Home Remedies for Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy is also called brain palsy. In this disorder, body balance, movements and postures are affected. It may be defined as childhood disability that affects both growth and function (physical and mental) in children. According to Ayurveda, it is not a single disease, numerous factors are responsible for causing this disorder. According to Ayurvedic books this disease is categorized under sahaja (hereditary), jataja (psychosomatic) and garbhaja (congenital) vayadi. During conception other contributory factors that are responsible for causing this disease may include
- khastera (mother’s womb)
- beeja- artava (menstruation) and sperm (shukranu)
- ambu (amniotic fluid)
- rittu (ovulatory cycle)
According to Ayurveda, various causes responsible for Cerebral Palsy are
- Vata Vayadhi- vata related disorder
- Shiro Marma Abhighata- any injury to head
- Bala Vikara- physical and mental growth disorder in children
- Janam Vala Paravritta Vayadhi- congenital disorder
- Bal Pakshaghata- paralysis in children
- Phakka Roga- kind of nutrition related disorder
Factors that are responsible for causing cerebral palsy in children according to Ayurveda are
- Garbha Vridhivikara- abnormal growth of foetus
- Garbhini Paricharya- improper antenatal care
- Dauhrida Avimananata- pregnancy craving negligence
Above mentioned factors cause very adverse effects in foetus present in mother’s uterus and it hinders the mental and physical growth of the child. It is also responsible for bhadirya (deafness), mookta (dumbness) and it finally leads to vata vyadi and child is born with cerebral palsy. Shiroabhighat is again very strong factor for causing this disease because any type of shiro abhighata leads to pakshavadha (hemiplegia), ekanga roga (monoplegia), pangu (diplegia) and sarvanga roga (quadriplegia).
Major symptoms of this disorder may include
- Uncontrolled movements
- Severe muscle stiffness
- Weak muscle tone
- Problem with posture and coordination
- Inability to walk
- Unable to swallow and speech
- Mental retardation
- Bowel disorders
- Dental and skeletal deformities
- Seizures
- Vision and hearing problems
- Inability to control urges
- Eating and digestive problems
Types of Cerebral Palsy- two types of Cerebral Palsy are described below
- Pyramidal– In this type of Cerebral Palsy either muscles are excessively stiffed or muscles are two loose, awkward and jerky.
- Extrapyramidal– This type of Cerebral Palsy affects coordinator movements. It is further divided into two types: Athetoid (it affects any parts of body) and Ataxic (particular parts are affected).
Home Remedies for Cerebral Palsy
According to Ayurveda, various miraculous herbs are used to treat this disorder. In this medicine system, special group of herbs are used to treat and nourish brain cells, these herbs are called Medhya herbs. Natural herbs and other natural herbal supplements that are available easily for treating this disorder include
1. Mandukparni
It is best brain tonic used to nourish nervous system. It acts as best relaxant to nervous system. It is used to reduce tension, anxiety and stress. According to Ayurveda, this herb helps to cure speech and is used to improve memory. It is good for patients of Cerebral Palsy as it helps to relax brain cells and improve speech therapy. Basically, roots of this herb are used as herbal remedy. It is nervine tonic that helps to calm nerves. It is also good for overall strength of nervous system.
2. Brahmi
According to Ayurveda, Brahmi herb is used to improve sattva – pure essence that is essential for consciousness. It helps support focus and consciousness. It helps to strengthen memory and to clarify mind. It helps to pacify aggregated increased vata dosha in body. It is good for patients of Cerebral Palsy because it helps to rejuvenate mind and is used to improve and enhance memory.
3. Guduchi
Guduchi is very beneficial herb that helps to remove toxins and free radicals that may causes serious infections. It helps to improve immune system and also strengthen immunity. It is best medhya rasayna for patients of Cerebral Palsy. It acts as an anti-depressant. It helps to pacify all three dosha- vata, pitta and kapha.
4. Ginger
Ginger is best herbal remedy for Cerebral Palsy as it helps to improve muscle and send more blood to extremities. It helps to reduce pain, inflammation, numbness and stiffness of muscles.
5. Echinacea
It is again very effective herb for Cerebral Palsy as it helps to pump more and more oxygenated blood to all parts of body. Due to this oxygenated blood, muscle tone is improved and it also helps to control muscle movements.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar
It is again very miraculous remedy for Cerebral Palsy because it effectively reduces spasm, inflammation and stiffness of muscles. It also acts as good stimulant agent for digestive system.
7. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is again very beneficial herb that is used to reduce extra stress and anxiety levels. It is also used to reduce symptoms of depression and to nourish neurons. It is good for Cerebral Palsy as it helps to increase muscle mass and controls awkward movements of muscles in Cerebral Palsy. It is also beneficial for reducing excessive inflammation and stiffness. It’s anti-oxidant nature helps to protect brain cells from free radicals and toxins. This herb is used to improve and boost memory.
8. Shatavari
This herb is also very beneficial for treating Cerebral Palsy because roots of this herb are used for treating digestive system and bowel related problems. It is also good for decreasing increased level of pitta dosha in body. It is natural anti-oxidant that helps to improve strength and immunity. It helps increase muscle mass and control extra active muscle movements. It has great soothing effects on digestive system.
9. Vacha
Vacha is very beneficial herb of Ayurveda that helps to stimulate digestion and used to reduce ama that is harmful for gut. It is good for nervous system and good for treating various nervous system related disorders. It deeply penetrates into brain tissues and is used to reduce mental stress. It helps to promote cerebral circulation. This herb has great ability to clear throat congestion and it helps to enhance speech in Cerebral Palsy. It reduces grief, fear, stress and anxiety that are major causes of nervous system related disorders. It also helps to cure emotional imbalance.
Though Cerebral Palsy is not fully cured but all the above-mentioned herbs and herbal supplements helps to reduce various underlying symptoms associated with this serious disorder. These home remedies do not have any serious side effects on body and mind.
