Alcohol and Drug addiction relief in Ayurveda

We all know the ugly side of any kind of addiction that a person might knowingly or un knowingly fall into. Addictive habits to substances like drug, alcohol , smoking , liquors etc. is not only a individual’s problem , but also affects his/her family , surrounding and the society as a whole. The addicted individual spends lot of time and money, often exceeding what he has or he can afford causing financial, physical , family and social problems.

The general belief is drug addiction or intoxication of any kind is a social as well as psychological problem , which needs a holistic approach of treatment keeping in mind the affected person’s socio economic condition and atmosphere in mind.

Ayurveda does just that and adopts a systematic approach in treatment of such cases recommending herbal medicines, exercises, personal counseling and meditation as part of that.

Diagnosis of Addiction in Ayurvedic Way

The diagnosis in Ayurveda comprises of a detailed understanding of a person’s characteristics, habits, sleep patterns, hereditary traits, body type etc. as a first step.

Followed by that will be an understanding of the state of the tridoshas within an individual – Vatta, Pitta and Kapha. Ayurveda believes that the problems in a human body are caused due to the misbalance among these doshas. Diagnosis may also consist of clinical tests.

Some of the other diagnosis techniques that are frequently used by Ayurvedic experts are diagnosis of tongue, diagnosis of nails, eye diagnosis and diagnosing the pulse. These diagnostics provide vital clues about the nature and tendencies of the individual.

De addiction Treatment in Ayurvedic Way

De addiction treatments comprises of the following ways in Ayurveda

• Purification Therapies

These are also known as Panchakarma therapies which target at uprooting the toxins present in the patient’s body. These are quite potent therapies and are generally done under the supervision of an Ayurvedic expert.

Virechanam is the therapy which comprises of taking a mixture of herbal medicinal plants or there parts. This therapy eliminates the toxic substances from the body via the anal route. Herbs like ginger, cardamom, cinnamon and Embelia etc. are used for the purpose.

Another popular cleansing therapy used is Vamanam which can be called a therapy for vomiting. This method uses the upper track leading to the mouth, to cleanse the toxins caused due to indigestion of food.

• Rasayana Therapies

These therapies generally follow the Panchakarma treatments which purify the body. This set of procedures further nourishes and strengthen the body after Panchkarma.

For addiction related problems, Rasayana treatments include dietary changes and consuming oral herbal medicines.

• Oral Medication

A range of herbal medicines and combinations are used in the treatment of addictive problems which are meant to be administered orally.

Chammoile and Ashwagandha are two main herbs that are used in combination to heal the lung. They actually help in removing smoke in the lung and healing the internal tissues. Congestion relieving herbs like ginger, pepper mixed with honey or lemon are also prescribed for the addiction affected patients.

To reduce the dependency or craving of the body for alcoholic drinks, herbal substitutes are used which are prepared with herbal elements like turmeric, barberry and dry ginger etc.

• Dietary changes

The Ayurvedic type of diet provides the patient with adequate nutrition and plenty of rest to the affected organs, so diet regulation is also helpful in such cases.

Diet rich in proteins and carbohydrates and low in fats is recommended. The patient should eat fiber rich food and plenty of raw vegetables. Intake of coffee and tea etc should be reduced and alcohol should not be touched.