अर्धशक्त्या निषेव्यस्तु बलिभि: स्निग्धभोजिभि:।
शीतकाले वसन्ते च मन्दमेव ततो अन्यदा।।
Which states, “One who is strong and eats unctuous food every day should use half of one’s energy to do exercise (व्यायाम)” (1). Therefore, exercise therapy is an essential and integral part of the patient’s rehabilitation journey.
In the current era, the practice of physiotherapy has emerged as a crucial component of present-day health care. Integrating traditional medical knowledge with modern research is vital to providing patients with comprehensive and efficient care. The patient cannot be fully healed by physical therapy or medication alone; rather, a mix of both is necessary to maintain a stable and healthy lifestyle. Physiotherapy and Ayurveda can work together in beautiful harmony. Both systems aim to optimize well-being, though they take different paths to reach that goal.
Ayurveda, “The World of Medicine,” is the traditional system of medical science that originated in India over 5,000 years ago. It is based on the belief that health and wellness depend on a balance between the mind, body, and spirit. Ayurveda recognizes individual differences and focuses on maintaining this balance to prevent illness and promote well-being. To maintain health, Ayurvedic medicine seeks to balance the body's doshas (Pitta, Kapha, and Vata) through individualized nutrition plans and lifestyle modifications.
Ayurvedic medicine places more emphasis on identifying and treating the underlying cause of a health issue rather than just its symptoms. Treatments often combine natural therapies such as herbal medicines, dietary changes, and lifestyle improvements. These lifestyle improvements can be enhanced with the intervention of physical therapy. Increasing functional activity and promoting an independent lifestyle is the philosophy of physical therapy.
Physical therapy is more than a form of medical treatment used to address certain conditions. It is a holistic approach to enhancing, preserving, and controlling overall health and functionality. The goals of physical therapy include improving lost flexibility and addressing pain arising from movement. Constraints and suffering may result from specific causes such as physical impairments, accidents, aging, health issues, hormone levels, and climate. Physiotherapy aims to relieve physical discomfort and enhance psychological and mental health.
Evidence supports the combined benefits of physical therapy and Ayurveda, as demonstrated by case reports. It was found that physiotherapy and Ayurveda were effective in treating sciatica(2). The research aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary approach involving both treatments. This case study featured a 36-year-old patient with sciatica, experiencing lower back discomfort extending to the right lower leg and outer toes. The investigation lasted four weeks and involved a multidisciplinary group using Ayurvedic treatments such as Panchakarma, Shodhana, and Shamana Chikitsa, alongside physiotherapy techniques including balance exercises, McKenzie's exercises, manual therapy, and muscular strengthening.
After four weeks, the patient reported significant improvement. Similar positive effects were observed in cases of cerebral vascular disease(3), DMD(4), and others. This suggests that blending traditional Ayurveda with modern physiotherapy techniques can significantly benefit patients facing various ailments. Thus, integrating this combined practice into clinical settings should be considered.
References
- ReSanskrit [Internet]. 2018 [cited 2024 Jan 30]. 10 Habits for great health in Sanskrit according to Ayurveda! Available from: https://resanskrit.com/blogs/blog-post/10-habits-ayurveda-sanskrit
- Vm R, Narayanan N, T A, Pv F. Integration of Ayurveda and Physiotherapy in the management of Sciatica: A Case Report. J Ayurveda Integr Med Sci. 2022 Dec 9;7(10):257–64.
- Singh V, Sawarkar P, Sawarkar G, Parwe S. Pakshaghata (Hemiparesis) management - Cerebral Vascular Event (CVE) Through Panchakarma, Shamana treatment and Physiotherapy - A Case Report. Int J Ayurvedic Med. 2022 Jul 8;13(2):554–60.
- (PDF) A Holistic Approach on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy by Ayurvedic Treatment Modalities along with Traction: A Case Report [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jan 30]. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/364304833_A_Holistic_Approach_on_Duchenne_Muscular_Dystrophy_by_Ayurvedic_Treatment_Modalities_along_with_Traction_A_Case_Report