Neuropathy is a medical condition that refers to the dysfunction or damage of one of more nerves. It affects the peripheral nervous system. It is a network of nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. It could result in numbness, pain, weakness or tingling in the hands, feet or legs.
Following are the types of neuropathy-
-
Peripheral neuropathy
It is one of the most common forms of neuropathy. It affects the nerves in hands, arms, feet and legs. It also causes diabetes.
-
Cranial neuropathy
It affects the nerves in the brain.
-
Autonomic neuropathy
It affects involuntary functions and it is see in diabetes or autoimmune diseases.
-
Focal neuropathy
It affects a single nerve or group.
-
Diabetic neuropathy
It leads to burning pain or numbness in the feet.
What are the common symptoms of neuropathy?
Following are some of the most common symptoms of neuropathy-
-
Numbness or tingling
Numbness or tingling can cause muscle weakness or twitching.
-
Burning or sharp pain
It can cause loss of coordination or reflexes.
Following are the common causes of neuropathy?
1.Diabetes
Diabetes is caused due to high blood sugar and damages nerves over time.
2.Alcohol abuse
It is caused due to nutritional deficiency and toxicity.
3.Vitamin B12
It affects nerve health and myelin sheath.
4.Infections
It is caused due to inflammatory damage to nerves.
What are the symptoms of neuropathy?
Following are some of the symptoms of neuropathy-
-
Gradual onset of numbness in hands.
-
Muscle weakness or loss of coordination.
-
Heightened or reduced sensitivity in touch.
-
Digestive issues or trouble with bladder function.
-
Frequent dizziness.
Ayurveda and neuropathy
Ayurveda approaches neuropathy as a condition that is primarily caused by the vitiation of Vata dosha. It occurs when Majja dhatu and snayu are affected. It also aligns neuropathic disorders with concepts such as Vatavyadhi, Gridhrasi and Prameha complications.
Following are the ayurvedic treatments for neuropathy-
1.Shamana Chikitsa
In the context of Ayurveda, Shamana chikitsa refers to pacifying or palliative treatment that is aimed at balancing aggravated doshas in the body. It also alleviates the symptoms of neuropathy. It involves the use of herbal remedies, lifestyle modifications and dietary adjustments. It also nourishes the nerves and impacts overall well-being. Following are the steps for Shamana Chikitsa-
-
Herbal remedies
Ashwagandha, Guduchi, Shatavari and turmeric are the herbs recommended for neuropathy and these herbs are known for their nerve-nourishing properties.
-
Dietary adjustments
A balanced rich diet in nutrients is crucial. The foods that are easy to digest and promote healthy digestion are recommended. This includes fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
-
Lifestyle modifications
Stress management techniques and regular exercise are important for managing neuropathy. Gentle exercises such as swimming, walking are important and they can improve nerve function.
-
Panchakarma
In some cases, therapies such as Basti and Virechana may be used in conjunction with Shamana Chikitsa.
2.Abhyanga
Abhyanga is one of the most effective and foundational therapies for neuropathy in Ayurveda. It helps calm down Vata dosha and stimulate circulation. It automatically relieves numbness, burning and tingling associated with nerve damage.
Why Abhyanga for neuropathy?
1. Abhyanga pacifies vata dosha.
It reduces dryness and twitching.
2. It nourishes nerves.
It strengthens damaged nerve pathways.
3. Improves blood flow.
It enhances oxygen and nutrients supply to the nerves.
4. Promotes relaxation.
It reduces stress and aggravates neuropathy.
3.Swedana
Also known as herbal stem therapy, Swedana is a powerful ayurvedic treatment for neuropathy. It involves symptoms such as heaviness, tingling and stiffness. It is used after abhyanga oil to help open channels and mobilize toxins. Swedana means ‘to sweat’. It used heat in the form of herbal steam or warm compresses to loosen toxins and relieve pain and stiffness. It opens clogged aortas and enhances nerve conduction and blood flow. It also improves nerve-muscle coordination. It helps remove metabolic waste that affects nerves. It soothes nerve inflammation. It also makes Panchakarma therapies more effective. It is one of the best ayurvedic treatment for neuropathy.
4.Rasayana therapy
Rasayana therapy in Ayurveda refers to the rejuvenation treatment aimed at rebuilding and revitalizing body tissues. It is especially useful after initial detox in the chronic conditions where nerve degeneration or functional decline is ongoing. It also strengthens ojas and boosts immunity and vitality. It calms vata dosha that prevents further nerve deterioration. It also enhances coordination and stability. It promotes long-term healing and resistance. The therapy is given during chronic stages where degeneration and fatigue dominate. It is also given with nourishing food.
What are the lifestyle additions one is supposed to make?
-
Yoga.
Along with the therapy one is supposed to practice Yoga and improve nerve-muscle coordination.
-
Pranayama.
It calms vata and promotes oxygenation.
-
Meditation.
It reduces stress that worsens nerve disorders.
-
Daily abhyanga.
It enhances Rasayana effects and nerve nourishment.
5.Nasal therapy
Nasal therapy is a traditional ayurvedic treatment that involves the administration of herbal oils, powders or juices in the nostrils. It is beneficial when the cranial nerves, facial nerves and upper spine are involved.
In Ayurveda, the nose is considered the ‘door to the brain’. Nasya directly influences the nervous system. It helps balance Vata dosha which is the main dosha in nerve disorders.
Following are the types of nasya-
-
Brimhana Nasya.
It nourishes nasya for weakness.
-
Shamana nasya.
It is a calming nasya for pain, burning or inflammation.
-
Snehana nasya.
It is oil-based or seasonal for general nerve care.
6.Shirodhara
It is a classical ayurvedic therapy that involves a continuous stream of warm medicated oil that is poured over the forehead and is effective for neuropathy that involves the central nervous system. It deeply calms the nervous system and reduces the Vata aggravation and it also stabilizes the brain-nervous function. It is highly beneficial in-
-
Facial or cranial nerve disorders.
-
Peripheral neuropathy with anxiety, restlessness.
-
Diabetic neuropathy where mental fatigue and nerve pain coexist.
The liquids used in the drug are as follows-
1. Ksheerabala taila.
It is a vata-related neuropathy.
2. Brahmi taila.
It is best used for memory loss and tremors.
FAQs Section
Q1: Can Ayurveda cure neuropathy permanently?
Ayurveda may not promise a "cure," but it focuses on long-term management by balancing doshas, strengthening nerve tissues, and improving overall vitality.
Q2: Which dosha is responsible for neuropathy?
Neuropathy is primarily linked to aggravated Vata dosha, which governs the nervous system, movement, and communication in the body.
Q3: Is Abhyanga massage safe for all types of neuropathy?
Yes, Abhyanga is gentle and nourishing, but for acute inflammation or hypersensitivity, it’s best done under Ayurvedic supervision.
Q4: What is the role of Rasayana in nerve health?
Rasayana therapy rejuvenates Majja dhatu (nerve tissue), boosts ojas, and helps prevent degeneration in chronic nerve disorders.
Q5: How often should Shirodhara be done for neuropathy?
Depending on the condition, Shirodhara can be done 2–3 times a week under supervision, especially in neuropathies with anxiety and sleep disturbances.