So many patients are interested in finding an all-natural Ayurvedic cure for sciatica. I am not a dedicated practitioner of Ayurveda, but I have studied both the Indian system and the Chinese counterpart for many years. I do not see any evidence that Ayurveda has developed an actual universal cure for sciatic nerve pain, but some of the practices may be effective for providing symptomatic relief. Ayurveda has certainly enjoyed a resurgence globally as a natural and often holistic treatment for a wide range of health issues.
This discussion will center on investigating the various Ayurvedic techniques which may be used to treat sciatica without drugs or surgery.
What is Ayurvedic Sciatica Treatment?
Ayurveda is a traditional Indian healing system which translates as the science of life. Ayurvedic medicine has branched out of India long ago and is one of the main complementary health systems in the world today. Ayurveda has been successfully combined with many modern complementary healing arts and sciences.
For sciatica, and general back pain, Ayurveda traditionally uses a variety of techniques in an attempt to enact relief. These modalities generally focus on dietary, herbal and exercise care practices and can be effective for patients with some forms of sciatica symptoms.
Methods of an Ayurvedic Cure for Sciatica
Ayurvedic treatment typically includes the use of herbal preparations and dietary supplements. Patients are usually advised to eat carbohydrates, fiber, vegetables and fruits in quantity, while avoiding heavy and creamy foods and meals, including bean curd, potatoes and fried foods.
Useful and often prescribed botanicals and herbs for external application via poultice include: nutmeg, juniper, chamomile, Vanda orchid, frankincense and others.
Patients are often told to wear a lumbar back brace and rest in bed for extended time frames. Exercise therapy may be advised, but is kept gentle, including walking, swimming and especially yoga. Ayurveda does not utilize modern medical methods of care, such as drug therapies or surgery.
Ayurvedic Cure for Sciatica Final Thoughts
I do not subscribe to most of the dietary, herbal and exercise prescriptions used in Ayurvedic sciatica treatment. They are not harmful in most cases, but they just do not address the underlying source of pain in most instances.
The common recommendation for protracted periods of bed rest is actually counterproductive and if I could advise patients to change one factor told to them by their Ayurvedic physician; it would be this recommendation: Do not languish in bed. Long periods of bed rest are well known to be counterproductive to recuperation from any chronic pain condition, especially sciatica.
For advanced practitioners of Ayurvedic therapy, here are some traditional names of treatments which you might consider for your sciatica patients:
Thailams, Brihat Vata Chintamani,Grithams, Gutika, Trayo Dasanga Guggulu, Lehyams, Sinhanada Guggulu, Churnams, Asavaaristams & Kashayas, Simhanada Guggul for internal intake.
Topical use of tamarind poultice, garlic and til oil, Elakizhi, castor oil, Maha Vishagarbha Telu, Abhyangam.
Yogic postures including: Halasana, Supta Padangushthasana, Shalabhasan, Adhomukha Shwanasan, Bhujangasana.
