Paralysis is loss of muscle function for one or more muscles. Paralysis can be accompanied by a loss of feeling (sensory loss) in the affected area if there is sensory damage as well as motor. Paralysis can affect the entire body or a specific body part. When the whole body is affected it is known as complete paralysis. When it affects a specific body part it is known as partial paralysis. A facial paralysis is one of the most common disabilities resulting from stroke and mainly affects one side of the face.

The main cause of paralysis is the impairment of nerves in the spinal cord or brain. Stroke, head injury, spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis are considered as the four most common causes of paralysis. However, some more brain disorder, infections, or even environmental toxins can also cause paralysis. Have a look at the following list that gives the causes of paralysis.

Neurological diseases, such as Cerebral Palsy, Bell’s Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, and Peripheral Neuropathy Infectious or autoimmune diseases such as HIV, Lyme disease, Spondylitis, and Guillain-Barre syndrome Serious or life-threatening conditions such as brain tumor, trauma, hemorrhage, or stroke Trauma such as a herniated vertebral disk, broken or severed spinal cord, or direct trauma to a nerve Environmental factors such as toxins, radiation or poisons.

Paralysis impairs the muscle power and thus may result in total or partial immobility. Even if it is a partial paralysis it has a significant effect on the other systems in the body. The common signs and symptoms of paralysis include:

• Changes to circulation and respiration
• Changes to the kidneys and gastrointestinal system
• Changes to muscles, joints, and bones
• Spasticity of the limbs
• Muscle spasms
• Pressure sores
• Edema
• Blood clots in the lower limbs
• Skin injury
• Bacterial infection
• Disruption of the normal working of the tissues, glands, and organs
• Constipation
• Loss of control of urination
• Abnormal sweating
• Abnormal breathing or heart rate
• Balance problems
• Difficulty speaking or swallowing
• Vision problems
• Pain and swelling in Knee? Get it treated with natural therapies

According to Ayurveda the main line of treatment of paralysis is normalizing the flow of Prana Vayu. This is done by following therapies and should be carried out in all stages of paralysis depending on the general condition of the patient.

• Abhyangam : An Ayurvedic full body massage that relaxes the muscles and nerves
• Padabhyanga : Padabhyanga relaxes muscles and ligaments in the lower limbs.
• Pizhichil : Pizhichil Ayurvedic Treatment includes massage with warm oil and therefore can stimulate the nerves and muscles.
• Sneha Vasti : Since paralysis is one of the Vata vyadhis mentioned in the classical Ayurvedic text texts, Sneha vasti is used to correct the vata dosha.