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Anesthesia Awareness: Can Ayurveda Help Heal the Trauma of Waking Up During Surgery?
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General Medicine
Question #14838
166 days ago
258

Anesthesia Awareness: Can Ayurveda Help Heal the Trauma of Waking Up During Surgery? - #14838

Julian

A few years ago, I experienced anesthesia awareness during surgery, and it was the most terrifying experience of my life. I was fully aware but unable to move or speak, and I could feel parts of the surgery. Since then, I’ve struggled with anxiety, panic attacks, and sleep disturbances. I’ve read that Ayurveda has treatments that help reset the nervous system and reduce trauma. Are there Ayurvedic herbs or therapies that help with emotional healing after anesthesia awareness? Can meditation or breathing techniques help calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety? If I ever need surgery again, is there anything Ayurveda recommends to prepare the body so that anesthesia awareness doesn’t happen again? Has anyone used Ayurveda to recover from anesthesia awareness, and what helped the most?

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Namaste, Anesthesia awareness is a deeply traumatic experience that can leave lasting emotional effects. Ayurveda focuses on calming the Vata dosha, which governs the nervous system, to promote healing and reduce anxiety. Here are some recommendations: Herbal Support: Ashwagandha: A powerful adaptogen that reduces anxiety and supports the nervous system. Take as a capsule or mixed with warm milk. Brahmi: Known to calm the mind and promote emotional balance. Brahmi tea or capsules can help ease panic and improve sleep. Jatamansi: A natural sedative that soothes the nervous system and aids in trauma recovery. Therapies: Abhyanga (Self-Oil Massage): Use warm sesame or Brahmi oil to calm the nervous system. Massage before bedtime for relaxation. Shirodhara: A steady stream of warm oil poured over the forehead, traditionally used for deep emotional healing and nervous system balance. Breathing & Meditation: Anulom Vilom (Alternate Nostril Breathing): Balances Vata and calms anxiety. Guided Meditation: Helps process trauma and reset the mind. Pre-Surgery Preparation: Strengthen the mind and body with Ashwagandha and Brahmi at least 2 weeks before surgery. Practice calming routines and meditation to stabilize Vata before any future procedure. Healing takes time, but with consistent Ayurvedic practices, many find emotional balance and improved resilience. Wishing you peace and complete healing!
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Wow, that sounds incredibly difficult, and you're not alone in seeking healing after such an experience. Ayurveda does offer approaches to calm the nervous system and help with healing anxiety and trauma. First, herbs like Ashwagandha and Brahmi are considered adaptogens, known for their ability to soothe and stabilize the mind. Ashwagandha is often recommended to manage stress and anxiety, while Brahmi supports mental clarity and calmness. You might consider taking these in powder or tablet forms twice a day. Meditation and breathing are indeed powerful. You'd want to try a simple Pranayama like Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing). It balances the nervous system and brings calmness, ideal before you sleep or when you feel a panic attack coming on. Just 5-10 minutes daily can make a big difference. Yoga Nidra, a form of guided meditation, is also effective for deep relaxation and helping manage insomnia or disturbed sleep. Should you ever need surgery again, Ayurveda suggests preparing your body through nourishment and balance. Ensure your digestion, or Agni, is strong by consuming warm, light meals like Khichdi a day or two before. Avoid cold or heavy foods. It's beneficial to practice Abhyanga, a self-massage with warm sesame or coconut oil, to pacify the Vata dosha which often becomes imbalanced with surgery. Finally, reading and listening to positive affirmations or mantras can support creating a secure and reassured mental state—look into Gayatri Mantra recitations. If you’re open to it, consult an Ayurvedic physician to personalize these recommendations, ensuring they're tailored to your individual constitution and needs. Healing from such an event might take time, and layering these practices gradually hopefully brings some relief!
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