Treat Your Neurodevelopmental Disorders with Traditional Kerala Ayurveda

While Ayurveda doesn’t offer a singular cure for neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), it provides holistic practices that complement conventional medical and therapeutic care. Here are key strategies employed in Ayurvedic approaches for NDDs:

Understanding Doshas and Imbalances:

Ayurveda views NDDs as manifestations of imbalances in the three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each imbalance presents with distinct features, and treatment focuses on restoring balance and supporting optimal brain function:

• Excess Vata: This can manifest as hyperactivity, attention deficit, difficulty learning, anxiety, and sensory sensitivities. Vata governs movement and circulation, and its excess creates mental chaos and can disrupt neural communication. Treatment focuses on calming Vata with a warm, nourishing diet, herbs like Ashwagandha and Brahmi, and calming practices like yoga and meditation.
• Excess Pitta: This might present as aggression, irritability, perfectionism, difficulty with social interactions, and sleep disturbances. Pitta is associated with fire and intensity, contributing to emotional volatility and potential challenges with social engagement. Treatment aims to cool Pitta with cooling fruits and vegetables, herbs like Guduchi and Neem, and practices that address emotional volatility like pranayama and mindfulness.
• Excess Kapha: This could manifest as lethargy, learning difficulties, low motivation, poor balance and coordination, and delayed developmental milestones. Kapha represents structure and heaviness, leading to sluggishness and potential delays in neural development. Treatment focuses on stimulating Kapha with light, easily digestible foods, herbs like Triphala and Fenugreek, and gentle exercise to boost energy and alertness.

Ayurvedic Treatment Strategies:

Important note: These approaches are meant to complement conventional medical care, not replace it. Consult a doctor and therapist specializing in NDDs for proper diagnosis and treatment management.

Dietary Adjustments:

• Dosha-balancing foods: Consume foods specific to your unique dosha imbalance.
• Avoid aggravating foods: Steer clear of foods that worsen your individual doshic imbalance.
• Balanced and nutritious diet: Ensure adequate intake of essential nutrients for brain health and development.
• Mindful eating: Practice mindful eating techniques to cultivate a healthy relationship with food and improve emotional regulation.

Herbal Remedies 

• Brain-tonic herbs: Brahmi, Shankhapushpi, and Gotu Kola can enhance cognitive function, improve memory, and support neuronal development.
• Dosha-specific herbs: Specific herbs tailored to your dosha imbalance, like Ashwagandha for Vata, Guduchi for Pitta, and Triphala for Kapha, can further address specific symptoms.
• Adaptogenic herbs: Ashwagandha can help manage stress and promote emotional balance, potentially beneficial for both Vata and Pitta imbalances.