What is stroke rehabilitation?

Stroke rehabilitation is basically a significant part of recovery after a stroke. Stroke can cause serious impairment in cognition, language, sensory & motor skills. The object of stroke rehabilitation is to help the patient in relearning skills they lost when the stroke-affected part of their brain. Stroke rehabilitation is found to be very useful in regaining independence & improving the quality of your life. Stroke rehabilitation involves a variety of specialists including physicians, rehabilitation nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech & language pathologists, therapeutic recreation specialists, etc.

What’s involved in stroke rehabilitation?

There are several approaches to stroke rehabilitation and your rehabilitation plan will depend on the severity of the stroke and the types of abilities affected due to stroke. Stroke rehabilitation plan may involve the following activities:

a) Physical activities: Physical activities might include motor-skill exercises, mobility training, constraint-induced therapy, range-of-motion therapy.

b) Technology-assisted physical activities: They might include functional electrical stimulation, robotic technology, use of video games, and other computer-based therapies.

c) Cognitive and emotional activities: They might include therapy for cognitive disorders like occupational therapy, therapy for communication disorders like speech therapy, psychological evaluation and treatment, and medication.  

d) Experimental therapies: They might include noninvasive brain stimulation, biological therapies, alternative medicines like massage, herbal therapy, acupuncture & oxygen therapy.

When should stroke rehabilitation begin & how long does it last?

The sooner the patient starts stroke rehabilitation, the higher are the chances to regain lost skills & abilities. Usually, stroke rehabilitation is started within 24 to 48 hours of a stroke while you're in the hospital. The duration of stroke rehabilitation usually depends on the severity of your stroke and related complications. Stroke rehabilitation may take place in inpatient rehabilitation units, outpatient units, skilled nursing facilities, home-based programs.

Vaidya Healthcare is one of the most renowned stroke rehabilitation centers that offer advanced treatment at affordable prices.

Blog Reviewed By: Dr Kiran B Nair

Visit @ vaidyahealthcare.com
Mail us: vaidyahealthcarekerala@gmail.com
Book an appointment:vaidyahealthcare.com/book-appointment.html

What is Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement. Dopamine is a substance in the brain that facilitates smooth and coordinated muscle movements of the body. Dopamine is produced in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra. In Parkinson’s disease, the cells of substantia nigra began to die due to which the dopamine levels tend to decrease. When the dopamine levels dropped to 70-80%, symptoms of Parkinson’s began to appear.

In most cases, Parkinson's symptoms begin gradually and become worse over time. With the progression of the disease, people may face problems like difficulty in walking and talking, mental and behavioral changes, fatigue, depression, sleep problems, etc.  Presently, there is no permanent cure for Parkinson’s disease; however, medications might help in improving your symptoms. Sometimes, surgery may be recommended by the doctor to regulate affected regions of your brain and alleviate your symptoms.

What are the risk factors?

Age:  Generally, Parkinson’s develops between the ages of 50 and 60. Rarely it appears before the age of 40 in 5-10 percent of cases.

Family History: If you are a close relative to a Parkinson's patient, your chances to get Parkinson's disease are comparatively higher. However, your risks are still low unless many relatives of your family are associated with Parkinson's disease.

Sex: Both men and women can have Parkinson’s disease; however, men are one and a half times more likely to get Parkinson’s than women.

Head injury: People who have suffered from a head injury are more prone to Parkinson’s disease.

Toxins: Exposure to certain toxins is found to increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease.

What causes Parkinson’s disease?

In Parkinson's disease, certain nerve cells or neurons in the brain gradually began to die. Neurons produce a chemical messenger in your brain called dopamine and the loss of neurons leads to a decrease in the levels of dopamine. When dopamine levels reduce, it leads to abnormal brain activity that causes impaired movement, and symptoms of Parkinson's disease began to appear.   

I) Genes: Various researches have revealed that certain specific genetic mutations can cause Parkinson's disease. However, this occurred very rarely only in cases where many family members are affected with Parkinson's disease.

II) Environmental factors: Researchers have found that environmental factors and exposure to certain toxins may increase the risk of Parkinson's disease. However, the risk is relatively low.

Studies also revealed that many changes occur in the brains of people with Parkinson's disease including:

Presence of Lewy bodies: Lewy bodies are the clumps of specific substances within brain cells. They are considered the microscopic markers of Parkinson's disease. Researchers believe that Lewy bodies possess an important signal to the cause of Parkinson's disease.

Alpha-synuclein found within Lewy bodies: One of the most important substances that is found in Lewy bodies is the natural and widespread protein known as alpha-synuclein (a-synuclein). It is seen to be found in a clumped form that cells can't break down.  Researchers believe that this Alpha-synuclein can reveal a lot about Parkinson’s disease.

What are the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?

a) Tremor: A tremor or shaking is one of the very common signs. Tremor or shaking may start in your hand or fingers. You may also get tremble when the hand is a rest.

b) Stiffness in muscles: Muscle stiffness may develop in the body or parts of the body. The stiffness of muscles can be painful and may restrict your movements.

c) Impaired postures and balance: One may lose his balance or their balance may become stooped as a result of Parkinson's disease.

d) Slowed movement (bradykinesia): As the disease progress, it may slow your movement and make simple tasks tough and time-consuming. Your steps may become smaller when you walk. You may have to drag your feet when you try to walk.

e) Changes in speech: One may find his speech soft or quick. He/she may slur or hesitate before talking.

f) Changes in writing:  One can also find it very hard to write and their writing may appear small.

g) Reduction in automatic movements: One may experience a decline in the ability to perform unconscious movements including swinging your arms during walking, blinking, etc.

How Ayurveda has emerged as a ray of hope for people with Parkinson’s disease?

Ayurveda offers very effective treatment and therapies for the sufferers of Parkinson’s disease. An ayurvedic treatment plan is a composition of many procedures which eliminates the toxins from the body, revive your nervous system, and restore the digestive mechanism by using some unique herbal formulas.

Below are the ways in which Ayurveda can help Parkinson’s sufferer:

 i) To cure digestive problems in patients, mild herbal laxatives are used for colon cleansing. Besides, Dietary advice is offered to improve the digestive, nervous and emotional systems in the body.

ii) Effective massage therapy using oils prepared by very effective herbs.

 iii)  The treasure of Ayurveda offers herbal nerve tonics to facilitate and nourish the nervous system.

 iv) Use of herbal medications to improve symptoms of depression

 v) Yoga and meditation practices are offered to reduce stress or anxiety, to rejuvenate internal energy, and to get rid of many physical and mental ailments.

Below are the Ayurvedic herbs that are used as a part of treatment:

i) Ashwagandha  (Withania somnifera):   Ashwagandha is found to be very effective in significantly improving motor neurons function.

ii) Kapikacchu (Mucuna pruriens): It is evident now that the extracts of the Mucuna pruriens seeds possess potent anti-Parkinsonian properties.

iii) Turmeric (Curcuma longa): - It is a neuro-protective agent as it is capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier and thus naturally helps in treating Parkinson.

iv) Garlic (Allium sativum): - Garlic extract is a wonderful mega resource that controls oxidative damage to neurons.

v) Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri): - Brahmi is a powerful remedy to naturally enhance memory and revitalizes brain function.

Blog Reviewed By: Dr Kiran B Nair

Visit @ vaidyahealthcare.com
Mail us: vaidyahealthcarekerala@gmail.com
Book an appointment:vaidyahealthcare.com/book-appointment.html

സഞ്ചരിക്കാം ഈ കർക്കടകം പുനരുജ്ജീവനത്തിന്റെ പാതയിലൂടെ...

2020 ആരംഭിച്ചതു മുതൽ ഇന്നോളം നാം കോവിഡ്-19 എന്ന മഹാമാരിയുടെ ഭീഷണിയിൻ കീഴിലാണ് ഓരോ ദിവസവും തള്ളി നീക്കുന്നത്. ചൈനയിലെ വുഹാൻ പട്ടണത്തിലെ ഒരു മത്സ്യ-മാംസ ചന്തയിൽ നിന്ന് ഉത്ഭവിച്ചു എന്ന് കരുതപ്പെടുന്ന ഈ മഹാമാരി ലോകം മൊത്തം രോഗത്തിന്റെയും മരണത്തിന്റെയും കറുത്ത നിഴൽ വീഴ്ത്തി ലോകജനതയെ ഭയത്തിന്റെ മുൾമുനയിന്മേൽ നിർത്തിയിരിക്കുകയാണ്. ഈ ഘട്ടത്തിൽ നമുക്ക് വേണ്ടത് അതിജീവന മാർഗ്ഗമാണ്. ഈ ഘട്ടത്തിൽ നമുക്ക് വേണ്ടത് അതിജീവന മാർഗ്ഗമാണ്. ഈ ഘട്ടത്തിലാണ് നാം അവസാന മലയാള മാസമായ കർക്കടകത്തിലേക്ക് കടന്നിരിക്കുന്നത്. രോഗമുക്തിയുടെയും പുനഃരുജ്ജീവനത്തിന്റെയും പുണ്യമാസത്തിലേക്ക്. 

കർക്കടകം എന്ന അവസാന മലയാളമാസത്തെ പലരും കർക്കിടകം എന്നാണ് തെറ്റി അഭിസംബോധന ചെയ്യാറ്. ഈ മലയാള മാസത്തിന് മലയാളിയെ സംബന്ധിച്ചിടത്തോളം ഒട്ടേറെ പ്രത്യേകതകളുണ്ട്. ആദ്യമായി, ഇത് വർഷകാലമാണ്. മഴയിൽ കുളിച്ച് നിൽക്കുന്ന കർക്കടകത്തിൽ പണിയ്ക്കു പോകാൻ സാധിക്കാത്തതു കൊണ്ട് ഇത് പഞ്ഞമാസമായും അറിയപ്പെടുന്നു. വർഷകാലത്തിൽ പൊതുവേ നിഷ്‌ക്രിയത്വവും അസ്വസ്ഥതയും നിലനിൽക്കുന്നു എന്നതിനാൽ നമ്മുടെ പൂർവ്വികന്മാർ അതിൽ നിന്നൊരു മോചനത്തിനായി നൽകിയ ഉപായമാണ് ഒരു മാസം നീണ്ടു നിൽക്കുന്ന രാമായണ പാരായണം. ഇത് കേരളത്തിൽ കർക്കടകത്തെ രാമായണ മാസമാക്കുന്നു. കർക്കടകം പിറക്കുന്നതോടെ ഹിന്ദു ഭവനങ്ങളിലും ക്ഷേത്രങ്ങളിലും രാമായണ പാരായണം ആരംഭിക്കുന്നു. മറ്റൊരു പ്രത്യേകതയാണ്, കർക്കടക മാസത്തിലെ ആയുർവ്വേദ ചികിത്സ. കേരളത്തിലെ കർക്കടത്തെ ക്കുറിച്ചുള്ള ചർച്ച പൂർണ്ണമാകണമെങ്കിൽ ആയുർവേദത്തെക്കുറിച്ചുള്ള വ്യാഖ്യാനം ഒഴിച്ചുകൂടാനാവാത്തതാണ്. കേരളത്തിലെ കർക്കടക മാസ ചികിത്സ ലോകപ്രശസ്തവുമാണ്. 

ശരീരത്തിനെയും ആത്മാവിനെയും മുക്തിയിലേക്ക് നയിക്കുന്ന ആയുർവേദം

കലണ്ടറിലെ ജൂലൈ ഓഗസ്റ്റ് മാസങ്ങളിൽ രേഖപ്പെടുത്തുന്ന കർക്കടകമാസം കേരളീയർക്ക് പുനഃരുജ്ജീവനത്തിന്റെ നാളുകൾ കൂടിയാണ്. ഒട്ടേറെ രോഗസാധ്യതകളുള്ള വർഷകാലത്ത് ശരീരത്തിനും മനസ്സിനും കുളുർമ്മയും ആശ്വാസവും ആയുർവ്വേദ ചികിത്സ പ്രദാനം ചെയ്യുന്നു. വർഷകാലത്തെ തണുത്ത കാലാവസ്ഥയിൽ ശരീരത്ത് അടിഞ്ഞു കൂടുന്ന വിഷലിപ്തങ്ങൾ, ശരീരത്തിലെ സ്വാഭാവിക ദോഷങ്ങളായ വാതത്തിനും പിത്തത്തിനും കഫത്തിനും ദോഷകരമായ പ്രത്യാഘാതങ്ങളുണ്ടാക്കുന്നു. ഇതിൽ നിന്നും വർഷകാലത്തിലും ശരീരത്തെ ആക്രമിക്കാവുന്ന മറ്റ് അസുഖങ്ങളിൽ നിന്നുമുള്ള മോചനവും പ്രതിരോധവുമാണ് കർക്കടകത്തിലെ ആയുർവ്വേദ ചികിത്സയിലൂടെ പ്രാഥമികമായി ഉദ്ദേശിക്കുന്നത്. 

മുൻപ് പറഞ്ഞതു പോലെ വാത-പിത്ത-കഫ ദോഷങ്ങളെ സന്തുലമാക്കുന്നതിലൂടെ രോഗമുക്തിയും രോഗ പ്രതിരോധ ശേഷിയും പ്രദാനം ചെയ്യുകയാണ് കർക്കടക മാസ ചികിത്സയുടെ ലക്ഷ്യം. ഇത് ഋതുചര്യ ചികിത്സ എന്നാണ് അറിയപ്പെടുന്നത്. ഒരു ഋതുവെന്നാൽ രണ്ടുമാസമാണ് അത്തരതത്തിൽ ആറു ഋതുക്കളാണ് ഒരു വർഷത്തിൽ ഉണ്ടാവുക. ശിശിരം, വസന്തം, ഗ്രീഷ്മം, വർഷം, ശരത്, ഹേമന്തം തുടങ്ങിയവയാണ് ആ ഋതുക്കൾ. കാലാവസ്ഥയിലുണ്ടാകുന്ന ഈ മാറ്റങ്ങൾക്ക്‌നുസൃതമായി മനുഷ്യശരീരത്തിലും മാറ്റങ്ങളും ദോഷങ്ങളും ഉണ്ടാവുക സ്വാഭാവിക പ്രതിഭാസമാണ്. ഇവയിൽ നിന്നുള്ള മുക്തിയും പ്രതിരോധവുമാണ് ഋതുചര്യയിലൂടെ നമ്മുടെ ആയുർവ്വേദ ആചാര്യന്മാർ ലക്ഷ്യം വെയ്ക്കുന്നത്. ഇവ കർക്കടക മാസത്തെ മാത്രം ലക്ഷ്യം വെച്ച് ചിട്ടപ്പെടുത്തിയിരിക്കുന്നവ അല്ലങ്കിലും കർക്കടക മാസത്തിൽ ഋതുചര്യ പാലനത്തിനാണ് പ്രാധാന്യം നൽകുന്നത്.

മഴക്കാലത്ത് ഏറ്റവും സാധാരണയായി കണ്ടുവരുന്ന ഒരു അസുഖമാണ് വാതം. പലതരം വാതദോഷങ്ങളുണ്ടെങ്കിലും ഓസ്റ്റിയോ ആർത്രൈറ്റിസ് അഥവാ മുട്ടിനും ഇടുപ്പിനും വരുന്ന തേയ്മാനമാണ് പലരെയും ബുദ്ധിമുട്ടിലാക്കുന്നത്. ഇവയിൽ നിന്ന് കരകയറാൻ ആയുർവ്വേദത്തിൽ പലതരം തൈലങ്ങൾ മാർഗ്ഗമുള്ള ഫലപ്രദമായ ചികിത്സകൾ ലഭ്യമാണ്.

കർക്കടകമാസ ചികിത്സയിൽ ഒഴിച്ചു കൂടാനാവാത്ത മറ്റൊരു കൂട്ടമാണ് ഔഷധ കഞ്ഞി അഥവാ കർക്കടക കഞ്ഞി. ശരീരത്തിന്റെ പുനഃരുജ്ജീവനത്തെ ലക്ഷ്യമാക്കി ചിട്ടപ്പെടുത്തിയിരിക്കുന്ന ആയുർവ്വേദ ഭക്ഷണമാണിത്. നവര അരിയിൽ ജീരകം, മല്ലി, കുരുമുളക്, ബാബ്ച്ചി, പെരുംജീരകം, ഉലുവ, കടുക്, ഉണങ്ങിയ ഇഞ്ചി, ചീര വിത്ത്, അയമോദകം, ഗ്രാമ്പൂ, ബൃഹതി വേരുകൾ, ജാതിക്ക, മഞ്ഞൾ തുടങ്ങിയവ ചേർത്ത് പാകം ചെയ്തതിന് ശേഷം തേങ്ങാപ്പാൽ, ഉള്ളി, നെയ്യ് എന്നിവയിൽ വഴറ്റി എടുത്താണ് ഈ ഔഷധക്കഞ്ഞി തയ്യാറാക്കുന്നത്‌.

Blog Reviewed By: Dr Kiran B Nair

Visit @ vaidyahealthcare.com
Mail us: vaidyahealthcarekerala@gmail.com
Book an appointment:vaidyahealthcare.com/book-appointment.html

Ayurvedic Treatment for Stroke Rehabilitation

A “Stroke” is said to have occurred when the blood supply to the brain is reduced or stopped. This prevents the brain from getting nutrients and blood, and within minutes the cells will begin to die. This is a medical emergency and early, immediate medical intervention will prevent or reduce brain damage, medical complications or even death. It is one of the leading causes of death worldwide.

Ayurveda describes a stroke as “Pakshaghata,” literally meaning ‘paralysis to one half of the body,’ which is what happens as a result of the stroke. 

In Ayurved, a disease is described as an imbalance of one of the doshas of the human body and the treatments consist of methods to restore this imbalance. The classic texts describe strokes very clearly with specific treatments. While no time limits are specified, it is believed that earlier the treatment, better the results.

The point of the whole treatment is to bring the brain’s motor and sensory function back online. Medication boosts oxygenation of the brain by improving the supply of antioxidants and blood, exterior therapies improve peripheral nervous systems, reduce muscles stiffness and maintain and improve muscle tone. 

Ayurveda treats paralysis in five phases. 

1. Medication to prepare the person for snehana.
2. Snehana. Using medicated oils internally and externally over a specific period of time. This will vary from person to person and even season to season.
3. Swedana. Meaning to perspire or sweat through steam baths.
4. Virechana. Meaning,  the purging of the body using medication or castor oil. This can be induced vomiting, enema or nasal irrigation.
5. Medication to boost immunity and regain muscle strength.

Extensive physiotherapy also helps by Restoring neuromuscular function; Tone and strengthen muscle tissues; Recover lost bodily functions; and by enabling the patient to take care of daily activities, improve the quality of life

Blog Reviewed By: Dr Kiran B Nair

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Role of Ayurveda in treating Supranuclear palsy

What is Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP)?

This is a relatively rare disease of the brain that affects control over walking, movement and balance, speech, mood, vision and swallowing and most importantly thinking. This disease directly affects the clusters of cells (supranuclear) of the brain, and as the name suggests, worsens over time (progressive) causing weakness (palsy). The inability to move and aim the eyes is one of the classic symptoms of this disease.

As its symptoms are similar to that of Parkinson's disease, it is very difficult to diagnose. It was in 1964 that it was described as a distinct disorder, different from Parkinson’s disease. The average of a patient is above 60, but it may occur earlier. Men are more affected than women.

Ayurveda’s role in treating PSP.

To make things absolutely clear, currently, there is no treatment for PSP, all we can do is manage the signs and symptoms. This disease does not respond to current medications.

Here is where Ayurveda has a better, much better role to play that is in the holistic management of the disease.

Ayurveda (Science of Life), has two main theoretical constructs:

The Panchabhoota Theory and the Tridosha Theory. The first says that the body is made of 5 elements of Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether; and the second says the body functions are governed by three biological units of Vatha, Pitha and Kapha, which themselves are part of Panchabhoota. 

Vatha is voluntary and involuntary body movements; Pitha is digestive and metabolic actions and Kapha the energy holding the body together. Any imbalance results in ill health.

For PSP, Ayurveda uses Panchakarma along with balance exercises to address the imbalance. Studies have shown very noticeable improvements in eye movements, ability to swallow and speak, reduced double vision and neck rigidity. Significant improvements to balance and body sway, reduced mental irritability and absence of tremors, have also been noted. 

So, Ayurveda may not cure PSP, but it definitely does bring a lot of improvements to the quality of life of the patients.

For appointments & more details, please visit our website-www.vaidyahealthcare.com

Blog Reviewed By: Dr Kiran B Nair

Visit @ vaidyahealthcare.com
Mail us: vaidyahealthcarekerala@gmail.com
Book an appointment:vaidyahealthcare.com/book-appointment.html

Treatment protocols in Rheumatoid Arthritis (Aama Vata)

Rheumatoid arthritis or Aama Vata in Ayurveda is one of the most common autoimmune arthritis, which is caused when the immune system is not working properly. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause chronic inflammation on and around the joints and tissue, as well as other organs in the body. Rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive illness that can last for years and has the potential to cause joint destruction and functional disability.

Symptoms

Prolonged stiffness in the joints is the primary symptom of Rheumatoid arthritis or Aama Vata.

• Stiffness in the morning
• Joint pain felt on the same joint on both sides of the body  
• Chest pain when taking a breath (pleurisy)
• Dry eyes and mouth (Sjogren syndrome)
• Eye burning, itching, and discharge
• Firm lumps called rheumatoid nodules.
• Numbness or burning in the hands and feet
• Sleep difficulties

Most often, Rheumatoid arthritis attacks the wrists, fingers, knees, feet, and ankles. Early treatment can decrease the pain and the symptoms that help lead an active life.

 Ayurvedic Treatments

In Ayurveda, Rheumatoid arthritis or Ama Vata is treated and cured naturally. When rheumatoid arthritis gets aggravated, it affects the joints of hands, feet, ankles, elbows, lower back, knee, and hip. It makes these joints inflamed and painful. Ayurveda follows a holistic approach to treat the condition that includes diet modifications, lifestyle changes, stress management, herbal medication, ayurvedic therapies, Yoga asanas, pranayama, and meditation. These treatment procedures aim to restore the body's state of balance.

Usually, treatment is long term, and various procedures are done according to the patient's condition and presentation.

• Agni deepana and ama pachanga: activates digestive fire and corrects metabolism. 
• Shodhana Chikitsa: Removal of ama or Purification of the body
• Pathya: Following dietetic regimens to prevent ama formation.
• Shamana chikitsa: Internal medications to reduce pain and joint inflammation.
• Rasayana: Medications to improve immunity and joint stability. 

Ayurveda also incorporates Panchakarma in treating Rheumatoid arthritis. Panchakarma is one of the most effective ayurvedic treatment methods. It plays a vital role in the management of chronic autoimmune diseases like RA. The treatment protocol follows a sequence of therapies leading up to detoxification therapies like Vamana (Emesis), Virechana ( Purgation), Vasthi (Enema), and Nasyam (Nasal Administration). To strengthen the tissues and improve mobility, experts will also recommend therapies like Taila Dhara (Pouring medicated oils on the body), Nhavarakkizhi ( Massage with Bolus of rice boiled in medicated milk), Ksheera Basti (Medicated milk-based enema) and administration of specific herbal preparations that protect the tissues (Rasayanas).

Blog reviewed by: Dr. Kiran B Nair
Mail us: vaidyahealthcarekerala@gmail.com
Book an appointment: vaidyahealthcare.com/book-appointment.html