What is Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral Palsy which translates to ‘Weakness in the Brain’ is a neurological condition and happens due to abnormal brain development mostly before birth. It affects the motor skills of a child as the motor control centre of the developing brain is damaged which may have occurred before / during childbirth or even before five years. Currently, there is no known cure for the condition but there are treatment plans including physical therapies and medicines that can lessen the symptoms and help improving body functions.
The motor area of the brain which is the Cerebral Cortex is affected by Cerebral Palsy. It is commonly found that people with cerebral Palsy finds trouble in swallowing and suffer from eye-muscle imbalance. Symptoms and difficulties might vary from person to person. Some might find difficulty in walking, while others might be with good intellectual capabilities where they can be seen as near-normal. Blindness, Epilepsy or deafness might also be a result of Cerebral Palsy.
How to reduce the disability of the body caused by Cerebral Palsy?
Even though Cerebral Palsy is yet to have a cure, it is not a progressive disease which means that it won’t get intensified over a period of time. Getting an early diagnosis along with therapies and treatments can help slow down the symptoms while enhancing mobility. Medications used to treat Cerebral Palsy are usually that can help lessen stiffness in muscles thereby improving body functionalities, reduce the pain and control any other related complications. There is no one treatment plan that fits all in the case of Cerebral Palsy. After identifying the type of treatment required, an appropriate treatment plan is devised.
In Ayurveda, Kaumaabhṛitya, is the branch of specialization for child healthcare. ‘Medhya’, which is a combination of herbal medicines that helps in the regeneration of brain cells and thereby improve its functionality is administered over the course of treatment.
Herbal Medicines & Medicinal Plants Used (to name a few) : [* – Malayalam Names ]
- Brahmi
- Mandukaparni (Kudakam*)
- Shankh Pushpi
- Jyotishmati (Paluruvam*)
- Ashwagandha (Amukkuram*)
- Guduchi ( Chittamruthu*)
- Shatavari
- Haritaki (Kadukka*)
- Vacha (Vayambu*)
- Kushmanda (Ash Gourd)
- Abhrak Bhasma
- Suvarna Bhasma
- Brahmi Ghruta
- Panch Tikta Ghrut Guggulu
- Kaishora Guggulu
- Vidhwans Ras
Treatment plans might include :
- Udvartana
- Chaturbhadra Kalpa Basti
- Abhyanga
- Anuvasanabasti
- Aasthapana Basti
Ashtanga Ghrita is given orally except for days they have undergone basti.
Case studies have shown that children who underwent this treatment plan have shown notable improvement in growth which might be due to Rasadi dhatu. Massage brings forth nourishment which helps lessen joint shrinkage, thereby aiding height increase.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism is a complicated developmental disorder that prevents the affected from having proper communication and also affects their behavioural pattern. Behavioural therapy, Massages, Physical Therapy, Play Therapy etc are used as part of treatment for a child suffering from Autism. Each autistic person displays a definite set of challenges and strong points that may be different from another.
Autism Treatment in Ayurveda
As an alternative treatment for Autism, Ayurveda is being sought after by many due to its holistic approach towards the disease. In Ayurveda, behavioral disorders including Autism are categorized as ‘Sahaja Vyadhi’ which is a broad term where disorders originating by birth are concerned and also under ‘Unmada & Apasmara’. Diagnosing autism can be done only by routinely analyzing the child and doing screening tests as required. Ayurveda considers Autism as a disease occurring as a result of an imbalance in ‘Tridosha’. As every ayurvedic treatment plan goes, it aims at not just curing the symptoms, but finding the root cause and thereby preventing it from occurring.
As autism is identified as a disease that happens during pregnancy itself, the first step in Autism treatment in Ayurveda Kerala focuses on getting the parents a detoxification treatment which includes a Panchakarma chikitsa, manovikara niyantrana, rasayana chikitsa etc. The key objective is to rid the body and mind of impurities thereby minimizing the chances of any genetic disorders for the child.
For an autistic person, the treatment plans do not just include internal medicines, the most important of which is Medhya Rasayana, external therapies are also equally important which may vary from Nasya, Shirodhara, Dhoomapana etc to name a few.
In this alternative treatment for Autism, the spiritual well being of the person is given equal importance as that of physical well being. Though principally followed in ancient times, things like mantra chanting and mala japa are followed even today to help manage emotional state aka ‘Manovikaras’. It depends entirely upon the patient’s family whether to follow it or not, depending on their faith.
As supportive therapy, Yoga and Pranayama are included in the Autism treatment in Ayurveda Kerala. As described by Acharya Patanjali, Ashtanga Yoga is about mind control and improving psychological health. It is not just any physical exercise.
In Autism treatment in Ayurveda Kerala, Sreerudra Ayurveda has proved themselves to provide the most reliable alternative treatment for Autism with its systematic and honest approach.
