Question #9977
198 days ago
169
How to help a stroke patient heal - #9977
Philip Asante
My mom suffered stroke (left side of the body went partially off) last year and we’ve been moving her ever since to doctors to heal her condition. Currently, she’s able to walk with her walking stick but her left arm she’s still not capable of controlling it. Even though the left foot is not really active. What can I do to help at home.
Age: 25
Chronic illnesses: None
FREE
done
Question is closed
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous
100% Anonymous
Get expert answers anytime,
completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.

Doctors’ responses
I'm really sorry to hear about your mom's stroke and the challenges she’s facing with recovery. It's wonderful that you're looking for ways to support her at home. While it’s essential to continue following medical advice and therapies, there are several things you can do at home to help improve her recovery and mobility. Here are some key steps:
Physical Therapy: If your mom isn't already attending physical therapy, it’s vital to ensure she continues with exercises to improve her strength, mobility, and coordination. Even at home, you can help with basic exercises she’s been given, like those focused on improving arm and leg strength. Gentle stretching and strengthening of the left arm and foot are essential. Working with a therapist or caregiver to develop an at-home regimen could also be beneficial.
Arm Movement Exercises: To improve her left arm's mobility, gentle movements can help maintain range of motion and strengthen muscles. Simple exercises like lifting the arm gently, extending and bending the elbow, and wrist exercises (such as squeezing a stress ball) can be done daily. If possible, use assistive devices or help her guide the arm in certain movements to promote functional recovery.
Functional Training: For her walking, practice balance and weight-bearing exercises. Holding onto furniture or a walker for stability, or working on stepping exercises (where she stands and shifts weight from one foot to the other) can improve balance over time. Also, making sure she practices walking with her walking stick regularly can help enhance her confidence and coordination.
Foot Exercises: For the foot, daily ankle pumps, toe curls, or simple foot exercises to improve circulation and flexibility can help regain some movement. Placing small objects on the floor and encouraging her to use her toes to pick them up might help with dexterity.
Cognitive and Speech Therapy: If your mom’s stroke affected her speech or cognitive functions, try to engage her with memory games, puzzles, or activities that stimulate the brain, like reading aloud, writing, or conversation. Speech therapy exercises, if recommended by her doctor, can aid in regaining speech and communication skills.
Nutritional Support: A balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids can support brain health and overall healing. Encourage foods like leafy greens, berries, fish, and nuts, which are beneficial for stroke recovery. Make sure she’s getting enough fluids and fiber too.
Mental and Emotional Support: Recovery from a stroke is as much about emotional and mental well-being as it is about physical rehabilitation. Encourage your mom to remain positive, be patient with herself, and celebrate small victories. Being emotionally present and offering support is crucial in helping her regain independence.
Regular Monitoring: Keep track of her progress, document changes in her abilities, and communicate with her doctors regularly. If you notice any changes, improvement or worsening, it’s important to let her healthcare team know.
Adaptive Equipment: Consider investing in adaptive devices like a specialized grip for utensils, adaptive clothing, or arm supports that might make daily tasks easier and more comfortable for her.
In all these steps, it’s crucial to consult with her healthcare team regularly to make sure you're using the right techniques for her specific condition. Keep reinforcing her efforts with encouragement and patience, as stroke recovery often requires time, persistence, and a lot of support. You’re already doing great by seeking ways to assist her at home, and small steps each day can add up to significant progress over time.
13739 answered questions
68% best answers
done
Accepted response
0 replies
Namaste, Philip. I shall guide you with an Ayurvedic approach to support your mother’s healing journey post-stroke, or Pakshaghata as it is referred to in Ayurveda. Stroke is considered a Vata imbalance, particularly affecting the nervous system, and we must focus on pacifying Vata, improving circulation, and revitalizing the affected areas. Let us proceed holistically with diet, therapies, and lifestyle recommendations.
1. Dietary Guidance (Ahara Chikitsa)
A balanced and Vata-pacifying diet is essential:
Warm, easily digestible foods: Include soups, stews, and cooked vegetables like carrots, spinach, and bottle gourd (lauki).
Healthy fats: Add ghee (clarified butter) to meals to nourish the nervous system.
Herbs and spices: Use turmeric (haldi) for its anti-inflammatory benefits and ginger (adrak) to improve circulation.
Avoid: Cold, dry, and processed foods, as well as excess caffeine or aerated drinks, which aggravate Vata.
2. Abhyanga (Oil Massage)
Daily warm oil massage is beneficial for improving blood circulation and rejuvenating nerves:
Use Mahanarayan Taila or Dhanvantaram Taila (medicated oils) for gentle massage, focusing on the left arm and leg.
Warm the oil slightly and massage in circular motions over joints and long strokes on limbs for 15–20 minutes. Follow with a warm towel compress.
3. Panchakarma Therapies (with an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner)
If accessible, Panchakarma detoxification therapies can greatly assist in recovery:
Basti (medicated enema): Helps balance Vata Dosha and nourishes the nervous system.
Nasya: Application of medicated oils like Anu Taila through the nostrils to support brain function.
Shirodhara: Continuous pouring of warm oil on the forehead to calm the mind and strengthen neural pathways.
4. Herbal Remedies
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): Strengthens muscles and nerves; take 500 mg daily or as advised.
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri): Improves memory and brain function; can be taken as tea or tablets.
Dashmoolarishta: A herbal tonic for rejuvenation, available as a liquid decoction.
5. Physical Therapy and Exercise (Vyayama)
Encourage gentle, consistent movements:
Passive exercises: Help her move the affected arm and leg if she cannot do it herself.
Gentle yoga poses: Focus on Vata-pacifying poses like Tadasana (Mountain Pose) and Vrikshasana (Tree Pose) to improve balance and stability.
Pranayama (breathing exercises): Practice Anulom Vilom (alternate nostril breathing) for 10–15 minutes daily to restore energy and calm the mind.
6. Mind-Body Connection (Sattvavajaya Chikitsa)
The mind greatly influences healing. Encourage:
Meditation: Guide her to meditate daily for mental clarity.
Positive affirmations: Uplift her spirit with hope and optimism.
7. Lifestyle Recommendations (Dinacharya)
Maintain warmth: Protect her from cold winds and environments, as Vata aggravates in cold conditions.
Adequate sleep: Rest is essential for nervous system repair.
Hydration: Encourage warm herbal teas like ginger or fennel tea.
8. Healing Rituals at Home
Use a Vata-pacifying herbal steam bath occasionally for the left side.
Chanting or listening to healing mantras like Mahamrityunjaya Mantra can help create a soothing environment.
9. Monitor Progress
While these practices can complement her medical treatments, regular consultations with her doctors and therapists are essential to track her progress.
With dedication and consistent care, her body and mind will slowly regain strength. Healing takes time, but the holistic approach ensures deeper, lasting recovery. Wishing her health and happiness. Om Shanti.
11913 answered questions
78% best answers
0 replies
Helping your mom post-stroke with Ayurveda can definitely complement medical advice she's receivin. The first thing to consider is her specific dosha imbalance. Strokes typically correlate with Vata disturbances due to their connection with spastic paralysis and neurological issues. Let’s dive into some methods you can use at home.
Diet’s crucial. Encourage warm, well-cooked meals that are easy to digest, focusing on grounding foods like ghee, cooked grains like rice, and nourishing soups. Avoid anything cold or raw that can aggravate Vata further. It's all about providing her digestive fire—Agni—with stability.
Abhyanga, or self-massage with warmed Vata-pacifying oils like sesame or ashwagandha oil can be deeply soothing. Gentle massage her left arm and leg, always moving toward the heart. This can help stimulate circulation and nerve recovery. Consistency is key, aim for daily if possible, but listen to her body; if she's too tired, don't push it.
Herbs can be helpful. Ashwagandha and Brahmi are revered in Ayurveda for supporting nervous system health. You can find them as powders or formulations; just ensure she's okay with this, and check with her doctor—since interactions with her current meds must be ruled out.
Encourage gentle movement to the extent she's able. Even shakey attempts can stimulate the connections needed for brain recovery. Simple guided movements or physical therapy exercises at home can be great. Patience, though; it’s often a long journey.
Lastly, never hesitate to seek urgent med attention if she experiences sudden new or worsened symptoms. That takes priority. Combining modern treatments and Ayurveda's nature-based approach can make a big difference. You’re doing great by being there for her.
26427 answered questions
18% best answers
0 replies

FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous
100% Anonymous
600+ certified Ayurvedic experts. No sign-up.
About our doctors
Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.
Related questions
Popular questions
GI disorder in young adult exacerbated since age 16
CS
11 hours ago
500 INR (~5.85 USD)
7 answers
How to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding
Dr Surya Prakash
16 hours ago
FREE
3 answers
How to reduce teeth & mouth issues
Anaya
9 hours ago
FREE
3 answers
Erection problem, premature ejaculation
Harish
11 hours ago
FREE
2 answers
Nail disorder , redness and black spot
Harish
12 hours ago
FREE
2 answers
What to take for rheumatoid arthritis?
Rozita
1 hour ago
FREE
2 answers
can I drink Banana Juice (not banana shake)
Kapil Singh
22 hours ago
FREE
2 answers
How can I get my hair to grow again?
Karen H
21 hours ago
FREE
2 answers
How to get ridge from bloating aftar meal
Varsha pareek
12 hours ago
FREE
2 answers
Cure for lungs fibrosis and breathing problem
Narsingam
21 hours ago
FREE
2 answers
Maine kumkumadi face oil useKiyaus se mera face or kala lgne lga or dark lines lgne lgi face pr mujhe kyaKrnachaiye ab
Varsha pareek
19 hours ago
FREE
2 answers
Interrelation between acidity and thyroid for hairfall and skin problems
Soorya
17 hours ago
FREE
1 answers
Weakness,low stamina,low libido
Rushikesh
7 minutes ago
FREE
1 answers
Hair to reduce hairfall and grow new hair
Mishti
9 hours ago
FREE
1 answers
Erectile Dysfunction & premature ejaculation
Abhishek
11 hours ago
FREE
1 answers
Possible cure for liver fibrosis
Narsingam
20 hours ago
FREE
1 answers
Kanji water is better for which dosha
Rashmi Ranjan
17 hours ago
FREE
1 answers
I have nerve weakness, Vertigo,headache,
Rashmi Ranjan
10 hours ago
FREE
1 answers
I have done virechana first then my doctor is advising vamana
Rashmi Ranjan
16 hours ago
FREE
1 answers
It very hard for me to gain muscle mass
Bhumit
11 hours ago
FREE
1 answers
I have my first episode of diverticulitis, can I take a ga
Diane Edwards
10 hours ago
FREE
1 answers
Stomach bloating less watee intake
Monali
9 hours ago
FREE
1 answers
I want to know the reason behind Delay of periods
D. Bisoi
8 hours ago
FREE
1 answers
Chest pain hota hai Shenna bahari bahari lag tha hai or oxygen lana mein problem hoti hai
Ashutosh Joshi
9 hours ago
FREE
1 answers
Hairfall too much hairfalll fprm gew months i want get long and thicj hair
Pratiksha
12 hours ago
FREE
1 answers
Long-Term Constipation, Acidity, and Low Weight
Prasann
9 hours ago
FREE
1 answers
There's acne on my skin which is leaving blackspots on skin what shouldi do?
Tayyibah
16 hours ago
FREE
1 answers
Regarding my irregular periods since 1 month
Shailja
4 hours ago
FREE
0 answers
What treatmentis there for COPD
Tank
1 day ago
FREE
2 answers
How to improve low amh and poor egg quality
ruchi joshi
1 day ago
FREE
2 answers
Skin and scalp Psoriasis treatment
Sandeep
1 day ago
FREE
2 answers
How to reduce Hair fall for men
Umang
1 day ago
FREE
2 answers
How to improve digestion problems
Trianka
1 day ago
FREE
2 answers
How to reduce my endometriosis cyst and fibroid
Kabya
1 day ago
FREE
1 answers
How to get my indigestion and sibo and bloating bleaching direha constipation weightloss everything get solve still no hospital find Nothing
Vishnu
1 day ago
FREE
2 answers
how to have long lasting in bed ?
khuvikhe
1 day ago
FREE
1 answers
for how long willI takestomacure ayurvedice meficine
khuvikhe
1 day ago
FREE
1 answers
ABOUT MY HIV REPORT NOW MY REPORT IS NEGATIVE
TUSHAR
1 day ago
FREE
1 answers
Erectile dysfunction and Premature ejaculation
Shubam Chaudhary
1 day ago
FREE
1 answers
Chronic Pancreatitis and Type 3c Diabetes
SACHIN BODWAL
1 day ago
FREE
1 answers
How to relief from the pain and get strong feel in body and good sexual health
Rajesh Das
1 day ago
FREE
1 answers
My testosterone is low from 2016 nowI am35 years . I went vericoclie surgery also but it failed and ihave bloatingprobelmalso
Sudharshan
1 day ago
FREE
2 answers
I AM suffering from hypo thyroid
JIGNA THAKKAR
1 day ago
FREE
2 answers
How to reduce anxiety, panic attack and reduce hair loss and look young
Alex
1 day ago
FREE
3 answers
Stomach issues due to gastric issues
Sneha Raikar
1 day ago
FREE
3 answers
Help with constipation and blood during passing stool
Laisa
1 day ago
FREE
3 answers
Acne, skin irritation and itching on the body.
Yashasvee
2 days ago
FREE
4 answers
How to remove unwanted facial hair permanently?
Divya
2 days ago
FREE
5 answers
gain weight/ age39/I amunderweight/
Gitika
2 days ago
FREE
5 answers
High Blood pressure liver cirrhosis
Rita
2 days ago
FREE
4 answers
© 2024 Ask Ayurveda. All rights reserved.