Abstract
Human body is a marvelous creation. It has a complex mechanism that helps in carrying out day to day activities with ease and comfort. We may not realize but there are multiple systems that work in coordination to bring out the normalcy in the body. Out of all the systems, the nervous system is the most important. Any disturbance in the working of the nervous system will affect the entire health of the body and result in disorientation of the day-to-day activities. In this article, let us take a look at Allodynia, a nervine pain and ayurveda ways to treat allodynia.
Introduction- What Is Allodynia?
Allodynia is a condition in which pain is caused by a stimulus that usually does not elicit any pain. It is a type of nerve or neuropathic pain that leads to sensitivity to touch. People suffering from allodynia are extremely sensitive to touch. Daily activities like touching your hair and skin may cause pain. Although it is a rare condition but is commonly found in people with neuropathic pain. Three types of allodynia are
1. Mechanical allodynia
Mechanical allodynia is also called tactile allodynia. It is of two types
- Static allodynia: Pain in response to touch
- Dynamic allodynia: Pain in response to stroking
2. Thermal allodynia
Pain in response to temperature change
3. Movement allodynia
Pain in response to movement in joints
Causes
Allodynia is a clinical feature of many painful conditions such as
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Trigeminal neuralgia
- Multiple sclerosis
- Fibromyalgia
- Migraine
- Shingles
- Opioid medications
- Trauma
Treatment
Treatment for allodynia will depend upon the underlying cause of the condition. It is very important to find out the cause behind allodynia to be able to treat it completely
1. Oral medications
Oral medications are used to specifically target and treat the underlying cause. Some of the most common oral medications used in case of allodynia are
- Pregabalin (to treat fibromyalgia pain)
- Triptans ( to treat migraines)
- Lidocaine
2. Topical treatments
Topically using pain relieving medications can also help in allodynia. Some of them are: lidocaine ointment and capsaicin patch. Topical medications can be in the form of patch, creams, gel or ointment.
3. Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)
4. Cognitive behavioral therapy
5. Nerve blockers
6. Surgery
7. Lifestyle changes and dietary changes
Ayurveda Perspective on Allodynia
Allodynia is not mentioned in Ayurveda specifically but since it is a nervine pain, it can be considered under the disorders of the nervous system. Out of the seven dhatus present in Ayurveda, Ayurveda considers the nervous system as the manifestation of the majja dhatu. This includes the brain, spinal cord, vertebrate and the skull. It controls the functions of the brain and the nervous system. Poor lifestyle combined with insomnia and poor dietary habits can lead to imbalance in the Majja Dhatu which eventually affects the functioning of the brain and nervous system. As far as Dosha imbalances are concerned, Nervous system disorders are a result of the vitiation of the vata dosha. Combining the vitiated vata dosha to the other affected doshas, pitta which leads to inflammation and kapha which slows down the nervous system results in the complete manifestation of the nervous disorders. Nervous disorders caused by vitiation of Vata mainly result in pain from the light stimulus.
Ayurveda Management of Allodynia
Ayurveda treatment for nervous system disorders mainly includes balancing out the aggravated vata dosha to pacify the symptoms of pain. There are many time tested ayurveda herbs that are helpful in managing the cases of allodynia. The treatment approach of Ayurveda in case of allodynia includes
- Counselling the patient
- Nidana parivarjan (Eliminating the cause)
- Samshodhana therapy (Panchkarma)
- Shaman Aushadhis (Oral medications)
Specific herbs that calm the nervous system, boost the brain function and pacify the vata dosha are used in Ayurveda. Some of these herbs are
1. Rasna (Alpinia galanga)
This herb is considered as one of the most useful herbs in case of vata disorders. It has vata balancing properties which is why it is used in nervous disorders such as allodynia. Rasna pacifies the excess vata, has antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties which makes it useful in joint disorders and nervous disorders.
2. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Withania somnifera has withanoides presenting them which work as natural adaptogens.This herb works as a natural steroid and helps provide strength, stamina and nourishment to the body and nervous system. It has antioxidant properties and has stress relieving properties which is why it is beneficial in neurological disorders.
3. Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)
Bhrami (Bacopa monnieri) in ayurveda is grouped under the category of medhya rasayana which means herbs that are good for the brain. The active compound bacosides present in this herb works as a brain tonic and helps in nourishment of the brain cells. It has anti anxiety properties and treats neuroinflammation which makes it a choice for neurological disorders such as allodynia.
4. Vacha (Acorus calamus)
This Herb is a nerve tonic that helps increase memory span, fights anxiety and relaxes the mind. Along with the nerve supporting properties, Vacha (Acorus calamus) also helps in digesting the Ama or toxins that are produced in the body as a result of faulty diet and lifestyle. It helps balance out the vitiated vata and kapha dosha in the body.
Herbal Formulations for Allodynia by Planet Ayurveda
Planet Ayurveda is a GMP certified manufacturing company that produces 100% pure, authentic ayurveda products. All the products by Planet Ayurveda are free from chemicals, additives, preservatives, food colors and yeast. All these formulations are built by MD ayurveda doctors on the lines of ancient Ayurveda texts. Planet Ayurveda suggests various Ayurvedic formulations for the people suffering from allodynia. These products are
- Boswellia Curcumin Capsules
- Neurogenie Capsules
- Maharasnadi Kwath
- Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras
- Vata Balance Capsules
Production Description
1. Boswellia-Curcumin Capsules
Boswellia curcumin capsule by Planet Ayurveda is a formulation that has 250 mg of pure standardized extract of Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Curcumin (Curucma longa). These herbs are mentioned in ayurveda textbooks to treat pain and inflammation. This formulation is rich in antioxidant properties and has a neuroprotective activity. This is majorly used for pain, swelling, cardiovascular health and joint health.
Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily.
2. Neurogenie capsules
Neurogenie capsules by Planet Ayurveda are herbal capsules that have pure standardized extract of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) and ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Both these herbs work as nervine tonics and help in neurological disorders. These herbs are considered Medhya in ayurveda which means herbs that are good for the brain. This formulation works as a supplement for the brain.
Dosage: 1 twice daily
3. Vata balance capsules
Vata balance capsules are pure natural formulations by Planet Ayurveda which mainly target the aggravated vata dosha in the body. These capsules contain Bilwa (Aegle marmelos), shyonak (Oroxylum indicum), patla (Stereospermum suaveolens), agnimanth (Clerodendrum phlomidis) etc. The prime ingredient id bilwa (Aegle marmelos) which has hot potency which balances the vata dosha and patla (Stereospermum suaveolens) is a tridosha balancing herb. It also has dashmool which majorly acta on vata dosha and cumulatively with all the herbs help treat the neurological disorders.
Dosage: 1 capsules twice daily
4. Maharasnadi Kwath
Maharasnadi kwath by Planet Ayurveda is a decoction formulation that has the prime ingredient as Rasna (Alpinia galanga). This herb is used in case of vata disorders. Rasna pacifies the excess vata, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which makes this formulation useful in joint disorders and nervous disorders.
Dosage: 15 ml twice daily with equal amounts of water.
5. Vrihat VatChintamani Ras
Vrihat Vatchintamani ras is a classical ayurvedic preparation in tablet form manufactured by Planet Ayurveda. This formulation contains Swarna bhasma, Praval bhasma, Loha bhasma, Mukta bhasam and Abhrak bhasma. It maintains healthy functioning of the brain and maintains a healthy nervous system. This formulation mainly pacifies the Vata and Pitta disorders.
Dosage: 1 tablet once daily.
Contact Planet Ayurveda Support Team to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at - costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or Call at 0172-521-4030 (India), +91-172-521-4030 (Outside India) or Whatsapp at (+91) 9915-593-604.
Conclusion
Any discrepancy in the working of the nervous system can lead to multiple issues in the body, one of which can be allodynia. While modern medicine can help in treatment of allodynia, Ayurveda provides a much safer and permanent solution. Ayurveda has been around for the past 5000 years and has a holistic approach towards allodynia. A combination of correct diet, lifestyle and Ayurveda herbs can help a person find permanent cure to allodynia.