It often begins in the toes: a pins-and-needles feeling, a strange numbness, or a burning sensation that gets worse at night. Gradually it may spread up the feet and into the hands. Some people describe walking "as if on cotton wool"; others cannot bear the touch of a bedsheet. This is peripheral neuropathy, damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.
At Greenwich Ayurveda Hospital, Kottakkal, we treat many patients with neuropathy, especially diabetic neuropathy, as part of our neurological disorder care.
What Causes Peripheral Neuropathy?
- Diabetes: the most common cause. Long-term high blood sugar damages small nerves and the blood vessels that feed them.
- Vitamin B12 deficiency, common in vegetarians and people taking metformin for a long time
- Alcohol overuse
- Thyroid disorders and kidney disease
- Certain medicines, including some chemotherapy drugs
- Autoimmune conditions and infections
- Nerve compression, such as from spine problems
Finding the cause matters, because some causes, such as B12 deficiency, are very treatable. Your doctor may advise blood tests or nerve conduction studies.
Symptoms to Watch For
- Tingling, pins and needles, or numbness, usually starting in the toes and feet
- Burning pain, often worse at night
- Sensitivity to touch
- Loss of balance, especially in the dark
- Muscle weakness or cramps
- Wounds on the feet that are not felt and heal slowly
Protect your feet
Reduced sensation means injuries can go unnoticed. A small cut or blister in a person with diabetic neuropathy can become a serious ulcer. Check your feet daily and see a doctor quickly for any wound, colour change or swelling.
How Ayurveda Understands Neuropathy
Ayurveda relates neuropathy mainly to aggravated Vata affecting the nerves, often combined with obstruction of the channels by Kapha, Ama or long-standing high sugar (Prameha, the classical term related to diabetes). Burning sensations (Daha) also indicate Pitta involvement. Classical descriptions of burning feet (Padadaha) and numbness (Supti) closely match modern neuropathy symptoms.
Treatment therefore aims to:
- Improve metabolism and support blood sugar control
- Clear obstruction in the channels and improve circulation
- Pacify Vata and calm burning sensations
- Nourish and protect the nerves
Ayurvedic Therapies for Peripheral Neuropathy
The plan depends on your symptoms, the cause and your general health. Temperatures are always moderated carefully, as people with neuropathy may not feel heat normally.
Abhyanga and Padabhyanga
Gentle oil massage of the body and especially the feet improves circulation and soothes discomfort. See Abhyangam.
Kizhi therapies
Elakizhi may be used for pain and stiffness, and Njavarakizhi for weakness and muscle wasting.
Dhara therapies
A gentle stream of medicated liquids such as herbal decoctions or medicated buttermilk is poured over the legs or feet. Cooling preparations are especially useful when burning is the main symptom.
Udvartana
In overweight patients with diabetes, a dry herbal powder massage may be used to improve circulation and metabolism.
Vasti
A course of medicated enemas is considered the key internal treatment for chronic Vata disorders and is chosen carefully for each patient.
Internal medicines
Classical herbal preparations that support nerve health, circulation and metabolism are prescribed. If you have diabetes, these are chosen to work alongside, not replace, your diabetes medicines.
Diabetes Control Is Non-Negotiable
No therapy can protect your nerves if blood sugar remains high. Continue your diabetes medicines, monitor your sugar regularly, and work with your doctor towards your target HbA1c. During your programme, our physicians monitor your sugar levels closely.
Daily Care for People with Neuropathy
- Inspect your feet every day, including between the toes. Use a mirror if needed.
- Wash feet in lukewarm water and test the temperature with your elbow, not your feet.
- Moisturise the skin, but not between the toes.
- Always wear well-fitting footwear, even indoors.
- Never use hot water bottles or heating pads on numb feet.
- Trim nails straight across, or get help if you cannot see or reach your feet well.
- Stay active with walking or gentle exercise to improve circulation and balance.
- Avoid alcohol and stop smoking, which both damage nerves and blood vessels.
What Results Can You Expect?
Many patients report less burning, better sleep, reduced tingling and improved walking confidence after a course of treatment. How much improvement is possible depends on the cause, how long symptoms have been present and how well the underlying condition, especially blood sugar, is controlled. Long-standing nerve damage may only partly recover.
A typical programme lasts 14 to 21 days, followed by home medicines, foot care and regular follow-up.
Take Care of Your Nerves
If burning feet or numbness are troubling you, contact our team for an assessment. Please bring your recent blood sugar records, blood test results and a list of your medicines.
This article is for general information and does not replace medical advice. Seek prompt medical care for any foot wound if you have diabetes.
It often begins in the toes: a pins-and-needles feeling, a strange numbness, or a burning sensation that gets worse at night. Gradually it may spread up the feet and into the hands. Some people describe walking "as if on cotton wool"; others cannot bear the touch of a bedsheet. This is peripheral neuropathy, damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.
At Greenwich Ayurveda Hospital, Kottakkal, we treat many patients with neuropathy, especially diabetic neuropathy, as part of our neurological disorder care.
What Causes Peripheral Neuropathy?
- Diabetes: the most common cause. Long-term high blood sugar damages small nerves and the blood vessels that feed them.
- Vitamin B12 deficiency, common in vegetarians and people taking metformin for a long time
- Alcohol overuse
- Thyroid disorders and kidney disease
- Certain medicines, including some chemotherapy drugs
- Autoimmune conditions and infections
- Nerve compression, such as from spine problems
Finding the cause matters, because some causes, such as B12 deficiency, are very treatable. Your doctor may advise blood tests or nerve conduction studies.
Symptoms to Watch For
- Tingling, pins and needles, or numbness, usually starting in the toes and feet
- Burning pain, often worse at night
- Sensitivity to touch
- Loss of balance, especially in the dark
- Muscle weakness or cramps
- Wounds on the feet that are not felt and heal slowly
Protect your feet
Reduced sensation means injuries can go unnoticed. A small cut or blister in a person with diabetic neuropathy can become a serious ulcer. Check your feet daily and see a doctor quickly for any wound, colour change or swelling.
How Ayurveda Understands Neuropathy
Ayurveda relates neuropathy mainly to aggravated Vata affecting the nerves, often combined with obstruction of the channels by Kapha, Ama or long-standing high sugar (Prameha, the classical term related to diabetes). Burning sensations (Daha) also indicate Pitta involvement. Classical descriptions of burning feet (Padadaha) and numbness (Supti) closely match modern neuropathy symptoms.
Treatment therefore aims to:
- Improve metabolism and support blood sugar control
- Clear obstruction in the channels and improve circulation
- Pacify Vata and calm burning sensations
- Nourish and protect the nerves
Ayurvedic Therapies for Peripheral Neuropathy
The plan depends on your symptoms, the cause and your general health. Temperatures are always moderated carefully, as people with neuropathy may not feel heat normally.
Abhyanga and Padabhyanga
Gentle oil massage of the body and especially the feet improves circulation and soothes discomfort. See Abhyangam.
Kizhi therapies
Elakizhi may be used for pain and stiffness, and Njavarakizhi for weakness and muscle wasting.
Dhara therapies
A gentle stream of medicated liquids such as herbal decoctions or medicated buttermilk is poured over the legs or feet. Cooling preparations are especially useful when burning is the main symptom.
Udvartana
In overweight patients with diabetes, a dry herbal powder massage may be used to improve circulation and metabolism.
Vasti
A course of medicated enemas is considered the key internal treatment for chronic Vata disorders and is chosen carefully for each patient.
Internal medicines
Classical herbal preparations that support nerve health, circulation and metabolism are prescribed. If you have diabetes, these are chosen to work alongside, not replace, your diabetes medicines.
Diabetes Control Is Non-Negotiable
No therapy can protect your nerves if blood sugar remains high. Continue your diabetes medicines, monitor your sugar regularly, and work with your doctor towards your target HbA1c. During your programme, our physicians monitor your sugar levels closely.
Daily Care for People with Neuropathy
- Inspect your feet every day, including between the toes. Use a mirror if needed.
- Wash feet in lukewarm water and test the temperature with your elbow, not your feet.
- Moisturise the skin, but not between the toes.
- Always wear well-fitting footwear, even indoors.
- Never use hot water bottles or heating pads on numb feet.
- Trim nails straight across, or get help if you cannot see or reach your feet well.
- Stay active with walking or gentle exercise to improve circulation and balance.
- Avoid alcohol and stop smoking, which both damage nerves and blood vessels.
What Results Can You Expect?
Many patients report less burning, better sleep, reduced tingling and improved walking confidence after a course of treatment. How much improvement is possible depends on the cause, how long symptoms have been present and how well the underlying condition, especially blood sugar, is controlled. Long-standing nerve damage may only partly recover.
A typical programme lasts 14 to 21 days, followed by home medicines, foot care and regular follow-up.
Take Care of Your Nerves
If burning feet or numbness are troubling you, contact our team for an assessment. Please bring your recent blood sugar records, blood test results and a list of your medicines.
This article is for general information and does not replace medical advice. Seek prompt medical care for any foot wound if you have diabetes.
