Diabetic Neuropathy in Ayurveda

Diabetic Neuropathy in Ayurveda

Ayurvedic Treatment for Diabetic Neuropathy in Kerala, India

Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that can occur in individuals with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

The peripheral nervous system, comprising a network of peripheral nerves, facilitates communication between the central nervous system and various parts of the body, such as the arms, legs, and internal organs.

Diabetic neuropathy primarily affects the sensory, autonomic, and motor nerves, often leading to complications in the legs and feet.

Causes

While anyone with diabetes can develop neuropathy, certain risk factors greatly elevate the chances:

Obesity and High Triglycerides: These conditions double the risk of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) in those with diabetes.

Smoking: Smoking constricts and hardens the arteries, reducing blood flow to the legs and feet, impairing wound healing, and damaging peripheral nerves.

High Blood Pressure: Diabetic patients with high blood pressure face an increased risk of diabetic neuropathy, from 11% to 65%.

Blood Sugar Control: Poor management of blood sugar levels increases the risk of all diabetes-related complications, including nerve damage.

Diabetes History: The longer one has diabetes, especially with poor blood sugar control, the higher the risk of developing neuropathy.

Kidney Disease: Diabetes can harm the kidneys, leading to toxin buildup in the blood, which can cause nerve damage.

Symptoms

Diabetic neuropathy presents itself in four main types, with symptoms varying depending on the affected nerves.

Peripheral neuropathy
Also called distal symmetric peripheral neuropathy, this type mainly affects the feet and legs first, and later, the hands and arms. Symptoms include:

  • Numbness or decreased sensitivity to pain or temperature changes
  • Tingling or burning sensations
  • Sharp pains or cramps
  • Heightened sensitivity to touch
  • Severe foot problems, such as ulcers, infections, and joint pain.

Autonomic neuropathy

The autonomic nervous system governs various involuntary body functions like heart rate, bladder control, digestion, and sexual function. Symptoms include:

  • Unawareness of low blood sugar
  • Bladder or bowel issues
  • Delayed stomach emptying
  • Trouble adjusting vision from light to dark
  • Decreased sexual response

Proximal neuropathy (diabetic polyradiculopathy)

Also known as diabetic amyotrophy, this form affects the nerves in the thighs, hips, buttocks, or legs, and can also involve the abdominal and chest areas. Symptoms include:

  • Intense pain in the hip, thigh, or buttock.
  • Gradual weakening and shrinking of the thigh muscles
  • Difficulty standing up from a seated position
  • Intense stomach pain

Mononeuropathy (focal neuropathy)
Mononeuropathy refers to damage to a specific nerve. Symptoms include:

  • Difficulty focusing or double vision
  • Pain behind one eye
  • Facial paralysis on one side
  • Numbness or tingling in your hands or fingers .
  • Hand weakness, making it hard to hold objects or leading to frequent dropping.

The Ayurvedic Perspective

In Ayurveda, diabetic neuropathy is seen as an imbalance of the Vata and Pitta doshas. Diabetes in Ayurveda corresponds to a condition known as “Prameh.” Symptoms like tingling, pain, and paresthesia point to Vata dosha involvement, while burning sensations are linked to Pitta dosha disturbances.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Diabetic Neuropathy

Ayurveda recommends several treatments for managing diabetic neuropathy:

  • Abhyangam

A full-body massage using medicated oils to enhance blood circulation, stimulate nerves, and alleviate stress. Special focus is given to the feet (Padabhyanga), as neuropathy often affects this region.

  • Sirodhara

Warm oils are continuously poured onto the forehead in this treatment, calming the mind and nervous system, reducing stress, and enhancing mental clarity.

  • Ksheeradhoomam

This therapy involves applying medicated steam, particularly beneficial for nervous system disorders and neck issues.

  • Pizhichil

A combination of oil and heat therapy, Pizhichil improves blood circulation and detoxifies the body. It is an essential part of Panchakarma in Ayurveda, involving the application of medicated oil followed by a rejuvenating massage.

  • Njavarakizhi

This treatment uses a bolus filled with cooked rice and medicated oil to massage the body gently, inducing sweating. Njavarakizhi helps in toxin removal, stress relief, and supports neurological health.

Diet and Lifestyle Practices

To manage diabetic neuropathy, Ayurveda suggests the following dietary and lifestyle practices:

  • Maintain a healthy diet.
  • Avoid smoking.
  • Limit alcohol consumption.
  • Choose whole grains over refined grains.
  • Don’t skip meals.
  • Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
  • Limit sugar and fat intake.
  • Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
  • Monitor carbohydrate consumption.