Healing Stories | 30 Jul 2023

Holistic Approaches to Pain Relief

Article - Min Read
Chronic Pain: Today’s Global Health Crisis

According to the World Health Organization, 1.71 billion humans today suffer from musculoskeletal pain, with lower back pain being the single leading cause of disability in over 160 countries. The access to therapeutic tools, pain relief gadgets and analytical solutions to rebalance physical orientations are at their peak- and yet pain persists.

Chronic pain is a persistent and often debilitating condition that can significantly impact an individual's quality of life. Unlike acute pain, which serves as a warning sign of injury or illness, chronic pain persists for weeks, months, or even years, and can be challenging to manage effectively.

Pain Management: Integration of Methods at Ananda in the Himalayas

Ananda in the Himalayas continues to successfully address complaints of chronic pain in guests, such as musculoskeletal pain including chronic back pain, arthritic pain, migraines and cluster headaches, fibromyalgia and endometriosis, and other diverse forms of pain. The integrated team of yogis, healers and traditional physicians take a 360-degree approach to combat pain.

Ayurvedic and yogic detox begin work by cleansing the physically blocked channels of circulation through lifestyle, food, herbal decoctions, and therapeutic treatments, while emotional therapy, the study of Vedanta, and yogic philosophy brings a shift in one’s emotional interaction with pain.

Addressing Pain through the Ayurvedic Perspective

Ayurveda has a profound understanding of pain, types of pain and its treatment. Sula is the term used for pain and is a cardinal symptom attributed to Vata dosha. Vata disorders arise due to obstruction of vata or depletion of body tissues (dhatus). The main principle of pain management is to bring back the balance of vata dosha (circulatory forces) and dhatu bala (strengthen tissues).

Ananda has treated several cases of chronic pain. A guest in his mid-thirties arrived with a string of radiating and excruciating Musculo-skeletal pains across the body. Dr Naresh Perumdudari, the lead Ayurvedic Physician on this case, says, “He developed a a sharp pain on the nape of his neck which radiated down to his right shoulder, elbow, and forearm before culminating as an excruciating spasmic pain on the side of his leg. He was unable to function normally or assume a comfortable position while sleeping, which led to a sleep disorder.”

His treatment before arriving at Ananda included steroids and intra articular injections, while suggestions to undergo a spinal decompression surgery started to float his way, which was a wake-up call. At Ananda, a customised combination of Ayurvedic therapies were introduced to address his pain conditions as per his dosha. Ananda’s Ayurvedic therapies such as pizhichil (which helped blood circulation and joint lubrication), choornaswedana (aided in detoxification and loosening of muscles), pristha vamsha therapy (targeted specific pressure points and stimulated the nerves) and stanika pichu (soothed nerve-related pain and enhanced nerve function) were in particular very helpful.

At the end of the programme, his range of motion improved, nerve irritation reduced by 80%, and shoulder pain and lower limb spasms completely subsided.



Pain & Traditional Chinese Medicine- Balancing Qi for Pain Alleviation

Traditional Chinese Medicine classifies pain as ‘excessive’ or ‘deficient’ life force in the channels. Qi is the vital life force or energy that flows through the body's meridians, maintaining overall health and balance. When the meridians are blocked, the stagnation eventually leads to pain and numbness.

To treat pain, TCM practitioners aim to restore the balance of Qi and remove blockages in the meridian system. Herbal medicine, acupuncture, cupping therapy, and Tui Na (Chinese therapeutic massage) are some common modalities used for pain management. A strategic application of acupuncture releases beta-endorphins that calms the experience of pain. The effect of a single acupuncture session could last for 6 weeks!

Pain Management through the Yogic Perspective

At Ananda, traditional yoga cleanses for better circulation of elemental energies. Yoga can alleviate chronic pain by enhancing body mechanics, posture and releasing endorphins- the body’s natural painkillers.

A middle-aged guest came to Ananda had chronic issues of stress, lack of focus, and physical concerns including hip dysplasia and severe lower back pain. Through a 10-day yoga programme, focused on hip-opening asanas and creating an integrative approach of yoga, physiotherapy and emotional healing to help improve flexibility and reduce discomfort.

The programme relied heavily on meditative practices, which enhance pain modulation by activating brain regions responsible for pain processing, leading to decreased pain intensity and perception. Mindful breathing and meditative practises like Yoga Nidra and Antar Mouna activated the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress-induced pain and promoting a calm state. She reported a dramatic 80% reduction in stress, 70% pain relief, and a 90% improvement in mental balance.



Psychogenic Pain & Emotional Wellbeing

Psychogenic pain and chronic pain are often intricately linked to emotional wellbeing. Psychogenic pain refers to pain that is primarily caused or intensified by emotional factors, such as stress, anxiety, or depression, rather than a physical injury. Addressing psychogenic and chronic pain often requires a holistic approach that includes emotional healing and spiritual work.

The Synergy of Holistic Healing for Pain Relief

Integrating holistic approaches, as in Ananda, that encompass various healing traditions can pave the way for comprehensive pain relief and improved well-being. Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Yoga, and Emotional Healing are powerful modalities that, when combined, can complement each other.

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