Sprain and Strain
Sprain and Strain from the point of view of Ayurveda
Sprains and strains are common injuries affecting the muscles and ligaments. Sprains and strains happen when you overstretch or twist a muscle. Sprains and strains both refer to damage to the soft tissues in the body, including ligaments, tendons, and muscles. The symptoms of a sprain and a strain are very similar. Most commonly affected joints include: back, thumb, wrist, knee, ankle. A joint sprain is an overstretched, torn, or twisted ligament. This is the tissue that holds your joints together or connects bones or cartilage. The most common sprain location is the ankle joint. A joint strain is an overstretched, torn, or twisted tendon or muscle. Tendon is a tissue that connects your muscle to your bone.The most common locations for a muscle strain are hamstring and the lower back.
The most common causes of injured joints include:
activities or exercise – running, jumping, or throwing
accidents, such as falling or slipping
lifting heavy objects
sitting or standing in an awkward position
prolonged repeated movement
How Ayurvedic doctors treat Sprain and Strain
Ayurvedic treatment aim is to reduce inflammation and swelling and to restore the muscle, tendon and ligament to its proper healthy function.
A sprain affects ligaments it is a Pitta condition. Pitta-type pain and inflammation is recommended for Pitta reducing herbs , which work to harmonize joint and muscle problems. Herbs to balance Pitta – include Guduchi, Tulsi, Turmeric, Licorice and the formula Kaishore Guggulu.
When a strain affects muscle – this is due to Vata.
Ayurvedic herbs can be used in many different ways – that herbs, ointments, massage based, addiction to the advice of an Ayurvedic doctor.
Ayurveda recommends that anyone with swelling, regardless of the cause, should avoid sour and salty foods, and heavy foods such as milk, sugar and oily food.
Ayurveda treatment for inflammation in acute traumatic injury often recommended a topical herbal application, called a Lepa (Lepa are medicinal herbs made into a paste with oil, aloe, or another liquid, then applied to the skin ) – use of herbal compounds to improve the circulation of Prana ( or life force energy) and blood circulation around the injury. Lepa herbs is with a cold potency, sweet taste and unctuous properties . These three qualities – cold, sweet, and unctuous – help to reduce inflammation and heat.
Patrapinda Sveda is another Ayurvedic therapy, which may be recommended at the discretion of the Ayurvedic practitioner. Patra means “the leaves of medicinal plants,” Pinda means, “bolus,” and Sveda means – heat therapy . Therefore, Patrapinda Sveda is the application of medicinal leaves fried in ghee or oil, and wrapped in a muslin cloth to form a bolus. The bolus is then massaged into the injured area, where the medicinal properties of the plant will absorb into the skin and provide pain relief via softening of the tissues.
Ayurvedic treatment include herbal formulas containing properties to treat the imbalance with its opposing qualities – it means dry is treated with moist, cold is treated with heat, heavy is treated with light and so forth . Ayurvedic herbs that has quality to treat swelling and inflammation are – Vidanga, Trikatu, Haritaki, Guggulu, Fresh ginger, Punarnava and Pippali – composition, use will be received after consultation with an Ayurvedic doctor.
More tips for prevention and Ayurvedic treatment of Sprain and Strain:
keep your shoes and any necessary gear maintained
Warming up and cooling down after exercise helps you prevent injury
or try not to use affected joint while it heals
Ice compress helps reduce swelling and inflammation
Try to keep the affected joint above the level of your heart – this will help reduce swelling
thyme oil can be used as a compress to get rid of swelling
gentle massage will help reduce pain
For ankle sprain, soak a foot in a pot of hot water with a mustard oil or mustard powder
paste out of 1/2 teaspoon turmeric and 1/2 teaspoon salt – add water to form the paste. Applying it to the injury will help reduce swelling.
Pineapple or pomegranate juice – contain an enzyme that acts as an antiirritant and anti-inflammatory. This helps to pacify pitta and accelerates the healing process.
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