Nervous System
The nervous system can be considered the commander of the human body because it is responsible for all the functions, from the most basic to the most complex. It is associated with the Majja Dhatu. A composite of an unhealthy lifestyle, irregular sleep cycles, and the suppression of natural instincts are the root causes of most problems afflicting the majja dhatu. Imbalances in the majja dhatu can cause interruptions in the flow of Prana (the life force), essentially causing issues in every body system.
Maladies of the nervous system are called Vata Vyadhi because they can usually be traced back to a malfunction of the Vata dosha. The first line of action is to balance the doshas through lifestyle and diet changes. Once these changes are implemented, therapies like Shirodhara, Vasti, Nasya, Vamana, Virechana, Pizhichil, Njavarakizhi or Thalapothichil, among others, are recommended based on the patient’s particular needs.
Causes:
-
Imbalance of Vata and Pitta Doshas.
-
Stress, emotional disturbances, or lifestyle factors.
-
Excessive mental strain or unresolved emotional trauma.
Symptoms:
-
Constant worry, restlessness, and fear.
-
Physical symptoms like increased heart rate, sweating, or shallow breathing.
-
Trouble concentrating or sleeping.
Panchakarma Treatment:
-
Vasti (oil-based or decoction enema)
-
Abhyanga (oil massage)
-
Nasya(nasal therapy)
Medications:
-
Ashwagandha (for reducing stress and anxiety)
-
Brahmi (for calming the nervous system)
-
Jatamansi (for relieving mental tension and promoting relaxation)
Causes:
-
Imbalance of Vata and Pitta Doshas.
-
Stress, anxiety, or excessive use of stimulants.
-
Irregular sleep patterns, emotional disturbances, or physical discomfort.
Symptoms:
-
Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
-
Restless or disturbed sleep.
-
Fatigue, irritability, and lack of focus during the day.
Panchakarma Treatment:
-
Shirodhara (pouring warm oil over the forehead)
-
Abhyanga (oil massage)
-
Nasya (nasal therapy)
Medications:
-
Brahmi (for calming the mind and improving sleep quality)
-
Ashwagandha (for reducing stress and improving sleep)
-
Jatamansi (for promoting relaxation and better sleep)
Causes:
-
Imbalance of Vata and Pitta Doshas.
-
Chronic stress, emotional trauma, or hormonal imbalance.
-
Lack of proper nourishment, sleep, or lifestyle imbalances.
Symptoms:
-
Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or loss of interest.
-
Low energy, fatigue, and sleep disturbances.
-
Difficulty concentrating, physical aches, and irritability.
Panchakarma Treatment:
-
Virechana (purgation therapy)
-
Shirodhara (pouring warm oil over the forehead)
-
Abhyanga (oil massage)
Medications:
-
Brahmi (for improving mental clarity and reducing emotional stress)
-
Ashwagandha (for balancing stress hormones and promoting mood stability)
-
Jatamansi (for calming the mind and relieving mental strain)
Causes:
-
Imbalance of Vata and Pitta Doshas.
-
Genetic factors, neurological imbalances, or head injury.
-
Emotional stress, toxins in the body, or irregular eating habits.
Symptoms:
-
Sudden seizures, loss of consciousness, muscle rigidity.
-
Uncontrolled shaking or twitching of the body.
-
Aura or confusion before the seizure.
Panchakarma Treatment:
-
Virechana (purgation therapy)
-
Vasti (oil-based or decoction enema)
-
Shirodhara (pouring warm oil over the forehead)
Medications:
-
Brahmi (for improving cognitive function and calming the mind)
-
Ashwagandha (for strengthening the nervous system and reducing stress)
-
Jatamans(for calming nervous disturbances and promoting mental stability)
Causes:
-
Imbalance of Vata and Pitta Doshas.
-
Blockage or rupture of blood vessels in the brain due to high blood pressure, diabetes, or cholesterol.
-
Emotional stress, improper diet, or lack of physical activity.
Symptoms:
-
Sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg.
-
Difficulty speaking, understanding, or seeing.
-
Severe headache, dizziness, or loss of coordination.
Panchakarma Treatment:
-
Virechana (purgation therapy)
-
Vasti(oil-based or decoction enema)
-
Shirodhara (pouring warm oil over the forehead)
Medications:
-
Brahmi (for improving cognitive function and reducing mental fatigue)
-
Ashwagandha (to strengthen the nervous system and promote mental clarity)
-
Dashmoolarishta (for reducing inflammation and improving circulation)
Causes:
-
Imbalance of Vata Dosha, leading to degeneration of brain cells.
-
Genetic factors, age-related changes, or oxidative stress.
-
Toxic buildup in the nervous system.
Symptoms:
-
Tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination.
-
Slowed movements, facial expression changes, and speech difficulties.
-
Muscle rigidity and difficulty walking.
Panchakarma Treatment:
-
Virechana (purgation therapy)
-
Vasti (oil-based or decoction enema)
-
Abhyanga (oil massage)
Medications:
-
Brahmi (for improving cognitive function and mental clarity)
-
Ashwagandha (for improving muscle strength and nervous system function)
-
Vacha (for enhancing brain function and reducing tremors)
Causes:
-
Imbalance of Vata Dosha leading to the destruction of the protective sheath around nerve fibers.
-
Genetic predisposition, autoimmune reactions, or environmental triggers.
-
Inflammation, stress, or excessive toxin buildup.
Symptoms:
-
Muscle weakness, fatigue, and difficulty with coordination.
-
Vision problems, numbness, and tingling in the limbs.
-
Cognitive issues and mood swings.
Panchakarma Treatment:
-
Virechana (purgation therapy)
-
Vasti (oil-based or decoction enema)
-
Abhyanga (oil massage)
Medications:
-
Brahmi (for improving mental clarity and cognitive function)
-
Ashwagandha (to support nerve health and reduce fatigue)
-
Turmeric (for reducing inflammation and improving neural health)
Causes:
-
Imbalance of Vata and Pitta Doshas.
-
Stress, hormonal fluctuations, or food triggers.
-
Poor digestion or irregular sleep patterns.
Symptoms:
-
Intense headache, often one-sided, with nausea and sensitivity to light or sound.
-
Visual disturbances (auras) before the migraine attack.
-
Throbbing or pulsating pain.
Panchakarma Treatment:
-
Shirodhara (pouring warm oil over the forehead)
-
Virechana (purgation therapy)
-
Nasya (nasal therapy)
Medications:
-
Brahmi (for calming the mind and reducing stress)
-
Ashwagandha (for balancing hormones and promoting relaxation)
-
Jatamansi (for relieving tension and improving mental clarity)
Causes:
-
Imbalance of Vata Dosha leading to cognitive decline.
-
Genetic factors, aging, or neurodegenerative processes.
-
Toxin accumulation in the brain, stress, or poor nutrition.
Symptoms:
-
Memory loss, confusion, and difficulty with problem-solving.
-
Disorientation, mood swings, and difficulty with daily tasks.
-
Personality changes and poor judgment.
Panchakarma Treatment:
-
Virechana (purgation therapy)
-
Shirodhara (pouring warm oil over the forehead)
-
Nasya (nasal therapy)
Medications:
-
Brahmi (for enhancing cognitive function and memory)
-
Ashwagandha (for reducing mental fatigue and supporting brain health)
-
Turmeric (for reducing inflammation in the brain)
Causes:
-
Imbalance of Vata Dosha leading to nerve degeneration.
-
Diabetes, infections, or vitamin deficiencies.
-
Chronic inflammation or exposure to toxins.
Symptoms:
-
Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the hands and feet.
-
Muscle weakness, loss of coordination.
-
Pain or sensitivity in the affected areas.
Panchakarma Treatment:
-
Virechana (purgation therapy)
-
Vasti (oil-based or decoction enema)
-
Abhyanga (oil massage)
Medications:
-
Brahmi (for calming the nervous system and improving function)
-
Ashwagandha (for supporting nerve health and reducing inflammation)
-
Vacha (for enhancing cognitive and nerve function)