Extreme fatigue and listlessness - #26703
I've had a feeling of extreme exhaustion ever since I can remember. As I age, it gets worse. I've a problem sleeping through the night and I've never woken up feeling fresh and rejuvenated. I've also had the issue of cervical spondilysis of late which has added to the overall feeling of imbalance and listlessness.
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Doctors’ responses
Avoid sour, fermented and bakery products. Regular exercise and meditation. Increase intake of raw vegetables and fruits. Use boiled water for drinking. Cap. Gufispon 2-0-2 Dashmularishta 20ml twice after meal.
From an Ayurvedic standpoint, your symptoms of extreme exhaustion, poor sleep quality, and cervical spondylosis could be related to an imbalance in one or more of the three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
Vata Imbalance:
Symptoms: Vata is associated with movement, and an imbalance can lead to symptoms like restless sleep, a feeling of being ungrounded, and a general sense of unease. Exhaustion that worsens with age is a classic sign of aggravated Vata, as Vata naturally increases as we get older.
Connection to your symptoms: Your trouble sleeping through the night, the feeling of imbalance, and the listlessness you describe are all highly characteristic of Vata imbalance. Cervical spondylosis is also often linked to Vata aggravation, as it involves the degeneration of joints and tissues, which is a Vata-related process.
Pitta Imbalance:
Symptoms: While less likely to be the primary cause of your specific symptoms, an aggravated Pitta can contribute to a feeling of being “burnt out” and can disrupt sleep due to mental agitation or heat in the body.
Kapha Imbalance:
Symptoms: Kapha imbalance is more likely to cause lethargy, heaviness, and excessive sleepiness, rather than the restless exhaustion you describe. However, if there is a stagnation of Kapha in the neck and shoulders, it could contribute to cervical spondylosis.
Ayurvedic Approach to Treatment
An Ayurvedic practitioner would likely focus on the following principles:
Vata Pacification: The primary goal would be to calm and ground the Vata dosha. This can be achieved through:
Diet: A Vata-pacifying diet includes warm, cooked, nourishing foods. Avoiding cold, raw, and dry foods is recommended. Ghee (clarified butter) and warm milk are often suggested.
Lifestyle: A consistent daily routine (Dinacharya) is key. This includes waking up and going to bed at the same time each day. Abhyanga (self-massage with warm sesame oil) is highly recommended for its grounding and nourishing effects on the nervous system.
Herbs: Specific herbs like Ashwagandha (for rejuvenation and stress reduction), Brahmi (for nervous system support and sleep), and Bala (for strengthening and grounding) might be prescribed.
Addressing Cervical Spondylosis:
Herbal Oils: The application of specific medicated oils (like Mahanarayana oil) to the neck and shoulder area can help to relieve pain and stiffness.
Panchakarma: Procedures like local snehana (oil massage) and swedana (herbal steam) might be recommended to improve circulation and reduce stiffness.
Improving Sleep Quality:
Routine: A relaxing bedtime routine, avoiding screens before bed, and creating a calming environment are crucial.
Herbs: Herbs like Jatamansi and Tagara are traditionally used to promote deep, restful sleep.

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