Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that can result from diabetes. Several Ayurvedic treatment options may help manage symptoms, such as yoga, herbal supplements, and massage.
Diabetic neuropathy is caused by high blood sugar levels that can damage nerves in your body. It can lead to pain and numbness in areas such as your feet, legs, and hands.
Treatment for diabetic neuropathy involves addressing the underlying cause to help relieve symptoms.
Research, including a case study from 2023, has shown that Ayurvedic medicine, an ancient Indian healing system, may be able to help manage symptoms.
But further quality research is still needed to confirm the exact effects of Ayurveda on neuropathy. So if you’re considering Ayurvedic treatment options, you may want to speak with a doctor first. They can help you understand whether it is safe and suitable for your individual symptoms.
Learn more about the types of Ayurvedic treatment options and their overall effectiveness.
Triphala is an ancient Ayurvedic treatment that has been used for centuries. It has been found to help with several health conditions, such as dental diseases and wound treatment.
It is made from three plants:
- black myrobalan (Terminalia chebula)
- Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis)
- belleric myrobalan (Terminalia bellirica)
Triphala may also help with type 2 diabetes by lowering blood sugar and cholesterol, which may improve nerve damage. But research in this area is limited, and further studies are still needed to confirm whether it can be an effective treatment for diabetic neuropathy.
It is available in the form of capsules, tablets, and powders. There is no overall recommended dosage for Triphala.
Triphala is generally considered safe, but pregnant people or those who are breastfeeding or chestfeeding should avoid it.
Abhyanga is a full body massage performed with warm oil. It has several benefits, one of which is stimulating the autonomic nervous system.
A 2022 study looking at the effects of massage in people with diabetes found it could:
- improve blood circulation and blood supply in the body
- increase the range of motion of joints
- improve an individual’s pain threshold
Another 2022 study found that massage therapy could have a significant effect on diabetic neuropathy where symptoms have occurred in the feet. The study authors concluded that it could be recommended as an effective alternative in-home care treatment for people with diabetes.
The type of oil that may work best for you can depend on your skin quality. For example, if you have:
- Dry skin: sandalwood and chamomile
- Oily skin: rosemary and geranium
- Sensitive skin: lavender
It is important to always dilute the above oils with a carrier oil before using them.
While research suggests there are health benefits, the FDA doesn’t monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils. It’s important to talk with a healthcare professional before you begin using essential oils and be sure to research the quality of a brand’s products. Always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil.
A key part of Ayurvedic treatment is adopting lifestyle changes, such as a regular yoga routine.
Research from 2023 suggests that yoga may help manage neuropathic pain by decreasing inflammation and pain levels, improving overall quality of life as a result.
A small
The study concluded that yoga could be an effective alternative therapy when compared to medication for those with diabetic neuropathy.
Hatha yoga, particularly, may be beneficial for people experiencing nerve damage, as it includes slow movements, such as:
- Mountain Pose (Tadasana)
- Child’s Pose (Balasana)
- Corpse Pose (Savasana)
- Cobra (Bhujangasana)
- Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
If you have neuropathic pain, it is important to practice yoga safely and not push yourself if a position feels painful. Each pose can be modified to your comfort level. For example, some poses can be done seated or include a prop, such as a cushion, to assist you.
Sattvavajaya is a type of Ayurvedic psychotherapy that aims to reduce stressors and replace negative thought patterns with positive ones.
Sattvavajaya comes from Sanskrit and consists of two words: “Sattva,” which means the mind, and “Avajaya,” which refers to control.
Stress is a factor that can
Stress relief can also help release tense muscles, which may lower pain levels in the body.
Ashwagandha, also known by its botanical name Withania somnifera, is a shrub native to South Asia and the Middle East. The plant is widely used and has several health benefits, such as stress and anxiety relief and lowering inflammation in the body, which can help with nerve pain.
A 2018 study involving mice found that Ashwagandha has antihyperalgesic properties, which means it may help reduce pain levels from neuropathic pain.
It’s important to note that these benefits are the result of studies that pertain only to animals. To better understand the effects of ashwagandha on humans, more high quality research is needed.
Ashwagandha is typically considered safe when used as a short-term treatment for up to
If you have diabetic neuropathy and are experiencing nerve pain that is affecting your day-to-day life or is getting worse, consider speaking with a healthcare professional.
They can analyze your symptoms and suggest a treatment plan that is specific to your individual needs, which may help lower pain levels and improve your overall well-being.
Research suggests that Ayurvedic treatment may be able to help manage symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. Common options include yoga, herbal supplements, and massage.
Yet, further research is still needed to confirm the exact long-term effects of the above methods.
If you find that your symptoms are worsening or not going away, consider speaking with a healthcare professional.