AYURVEDA PERSPECTIVE ON ACHES & PAINS - GENERAL

Ayurveda classifies pain into several types - inflammatory, tension related, and ama related (toxins), although the underlying cause of pain could be virtually any injury, disease or sickness.

General aches & pains are often a sign of ama or toxic buildup in the body. For example, a person who has aches and pains while feverish.

All pain involves Vata dosha - an irregularity.

Note: Please see a qualified medical professional to determine this underlying cause.

Journaling Areas of Pain

Write down each of the areas in your body where you notice pain. Write down the qualities of the pain. Burning pain implies irritated tissue. Dull pain may imply swelling of the area, and displaced tissues. Pinching pain could imply there is something stuck in the tissue, like a splinter. Notice whether pressure relieves pain, or increases it. Notice if the location of the pain is moving. See All Pain Sensation Types All Sensation Types

Pain and Poor Circulation

Wherever there is pain, there tends to be poor circulation due to tension and swelling. Deep breathing exercises, massage with aromatic ointments (tiger balm), and vasodilating herbs (like cloves) tend to relieve pain. Rosemary and thyme essential oils can helpful to stimulate blood flow. Keep warm, as warmth increases blood flow. Exposure to cold tends to increase pain.

Strategies for Pain by Type

Inflammatory Pain

In the case of inflammatory pain, reduce pain with anti-inflammatory herbs that also improve circulation, such as turmeric, ginger and guggulu. Amalaki is a good choice for pitta related pain because it simultaneously reduces pitta and improves circulation.

Tension Pain

For tension related pain, use muscle relaxants such as valerian, skullcap, and pedicularis. Aromatic herbs such as cloves have an analgesic effect, improve circulation, and at the same time relax muscles. Soothe your nervous system with nervines and massage with oil.

Pain Due to Toxins

For pain due to buildup of ama, use CCF tea along with a mild laxative such as triphala. Eat a cleansing, easy to digest diet. DO not massage the body with oil if you have ama. Instead, use dry brushing.

Pain from Discontinuity Disorders

Bone misalignment is a common cause of pain, often related to poor posture, working at a computer, and weakening of muscle groups. Muscle and ligament tears, prolapses of the colon, bladder, uterus or other organs, and past physical trauma are all examples of discontinuity disorders.

For many kinds of discontinuity disorders, a physical therapist can recommend exercises to strengthen muscle groups, restore posture, and keep things where they belong. Astringent herbs can also help tone lax tissues. A chiropractor may provide immediate relief but make sure you ask your chiropractor for exercises to maintain alignment.

Addressing Your Beliefs About Pain

One of the first reactions to pain is to suppress it, ignore it, and try to pretend it isn't there. This causes muscle tension, emotional eating, irritability with loved ones, and shallow breathing. Instead of contracting and tensing up, you want to relax and open up. Gentle stretching exercises will help relieve pain.

Paradoxically, ignoring pain makes it worse. Pain's purpose is to warn you. The more you ignore this alert, the louder it gets. Instead, by paying attention to pain, you'll notice relief. You'll being to relax as well, which will provide relief from muscle tension, emotional eating, irritability, and shallow breathing.

The popular view of pain is that it originates in the damaged tissue, although recent research refutes this concept of pain. Instead, pain is a response that originates in the central nervous system.

Contemplative practices such as prayer and meditation help regulate the central nervous system and can bring significant relief to chronic pain. The brain contains many pain-relieving chemicals.

This is why the placebo effect is particular strong among those who suffer from chronic pain. In studies on arthritis the placebo affect has been shown to last over 2 years.