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We all appreciate being able to move freely, don't we? Think about what it would be like not to be able to move a body part. We call this paralysis. Paralysis can be scary and really life-changing, whether it occurs slowly or all at once. People with paralysis lose their ability to move or feel a part of their body, typically due to nerve damage.

Knowing the cause of paralysis is the key to recovery. Ayurveda follows a holistic strategy by determining the root cause of paralysis, while contemporary medicine focuses on treating only its symptoms.

Ayurvedic Causes of Paralysis

Ayurveda acknowledges that paralysis may be caused by imbalances in the doshas or natural energies of the body. Let's discuss how these doshas impact the body:

Vata dosha imbalance: Paralysis is mostly due to vata, which is associated with movement and nervous system function. Unbalanced Vata damages or weakens the nerves, which disrupts muscular control and movement. Stress, physical strain, and prolonged exposure to cold can all aggravate Vata and lead to paralysis.
Pitta dosha imbalance: Pitta regulates the metabolism and digestion of the body. An imbalance in pitta can lead to inflammation, nerve degradation, and disruption in the impulses of the brain to the muscles of the body. This imbalance can be aggravated by anger, excessive stress, and eating a spicy food diet. In some cases, this imbalance could lead to paralysis.
Kapha dosha imbalance: Kapha is responsible for the lubrication and steadiness of the body. Kapha can lead to slow blood flow and nervous blockage, making movement a problem if there is an excess of Kapha. Paralysis results from Kapha being worsened by sedentary activities, improper dietary habits and prolonged sleep.

Other reasons for paralysis, as per Ayurveda, are unhealthy food, poor digestive system, accumulation of toxins (ama), and emotional tension. Paralysis can also be caused by environmental factors like pollution, weather conditions, and chemicals.

Modern Causes of Paralysis

Unexpectedly, our modern way of life may significantly enhance the risk of paralysis-causing diseases, especially by affecting cardiovascular conditions such as stroke, a leading cause of paralysis. Our lifestyle can thus indirectly elevate the risk of paralysis.

Stroke: Stroke is among the most prevalent causes of paralysis. It occurs due to a blockage of blood supply to the brain, leading to brain cell death and loss of function in the affected part of the body.

Trauma and injury: Depending on the nature of the injury, head trauma or spinal cord injury accidents can lead to partial or total paralysis.

Neurological diseases: Progressive nerve degeneration caused by conditions such as multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Parkinson's disease can lead to paralysis.

Infections: Some viral and bacterial infections, such as polio or Guillain-Barré syndrome, result in inflammation of the nerves and cause temporary or permanent paralysis.

Genetics: Genetic disorders can result in paralysis, including hereditary spastic paraplegia, in which patients have progressive muscle weakness and paralysis.

Current research indicates that conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and unhealthy living habits (smoking and physical inactivity) put a person at risk for stroke and paralysis.

In summary, with its intrinsic knowledge of the body's rhythms, Ayurveda seeks to restore and rejuvenate injured tissues, enhance circulation, and energize the nervous system. Begin your journey to recovery today by consulting an Ayurvedic expert today.