Generally the treatments in Ayurveda id divided in to two -
Abhyantara chikitsa – which include internal medications (Shamana Chikitsa) and purification (Shodhana Chikitsa).
Bahyachikitsa – which includes external procedures like Sarvanga Abhyangam, Bhashpa swedam, Udwarthanam, Pinda swedam etc.
These Chikitsa brings the Anthragni into its normalcy which eliminates the Ama and thus attains the proper movement of Vata dosha, whose vitiation leads to different rogas. Due to the proper functioning of Agni and Vayu there is the re establishment of Uthorothara Dhatu poshana, thus the nourishment of Rasa, Raktha, Mamsa, Medas, Asthi, Majja and Sukra Dhatu. This leads to the repair of damaged soft tissues, muscles etc.
After the proper nourishment of the tissue there is the need of improving its functionality mainly in musculo-skeletal and nervous disorders. Here comes the role of Physiotherapy in Ayurveda chikitsa.
Physiotherapy, also referred to as physical therapy, involves evaluating, diagnosing, and treating a range of diseases, disorders, and disabilities using physical agents, like electricity, heat, cold, radiation, sound waves, external force, exercise etc.
In the first phase of the treatment it helps in the reduction of pain and inflammation of the affected part.
In the second phase there is strengthening of the muscles and improving its functionality and range of motion o the joints.
In the third phase there is coordination of the movements, re education of the posture, gait and functional activities.
Ayurveda therapy works in the healing level which thus nourishes or repairs the tissues internally, physiotherapy is helping to reduce the pain and inflammation and to restore the normal biomechanics by strengthening the weak muscle or enhancing the compensatory mechanisms internal or external (splints and caliper etc) by natural agents.
We here at Kerala Ayurvedic Centre does the combination of Ayurveda and Physiotherapy in management of Cervical and Lumbar spondylosis, Spondylolisthesis, AVN of Femur head, Stroke, Bells palsy, Osteo Arthritis and other degenerative conditions. This unique combination of both ensures a speedy recovery and prolonged effect of the result.
Dr. Mithin Krishnan.R, BAMS
Centre In charge
Kerala Ayurvedic Centre Bhopal
Dr. Thomas John, BPT
Senior Physiotherapist
Gandhi Medical Collage Bhopal