Whilst there is no cure for many neurological disorders, therefore, the mainstay of treatment is symptomatic. Even when we have drugs to control some of the symptoms, they can have unpleasant side effects. In many cases, we are able to offer alternative medicine as adjuncts to conventional therapy. Many people don’t realize the enormous healing powers of one’s mind. By treating the mind and the body as a unit we have been able to improve the quality of life for patients suffering from debilitating neurological disorders.
Some of the alternative medicine therapies that we offer include:
Acupuncture is especially effective in relieving neurological pain in cases of trigeminal neuralgia, sciatica, herpes zoster, multiple sclerosis and diabetic neuropathy. Neurological pain can be very intense and often does not respond well to some forms of medication for many patients. In such cases, acupuncture helps to relieve the discomfort by stimulating the release of several chemicals (neurotransmitters and opioids) from the brain which decrease pain sensitivity. It also causes the release of endorphins, which are the body’s ‘feel-good’ hormones, to reduce inflammation in the affected area. Reduction of pain by acupuncture increases function and quality of life of the patient and the healing effect of acupuncture slows the degenerative changes taking place in the nervous system. It may be quiet effective in chronic pain syndromes, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Ayurveda is the traditional Indian medicine system, which encourages holistic health care by encompassing the physical, mental and emotional well being of the individual. There are a variety of Ayurveda treatments, including ‘Panchkarma’ therapy or five actions. This purification and detoxifying treatment, which includes massage and yoga, also use herbal medicines to eliminate accumulated toxins from the body. Ayurveda believes all neurological diseases to be a result of Vata dosha – which governs movement and activities of the nervous system in the body. Therefore, ayurvedic treatments for neurological diseases concentrate on correcting the Vata dosha in the body. Patients with Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, paralysis, epilepsy, migraine, multiple sclerosis and sleep disorders are given treatments like Ayurvedic massage, Shirodhara (pouring of medicated oil on the head), Thalam (dousing and retaining medicated oil on the head), herbs and ayurvedic internal medicines.
Yoga is an ancient Indian science which deals with the union of self with the universal spirit. It has been used for more than 2500 yearrs to give physical and physiological health, mental peace, emotional equanimity and intellectual clarity to the practitioners on this path. It involves the performance of various asanas (yogic postures), pranayama (modulation of breathing) and meditation.
The word Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word, Yuj which shares its root with Yoke which means to join, allign or bind. Therefore it denotes the ultimate union of self with God. In Indian belief system, everything is permeated by the supreme universal spirit(God or Paramatma) of which the individual human spirit is a part(Jivatama). The system of Yoga is so called as it teaches the way by which Jivatama can unite to Parmatama and so gets liberated(Moksha).
Various traditions of yoga are found in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. However, It was collated, coordinated and systematised by the sage Patanjali in his classical work Yog Sutras.
Hindu monks, beginning with Swami Vivekananda, brought yoga to the West in the late 19th century. In the 1980s, yoga became popular as a physical system of health exercises across the Western world. Many studies have tried to determine the effectiveness of yoga as a complementary intervention for various physical and mental disorders. In a national survey, long-term yoga practitioners in the United States reported musculo–skeletal and mental health improvements. The health benefits are the byproducts when a yogi is on the path of Yoga. However in western world Yoga is more or less used for a set of postures, exercises and relaxation techniques to improve physical and mental health.
We teach Yoga in its true form as explained in Yoga Sutras which include postures, breathing exercises and meditation. Regular classes are held for people with various neurological disorders as well as healthy adults. We also run yoga classes in association with Parkinson’s Victoria from time to time for Parkinson’s Patients. Please ask our friendly staff about ongoing classes.
Regular practise of Yoga not only keeps you healthy but also brings peace and contentment to your life.
If you suffer from a neurological disorder, Schedule an appointment to find out if you can benefit from alternative medicine for neurological disorders.
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