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Sciatica is characterized by sharp, radiating pain along the sciatic nerve. Rasayana Ayurveda Centre treats sciatica with a focus on reducing inflammation and promoting nerve health. Our therapies include panchakarma detox therapies like vasthi, virechanam ayurvedic massages, lepanam, upanaham, pichu, herbal remedies and physiotherapy to alleviate pain and restore nerve function.
Sciatica is more than a normal backache; it's often debilitating and can adversely affect the day-to-day activities of the affected individual. It shoots from the lower back, through the buttocks, all the way to one or both of the legs. As per the view of Ayurveda, sciatica signals something deep and its needs healing from within.
At Rasayana Ayurveda Centre, we have helped a lot of patients across Kerala and beyond by providing lasting relief through authentic treatment methods, making us one of the best centres of ayurvedic treatment for sciatica in Kerala.
It is the longest & widest single nerve in the human body, begins from the lower back, travels through the buttocks to both legs, and it branches out while moving downwards to the feet. This nerve is responsible for almost all of the movement and sensations in the lower body.
Sciatica refers to the radiating pain occurring on the path of this nerve. It is often misunderstood as a disease, which is not, it is a symptom or a signal that indicates the nerve is being compressed, irritated or swollen anywhere along its path.
A herniated or slipped disc could be the most significant trigger. Here, the soft material in the spinal disc pushes through the outer layer due to various reasons, causing the compression of the nerve roots. Ageing could also be a factor because, the bone spurs (Osteophytes) that develop on the vertebrae with age can also lead to the narrowing of the nerve which could create pressure.
Prolonged sitting in a poor posture, jobs that require heavy lifting, and long hours of driving could increase the risk of disc problems followed by sciatica. Obesity and being overweight increase the mechanical load on the spine which increases the chance of disc degeneration/ Nerve compression.
Pregnancy – The growing uterus exerts pressure on the sciatic nerves causing extreme pain
Diabetic Neuropathy – Nerve damage caused by increased blood sugar levels could worsen the pain
Spinal Tumours – Rare occurrence, but tumours also lead to worse conditions in some patients.
In Ayurveda, Sciatica is known as Gridhrasi, stems from Gridhra – vulture, named for the way a sciatica patient walks with a gait resembling that of a vulture. It is described as a Vata disorder of higher significance in Charaka and Susrutha Samhitas. It is categorized as,
Vata Dosha– Aggravated Vata leads to the dryness, degeneration and compression of the nerve channels. Vata-type sciatica often manifests as sharp pain with stiffness and clicking sounds.
Vata- Kapha Dosha – When Kapha is accompanied by Vata, the condition becomes worse with a sense of heaviness and coldness in the limbs.
Ama Dosha – The metabolic waste accumulated may cause a blockage in the nerve channels and joints, hindering the free flow of vata. Panchakarma is the best recommendation here.
In Ayurveda, the physician does not treat the disease – the physician treats the person.
Ayurveda not only suppresses the pain, it also identifies the root cause and implements strategies for cutting it down at the base by enhancing the bodily balance, thereby preventing recurrence.
Unlike conventional pain killers or opioid based drugs, ayurvedic herbal formulations don’t cause any damage to the liver, kidneys or any other vital parts.
Classical formulations such as Dhanwantharam Taila, Dhanvantharam tablet, Vishamushti vati and Ksheerabala oil are known for their nerve tissue nourishment and strengthening properties.
Treatment also improves the overall physical and mental wellness- Improves sleep quality, enhances digestive health, offers mental calmness and relaxation, Benefits that extend far beyond Sciatica relief alone.
Ayurveda doesn’t rely on ‘one size fits all’ approach. Instead, the treatment will be based on the Prakrithi (body composition) of each individual, Imbalances in each person differ, so the treatment is customized.
At Rasayana we combine classic internal medications with targeted external therapies for an effective recovery from the ailment. For sciatica, our expert physicians have created a multi-layer treatment plan that is personalized according to each individual.
Abhyanga (Medicated Oil Massage) – Full body massage with warm oils like Dhanvantharam taila, Mahanarayana Taila and Ksheerabala oil. Treating with warm oil helps in penetrating into the tissues making it an effective method. Nourishes tissues and nerve channels and pacify aggravated Vata and reduce the pain and stiffness of adjacent muscle groups.
Kati Basti – Unlike Abhyanga, here warm oil is used in a localized area with help of dough rings for targeting a specific area. It deeply hydrates lumbar discs, relieves nerve compressions and reduces acute compressions.
Pizhichil – A luxurious oil bath therapy where streams of warm medicated oils are poured all over the body simultaneously. Helps in the deep nourishment of nerve tissues, reduces pain sensitivity and also promotes overall relaxation.
Navarakizhi – Pouches of rice cooked in milk and herbal decoctions are massaged over the body. It improves circulation and reduces sciatic pain significantly.
Virechana (Purgation) – Designed for expelling the accumulated Pitta and Vata from the body. A controlled panchakarma purgation therapy is essential for Vata-Pitta type sciatica involving inflammation and burning pain.
Basti (Medicated Enema) – It is the method in which herbal decoctions and medicated oils are introduced through rectum, which helps in significantly pacifying Vata at its seat in the colon, thereby providing a systemic relief.
Lepanam (Herbal Pasting) – Medicinal herbal paste is applied in affected areas for the reduction of local inflammation, it also provides relief from muscle spasms around the sciatic nerve.
Herbal Formulations – Internal medicines such as Dhanvantharam kashayam, Rasnasaptakam, Yogaraja guggulu, Ashwagandha, etc. are administered for reducing inflammation, strengthening nerve tissue and also for correcting imbalance from within.
In Ayurveda, we consider movement as medicine, but the wrong movements can worsen your condition. Let's discuss some exercises and yoga postures that could be done gently.
Lie down and draw your knees towards your chest and hold it for at least 15-30 seconds. Relieves lumbar compression and also relaxes the piriform muscles.
Strengthens gluteal and lumbar muscles and helps stretch the hip flexors. Try to hold in the pose for 10 breaths.
A gentle posture that helps in stretching the lower back and hips, reduces Vata and calms the nervous system.
Low-impact aerobic movements help in maintaining spinal health without adversely affecting the discs.
Kerala is the abode of Ayurveda, backed by its rich culture and history, it has preserved the unique treatment methods in its raw form. Rasayana Ayurveda centre stands apart for its authentic treatment methods and holistic well-being process.
Our Patients reach out to us because we deliver long-lasting transformations rather than instant relief. Apart from that we have,
