The word Ayurveda means ‘the science of life’. It has both preventive and curative measures explained in different chapters all along the ancient samhitas.
Back pain is a common symptom which need ruling out of serious damages to spine, Ayurvedic treatments aims to reduce inflammation and increase the flexibility within 7-14 days time period.
Some of the treatments effective in back pain are:
1. Abhyangam- regular oil massage concentrating on marma points.
2. Dhara- in case of swelling and tenderness more effective is a dhara for 3-5 days and then move to oil treatments. Dhara can be done with boiled medicated decoctions or fermented liquids.
3. Kizhi/ Potali treatments – A bag like bolus is made with powders of herbs or leaves or lemon-garlic-turmeric mixtures. This bag is heated in oil and applied on body. Some time steam is used to heat the bolus, then its called Avi kizhi.
4. Kativasti- In this treatment a bund is made around the spine -L5-S2 area, and warm medicated oil is poured into the bund and kept there for 25-45 minutes. Some oil will be removed using a cotton ball and new warm oil is poured in intervals to maintain the temperature inside the bund.
5. Matravasti- Enema with small amount of medicated oil is used to relieve the pain.
6. Kashaya vasti – One amoung the panchakarma, this treatment require proper planning and execution. Special diet and rest is required for the patient. Its very useful in cases of chronic back pain, sciatica, scoliosis, lumbar spondylosis etc.
Ayurveda treatments require rest for better healing. During the treatment period patient may feel relief within some days but its important to complete the recommended course period as the pain on the back can return soon. Strengthenning back muscles and stretching pelvis and back is very important in the prreventive aspect. Along with the external treatments, specific herbal medications are given for fast and better result.
