Q: I have had Bell’s palsy for a year and the affected (left) side of my face has tightened up, so much so that the normal side of my face seems atrophied and (in pictures, especially), the asymmetry and rippled tightness in certain areas has really affected my spirit. I am immuno-supressed (as I am a kidney transplant patient, almost 3 years out). I have extreme anxiety and have for years and I am hoping to find some redemption through Ayurveda (and anything you suggest). I’ve been actively trying to heal this stubborn Bell’s palsy since the day I got it with acupuncture, juicing, taking supplements and learning to meditate and I am losing motivation. I’m not ready to give up, but I am desperately in need of some encouraging words and a little time to find out what’s really going on in my body.
A: Many cases of Bell’s palsy or facial paralysis have been successfully treated with Ayurveda. The Ayurvedic system of medicine strongly believes in the universal potential of the innate power of healing that lies within each and every one of us. Ayurveda not only looks into superficial symptoms but deals with root-causes of all the imbalances.
The classical Ayurvedic correlation of Bell’s palsy is ardita or ekayama. According to Ayurveda, Bell’s palsy is caused by the aggravation of vata dosha (air element). Aggravated vata dosha can be trapped in the upper part of the face where it may cause inflammation and atrophy of the nerves and muscles affecting the neuromuscular functioning of the face. This leads to tightness and other associated symptoms of Bell’s palsy. Extreme anxiety and immuno-suppressed conditions can contribute to further aggravation of vata dosha.
Home Remedies
• Make tea with equal amounts of hing or asafoetida, cumin, black pepper, ginger, clove, garlic and a pinch of rock salt and take three times a day on an empty stomach.
• Incorporate regular head and face massage with warm sesame oil, followed by a steam twice daily.
• Spend a few minutes doing simple eye exercise such as looking up and down, left and right, diagonally from side to side as well as repeating circular movements of the eyes.
Ayurvedic recommendations (Please consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner)
• Nasya: In Ayurveda, any condition located above the shoulders can be addressed with the help of nasya (herbal nasal drops).
• Shirodhara: Continuous pouring of warm herbal oil on the forehead.
• Shirovasi: Holding medicated herbal oil on the scalp for a specified period of time.
• Netra tarpana: Medicated herbal eye wash.
• Karna purana: Filling the ears with medicated herbal oil.
• Internal and external oleation with Ayurv-edic medicated herbal ghee and nourishing oils such ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and bala (Sida cordifolia), followed by herbal steam.
Yoga
Practice pranayama (breathing techniques) and nadi sodhana (alternate nostril breathing). Learn these techniques from a qualified teacher or practitioner.
Q: I have trouble sleeping at night. Sometimes, even when I am tired, I lie down, and then when I do, I wake up and my mind starts racing. I’ve been trying to massage my feet with oil at night, but even that doesn’t seem to do anything. Do you have any suggestions to help me fall asleep and stay asleep?
A: According to Ayurveda disturbed sleep (anidra) occurs due to the aggravation of vata dosha (air element), pitta dosha (fire element) and mental attributes called rajas (quality of turbulence). The fact you are not able to sleep well and the mind is racing, is an example of an ‘on the go’ or constant worrying nature. It is important to discover the stimulant causing sleeplessness.
However, I recommend you see a qualified Ayurvedic physician or a practitioner who will be able to assess the root cause and provide appropriate suggestions customized for you, which will help you with your sleep.
Home remedies
• Take a glass of warm milk with a pinch of nutmeg at bedtime.
• Massage your entire body with warm vata-soothing sesame oil.
• Create a peaceful sleeping environment.
Ayurvedic Treatments
• Panchakarma: customized Ayurvedic detoxification to remove the accumulated toxins and prepare the body for self healing under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic physician or practitioner.
• Shirodhara: continuous pouring of medicated herbal oil on the forehead.
Yoga
• Shavasana (corpse or relaxation pose).
• Practice meditation and pranayama (breathing exercises) and learn these from a qualified practitioner.
Q: I have been learning about Ayurveda for the past year, reading books and taking various written tests to determine my dosha. It seems that with each test, my results are different. Can you tell me why this is the case? I am interested in learning my correct dosha. Also, what does a standard consultation entail when you go to see an Ayurvedic practitioner?
A: The key to finding out our mind/body dosha is not just to consider present imbalances but take into account your physical personality characteristics and emotional and mental disposition when you were growing up. This will be the time when our general characteristics are not tainted by education, wisdom, acquired tastes, imbalances, medications or herbal supplements. We do tend to focus on our general tendencies or imbalances at the present time when answering an Ayurvedic test or quiz. Therefore in order to find out your prakriti, your individual mind/body type and your vrikriti, or imbalanced set of dosha, an assessment by a qualified Ayurvedic physician or practitioner is necessary and valuable.
An Ayurvedic constitutional analysis includes a detailed account of your health history, present imbalances and health concerns as well as a complete analysis of mind/body constitution. In every consultation the individual is educated on the principles of Ayurveda, as they apply to their own specific condition and needs. An in-depth Ayurvedic assessment is done to uncover the imbalances in the mind, body and emotions. This assessment includes pulse reading, tongue reading and assessment of the rest of the body (including the skin and nails). A program of developing a healthy relationship with food is addressed as well as lifestyle considerations. Customized herbs or tonics may also be given at this time.
Before using any of the above Ayurvedic remedies, consult
with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner or healthcare provider.
The information given here represents the opinions and recommendations
of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views
of LA YOGA Ayurveda and Health magazine.
Dr. Ram Tamang BAMS is licensed in India and Nepal
and is the director of panchakarma at the Healing Gardens. Thehealingardens.com
