By Dr. Shashank , Ayurveda
Pain in any part of the body is a common phenomenon, one that ensures to return back time and again. Though the medications available in the market do offer temporary relief, very few can provide a permanent solution. Among the different schools of medicines available, Ayurveda has proved to be extremely beneficial as its medications are reliant on natural methods and never really entail any side effects. In the Ayurveda lexicon, pain and aches are considered to be consequences of a dosha in equilibrium and all the medications are directed at putting it back to its former state of balance. The various ways by which Ayurveda treats back pain and ache are –
1. Ayurvedic Panchakarma: As the name suggests, panchakarma is a five- fold procedure, directed at purging the body of the accumulated toxins. It involves massaging the body with herbal oil and a particular method known as Abhyanga is particularly helpful in treating back aches. In this step that precedes the other four, you are provided with an oil massage that penetrates into the body and enhances the blood circulation thereby relieving you of the pain.
2. Drugs: Ayurveda also boasts of a multitude of drugs, each bestowed to perform particular tasks. Various medicines like Triphala Guggul, Lakshadiguggul are particularly helpful in treating this condition. Asthavargam, another famous ayurvedic medicine, available both in liquid and tablet form also reduces back aches and pain.
3. Stay Indoors and Warm: Backache and pain can occur due to multiple reasons. While increasing age is a big factor, often times, cold too can cause back problems. In such a situation, applying warm compresses on the affected areas or something as simple as staying indoors can considerably reduce the intensity of the pain.
4. Pay Attention to What you Eat: Pain is always the physical manifestation of something that is amiss internally. Therefore, it goes without saying that what you eat also controls the intensity of your pain. It is generally believed in ayurveda, that if you eat a lot green chilies or continuously consume spicy food, it will inadvertently aggravate your back pain. It is imperative, therefore, that you pay attention to what you eat and stay away from spices. The logic that operates behind this is that spices have a tendency to dry up the body, something that causes “vata dosha” and consequently increases the intensity of the pain.
