Cervical Spondylosis, a degenerative disease that affects the neck, is quite common in people over 60. Symptoms include neck stiffness and pain, headaches and cracking or grinding sensation in the neck. Left untreated, more debilitating symptoms may develop such as pain, numbness and weakness in the arms, hands, legs and feet, trouble with balance, muscle spasms, loss of bladder or bowel control, and shooting pains down the arms.
Cervical spondylosis is caused by a vata-aggravating diet and lifestyle. Excess wear and tear, bone spurs, reduced elasticity of the discs, herniated discs, head trauma, prolonged stress and strain, inactivity, over activity and poor posture are all contributing factors.
Although there is no cure for the condition, Ayurveda gives us many holistic ways to alleviate the symptoms and arrest further deterioration. In Ayurveda, we look for the root cause and make appropriate changes to eliminate excess vata.
Here are some tips for everyone to practice!
Giving yourself an oil massage every day is one of the best things you can do to reduce vata and heal the pain from cervical spondylosis. Especially effective oils are listed below, and you can easily purchase them today.
Ayurveda has many useful and effective herbal medications. Some of my favorites for cervical spondylosis are:
In general, cervical spondylosis is the result of too much vata. Lifestyle changes include:
- Avoiding anything excessive, whether it is working too hard, exercising too strenuously, too much screen time or having an irregular schedule
- Keep warm and avoid being out in the cold or wind
- Maintain a straight through relaxed posture and be sure to take frequent breaks if you have work that involves sitting for an extended period of time.
- Alternate sitting with standing and take frequent, gentle stretching breaks throughout the day.
- Keep a balanced and routine schedule. Your nervous system loves routine. Be sure to get up and go to bed at the same time every day. Exercise at the same time and don’t forget to eat at regular periods.
It is important to follow a vata pacifying diet. If you have cervical spondylosis, it is likely that you have impaired digestion. In Ayurveda, poor digestion is considered the root cause of all disease.
- Favor foods which are warm and simple to digest.
- Avoid foods which are dry, cold and light and foods which are frozen, leftover or processed.
Meditation is also one of the best things you can add into your life. Meditation reduces stress, relaxes the nervous system and helps you enjoy life. Mindfulness meditation is a good place to start.
Daily gentle yoga calms the nervous system and alleviates pain. Be sure to check with your doctor or therapist about any restrictions you might have.
Pancha Karma: The more intensive therapies of Pancha Karma can help a great deal to eliminate excess vata and bring the body back into balance. Nasya, basti, pinda sweda, bashpa sweda, shirodhara and pizhichili are very effective in reducing vata dosha and bringing cervical spondylosis under control.
Ayurveda attempts to heal the root imbalance rather than placate the symptoms. If you are willing to make changes to your diet and lifestyle, I will give you the guidance you need to begin your path to healing.
For individualized recommendations for your own health concerns, arrange an Ayurvedic consultation at Balanced Life Ayurveda. I will help you learn how to change your life and routine to gain the best health possible.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Kottakkal Ayurveda products and this information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease. If you have serious, acute, or chronic health problems, please consult a trained health professional. If you are seeking the medical advice of a trained Ayurvedic practitioner or doctor, call (800) 215-9934 or email us at contact@kottakkal.shop and we will provide you with one of our affiliated Ayurvedic professionals. Check with your doctor before taking herbs when pregnant.