the tremor has progressed up to her elbow over the last two months. The shaking is gradually increasing. - #22991

It sounds like your mother is experiencing a tremor that’s progressively worsening. Given her underlying conditions of diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD), it’s essential to approach this holistically with Ayurveda while keeping in mind her delicate state.

First, considering the vata dosha, which governs the nervous system and movement, a vata imbalance might be contributing to her symptoms. In Ayurveda, tremors can often be seen as a manifestation of vata disha. It’s essential to maintain its balance through diet and lifestyle changes.

For her diet, encourage warming, moist foods to pacify vata. This could include cooked vegetables, whole grains like rice and quinoa, and avoiding cold and processed foods. Avoiding pungent, astringent and bitter tastes can help; opt instead for sweet, salty and sour flavors, in moderation considering diabetes.

Encourage proper hydration but keep in mind her kidney condition, so consult her doctor about recommended fluid restrictions. Warm water with a few drops of oil, such a sesame oil, can be gently applied to her hands and arms to provide comfort and balance vata.

For lifestyle recommendations, ensure she’s keeping warm, wearing cozy fabrics. Gentle yoga and pranayama, particularly practices that focus on grounding, might be beneficial.

An abhyanga, or oil massage, could also be calming and therapeutic for vata imbalance. Use several teaspoons of warm sesame oil or a specialized vata-balancing oil, concentrating on a gentle massage of the affected areas and limbs, but cautiously considering any contraindications from her CKD.

In terms of herbs, ashwagandha is traditionally known to help with calming tremors. However, any herbal intervention must be discussed with her healthcare provider to avoid potential interactions with her ongoing treatments for diabetes and CKD.

Importantly, the progressive nature of the tremor necessitates a thorough medical evaluation to rule out other neurological conditions. Keeping open communication with her healthcare team is crucial.