14/02/2021
We rely on our backs for some basic daily functions such as standing, sitting, bending and walking. Our backs, consist of bones, discs, nerves, fibres, ligaments, muscles and blood vessels, are literally the backbone of our existence.
Low back pain is the most common health complaint. It is usually characterised by a dull or sharp aching pain in the lower part of the spine.
Ayurveda provides much insight and many practical tools for ensuring that our backs support us throughout the years. The first approach to resolving any back pain is to investigate the root cause. Many things could trigger back pain such as:
• Diseases of the vertebral column, spinal cord, meninges
• Lack of calcium
• Obesity
• Fractures, lumbago, slipped disk
• Ineffective postures
• Excess foods which are dry, light, bitter, pungent, and cold (i.e. Vata aggravation foods)
• Fasting, loss of appetite or eating less nutritious food
• Over exercising or working
• Injury to the back or vital points
• Lifting weight that is too heavy or incorrectly
• Excess s*xual indulgence
• Suppression of natural urges (eg. gas, urine, stool, burping, etc.)
In Ayurveda, pain is usually rooted due to the imbalance of vata dosha, which carries the qualities of being cold, rough, dry, light, mobile and subtle. When our body experiences an excess of these qualities, we become stiff, rigid and dry, lacking the lubrication necessary to bend, stand and sit without pain.
The discs between the vertebrae of our spines, which are made up of a jelly-like substance to protect the bones often degenerate due to repetitive action and overuse (i.e. vata dosha moving excessively causing degeneration of the bones and joints).
In the body, the main site of vata is the colon, where the primary function is to eliminate waste. With lower back pain, constipation is common and elimination maybe irregular or incomplete. This also aggravates the lower back with symptoms of gas, bloating and pain.
In general, a vata pacifying diet and lifestyle, along with herbs, can significantly help to manage lower back pain.
DIET
• Have warm and nourishing diet such as soups, stews and kitchari which are excellent for vata.
• Eat food which has predominantly sweet (eg. cucumber, coconut, wheat), sour (eg. orange, yogurt, grapes) and salty (eg. seafood, salt) tastes.
• Avoid cold drinks, raw food and dry food like chips, popcorn and crackers. These types of food have the same qualities as vata and will further aggravate vata dosha.
• As excessive vata dosha impairs digestion and causes constipation, it is important to consume plenty of fibre through significant intake of fruits and fresh vegetables to support healthy elimination.
LIFESTYLE
• Keep warm, dress warm and stay out of strong wind.
• Keep calm.
• Generally, a small but grounding breakfast is best, with lunch as the main meal and a warm and satisfying dinner.
• Have small, frequent but regular meals.
• Avoid skipping meals and excessive snacking between meals.
• Steam baths, humidifiers and moisture in general are helpful.
HERBS
You can increase a few culinary herbs such as ginger, cinnamon and turmeric in your daily cooking to pacify the vata dosha. There are also Ayurveda herbs such as guggulu, rasna, nirgundi, ashwaganda, bala, guduchi, eranda and shallaki which are beneficial for lower back pain.
AYURVEDIC TREATMENT
One of Ayurveda’s most effective treatment for back pain is called Kati Basti. This therapy involves creating a dam-like structure using a dough to contain the warm herbal oil over the area. As the herbal oil is carried deep into the tissue layers, it increases circulation and softens the rigid scar tissue which has formed on the muscles and joints. The warm and unctuous oil will reduce the cold and dry qualities of vata and back pain begins to resolve. For home remedy, a daily self-massage with warm sesame oil or Ayurvedic medicated oil, followed by a warm shower or bath will greatly relieve pain and inflammation.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is 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.
