Ayurvedic Home Therapies for Neck Pain

By Janet Shivani Chase January 30, 2020

Chronic neck pain is usually caused by degeneration of the neck bones and cartilage. It is very common in people over 60 and symptoms often 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.

Chronic neck pain caused by degeneration of the neck bones 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!

Give yourself an oil massage every day is one of the best things you can do to reduce vata and support neck pain. 

• Prasarani Oil balances both vata and kapha dosha, the main herb is prasarni, supports and nourishes the neck and shoulder joints, helps strengthen neck muscles.
• Balaswagandhadi Oil balances both vata and pitta dosha, the main herb is ashwagandha which supports and nourishes the muscles, nerves and bones, and helps to ease pain.
• Dhanwantaram Oil balances and nourishes vata dosha, supports vata related disorders of the muscles, bones, nerves, and joints.

Ayurveda has many useful and effective herbal products

• Prasaranyadi Kwatham balances both vata and kapha dosha, helps nourish the muscles, nerves, and joints, especially the shoulder joints.
• Yogaraj Guggulu Vatika balances both vata and kapha dosha, improves appetitive and digestion, removes ama from the joints, and helps lower swelling and inflammation from the joints.

Chronic neck pain is generally caused by a vata aggravating diet and lifestyle. 

• 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 chronic neck pain it is likely that you have weak digestion. Ayurveda considers weak digestion the root cause of all disorders.  

• 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 cause rather than placate the symptoms.  If you are willing to make changes to your diet and lifestyle you will receive relief from your symptoms. 

Ayurvedic Consultation

Kottakkal is committed to offering the highest quality Ayurvedic Healthcare. We offer two ways to have an Ayurvedic consultation. 1. Free 15-minute Consultation with our Ayurvedic practitioner, Julie Wardwell for when you need a product recommendation for a basic health problem. 2. In-depth Consultation with our Ayurvedic doctor, Vaidya Vishwanath Guddadar for when your condition is chronic with multiple symptoms.

 

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Kottakkal Ayurveda products and information are 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 advice of a trained Ayurvedic professional, call (800) 215-9934 or email us at contact@kottakkal.shop. We will provide you with information to consult with Ayurvedic professionals. Always check with your doctor before taking herbs when pregnant or nursing.

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