- Foods that are cold, dry, stale, or chilled exacerbate Vata.
- Meals that are fried, greasy, processed, or include refined sugar.
- Excessive amounts of coffee, tea, and fizzy and aerated beverages.
- Fermented foods, such as vinegar, pickles, and curd.
- Foods that are very spicy, sour, or pungent that cause inflammation.
- Uncooked veggies and raw salads, particularly when Vata is prevalent.
- Excessive intake of meat and shellfish, especially when pain flares up.
IMPORTANCE OF DIET IN AYURVEDIC BACK PAIN TREATMENT
Back pain can be caused by a number of things, but food frequently has a major impact on how well this discomfort is managed. Eating the correct foods can help reduce the symptoms of back pain and enhance your quality of life. Inflammation, which is frequently the root cause of chronic back pain, can be influenced by your diet. Focusing on foods that are proven to reduce inflammation may help you move more freely and have less discomfort. The nutrients included in specific diets can have a significant impact on back health. Calcium, for example, keeps bones healthy and helps avoid problems with the spine. Collagen is essential for the integrity of spinal discs and other joints, and vitamin C helps to produce it. Some foods include omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory qualities that may help people with back pain.
CONCLUSION
A key factor in the management of back pain is food.Back pain is best relieved by foods high in anti-inflammatory qualities, such as spinach, broccoli, pineapple, cherries, and turmeric.Additionally, keeping a healthy weight, engaging in regular exercise, and including these items in a well-balanced diet can all significantly improve the management of back pain.
