Diseases of the Nerves

Vata in its normal healthy state helps to maintain equilibrium in the different tissues and governing principles of the body, as well as maintaining balanced metabolism, balanced nervous system function and balanced sensory function.

General Medicines for Diseases of the Nerves

Diseases of the nerves benefit from the general Vata treatments, including an emphasis upon warming foods and beverages, and an avoidance of cold foods and beverages.  Of great importance is the general nerve restorative Yogaraja Guggulu that is applicable for use in many of the diseases in this chapter.  Use of the variation called Maha Yogaraja Guggulu, which contains purified minerals (bhasmas), is also of great importance.  Another highly effective nerve medicine is Narayana taila, which can be used both as an external massage and as medicinal drops for the nose or ear.

Nakhabheda (Breaking of the Nail)

Nakhabheda relates to the non-congenital breaking of the nail, and is concerned with the aggravated function of the dorsal nerves of the hand (radial, ulnar and medial).  It is treated with general treatments to balance Vata, including medicated oil massage with Narayana taila.

Vipadika (Cracking of the Sole)

Vipadika relates to fissures and cracking of the sole of the foot, and is concerned with the aggravated function of the nervous system.  It is treated with the regular Vata treatments along with a plaster made from a fat such as ghee mixed with beeswax.

Padashula (Pain in the Sole)

Padashula relates to pain in the sole of the foot, and is concerned with the aggravated function of the nervous system.  It is treated with hot compress of salt water or oil massage with Narayana taila.

Padabhramsha (Chronic ankle sprain)

Padabhramsha relates to chronic ankle sprain, and is caused by a weakness of the nervous system.  The weak ankle creates a tendency to slip and fall, causing chronic pain due to repeated injury.  It is treated with the regular Vata treatments, hot compress of salt water or oil massage with Narayana taila.

Additional headings in this chapter*

Padasuptata (Foot Neuropathy)
Pindikodvestanam (Spasm Of The Calf)
Gridhrasi (Sciatica)
Gulfagraha (Swelling Of The Ankles)
Janlivishlesa (Dislocation Of The Kneecap)
Urustambha (Paralysis Of The Thigh)
Shronibheda (Hip Pain)
Trikagraha (Back Pain / Lumbago)
Pristhagraha (Spondylitis)
Parswavamarda (Spasm Of The Chest Or Diaphragm)
Angasamshosa (Neurological Atrophy)
Grivastambha (Paralysis Of The Neck / Torticollis)
Hanustambha (Lockjaw / Trismus)
Paksavata (Paralysis)
Arditam (Facial Paralysis)
Dhanustambha (Tetanus)
Viswachi (Arthritis Of The Hand)
Krostukashirsa (Arthritis Of The Knee)
Khanja (Lameness Of One Leg)
Pangu (Paraplegia / Lameness Affecting Both Legs)
Kalayakhanja (Loss Of Coordination Of The Back)
Vatakantaka (Sprained Ankle)
Amsashosa (Osteoarthritis Of The Shoulder)
Apabahuka (Atrophy Of The Arm)
Khalli (Degenerative Arthritis)
Amavata (Joint Swelling / Rheumatoid Arthritis)
Nidranasha (Insomnia)
Apasmara (Epilepsy)
Ardhavabhedaka (Migraine Headache)

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