Take Care of Low Back Pain
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Today I’d like to spend a few minutes on an all-too-common problem—low back pain. A recent article in the Canadian Medical Association Journal helps us see the importance of taking care of low back pain quickly. If you can take care of low back pain within the first six weeks, there is a good chance of full recovery. But if back pain persists after six weeks, it’s very important to receive ongoing care, as the symptom may then evolve into persistent low back pain—and we don’t want that.
Low back pain is a major problem worldwide, with over a third of adults suffering with it in any given year. If you have low back pain, chances are that it is nonspecific and will best be treated by complementary measures like Ayurveda and yoga. However, you should see a spine specialist at the outset, to make sure there isn’t any important and treatable cause. For instance, I tend to low back pain due to a pathoantomical cause, since I have scoliosis. It was important for me to know this and get a physical therapy routine to manage the scoliosis. Nonetheless, I still benefit from Ayurvedic complementary care as well.
Once you know the cause of your back pain or have made sure it is non-specific and has no dangerous implications, it’s time to visit an Ayurvedic practitioner. Low back pain is classed as vatavyadhi, a vata-based condition. So you’ll need support to put a vata soothing diet and lifestyle in place in a way that’s appropriate for your constitution. Your practitioner will also recommend herbs to help with managing aggravated vata and reducing pain and inflammation. You’ll get special pain-relieving oils and salves as well.
Most important, because persistent back pain can wreck your life in significant ways, take advantage of the opportunity to get a series of kati vasti dough ring treatments for your low back. Low back pain is as old as the human race, and the sages of Ayurveda developed this powerful way to treat it. In this therapy, a warm medicated oil is retained over the low back, held in place by a dough ring. It’s the retaining of the oil that earns this therapy the name vasti. This is the ideal treatment for localized pain. While one treatment is definitely beneficial, it’s best to sign up for a series of regular treatments to maximize the benefit.
If you live in the local area, you are in luck! These treatments can be quite costly and we offer a special price so our students can gain plenty of experience.
https://www.cmaj.ca/content/196/2/E29#sec-24
Alakananda Ma M.B., B.S. (Lond.) is an Ayurvedic Doctor (NAMA) and graduate of a top London medical school. She is co-founder of Alandi Ayurveda Clinic and Alandi Ayurveda Gurukula in Boulder Colorado, as well as a spiritual mother, teacher, flower essence maker and storyteller. Alakananda is a well known and highly respected practitioner in the Ayurveda community both nationally and internationally.
Enliven your holistic health! Visit Alakananda Ma in Alandi Ashram’s ayurvedic clinic to support the overall rejuvenation of your body, mind, and spirit. In-person and virtual appointments available. Book now!
