Stressful life, travelling, workouts or ageing- all these lead to one most common health problem i.e., backache. It is one health issue which makes us restless and if not taken care of, results in making routine terrible.

Here are a few home remedies to get rid of that backache:

• Mix camphor in coconut oil and boil it for 5 minutes. Cool it and store it in a bottle. Massage it twice in a week before going to sleep to get rid of backache.
• In a bucket of lukewarm or slightly hot water, add few drops of eucalyptus oil. Taking a bath with this water will help you get rid of backache as well as body pain. Not just that, it will make you feel stress-free.
• While you are spending some time watching TV, put a hot-water bag on back supported by a cushion. The heat-based treatment will help you recover from backache.
• Massage your back with mustard oil an hour prior to going for a shower. Make sure you take a hot water shower.
• In a warm glass of milk, add a pinch of turmeric and few drops of honey. Make it a habit to have this regularly to get rid of backache, body pain as well as cough and cold too.
• Add ginger while brewing your tea, it will help you lower the chances of backache.
• Using a herbal oil for massaging your back ensures a quick recovery.
• Take a tube sock and fill it with rice (make sure to tie off end of the sock). Heat in microwave for 3-5 minutes, then just lay it wherever you have the pain. It works wonders for lower back pain.
• Avoid rice and wheat flour in food.
• Eat 3 walnuts every morning in breakfast. Its beneficial in back and joint pain.

Herbal Folk Remedies

Internal Application

• Take a mixture of Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi), Guggul (Commiphora wightii) and Malkangani (Celastrus paniculatus). Grind all together in equal quantities; wet the mixed powder with water. Take one gram of this preparation daily along with milk.

• To cure back pain, fresh leaves (6-7 nos.) of Parijat/ Harsingar (Nyctanthes arbor-tristis) flowers, Adrak (Zingiber officinale) juice and honey is mixed and taken.
• In cases of back pain, mix the combination of Pippali (Piper longum) fruit (20g) and Indrayan (Citrullus colocynthis) roots (10g) thoroughly and prepare tablets. Take 2 tablets twice a day; it relieves and cures pain.
• In back pain, Gorakhmundi (Sphaeranthus indicus) fruit powder and Adrak (Zingiber officinale) powder is given with milk.
• Powder of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), black musli (Curculigo orchioides) root and Gokhru (Tribulus terrestris) is taken in equal amounts and given to the back pain patient with milk.
• Juice of the Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) plant (1-2 teaspoon) is boiled and given orally for two times a day is given to the back pain patient.
• Barleria (Barleria prionitis) leaf juice and honey is given orally in joint pain and back pain.
• Preparation of white musli (Chlorophytum borivillianum) root powder along with sugar and ghee is taken orally for back pain.
• Mix thoroughly the combination of Indrayan (Citrullus colocynthis) roots (10g) and Pippali (Piper longum) fruit (20g), prepare tablets. Take 2 tablets twice a day; it relieves and cures back pain immediately.
• Decoction of the Chandni/ Nandibatlu (Tabernaemontana divaricata) bark is given orally for back pain.
• To relieve pain during sciatica, consume a kheer (a kind of sweet) of Halim (Lepidium sativum) seeds in milk.
• In sciatica, Mahaneem (Melia azedarach) root bark (10g) is crushed in water and taken orally for a month.
• Harsingar (Nyctanthes arbor-tristis) leaf decoction with honey is given 3 times a day for three weeks in sciatica.

External Applications

• 500g Sitafal/ custard apple (Annona squamosa) leaves are boiled in water for 5 minutes and if taken bath from this medicated water can cure back pain very fast.
• A paste of Guggul (Commiphora wightii) gum is prepared in mustard (Brassica campestris) oil and applied externally in muscle pain and swellings.
• Varun (Crateva nurvala), Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) leaves and Munga (Moringa oleifera) bark is crushed and made into a poultice. This is an effective remedy for back pain.
• The oil of Jamalgota (Croton tiglium) in small quantity is mixed in Mustard (Brassica campestris) oil or Castor (Ricinus communis) oil and applied externally on rheumatic pains, arthritis, and sciatica.
• Poultice made of seed powder and aerial parts of Amarbel (Cuscuta reflexa) can cure back pain.
• A few leaves and flowers of Tivdi (Impatiens balsamina) are mixed with Arandi (Ricinus communis) or Sarson (Brassica campestris) oil and boiled. A few drops of Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) oil are added on it and massaged to relieve back pain.
• Karanj (Pongamia pinnata) oil massage is recommended for joint pain and arthritis.
• Vidari Kand (Pueraria tuberosa) tuber powder is crushed in water and boiled. It is applied on swollen body parts.
• Take equal amounts of Babul (Acacia nilotica subsp. indica) bark powder and Kusum (Carthamus tinctorius) seed powder and burn it. Collect the residue and mix it with Mogra (Jasminum sambac) oil. Oil massaging with this helps in back pain.
• Paste of Ratti (Abrus precatorius) leaves is applied on affected part.
• Roots of Samundar-ka-pat (Argyreia nervosa) are extracted in Til (Sesamum indicum) oil and filtered. Apply it on affected parts.
• Kachnar (Bauhinia variegata) plant is used in curing back pain and swellings. For this, mash the roots in water, boil and apply on affected parts.
• Powder of Palash (Butea monosperma) seeds along with honey can be applied on the painful parts in back pain.
• In back pain, Arandi oil (Ricinus communis) crushed with old leaves of Akona/Arka (Calotropis procera) is applied.
• In back pain, and sciatica pain, poultice of the Kanphuti (Cardiospermum helicacabum) leaves is applied over the affected part.
• Massaging of Kusum (Carthamus tinctorius) oil helps in back pain.
• Moringa/ Shigru/ drumstick (Moringa oleifera) bark, Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) leaf and Varun (Crataeva nurvala) are crushed and made into a poultice and applied on the painful body parts.
• Water is added in Pippali (Piper longum) fruit powder and paste is prepared. It is boiled and applied externally.
• For getting relief from pain, apply the poultice of the Adusa (Adhatoda zeylanica) leaves on the painful joints.
• In pain and swelling, paste prepared from Samundar-ka-pat (Argyreia nervosa) roots with rice (Oryza sativa) water is applied on the affected parts.
• Few drops of the Sehund (Euphorbia tirucalli) latex are mixed with 10 drops Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) oil in mustard (Brassica campestris) oil and smeared all over the painful parts of the body.
• Paste is prepared from the leaves of Singhara (Trapa natans var. bispinosa) and applied externally on the affected parts.
• Poultice of Adhasisi (Xanthium indicum) plant is prepared and tied on the affected part.
• In sciatica, Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) leaves, Adrak (Zingiber officinale) powder and Arandi (Ricinus communis) oil is mixed and applied externally.

Garlic Oil for External Application

Garlic is highly nutritious and has several medicinal values. Eat a few cloves of it every morning on an empty stomach and you will experience relief from back pain very soon.

One can also prepare garlic oil and use it to massage the back. It is very easy to prepare garlic oil; simply add few cloves of garlic in coconut oil or sesame oil. Heat it for some time and strain the oil when the garlic appears brownish in colour. Use this oil for a daily massage on the aching areas.

Ice/ Cold Packs
This is a more conventional treatment option, and for good reason it is completely natural, and it works. For effective results, apply the ice or cold pack to the direct center of the affected area. Keep it there for about 25 minutes before letting it rest, and repeat this process every half an hour for best results.

Stressful life, travelling, workouts or ageing- all these lead to one most common health problem i.e., backache. It is one health issue which makes us restless and if not taken care of, results in making routine terrible.

Here are a few home remedies to get rid of that backache:

• Mix camphor in coconut oil and boil it for 5 minutes. Cool it and store it in a bottle. Massage it twice in a week before going to sleep to get rid of backache.
• In a bucket of lukewarm or slightly hot water, add few drops of eucalyptus oil. Taking a bath with this water will help you get rid of backache as well as body pain. Not just that, it will make you feel stress-free.
• While you are spending some time watching TV, put a hot-water bag on back supported by a cushion. The heat-based treatment will help you recover from backache.
• Massage your back with mustard oil an hour prior to going for a shower. Make sure you take a hot water shower.
• In a warm glass of milk, add a pinch of turmeric and few drops of honey. Make it a habit to have this regularly to get rid of backache, body pain as well as cough and cold too.
• Add ginger while brewing your tea, it will help you lower the chances of backache.
• Using a herbal oil for massaging your back ensures a quick recovery.
• Take a tube sock and fill it with rice (make sure to tie off end of the sock). Heat in microwave for 3-5 minutes, then just lay it wherever you have the pain. It works wonders for lower back pain.
• Avoid rice and wheat flour in food.
• Eat 3 walnuts every morning in breakfast. Its beneficial in back and joint pain.

Herbal Folk Remedies

Internal Application

• Take a mixture of Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi), Guggul (Commiphora wightii) and Malkangani (Celastrus paniculatus). Grind all together in equal quantities; wet the mixed powder with water. Take one gram of this preparation daily along with milk.

• To cure back pain, fresh leaves (6-7 nos.) of Parijat/ Harsingar (Nyctanthes arbor-tristis) flowers, Adrak (Zingiber officinale) juice and honey is mixed and taken.
• In cases of back pain, mix the combination of Pippali (Piper longum) fruit (20g) and Indrayan (Citrullus colocynthis) roots (10g) thoroughly and prepare tablets. Take 2 tablets twice a day; it relieves and cures pain.
• In back pain, Gorakhmundi (Sphaeranthus indicus) fruit powder and Adrak (Zingiber officinale) powder is given with milk.
• Powder of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), black musli (Curculigo orchioides) root and Gokhru (Tribulus terrestris) is taken in equal amounts and given to the back pain patient with milk.
• Juice of the Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) plant (1-2 teaspoon) is boiled and given orally for two times a day is given to the back pain patient.
• Barleria (Barleria prionitis) leaf juice and honey is given orally in joint pain and back pain.
• Preparation of white musli (Chlorophytum borivillianum) root powder along with sugar and ghee is taken orally for back pain.
• Mix thoroughly the combination of Indrayan (Citrullus colocynthis) roots (10g) and Pippali (Piper longum) fruit (20g), prepare tablets. Take 2 tablets twice a day; it relieves and cures back pain immediately.
• Decoction of the Chandni/ Nandibatlu (Tabernaemontana divaricata) bark is given orally for back pain.
• To relieve pain during sciatica, consume a kheer (a kind of sweet) of Halim (Lepidium sativum) seeds in milk.
• In sciatica, Mahaneem (Melia azedarach) root bark (10g) is crushed in water and taken orally for a month.
• Harsingar (Nyctanthes arbor-tristis) leaf decoction with honey is given 3 times a day for three weeks in sciatica.

External Applications

• 500g Sitafal/ custard apple (Annona squamosa) leaves are boiled in water for 5 minutes and if taken bath from this medicated water can cure back pain very fast.
• A paste of Guggul (Commiphora wightii) gum is prepared in mustard (Brassica campestris) oil and applied externally in muscle pain and swellings.
• Varun (Crateva nurvala), Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) leaves and Munga (Moringa oleifera) bark is crushed and made into a poultice. This is an effective remedy for back pain.
• The oil of Jamalgota (Croton tiglium) in small quantity is mixed in Mustard (Brassica campestris) oil or Castor (Ricinus communis) oil and applied externally on rheumatic pains, arthritis, and sciatica.
• Poultice made of seed powder and aerial parts of Amarbel (Cuscuta reflexa) can cure back pain.
• A few leaves and flowers of Tivdi (Impatiens balsamina) are mixed with Arandi (Ricinus communis) or Sarson (Brassica campestris) oil and boiled. A few drops of Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) oil are added on it and massaged to relieve back pain.
• Karanj (Pongamia pinnata) oil massage is recommended for joint pain and arthritis.
• Vidari Kand (Pueraria tuberosa) tuber powder is crushed in water and boiled. It is applied on swollen body parts.
• Take equal amounts of Babul (Acacia nilotica subsp. indica) bark powder and Kusum (Carthamus tinctorius) seed powder and burn it. Collect the residue and mix it with Mogra (Jasminum sambac) oil. Oil massaging with this helps in back pain.
• Paste of Ratti (Abrus precatorius) leaves is applied on affected part.
• Roots of Samundar-ka-pat (Argyreia nervosa) are extracted in Til (Sesamum indicum) oil and filtered. Apply it on affected parts.
• Kachnar (Bauhinia variegata) plant is used in curing back pain and swellings. For this, mash the roots in water, boil and apply on affected parts.
• Powder of Palash (Butea monosperma) seeds along with honey can be applied on the painful parts in back pain.
• In back pain, Arandi oil (Ricinus communis) crushed with old leaves of Akona/Arka (Calotropis procera) is applied.
• In back pain, and sciatica pain, poultice of the Kanphuti (Cardiospermum helicacabum) leaves is applied over the affected part.
• Massaging of Kusum (Carthamus tinctorius) oil helps in back pain.
• Moringa/ Shigru/ drumstick (Moringa oleifera) bark, Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) leaf and Varun (Crataeva nurvala) are crushed and made into a poultice and applied on the painful body parts.
• Water is added in Pippali (Piper longum) fruit powder and paste is prepared. It is boiled and applied externally.
• For getting relief from pain, apply the poultice of the Adusa (Adhatoda zeylanica) leaves on the painful joints.
• In pain and swelling, paste prepared from Samundar-ka-pat (Argyreia nervosa) roots with rice (Oryza sativa) water is applied on the affected parts.
• Few drops of the Sehund (Euphorbia tirucalli) latex are mixed with 10 drops Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) oil in mustard (Brassica campestris) oil and smeared all over the painful parts of the body.
• Paste is prepared from the leaves of Singhara (Trapa natans var. bispinosa) and applied externally on the affected parts.
• Poultice of Adhasisi (Xanthium indicum) plant is prepared and tied on the affected part.
• In sciatica, Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) leaves, Adrak (Zingiber officinale) powder and Arandi (Ricinus communis) oil is mixed and applied externally.

Garlic Oil for External Application

Garlic is highly nutritious and has several medicinal values. Eat a few cloves of it every morning on an empty stomach and you will experience relief from back pain very soon.

One can also prepare garlic oil and use it to massage the back. It is very easy to prepare garlic oil; simply add few cloves of garlic in coconut oil or sesame oil. Heat it for some time and strain the oil when the garlic appears brownish in colour. Use this oil for a daily massage on the aching areas.

Ice/ Cold Packs
This is a more conventional treatment option, and for good reason it is completely natural, and it works. For effective results, apply the ice or cold pack to the direct center of the affected area. Keep it there for about 25 minutes before letting it rest, and repeat this process every half an hour for best results.

Conclusion:

Incorporating these soothing, natural drinks into your daily routine can be an effective way to alleviate back pain and promote overall well-being. From the healing properties of turmeric milk to the rejuvenating effects of ginger-green tea and the restorative benefits of tulsi juice, these Ayurvedic beverages can help reduce inflammation and support your body’s natural healing processes.

For personalized advice and holistic treatments tailored to your specific needs, I-AIM Healthcare Centre, a trusted Ayurveda hospital in Bangalore, offers a range of Ayurvedic therapies. Our expert practitioners are here to guide you on your journey to a pain-free life through natural, effective, and sustainable healing solutions.

The post Bring your Back on Track first appeared on FOUNDATION FOR REVITALISATION OF LOCAL HEALTH.

Agnimantha or Arni holds an important place in Ayurveda and traditional Indian Medicine System, mainly due to its highly effectiveness in treatment of cardiac ailments and oedema. But that is not all; it has several other medicinal properties and health benefits that give Agnimantha such an important place. 

Instances of its uses in ancient India have been cited in Ayurveda and Siddha system of medicines. Its root forms one of the ten key ingredients of an Ayurvedic formulation called Dashamula or Dashamularista (Dasha – Ten, Mula – Root). Its bark and stem is an integral component of Chyavanprash, an Ayurvedic health tonic and owing to its anti-inflammatory (acting to reduce certain signs of inflammation, as swelling, tenderness, fever, and pain) and analgesic (pain relieving) action, it can be a very effective herb in the treatment of back pain.

‘Agni’ means fire, while ‘mantha’ means churning. In ancient times, its wood pieces were rubbed with each other to generate fire, hence the name, Agnimantha. Botanically, Agnimantha is known as Clerodendrum phlomidis, belonging to the family Lamiaceae. The name Clerodendrum is from the Greek kleros meaning chance, and dendron, meaning a tree, and alludes to a native legend that the plants possessed medicinal properties, which were a possible cure for certain ailments.

In Ayurveda and Siddha systems of medicine, Clerodendrum phlomidis is used as a single drug or in combination with other drugs. It is constituted in a number of Ayurvedic formulations indicative for digestive disorders, acidity, gas troubles, diarrhoea, liver tonic and general health tonic. Clerodendrum phlomidis leaf is used as remedy to treat diabetes in southern parts of India, especially by the tribes of Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu. The other traditional uses of leaf juice are to treat dyspepsia, fever, hypertension, high cholesterol and for stimulating intestine as a peristalsis agent. The oil extracted from leaf is an ingredient of many stress/pain relief massage oil blends and many polyherbal formulations that are used as rejuvenative tonic. In case of erysipelas (bacterial skin infection involving the upper dermis) and glandular enlargement, the paste of Agnimantha and bamboo leaves is applied externally.

How does it look like?

Agnimantha appears as a large shrub or small tree growing upto 1.5-3 metres tall, stem is ashy-grey and branches are velvety. Leaves are ovate, opposite, deltoid, hairy from below and wavy. The flowers are in small rounded terminal panicle and bloom in August to February. Flowers are creamy-white or pale yellowish, about 1.5 cm across. Calyx is bell-shaped, hairless, pale or somewhat yellowish green, somewhat inflated, 5-lobed, Sepals are 4-5 mm long, ovate-triangulate, Flower-tube is 2-2.5 cm long, much narrower than the calyx, velvety outside. Petals are 5, nearly equal, ovate-elliptic. Drupe is obovoid, 8-12 mm long, black, wrinkled, usually 4-lobed, enclosed by the persistent calyx, seeds oblong, white. 

Where is it found?

Agnimantha is a medium sized plant that grows in open and dry areas. It is a fairly common shrub of arid plains, low hills, and deserts of western India, Sri Lanka and Burma.  

Ayurvedic Properties and Uses

Following are the Ayurvedic properties and action of Agnimantha on body: Rasa (taste): tikta/bitter, katu (pungent) kashaya/astringent, Guna (characteristics): laghu/ light, ruksha/dry, Veerya (potency): ushna/hot, Vipaka (post digestive effect): katu/pungent and Action on body: hot in potency reduces phlegm, reduces wind/vata.

Agnimantha is ingredient of many Ayurvedic medicines such as Chyavanprash, Dashmularishtha, Dashmool Ghrita, Narayan Taila, Gorochandi Vati etc. For medicinal purpose, generally the roots and leaves of Agnimantha tree are used. The pulp obtained from the crushing of the leaves is applied externally on swellings. 

The decoction of the root is aromatic, astringent and used as a demulcent in gonorrhoea. The juice of leaves is used as an alternative and bitter tonic. It is also given to children during convalescence from measles. In southern India, the juice of leaves is given in neglected syphilitic complaints in doses of half an ounce or more twice daily. The tribals rub the plant over their bodies in dropsy (oedema). The plant is also reported to be useful in inflammation, glycosuria (sugar in urine), pox, coryza (inflammation of the mucous membrane in the nose), scrotal enlargement and postnatal complaints.

How to grow it in your garden?

Agnimantha is propagated by semi-hardwood stem cuttings, directly on to the polybags. Sprouting is observed after 15 days and onset of rooting starts after 20-30 days. After three months, the saplings are transplanted.

What are the Vernacular names?

Agnimantha is knowns as Arni in Bengali and Hindi, Taggi gida in Kannada, Takalimula in Marathi, Taluki in Telugu, Munja in Malayalam, Ganiary in Oriya and Jaya, Sriparni, Gankarika or Agnimantha in Sanskrit.

Self Help

Agnimantha roots are used in treatment of variety of diseases such as inflammation, jaundice, piles, constipation, impaired digestion, gulma (abdominal tumours/ lumps etc), painful urination and retention of urine. The decoction of roots is used for obesity. In case of erysipelas (bacterial skin infection involving the upper dermis) and glandular enlargement, the paste of Agnimantha and bamboo leaves is applied externally.

For Back Pain

Make a paste of Agnimantha root by rubbing it on a rough stone slab, mix it with lime juice and apply externally on the lower back where the pain is. This should be done for seven days.

For Freckles and Black spots

For freckles, the bark paste in milk is applied topically for a fortnight.

For Swellings

The roots of Agnimantha are boiled in water to make decoction and given in dose of 100 ml to treat swelling in body.

For Utricaria

Agnimantha root powder is given internally in dose of two grams with desi ghee for six days. The decoction of root is also useful in blood purification and treating skin diseases.

For Abdominal discomfort

The cooked leaves of Agnimantha eaten as saag, (curry) help to reduce abdominal gas and discomfort. In constipation, the leaves and Haritaki (harad) decoction is given.

For Piles

The decoction of leaves is given and poultice is applied on affected body area.

At I-AIM Healthcare Center, we use an integrative approach with medicinal plants, authentic Ayurveda, Acupuncture and Yoga for treating back pain effectively.

For Consultation, Treatments and appointment bookings, 

Call: 080-28567000/ +91-8050347000/ +91-7204377000

www.iaimhealthcare.org

The post Amazing Agnimantha first appeared on FOUNDATION FOR REVITALISATION OF LOCAL HEALTH.

Sciatica pain can make life miserable. Walking, standing, bending over, driving a car, working at a computer, catching up on household chores, sneezing or coughing, and many other activities of daily living can cause sudden and intense pain. Patients who suffer from sciatica, especially of a more acute nature, find the symptoms disrupting many aspects of their life……

Sciatica is a general term for pain originating from the sciatic nerve. Sciatica is a symptom of a disorder that causes mild to sharp and sometimes excruciating pain. Patients have described sciatic pain as mildly disturbing to burning, aching, deep, and like a sudden bolt of lightning. Sciatic nerve pain travels from the buttock, down the back of the thigh, and into the leg. Leg pain is the classic hallmark of sciatica. Low back pain may accompany sciatica, and some patients experience sciatic pain extending into the foot. Another characteristic of sciatica is it usually affects either the lower left or right side of the body.

A general confusion is that sciatica is an ailment. This is not so actually. Sciatica is the name given to the set of symptoms shown due to an inflammation at any point along the entire sciatic nerve. Hence, for the treatment of sciatica, the physician needs to ascertain where the problem has originated from. The treatment of sciatica is different in different persons due to this variation. Sciatica is felt more with advancing age. Generally, 30 is the age where the sciatic pains might begin in a person, and they go on aggravating as the age advances.

One reason the sciatic nerve causes so much pain is because it is the longest nerve in the body. The nerve starts at the back of the pelvis and runs downward through the hip area and buttocks into each leg. Near the knee, the sciatic nerve divides into two nerves: the tibial and peroneal nerves. The tibial nerve runs behind the knee and the peroneal nerve runs along the side of the calf and ankle. Through the tibial and peroneal nerves, the sciatic nerve innervates (‘stimulates’) the action of many muscles in the lower legs and enables feeling in the thighs, legs, and feet.

Besides pain, other symptoms may accompany sciatica. These symptoms include sensations such as tingling, pins and needles, burning, numbness or muscle weakness. Such symptoms may be felt in the buttock, thigh, behind the knee, calf, ankle, and sometimes the foot.

Causes of Sciatica

Sciatica is not a condition; it is a medical term used to describe symptoms caused by other low back conditions. Several low back conditions can cause sciatica, including:

• Bulging disc or herniated disc: This is the most common cause of sciatica. When a disc bulges, the gel-like center (nucleus pulposus) pushes against the outer wall of the disc (annulus fibrosus). A herniated disc means that the nucleus pulposus breaks through the annulus fibrosus. With both bulging and herniated discs, the disc material can press on nerve roots, causing sciatica. The consequences of a herniated disc are worse than those of a bulging disc. The disc material that leaks out contains an acidic, chemical irritant (hyaluronic acid) that causes nerve inflammation.
• Degenerative disc disease (DDD): Sciatica is a common result of the ageing process that affects discs called degenerative disc disease. DDD is a change in the disc shape and function, and it can result in a bulging disc or a herniated disc and pain.
• Piriformis syndrome: The piriformis muscle, located in the lower part of the spine, connects to the thigh bone, and helps one rotate his/her hip. The sciatic nerve runs under the piriformis muscle, so muscle spasms can compress the sciatic nerve. It may be difficult to diagnose and treat as it is not easily identified by x-ray or MRI.
• Pregnancy: The extra weight and pressure on the spine caused by pregnancy can cause compression of the sciatic nerve. The symptoms will usually go away after childbirth.
• Spinal stenosis: Your nerves travel through passageways in your spine, and when this space narrows (stenosis), it can put pressure on the nerves in your low back.
• Spinal tumors and spinal infections: Although very rare, tumors and infections can compress the sciatic nerve.
• Spondylolisthesis: If a vertebra slips forward over the vertebra below it, it is called spondylolisthesis. This slip can pinch the nerve root and cause sciatica.
• Trauma: One can develop sciatica because of direct nerve compression from an outside force. For example, you could be injured in a car accident, resulting in a pinched nerve in your low back.

Sciatica causes according to Ayurveda

• Intake of Vata aggravating foods like adhaki (pigeon pea), chanaka (Bengal gram), kalaya (peanut), masura (red lentil), nishpava (flat bean), uddalaka etc.
• Excess intake of dry, light, and cold food
• Excess intake of pungent, bitter, and astringent food
• Heavy weight lifting, long walk, improper lie or sitting positions
• Suppression of urine, feces etc.
• Improper practice of enema, purgation etc.
• Fall or injury etc.

Ayurvedic Management of Sciatica

Ayurveda is specialized in treating Sciatica with highest treatment success rate. It offers excellent Panchakarma therapies along with internal medicines for treating Sciatica. Ayurveda described sciatica as Gridhrasi (Gridhra means vulture), as the gait of the affected person resembles that of a vulture’s walk and the inflamed nerve appears like its beak.

Ayurveda categorized Sciatica as one of diseases caused by vitiation Vata (one of the main dosha in the body, responsible for the movement and functionality of the body). Sometimes even kapha (dosha responsible for lubrication and bodily fluids) vitiation along with Vata (vata kaphaj) also causes sciatica.

Treatment in Ayurveda is aimed at restoring the equilibrium through correction of the underlying functional in-equilibrium. Ayurvedic treatments for Sciatica concentrate on bringing back the aggravated vata or vata kapha to the state of equilibrium and thereby to the state of health.

Therapies like Dhanyamla dhara, Abyanga swedam, Pathrapotali swedam (Elakizhi), Sarvangadhara (Pizhichil), Kateevasthy, Navarakizhi, Basti (the most important procedure in Ayurveda for curing Sciatica permanently) etc., are done as per the necessity and condition. These therapies are directed towards relieving the inflammatory changes and underlying causes of Sciatica, releasing the spasms and nerve compressions in the affected area, strengthening and nourishing entire spine and supporting tissues. Usually, the treatment period is 4-5 weeks according to the severity of the disease.

Along with these therapies, Ayurveda has also described Sira vedana (Venesection) and Agni karma (Heat therapy) for treating Sciatica.

Sciatica is a condition which makes the individual to cripple in longer time period. Careful supervision over the etiological factors will help to avoid the chances of affliction of the disease. Once afflicted, it is always better to have the treatment at the earliest as it decreases the working ability of the individuals.

There are several curative herbs that have been traditionally used by those who propound Ayurveda in order to reduce the pains of sciatica. A list of these herbs with their actions is given in the Table.

Wholesome diet and habits recommended in Sciatica
Masha (black gram), Kulatha (horse gram), Godhuma (wheat), Raktashali (red rice), Amlaphala (sour fruits), Dadima (pomegranate), Draksha (raisins), Shigru (drum stick), Patola (snake gourd), Kshira (milk)
Ghrita (ghee), Mamsarasa (meat soup), Dhanyamla (sour gruel), Eranda taila (castor oil), Tila taila (sesame oil), Avagaha (tub bath), Abhyanga (oil massage), Ushnodakasweda (warm water bath) etc.

Unwholesome diet and habits in Sciatica
Kalaya – peanut (Lathyrus sativus), Chanaka – Bengal gram (Cicer arietinum), Rajamasha (Rajmaa), Vegadharana (suppression of urges), Vyavaya (carnal indulgence), Vyayama (heavy exercise), Diva swapna (day sleep), Prajagarana (sleepless nights), Yana (riding vehicles etc.)

Among all the alternative therapies for the treatment of sciatica, yoga is perhaps the most popular of the methods in use. Several yogic asanas have been developed since ancient times to create comfort for sciatica pains. The most beneficial yogic asanas in relieving sciatica pains are: 

Supta Padangushthasana – Sit on the ground supported on your palms with your feet outstretched in front of you. Keep your back straight. Now lower your back on the floor. Gradually fold one of your legs so that the knee faces your chin. Clasp the folded leg in your hands. Release the leg and hoist it in the air. Maintain this stance for 20 to 30 seconds; then repeat with the other leg. 

Bharadwajasana – This is the torso twisting asana. Sit on a firm straight backed chair or a stool with your knees slightly apart. Take a deep breath and twist your torso towards one side. Maintain this position for about 10 seconds; then gradually twist over to the other side. This is a very good sciatica exercise for the lower back. 

Adhomukha Shwanasana – Come down on all fours. Keep your back extremely straight. 

At I-AIM Healthcare Center, Bengaluru, we have expert, senior Ayurveda doctors who have successfully treated several cases of Sciatica. For more details and appointment bookings, call us at 080-28567000, www.iaimhealthcare.org

The post Is your Sciatica Pain making your life miserable? first appeared on FOUNDATION FOR REVITALISATION OF LOCAL HEALTH.

How many times have you seen females complaining of Back Pain? Quite often!

Girls with lower back problems usually experience pain from a sports injury or an accident. In these cases, lower back pain is due to a pulled muscle or strained ligament. Carrying heavy backpacks is another cause of back pain in young people. Girls reaching puberty and menstruation may also experience back pain due to hormone changes. Being overweight or obese is yet another cause of back pain in girls/women.

Back Pain Conditions That Mainly Affect Women

Female sex hormones play an important role in a variety of degenerative diseases of the muscles and bones and in pain sensitivity. Following are some of the common causes of back pain in women:

• Menstrual cycle- Hormone fluctuations increase pain sensitivity and affect the muscles. Women experience referred pain from the lower abdomen to the lower back during their menstrual cycle.
• Fibromyalgia– a condition with muscle pain and stiffness that can cause widespread back pain.
• Pregnancy – hormonal changes and pressure placed on the lower back area by a growing baby, including the tailbone, are top causes of lower back pain in women.
• Degenerative spondylolisthesis – a lower back vertebrae slip forward over the one beneath it, irritating spinal nerve roots.
• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction – Sacro iliac joint serves as a cushion between the upper body and pelvis, and dysfunction could be caused by pregnancy, walking pattern, osteoarthritis, injury, etc.
• Post Menopause- Spinal disc degeneration accelerates due to declining estrogen levels post menopause.
• Osteoarthritis in Spine – a degenerative joint disease that leads to a breakdown of the cartilage in facet joints; can lead to a compression fracture anywhere in the spine due to thinning bones.
• Medical disorders – There are a number of disorders that cause frequent back pain in women, i.e., kidney or bladder infections, ovarian disorders, uterine fibroids, pelvic infections, etc.

What Causes Upper Back Pain in Females?

The upper back or thoracic spine is the area that starts at the base of the neck and extends to the bottom of the ribcage. Upper back pain in women is usually due to:

• Poor posture, like slouching or pushing the head forward while sitting or standing, causing misalignment of the spine.
• Muscle overuse or strain, usually due to repetitive motions or lifting items or children incorrectly.
• Injury to discs, muscles and/or ligaments.
• Myofascial pain

Ayurveda for Menstrual Disorder related Backache

In dysmenorrhoea (pain during menstruation), Shatavari (Aspargus racemosus), and jatamansi mixture reduces the pain. Consumption of two tablespoon of castor oil at bedtime with warm water before menstruation starts also relieves backache. However, if there is infection in the pelvis, it must be treated seriously. Usually with the eradication of infection, backache reduces. Medicines like Dashamoolarishta, Ashwagandharishta, Ashokarishta can help to a large extent in this type of backache. Kati basti therapy helps a lot in the management of such back pains.

Diet during Back pain in Women

Since back is the most important balancing part of the body its care must be taken from all possible aspects. Diet is the main source of nourishment of body.

Pure ghee-consumption of 4-5 teaspoons of pure ghee everyday nourishes the body well.

Pulses: enough consumption of pulses gives strength to muscles. Green gram is especially useful in the form of sprouted curry or soup.

Drumstick soup: Cook drumsticks in water, remove the skin park, dilute the pulp again in water and boil for 5 minutes. Add 1 teaspoon of ghee, rock salt to taste a bowlful of this soup should be part of daily diet for women.

Godugdha, godhuma, gum: (cow’s milk, wheat and edible gum respectively) these are three”G” which are key words to diet for backache as they have healing properties.

Recipes with 3 G’s

Laddu- wheat flour, deep fried edible gum in cow’s ghee, almonds and sugar, mix all ingredients in lot of ghee and make laddu. Eat one laddu every day and have a glass of milk after half an hour.

Payasam—take 4 teaspoons of yellow moong, cook it, grind it, fry it in a pan with 4 teaspoons of pure cow’s ghee for 3-4 minutes, add milk to it and sugar, stir well.

Recommended Lifestyle

Sedentary lifestyle and no exercise can also lead to backache gradually. Regular exercise of neck, back, lower back should be performed. Stretching exercises and yogasanas with proper training can help to a large extent to solve backache. Right posture and rhythmic jogging or brisk walk also give good tone to the back muscles. At times, sufficient rest brings down the stress and backache are reduced.

Application of camphor in oil—camphor should be mixed in sesame oil and warmed Application of this mixture on back with gentle massage reduces backache. Most of the pain-relieving ointments have the ingredients such as camphor, eucalyptus and menthol, which relieve pain.

Try gentle stretches: Gentle stretches can actually help women heal more quickly. Try this: While lying down, try bringing up your knees to your chest. Then, put a little pressure on your knees. Stretch, and then relax. Repeat a few times unless you feel pain. If you do, stop.

The post No Woman, No Cry first appeared on FOUNDATION FOR REVITALISATION OF LOCAL HEALTH.

Pain anywhere in the body is distressing and back pain in particular is sort of crippling because it affects one’s posture and gait.

It is important for people to be aware that ‘Pain’ anywhere in the body is a symptom. It is the result of some specific physiological imbalance. Its proper treatment lies in correction of the imbalance. Pain killers are useful for acute unbearable pains but they do not constitute treatment.

Despite excellent diagnostic imaging tools that can precisely identify the location of damage or displacements in muscular or skeletal tissues in the spinal column, there are hardly any solutions in Biomedicine other than pain killers or surgery with uncertain outcomes.

There are in fact several spinal conditions like Spondylolyshesis, Disc Herniation, Fractures, Cauda Equina Syndrome, Osteoarthritis where allopathy advises surgery.  In many cases, it has often been avoided through non-surgical Ayurvedic therapies like Pichu, Kati-basti, Lepa, Pariseka, Agnikarma and Basti. The spinal disorders that are generally possible to treat by Ayurveda are Spondylitis, Spondylosis, Spondylolisthesis, Muscular spasms, Strained muscles and Ligaments, Disc herniation, Arthritis and Osteoporosis.

I-AIM Healthcare Hospital deals competently, annually with hundreds of cases of back pain. We can quote here a case of a pilot who almost lost his job because of spinal dysfunction. After treatment at I-AIM, he could actually skip and thankfully resume his duties.

The mystery about back problems is the frequent disconnect between anatomical defects and pain. Lower back pain has no objective measure. Many times, the precise cause of pain also remains unknown. Medically, back pain is termed as lumbago. It is the disease which afflicts any region of the vertebral column and its associated muscles. Each of the 32 vertebrae can develop sudden pains which could become a chronic condition. Though we use the term back ache in general, actually it is a cumulative effect of various types of dysfunctions of the vertebral column. There are no gender specifics; lumbago affects both men and women.

Ayurveda has a unique physiological understanding of back pain. It is called Katigraha and Prishtasula. At the physiological level, back pain is viewed as a result of vitiation of one of the three principal physiological functions viz., Vata. Back pain arises when Vata in the back gets aggravated due to inappropriate physical activities that may damage the skeletal or muscular tissues. This may include activities like sharp bending, lifting (mithya yoga), excess physical exertion (ati- yoga) or less physical activities (hina yoga). It is also associated with diseases like osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, gynecological problems in women, pregnancy, sciatica, trauma etc. It may surprise readers to learn that according to the systemic understanding of Ayurveda, back pain can be prevented by a balanced diet and healthy metabolism. Of course, it is also important to do appropriate exercises, preferably yoga exercises taught by a competent yoga teacher. It is important to correct clumsy body postures, maintain suitable body weight and avoid sleeping on soft, spongy surfaces.

Irrespective of the origin of the back pain, be it anatomical or muscular, in most conditions, Ayurveda has a unique therapy administered through the anal route called basti for managing back pains.  Basti consists of liquid medication administered through the rectum. This route is necessary because the medicine administered gets absorbed in the intestines without being metabolised in the stomach. At the frontiers of medicine, particularly for neurological, liver and intestinal disorders, it is today being realized that the mouth is not the best route for administration of drugs. The nose and rectum are better routes. The liquid administered through the rectum in basti therapy, may be medicated oils or aqueous extracts of herbs. The medication is absorbed in the gut and it regulates the neurological, motor-sensory dysfunction (vitiation of vata). Alongside basti other therapies may also be advised including acupressure. These treatments are not home remedies and therefore they need to be planned and administered by competent Ayurvedic physicians.

Needless to say, at I-AIM Healthcare Center, our experienced doctors strive to relieve your pain effectively. For appointment bookings, call 080-28567000/ +91-8050347000

The post A Painful Back Needs Expert Help first appeared on FOUNDATION FOR REVITALISATION OF LOCAL HEALTH.