Multiple Sclerosis Ayurveda: Types, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic immune-mediated neurological disorder in which the body’s immune system damages myelin (the protective covering) of nerve fibres in the brain and spinal cord. This causes a range of neurological symptoms — visual disturbances, limb weakness, sensory loss, coordination problems, bladder dysfunction and fatigue. MS has relapsing–remitting and progressive forms.

Important clinical note

Crucial: Multiple Sclerosis is a medical condition that must be managed by a neurologist. Ayurvedic therapies can provide supportive relief for symptoms (pain, spasticity, fatigue, sensory disturbances), improve rehabilitation outcomes and enhance quality of life — but they do **not** replace disease-modifying therapies or neurologic care. We always coordinate treatments with your neurologist and respect ongoing medications (immunotherapies, steroids, symptomatic drugs).

Ayurvedic strategy for MS (supportive care)

Our clinic uses a multi-pronged supportive program to address MS symptoms:

• Vata pacification & Majja nourishment: Therapies and Rasayanas aimed at calming Vata and nourishing nerve tissue (Majja dhatu).
• Detox & balance: Gentle panchakarma (selected Basti, Nasyam) to remove Ama and reduce neuro-inflammation where appropriate.
• Local symptomatic therapies: Kati/Prishtha Vasti, Njavara Kizhi, Abhyanga and Shirodhara to relieve spasm, pain, sensory symptoms and sleep disturbance.
• Rehabilitation & lifestyle: Neuro-rehab physiotherapy, gait training, energy conservation, pranayama and sleep hygiene.

Therapies we provide — Useful in Multiple Sclerosis

Below are clinic therapies commonly used as part of a supportive MS program. Each therapy includes a photo for reference and practical details. Therapies are chosen and scheduled after neurologic clearance.

Abhyanga (Warm Oil Massage)

What it is: Full-body warm herbal oil massage tailored to pacify Vata and improve circulation.

• Relieves muscle spasm, reduces stiffness and promotes relaxation.
• Improves peripheral circulation and lymphatic drainage — useful for numbness and heaviness.
• Enhances sleep and reduces stress-related symptom exacerbation.
• Typical use: daily or alternate-day during intensive rehabilitation phases, then maintenance as advised.

Shirodhara (Forehead Oil Pour)

What it is: Continuous, calming pouring of warm herbal oil on the forehead.

• Calms the nervous system, reduces anxiety and improves sleep.
• Helps with cognitive fatigue, headaches and stress-related symptom flares.
• Used as adjunct during recovery and to enhance response to neurorehabilitation.

Nasyam (Nasal Administration)

What it is: Medicated oils or herbal preparations administered via the nostrils under supervision.

• Clears cranial channels, supports nerve function, and may help with sensory symptoms and headaches.
• Useful for speech, swallowing difficulties and cranial nerve related symptoms in select patients.
• Requires neurologic clearance (avoid during active infection or severe autonomic dysfunction).

Basti (Medicated Enema)

What it is: Therapeutic enemas using medicated oils or decoctions designed to pacify Vata and nourish tissues.

• Considered powerful for chronic Vata disorders — helps reduce spasticity, neuropathic pain and bowel dysfunction.
• Often given as a course under physician supervision; individualized based on symptoms and comorbidities.
• Not suitable during active infections, severe autonomic instability or acute relapses without neurologic approval.

Kati Vasti (Lower Back Oil Retention)

What it is: Medicated oil is retained over the lumbar region in a dough ring to nourish spinal tissues.

• Relieves low-back spasm, radicular pain and sacral sensory complaints which are common in spinal MS involvement.
• Improves local circulation and reduces deep muscular tension.
• Used as part of a combined rehabilitation plan for gait and trunk control.

Prishtha Vasti (Back Oil Retention)

What it is: Oil retained on the back for spinal nourishment and pain relief.

• Helps when spine-related symptoms and posterior chain spasticity impede mobility.
• Supports vertebral and paraspinal tissue nourishment and reduces discomfort during physiotherapy.

Njavara Kizhi

What it is: Warm rice boluses cooked in herbal decoctions applied over the body/joints.

• Provides gentle thermal nourishment to muscles and nerves — useful for chronic weakness and stiffness.
• Supports tissue repair, reduces spasm and enhances mobility when combined with physiotherapy.

Oil Bath (Rejuvenation)

What it is: Full-body immersion or application of warm medicated oil followed by rest.

• Deep tissue nourishment and relaxation — beneficial for generalised weakness and fatigue management.
• Often used during rejuvenation phases alongside Rasayana (rejuvenative) medicines.

Herbal Support, Neuro-rehab & Lifestyle

Herbal medicines should be prescribed after clinical evaluation. We coordinate with neurologists about possible interactions and timing of disease-modifying therapies and steroids.

Sample Clinic Programs (examples — individualized)

All programs are adapted to MS subtype (relapsing vs progressive), current medications and functional status. Acute relapses (new neurologic deficits) require immediate neurologic evaluation before any therapy.

Quick Reference — Therapies & Roles