Tics and Tourette's Natural Ayurvedic Treatment

Tics refers to the sudden involutory twitches or movements that some people experience repeatedly.

However, tics are not restricted just to the involuntary movements of the muscles. It can also cause uncontrollable sounds that differ largely from the person's normal gestures. Natural treatments for tics and Tourette's using alternative ayurvedic herbs can provide a  relief from these involutory movements. [1]

Sign and Symptoms of Tics and Tourette’s

Each person is affected differently by tics. They either suffer from the motor (physical) tics or vocal tics. However, in some cases, both motor and vocal tics can take place in the same individual and often, at the same time. These symptoms can have an adverse effect on the patient’s life as it lowers their confidence due to the problems created during social interactions.

People with motor tics might display a series of uncontrollable movements. For example, they may repeatedly clench their fists, raise their eyebrows, shrug their shoulders or flare their nostrils. Tics tend to intensify under stress. It involves a continuous involuntary movement with no rhythmic pattern.

On the other hand, people with vocal tics may repeatedly make grunting or moaning sounds, clear their throat or click their tongue. 

Based on the severity, the age group and the type of occurrence, tics can be categorized into the following three types:

Transient Tic Disorder

Transient tic disorder is common in children and may last for a minimum of one month and a maximum of one year. Ayurveda offers a tic disorder natural treatment, for children.

Chronic Motor or Vocal Tic Disorders

Chronic motor or vocal tic disorder can last for up to a year or more. It is characterized by the presence of one or more tics that last for long. The tics can be either motor or vocal, but not both. To be diagnosed with a chronic tic disorder, a person must show the symptoms before the age of 18.   

Tourette’s Syndrome

This disorder is the most severe of all the types of tics. A person suffering from Tourette’s syndrome experiences both vocal and motor tics. Sometimes, what is initially diagnosed as chronic motor or vocal tic, can actually be a case of Tourette’s syndrome.

Patients suffering from this form of tics may consult a naturopath in Melbourne. The ayurvedic doctors can recommend herbs that control tics and also suggest an ayurvedic diet, which can help to control the involuntary movements.

Even though the exact cause of nervous tics is not properly understood, there are certain conditions that are thought to contribute to the development of this disorder. Some of them are as follows:

• Cerebral palsy: It is a neurological condition that affects the movements and muscle coordination. It is caused by an abnormality in the part of the brain that controls the muscle coordination. It can also occur if the brain is damaged before or shortly after the birth.
• Huntington's disease: It is a genetic condition in which certain nerve cells in the brain get damaged. The condition affects the movements, behaviors, and cognitive skills of an individual.
• Drug abuse: Continuous or excessive use of recreational drugs such as amphetamines and cocaine can also result in tics.

Ayurveda offers an effective management for anxiety tics based on the concepts of Tridosha. The treatment is aimed at correcting the imbalance in the three humors, Vata, Pitta and Kapha, to maintain the equilibrium within the body. This can also to control the involutory movements to a great extent.

Nervous Tics In Adults And Kids

Nervous tics in adults and kids can be managed effectively by using ayurvedic herbs. Herbal treament for Tourettes can also be used to control head tics thereby preventing embarrassing situations that might occur when the involuntary jerking of the head occurs during social settings. The transient tic disorder natural treatment based on the concepts of Ayurveda may provide a long-term relief to the patients.

Ayurvedic practitioner may recommend herbs those are known to work on central nervous system, so may helps to control tics.  Also regular ayurvedic therapies like panchakarma detoxification, shirodhara, marma oil massage and following an ayurvedic diet may help to minimise these involuntary movements. [2]

Ayurveda manages anxiety tics based on the concepts of Tridosha. The treatment is aimed at correcting the imbalance in the three humors, Vata, Pitta and Kapha, to maintain the equilibrium within the body and mind. This concept may control the involutory movements and anxiety.

Alternative Herbal Medication for Tics

Here is the list of the alternative ayurvedic herbs for tics that may minimise symptoms of tic disorder.

Bala (Sida cordifolia):  It could works by regulating the functions of the nerves and brain. It may also help to control the abnormal muscle movements by controlling the transmission of impulses through the nerves. [3]

Kaunch Beej (Mucuna pruriens): Kaunch Beej can be used to manage Tourette’s symptoms. It may works by reducing inflammation and damage to the brain tissues and nerves by acting as an anti-inflammatory agent and an antioxidant. [4]

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): Research study conducted by Sachin Wankhede, Deepak Langade, and Kedar Joshi and published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition in 2015 has shown that Ashwagandha may help to control the tic symptoms naturally.

It may can to relieve stress and nervousness, that may be common causes of tics. It may also regulate the muscle movements and improve the brain health thereby providing a relief from the tics.

Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri): a research conducted by Deepali Mathur, Kritika Goyal, and Veena Koul at the Frontiers in Pharmacology in 2016 has indicated that Brahmi may offer a natural treatment for tics. It is found to control the muscle movements by reducing the activities of the nerves and improving the brain functions.

Tourette’s and Tics Natural Ayurveda Therapy

Patients interested in seeking Tourette’s and tics natural therapy can approach an ayurvedic practitioner to seek an alternative treatment for this condition. The use of ayurvedic herbs may be effective for restoring the balance in the body’s various mechanisms (Vata Doshas). The diet and the therapies like Panchakarma recommended by the system of Indian medicine may also regulate the functions of the brain and muscle movements.

Ayurvedic Medicine In Australia, Melbourne

Patients diagnosed with Tic and Tourette’s syndrome can seek ayurvedic consultation at “Pure Herbal Ayurvedi Clinic” in Australia. The practitioner (with ayurveda doctor qualification from India) at this wellness centre after the details consultation can recommend herbal remedies and other suggestions, which may help to control the involutory muscle movements.

Ayurvedic practitioner can also advise you to undergo panchakarma detoxification. Panchakarma therapy is aimed at restoring  functions of the body by eliminating toxic metabolites that may contribute to the development of tics. Ayurveda may offer an integrated approach to the management of this illness to bring about a holistic healing and improve the quality of your life.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4658772/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4778428/