The Natural Beat

Tess January 14th, 2008

Physical therapy and exercise is an integral part of the management and treatment of sciatica pain. The exercise is best done in a controlled developmental mode that includes a combination of stretching exercises, strengthening movements and massage therapy.

Sciatica pain is a symptom of a compressed sciatic nerve that can be chronic, acute or episodic. What ever the nature of the pain, getting relief from the pain is always the first priority as sciatica pain can practically immobilize patients. Due to the side effects of conventional pain killers more people are turning towards sciatica alternative remedies. The traditional Indian medicine, Ayurveda, has a detailed list of herbs that can be used in oil massages to provide relief from sciatica pain. These massages have attained popularity as ‘Kerala Massages’.

The Ayurvedic massages involve a process in which lukewarm herbal oils are rubbed in all over the body in a rhythmic manner. The massage is done continuously for a prolonged period of time to ensure that the herbs penetrate the skin properly. These massages also need to be carried out by trained therapists. The rhythm of the massage is traditional and also intended to soothe and calm tense nerves.

Another method that is often adopted is the ‘muscular massage’. In this process, the herbs are made into a pudding and tied up in a muslin cloth and applied. This process is intended to make the body or the affected part perspire.

Similar herbal oil remedies for sciatic nerve treatment are also adopted by western herbal specialists. They use a concoction that contains olive oil, ginger, thyme, clove, eucalyptus, cinnamon and lavender.

There are no governmental regulations that govern traditional therapies and this aspect leads to a fair amount of attack on herbalists. Natural products cannot be patented and manufacturers hesitate to invest in researching herbs. Lack of funds translates to absence of studies to prove the claims that the few herbalists make. The only proof of their claims, as the saying goes, is only in ‘eating the pudding’.

Another therapy that has had to suffer due similar reasons is homeopathy. For example, homeopathic remedies like rhus tox, arsenicum, ammonium muraticum and colocynthis have a proven track record in treating and managing pain of all types, including sciatica. But they are still not spared and are under persistent attack from conventionalists.

Herbal massages do not involve any oral intake. If the massages are done by a professional who is well conversed in anatomy, there is no possibility of potential harm. On the other hand, the massages can provide a welcome relief from sciatic pain. Till the time the root cause of sciatic pain is not diagnosed and removed, herbal oil massages are an effective way in which the pain can be managed without the fear of side effects.

References:

http://www.arthritis-treatment-and-relief.com/sciatica-herbal-remedy.html

http://www.ayursa....com/treatments.html

• Aromatherapy , General Health Info , Pain Management
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