Spinal Health, Ayurveda & Yoga
In yoga, there is a saying, "You're as old as your spine." One reason to develop a daily and personalized yoga practice is to keep the spine healthy, flexible, supple and young. Flexibility, however, should never be the primary purpose of yoga, nor taken as an indication of one's proficiency in yoga. Far too many people have stopped practicing yoga due to an injury caused by the aggressive pursuit of flexibility.
If you have developed back pain as a result of yoga or if you are hesitant to practice yoga because of back pain, this article is for you. As someone who has been through multiple back surgeries, I can deeply empathize with the fears concerning back pain, scoliosis, and the practice of yoga. And I am convinced that yoga together with Ayurveda is an incredible holistic system for treating back pain and maintaining a healthy spine. Here below we discuss some of the principles of Ayurveda and yoga that promote a healthy spine. We also answer some key questions about Ayurvedic treatment for back pain .
Safety First
It is important not to place undue emphasis or pressure upon oneself to be flexible, or look at others and compete on the basis of flexibility. Yoga is not a competition. Flexibility may be one of the benefits of yoga and something that comes with practice and experience, but the desire to become flexible must be tempered with caution, patience, and an acute inner ear to listen to one's own body.
Each individual has physical limits . And those limits can be stretched as we practice yoga regularly. However, we must be ever watchful and careful not to push ourselves beyond our limits whereby we risk injury, for this goes against a central principle of yoga which is ahimsa or non-violence towards others and oneself. In short, we must ever protect the spine during the practice of yoga, so as not to damage the spine.
Importance of Ayurveda
For a truly healthy spine, every yoga practitioner and every athlete must eventually turn to Ayurveda and the Ayurvedic principles of self care, with a view to cleansing, maintaining and lubricating the spine and ensuring its mobility and flexibility as we age. Ayurveda and yoga are twin tools for spinal maintenance. Just as a car needs maintenance, so also does the body and mind. Ayurveda addresses both. We need to take care of our spine, as it governs the connections to every other part of our body.
If you have developed back pain as a result of yoga or if you are hesitant to practice yoga because of back pain, this article is for you. As someone who has been through multiple back surgeries, I can deeply empathize with the fears concerning back pain, scoliosis, and the practice of yoga. And I am convinced that yoga together with Ayurveda is an incredible holistic system for treating back pain and maintaining a healthy spine. Here below we discuss some of the principles of Ayurveda and yoga that promote a healthy spine. We also answer some key questions about Ayurvedic treatment for back pain .
Safety First
It is important not to place undue emphasis or pressure upon oneself to be flexible, or look at others and compete on the basis of flexibility. Yoga is not a competition. Flexibility may be one of the benefits of yoga and something that comes with practice and experience, but the desire to become flexible must be tempered with caution, patience, and an acute inner ear to listen to one's own body.
Each individual has physical limits . And those limits can be stretched as we practice yoga regularly. However, we must be ever watchful and careful not to push ourselves beyond our limits whereby we risk injury, for this goes against a central principle of yoga which is ahimsa or non-violence towards others and oneself. In short, we must ever protect the spine during the practice of yoga, so as not to damage the spine.
Importance of Ayurveda
For a truly healthy spine, every yoga practitioner and every athlete must eventually turn to Ayurveda and the Ayurvedic principles of self care, with a view to cleansing, maintaining and lubricating the spine and ensuring its mobility and flexibility as we age. Ayurveda and yoga are twin tools for spinal maintenance. Just as a car needs maintenance, so also does the body and mind. Ayurveda addresses both. We need to take care of our spine, as it governs the connections to every other part of our body.
How does Ayurveda treat back pain and the spine?
Most Ayurveda-based programs for treating spine and neck conditions involve treatments to detoxify the body. The presence of toxins in the body, lodged in various difficult to reach places, is often responsible for inflammation, stiffness and weakness, which we experience as back pain, neck pain, joint pain and other forms of pain. So detoxification is often the starting point or foundation for eliminating back pain. Detoxification is achieved in Ayurveda through a combination of internal and external treatments. Internal treatments involve consuming certain herbal medicines. External treatments involve special massages, baths, scrubs and other physical treatments. Finally, no pain relief program is complete or sustainable without the practice of yoga. Yoga is a necessary part of Ayurveda. It accelerates the process of detoxification; calms the mind; improves posture, mobility, and flexibility; and helps us to strengthen the body, particularly the lower back.
Most Ayurveda-based programs for treating spine and neck conditions involve treatments to detoxify the body. The presence of toxins in the body, lodged in various difficult to reach places, is often responsible for inflammation, stiffness and weakness, which we experience as back pain, neck pain, joint pain and other forms of pain. So detoxification is often the starting point or foundation for eliminating back pain. Detoxification is achieved in Ayurveda through a combination of internal and external treatments. Internal treatments involve consuming certain herbal medicines. External treatments involve special massages, baths, scrubs and other physical treatments. Finally, no pain relief program is complete or sustainable without the practice of yoga. Yoga is a necessary part of Ayurveda. It accelerates the process of detoxification; calms the mind; improves posture, mobility, and flexibility; and helps us to strengthen the body, particularly the lower back.
How long does Ayurvedic treatment for back pain take?
The necessary duration of Ayurvedic treatment for back pain varies from person to person and often cannot be predicted with certainty because how the body and mind respond to Ayurvedic treatment also varies person to person. In general, however, a residential program of at least 10 days is recommended. Some people have seen dramatic results in as little as six days, while others need much longer.
If you are someone who has had back pain for a long time, then it is advisable to undergo a proper panchakarma, that is, the Ayurvedic system of detox, which typically requires 3-4 weeks. In fact, even when we are in seemingly perfect health, Ayurveda recommends that every individual should detoxify his or her body at least once a year, if not once a season. Do not wait to develop back pain or some other ailment before you try Ayurveda. Rather, consider using Ayurveda as a tool to maintain good health, prevent disease, and mitigate the effects of aging.
The necessary duration of Ayurvedic treatment for back pain varies from person to person and often cannot be predicted with certainty because how the body and mind respond to Ayurvedic treatment also varies person to person. In general, however, a residential program of at least 10 days is recommended. Some people have seen dramatic results in as little as six days, while others need much longer.
If you are someone who has had back pain for a long time, then it is advisable to undergo a proper panchakarma, that is, the Ayurvedic system of detox, which typically requires 3-4 weeks. In fact, even when we are in seemingly perfect health, Ayurveda recommends that every individual should detoxify his or her body at least once a year, if not once a season. Do not wait to develop back pain or some other ailment before you try Ayurveda. Rather, consider using Ayurveda as a tool to maintain good health, prevent disease, and mitigate the effects of aging.
Are the results of Ayurvedic treatment for back pain temporary or long lasting?
At Ayurooms, we have seen people, who were originally scheduled for back surgery, experience such a dramatic turnaround through Ayurveda that they no longer required surgery. Whether the results of Ayurveda are effective and, also, long-lasting depends a lot on you and not just the doctor and the therapists who attend to your care.
Here are some important questions to ask yourself to self-assess your readiness for Ayurvedic treatment of any serious ailment, not just back pain:
If your answer to the above questions is “yes”, then you are ready for Ayurveda and it is quite likely that the results of Ayurvedic treatment will be effective and long-lasting for you.
At Ayurooms, we have seen people, who were originally scheduled for back surgery, experience such a dramatic turnaround through Ayurveda that they no longer required surgery. Whether the results of Ayurveda are effective and, also, long-lasting depends a lot on you and not just the doctor and the therapists who attend to your care.
Here are some important questions to ask yourself to self-assess your readiness for Ayurvedic treatment of any serious ailment, not just back pain:
- Are you willing to undergo Ayurvedic treatment for the necessary time required?
- Are you willing to learn and practice yoga regularly?
- Are you willing to drink medicated ghee (oil) during the panchakarma?
- Are you willing to make certain lifestyle changes?
- Are you willing to forgo non-vegetarian food during Ayurvedic treatment?
- Can you abstain from alcohol, coffee and smoking during treatment?
- Can you commit to detoxifying your body at least once a year?
If your answer to the above questions is “yes”, then you are ready for Ayurveda and it is quite likely that the results of Ayurvedic treatment will be effective and long-lasting for you.
Is ghee-drinking necessary to treat back pain in Ayurveda?
According to Ayurveda, one of the most effective ways to detoxify the body is to drink medicated ghee (or oil) in gradually increasing doses over successive days. This procedure is known as snehapana or the ghee-drinking process. Snehapana is usually done for three to seven days in a row, depending on the person’s condition, age, and various other factors. Not everyone can drink ghee and not everyone is made to drink ghee. But those who are prescribed ghee and able to consume it in gradually increasing doses, under the supervision of an Ayurvedic doctor, are likely to experience significant relief from pain and numerous other positive physical changes.
According to Ayurveda, one of the most effective ways to detoxify the body is to drink medicated ghee (or oil) in gradually increasing doses over successive days. This procedure is known as snehapana or the ghee-drinking process. Snehapana is usually done for three to seven days in a row, depending on the person’s condition, age, and various other factors. Not everyone can drink ghee and not everyone is made to drink ghee. But those who are prescribed ghee and able to consume it in gradually increasing doses, under the supervision of an Ayurvedic doctor, are likely to experience significant relief from pain and numerous other positive physical changes.
What does an Ayurvedic treatment program for back pain typically include?
At a bare minimum, all pain relief and detoxification programs offered by Ayurooms include the following:
The exact inclusions depend on which Ayurveda resort you choose. However, if you are serious about overcoming back pain, do not try to make the decision yourself. Consult an expert who knows the Ayurveda landscape in India. Every resort has particular strengths and weaknesses, and the availability of credible information online is very limited. If you really want frank and honest advice about where to go and why, contact the founder of Ayurooms directly at: [email protected]
At a bare minimum, all pain relief and detoxification programs offered by Ayurooms include the following:
- Accommodations
- Daily Ayurvedic body treatments
- Daily yoga
- Personalized diet
- Detailed health consultation
- Daily health checkup
- Airport transfers
The exact inclusions depend on which Ayurveda resort you choose. However, if you are serious about overcoming back pain, do not try to make the decision yourself. Consult an expert who knows the Ayurveda landscape in India. Every resort has particular strengths and weaknesses, and the availability of credible information online is very limited. If you really want frank and honest advice about where to go and why, contact the founder of Ayurooms directly at: [email protected]
How much does Ayurvedic treatment for back pain cost?
It depends whether you go to an Ayurvedic resort, Ayurvedic homestay, or an outpatient clinic for your treatment, as the services and inclusions will vary based on the type of facility and also where you go.
You are likely to experience much better results at an Ayurvedic resort or homestay, where important factors such as diet, yoga, meal timings, sleep and environment can be controlled and optimized. The problem with going to an outpatient clinic is that you have to make your own meals, organize your own yoga, sleep in the same bed, and live and work in the same environment that may have caused your back pain in the first place! For real change, for effective results, and for true transformation, it is necessary to go somewhere away from your home and comfort zone; a place where you can focus on your health and healing, and reset your digestive system and spine which are intertwined.
The starting price for any all-inclusive package for an Ayurvedic resort or homestay is at least INR 2,800 per day. However, the very best resorts for back pain relief typically cost anywhere from INR 8,000 to INR 15,000 per day, or even higher depending on the quality of accommodations that you require. A core benefit of going to an Ayurvedic resort is that the price is often inclusive of meals, yoga, doctor's consultation, treatments, medicines, and other conveniences.
The price for Ayurvedic treatment at an outpatient clinic ranges from INR 800 per day to INR 2500 per day, depending on the number of treatments that you are prescribed on any given day. These prices also do not include medicines, meals, yoga, the initial consultation, and other costs. Many outpatient clinics thrive by selling Ayurvedic medicines, as these offer recurring monthly revenues and go beyond the short-term body treatments given for back pain.
In short, opt for Ayurvedic treatment at a resort rather than an outpatient clinic if you have the means and time to do so.
It depends whether you go to an Ayurvedic resort, Ayurvedic homestay, or an outpatient clinic for your treatment, as the services and inclusions will vary based on the type of facility and also where you go.
You are likely to experience much better results at an Ayurvedic resort or homestay, where important factors such as diet, yoga, meal timings, sleep and environment can be controlled and optimized. The problem with going to an outpatient clinic is that you have to make your own meals, organize your own yoga, sleep in the same bed, and live and work in the same environment that may have caused your back pain in the first place! For real change, for effective results, and for true transformation, it is necessary to go somewhere away from your home and comfort zone; a place where you can focus on your health and healing, and reset your digestive system and spine which are intertwined.
The starting price for any all-inclusive package for an Ayurvedic resort or homestay is at least INR 2,800 per day. However, the very best resorts for back pain relief typically cost anywhere from INR 8,000 to INR 15,000 per day, or even higher depending on the quality of accommodations that you require. A core benefit of going to an Ayurvedic resort is that the price is often inclusive of meals, yoga, doctor's consultation, treatments, medicines, and other conveniences.
The price for Ayurvedic treatment at an outpatient clinic ranges from INR 800 per day to INR 2500 per day, depending on the number of treatments that you are prescribed on any given day. These prices also do not include medicines, meals, yoga, the initial consultation, and other costs. Many outpatient clinics thrive by selling Ayurvedic medicines, as these offer recurring monthly revenues and go beyond the short-term body treatments given for back pain.
In short, opt for Ayurvedic treatment at a resort rather than an outpatient clinic if you have the means and time to do so.
Ayurvedic Treatments for Back Pain
In Ayurveda, there is a wide range of physical body treatments for addressing back pain. Each type of treatment typically has innumerable variations because of the different oils and herbs that can be used to deliver a given treatment. Pictured below are some examples of treatments commonly used in Ayurveda for spinal care and back pain relief.
KizhiKizhi is a treatment that involves rubbing and/or gently pounding the body with one or more bundles or pouches filled with medicated herbs. The bundles are usually heated in a frying pan, with or without medicated oil. There are numerous variations of this treatment. Not all resorts that administer it properly. Therefore, if you want the best Ayurvedic treatment for back pain, consult with Ayurooms.
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Kati VastiKati Vasti involves the pooling of warm to hot oil around the lower back region. This helps to soothe and relax the muscles at the base of the spine. Depending on the quality of oil used, it can also penetrate through the skin and lubricate the vertebrae. At a deeper level, kati vasti unblocks the lower chakras, allowing prana or ‘life force’ or energy to flow more freely through the spine and body.
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PizichilPizhichil involves the continual pouring of warm to hot medicated oil all over the body or a specific region of the body. Two to six therapists, depending on where you go, typically administer this treatment. It is not only deeply relaxing, but also effective for relieving weak, stiff or damaged muscles. It is used to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, not just back pain.
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