Category: Neurological Disorders

Allodynia – Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment in Ayurveda

ABSTRACT

This is a condition in which pain occurs by a stimulus that normally does not provoke the pain. People presented with this condition are highly sensitive to touch. Things which do not lead to pain can be so painful like brushing hair, wearing cotton t-shirt or cold temperature etc. Allodynia and hyperalgesia both terms are totally different from each other but they are types of neuropathic pain. Various conditions are the reason behind allodynia. Approx 15%-20% people suffering from nerve pain have allodynia. So today we will read briefly about allodynia in this article.

Allodynia

INTRODUCTION

Allodynia is a nerve-related condition in which pain occurs in the nerve. People with allodynia experience pain from stimuli which actually do not cause any pain. For example:- pain is experienced when cloth touches your skin.

TYPES

Following are the three types of allodynia

  1. Dynamic allodynia:- In this pain experience from the things which move around the skin.
  2. Static/Tactile allodynia:- In this pain experience from touch.
  3. Thermal allodynia:- In this pain feels from temperature changes.

CAUSES

Following are the causes of allodynia

  • Use of opioids
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Shingles
  • Chemotherapy
  • Diabetes
  • Migraine
  • Trauma
  • Chickenpox
  • Postherpetic neuralgia
  • Trigeminal neuralgia

SYMPTOMS

Following are the symptoms of allodynia

  • Anxiety
  • Nausea
  • Vision changes
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Tiredness
  • Depression
  • Severe headache
  • Difficulty in sleeping

DIAGNOSIS

  1. By physical examination
  2. By medical history (if having any disease in past medical history)

TREATMENT

  • Use of non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Lifestyle changes
  • Dietary changes
  • Nerve blockers

Prevention

  • Do exercise regularly to prevent your body from stress or migraine headaches.
  • Family history of any disease like fibromyalgia, stroke or diabetes then regular checkup should be followed.
  • Maintain a healthy fit body
  • Getting vaccinated yourself to prevent viral infections.
  • Eat a healthy and balanced diet.

AYURVEDIC OVERVIEW

In ayurveda we can correlate allodynia with vatavyadhi. Vata is responsible for the functioning of the nervous system. All the functions of kapha, pitta, mala and dhatu are dependent on vata dosha. Abnormal vata performs various afflictions to the body, thereby producing various diseases. It also affects the strength, complexion, happiness and longevity. Due to the impairment of vata dosha leads to many neurological disorders such as stress, stroke, parkinson’s disease, depression, anxiety etc. Vata dosha can be vitiated by many reasons such as faulty diet or lifestyle. Let’s read out about vata dosha in brief

Vata vyadhi definition

वात एव व्याधि: वात व्याधि। (मा. नि. २२ )

According to the above shloka:- Vaat is itself a disease.

It combined with particular dushyas attains the form of generalized affections and because of producing pain it is called as vatavyadhi.

Causative factors

According to sushruta (S.Su.21/19) shloka

  • Weak person fighting with strong person
  • Performing heavy exercises, indulging in more sexual acts, continuous study
  • Falling down from certain height
  • Running or speed walk
  • Excessive strain/sprain to the body
  • Injury due to fighting
  • Swimming in water
  • Not sleeping during night time
  • Carrying heavy loads
  • Excessive travelling on elephant, horse, chariot and by foot
  • Increased intake of pungent, astringent, bitter, rough, light, cold, dried vegetables
  • Dry meat
  • Eating during indigestion

Pathogenesis of vatavyadhi

Vata dosha gets aggravated with above mentioned factors which leads to occupied empty srotas (transporting channels). On filling the empty spaces, the aggravated vata develops many diseases like it may be ekanga(limited to a particular area) or sarvanga (affecting the whole body) that is vatavyadhi.

Vata vrddhi lakshana

According to sushruta (S.Su.15/18) shloka

  • Emaciation
  • Blackish discoloration
  • Throbbing sensation in body parts
  • Tremors
  • Desire for warmthness
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Loss of sleep
  • Decrease in strength
  • Hard stools

Vata kshaya lakshana

तत्र, वातक्षये मंदचेष्टाअल्पवाक्त्वमप्रहर्षो मूढ़संज्ञता च । (S.Su 15/11)

According to sushruta shloka

  • Diminished activities
  • Loss of speech
  • Lack of excitation
  • Diminished mental faculties

Treatment

  • Snehan:- In vatavyadhi medicated oil, ghee is widely used to nourish the body and decrease the level of vata dosha, increase the digestive fire and strength.
  • Sweden:- After snehan sweden therapy should be followed.
  • Mridu virechan:- It purifies the whole body.
  • Use of deepana pachana drugs.
  • Massage the body with medicated oils.

Herbal remedies for Allodynia by planet ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda provides various packs of herbal medicines which treat various diseases related to the human body. Their all products are 100% natural, pure and vegetarian. All the medicines are GMP certified. There are no added chemicals, preservatives or yeast. All the herbs are highly effective in nature and effective for the human body.

For allodynia planet ayurveda provide

  1. BOSWELLIA CURCUMIN
  2. NEUROGENIE CAPSULES
  3. MAHA RASNADI KWATH
  4. VRIHAT VATCHINTAMANI RAS
  5. VATA BALANCE

Herbal remedies for Allodynia Herbal Supplements for Allodynia

Product Description

1. BOSWELLIA CURCUMIN

It is a poly herbal capsule made up of Shallaki (boswellia serrata), Curcumin (curcuma longa). It maintains the overall body health and well being.

Dosage:- 1 capsule twice daily

2. NEUROGENIE CAPSULES

It is poly herbal capsules which are made up of Brahmi (bacopa monnieri), Ashwagandha (withania somnifera). It works on nerves of our body that’s why it is very effective in allodynia.

Dosage:– 1 capsule twice daily

3. MAHA RASNADI KWATH

It is an liquid preparation made from various herbs like Javasa (alhagi pseudalhagi), Bala (sida cordifolia), Errand (ricinus communis), Rasna (pluchea lanceolata) etc. It mainly works on vata dosha that is the reason to give this medicine to vatavyadhi.

Dosage:- 2 tsp twice daily

4. VRIHAT VATCHINTAMANI RAS

It is made from Swarna bhasma (gold bhasma), Rajata bhasma (silver bhasma), Abhraka bhasma (mica bhasma) etc. It helps to maintain a healthy nervous system and healthy digestion.

Dosage:- 1 pill once daily

5. VATA BALANCE

It is made up from Bilwa (aegle marmelos), Shyonak (oroxylum indicum), Gambhari (gmelina arborea) etc. It balances the vata dosha in our body and makes our nervous system healthy.

Dosage:- 1 capsule twice daily

Contact Planet Ayurveda Support Team to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or Call at 0172-521-4030 (India), +91-172-521-4030 (Outside India) or Whatsapp at (+91) 9915-593-604

Conclusion

Allodynia is a nerve related disorder in modern and vatavyadhi in ayurveda. In ayurveda there are various kinds of vata disease which affect the human nervous system. In this disease vata is the main culprit to develop such disease. It is quite difficult to assist such a disease but we can manage this disease with ayurvedic herbs such as rasna (pluchea lanceolata), eranda (ricinus communis), bilwa (ricinus communis), shyonaka (oroxylum indicum) etc which balance the vata dosha and makes our nerves healthy. Other procedures like putting medicated oil in the umbilicus, ear, eyes (triphala ghrit) can prevent vata dosha and nourishes the body.

What Are Antioxidants and How They Are Helpful in Improving Health?

Antioxidants

ABSTRACT

Wonder why health experts focus on a good diet and fruit consumption. That’s because they are rich in antioxidants and nutrients. Consumption of fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants plays a pivotal role in health. They contain antioxidants that help us to get good health. Radiance of skin, the capability to resist the pollution that causes damage to our bodies, protection of our body from wear and tear, and prevention from various health ailments are all because of antioxidants. There are a wide range of antioxidants.

They can be natural or manmade. All offer good health to you.

Antioxidants

INTRODUCTION

Antioxidants are substances that inhibit the damage caused by the oxidation process(oxidative stress) in the cells. During the oxidation process, free radicals are produced in our bodies which are called reactive oxygen species(ROS). Free radicals are unpaired electrons that are unstable and very reactive. They gain stability after binding with other electrons. So, these free radicals bind with various proteins, lipids, and DNA to alter the working of organs and cause diseases. Antioxidants are produced either inside our body (cell metabolism), or outside our body (pollution, radiation,). In order to prevent ourselves from free radicals we need to eat food that is rich in antioxidants. Astaxanthin, Anthocyanins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, lignans, carotenoids (xanthophylls and carotenes), and vitamins like vitamin E and vitamin C are rich in antioxidants. How do we know which food has more antioxidants? ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity) is a measure that calculates the amount of antioxidants in the food. Indian gooseberry, sorghum, ginger, and coffee are some foods that are higher in antioxidants. Foods rich in antioxidants slow down the oxidative process and radical damage. So now we know the importance of fruits, vegetables, and supplements. We eat antioxidants that protect us from diseases and are very important for our health.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF ANTIOXIDANTS

REJUVENATING FUNCTION

Antioxidant consumption slows the ageing process. It rejuvenates the body cells and enhances the turnover of epidermal skin.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY FUNCTION

Free radicals are responsible for inflammation in the body. During inflammatory response, Leukocytes and mast cells act on the region of damage thereby producing more free radicals in damage and releasing ROS. Antioxidants act by scavenging free radicals and reducing ROS hence decreasing inflammation.

ANTI-CANCEROUS FUNCTION

Antioxidants like glutathione are responsible for decreasing distribution caused by cancerous free radicals.

BRAIN HEALTH

Neurological disorders like schizophrenia, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease are prevented by the optimum use of antioxidants by inhibiting the activity of free radicals. Astaxanthin is known to cross the blood-brain barrier and is useful in brain-related disorders.

GOOD IMMUNITY

Antioxidants like vitamins A, C, E, and beta carotenes increase susceptibility to fight against infection.

FOOD SOURCES OF ANTIOXIDANTS

  1. Dry fruits (Walnuts, pistachios, almonds, hazelnuts, chilgoza, etc).
  2. Berries (Gooseberries, blackberries, crane berries, etc)
  3. Spices(Turmeric, cloves, cumin, cinnamon, etc)
  4. Herbs(Tulsi, Kesar, Giloy, aloe vera, rosemary, mint, etc)
  5. Fruits(Apples, dates, kiwis, grapes, coconut, oranges, tomatoes, peaches, pomegranates, etc)
  6. Vegetables(broccoli, spinach, carrots, pumpkin, asparagus, artichokes, beetroot, garlic, onion, radish, etc)
  7. Pulses(green grams, soya beans, chickpeas, green peas, etc)
  8. Grains (Rakta shali ie. Red rice, Mahashali ie. Basmati rice, Yava ie. Barley)
  9. OILS: Sunflower oil, primrose oil, almond oil, jojoba oil, mustard oil, etc.

ANTIOXIDANT DEFICIENCY

Antioxidant deficiency occurs when we consume foods that are not rich in antioxidants or our daily recommended antioxidant uptake is not met by the food we eat. Antioxidant deficiency leads to oxidative stress causing damage in our bodies leading to diseases like recurrent cough, cold, infections, heart disease, atherosclerosis, arthritis, Parkinson, senile dementia, and cancer.

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR STAYING HEALTHY THROUGH ANTIOXIDANTS BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda provides the best combination of effective herbal remedies as an Antioxidants Pack for good health. It is a polyherbal pack that contains Cranberry capsules, Spirulina capsules, Amalaki rasayan, Immune booster, Brahmi chyawanprash, etc. For natural and herbal treatment always look for natural products which contain pure extracts and are formulated under GMP guidelines. Planet Ayurveda products are scientific and certified. They are free from any chemicals, additives, and preservatives. Planet Ayurveda products are formulated by MD Doctors and are 100% natural, pure, and free from side effects.

Product List

  1. Cranberry Capsules
  2. Spirulina Capsules
  3. Amalaki Rasayan
  4. Immune Booster
  5. Brahmi Chyawanprash

Herbal Remedies for Staying Healthy Through AntioxidantsHerbal Remedies for Staying Healthy Through Antioxidants

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

1. Cranberry Capsules

Cranberry capsule is an ayurvedic formulation that contains a single ingredient that is cranberry (vaccinium oxy-coccus). Cranberries contain antioxidants that prevent a number of diseases. Cranberries are rich in a number of antioxidants like flavonoids, anthocyanins, polyphenols, vitamin C, E, and K. According to Ayurveda cranberries have vitta-balancing properties and it is helpful in slowing the process of ageing. It is Ushna (hot) and Snigdha (oily) in nature. Cranberry is also useful in the prevention of urine infections.

Dosage: 1-2 capsules twice daily.

2. Spirulina capsules

Spirulina capsules contain extract of spirulina (Spirulina platensis). It is a Blue algae (Cyanobacteria) rich in antioxidants. It is rich in protein, Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and E. Spirulina has the highest ORAC value (24000).

Dosage: 1-2 capsules daily twice with plain water after meals.

3. Amalaki rasayan

Amalaki rasayan is a herbal formulation that contains Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) in its purest form. Amalaki is rejuvenating in nature. It is rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants. It contains all 5 rasas (sweet, sour, bitter, astringent) except lavan rasa(salt). It is Madhura (sweet) in vipaka (post digestion effect) and shita (cold) in virya (potent energy).

Dosage: 1-2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

4. Immune booster

Immune booster is a wonderful formulation that contains grape seed (Vitis vinifera), Go-Piyush (Bovine colostrums), Bhumi Amla (Phyllanthus niruri), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis). It contains grape seeds that are rich in antioxidants like linoleic acid, vitamin E, zinc, etc and Go-Piyush is the first milk produced after the birth of a calf. It contains proteins, antioxidants, and antibodies to fight against immune system-related disorders. In ayurveda, according to Yogratnakar milk has 10 properties that are similar to that of ojas (immunity). It is a Rasayana (rejuvenator), jeevaniya (enlivening), Medhya (improves intelligence), balya (improves immunity) in nature.

Dosage: 1-2 capsules daily twice with plain water after meals.

5. Brahmi Chyawanprash

Brahmi chyawanprash is an effective herbal formulation. It contains Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Dashmoola (Roots of 10 herbs), Bala (Sida cordifolia), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Bhumi amla (Phyllanthus niruri), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Nagarmoola (Cyperus rotundus), and many other ayurvedic herbs. It contains Brahmi which has antioxidant properties and is responsible for enhancing memory and concentration. It is used to manage vitiated vata dosha. Acharya Chakradutta has written that Brahmi is beneficial in all types of epilepsy. It helps in aiding the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. Brahmi chyawanprash is useful in reducing oxidative stress produced by free radicals.

Dosage: 1-2 teaspoons, twice to thrice daily after meals, preferably with milk.

Contact Planet Ayurveda Support Team to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or Call at 0172-521-4030 (India), +91-172-521-4030 (Outside India) or Whatsapp at (+91) 9915-593-604

CONCLUSION

In order to reduce oxidative stress and damage caused by unstable free radicals. Nature has provided us with antioxidants that are present in the food we eat which are helpful in providing immunity and reducing the severity of diseases. Antioxidant consumption is of major concern in infections and diseases like cancer, neurodegenerative diseases. The deficiency of antioxidants can be fulfilled by either consuming foods which are higher in ORAC values or by taking herbal supplements. Therefore, we can conclude that antioxidants play a major role in promoting good health.