The story: then - yesterday - today
Equipped with the spine and strong muscles and ligaments, the back enables us to walk upright. Our evolutionary origins can still be seen in some parts of the spine. For example, the lower part of the lumbar spine, i.e. the coccyx, is referred to as the remnant of the tail from prehistoric times. The spine plays a decisive role, as it is a "column". A stable structure, divided into the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine. It consists of around 33 individual vertebrae and curves in a double "S" shape, also known as kyphosis (the natural curvature backwards) and lordosis (the natural curvature forwards). A pronounced hollow back can cause just as much discomfort as a pronounced hunchback.
However, the function of the spine is not just about "posture" or "carrying" the head and torso, it also supplies the brain and ensures mobility. It connects parts of the skeleton. The elastic parts of the intervertebral discs ensure mobility. And a spinal nerve runs through the gaps in the vertebral arches on both the left and right. These spinal nerves transmit movement signals from the brain to the muscles of the skeleton and the intestines. But all touch, cold, heat, pressure and pain and other sensations of the skin are also communicated to the brain via the spinal cord. All of this together makes up the central nervous system. The cerebrospinal fluid protects the nerve cells and the metabolism located here, helps to equalize pressure and protect the sensitive nerve tissue. The spinal column is therefore a supporting factor. On a psychological level, too, all forms of imbalance and "nerve-related" illnesses often manifest themselves through the back in the form of pain.
Weak core muscles due to too much sedentary work and too little exercise and sport are not only the cause of pain but also of herniated discs or wear and tear on bones and joints. Well-developed back and abdominal muscles are the best protection and form a good corset for the trunk.
Facts and figures
The Journal of Health estimates that over 60% of people in Germany had to deal with back pain in 2021. A differentiation was also made. The lower back, i.e. the lumbar spine, is most frequently affected, followed by neck pain. With a prevalence of 66%, women were more frequently affected by neck pain than men.
During the coronavirus pandemic, the symptoms have increased again. The burden on our shoulders tends to become too much. We "carry" and "endure", we act against our values, we do not recognize our own - also physical - limits. All of this also impacts on our psyche and on what "holds us up" and allows us to be "upright". It's not just about walking "upright" with a healthy back, it's also about our inner posture. Self-care, the mindful way we treat ourselves. In Ayurveda, this is reflected in the course and significance of the Marma points in the complex Nadi-Marma system.
Seminars on Ayurveda therapy and Marma at the European Academy for Ayurveda.
The back and its complaints are also "backward" of the heart, the lungs and often influenced by breathing, the diaphragm and everything that we hold back emotively.
The diverse approaches in Ayurveda: nourishing - draining - restorative
In Ayurveda, however, we look at the back from a different perspective. As always, we look at which tissues (dhatus) are we dealing with here? Where is the pain localized? Is it more related to Vata, i.e. the lumbar vertebrae? Are the nerves affected? We often have back pain in stressful phases of life because the nerves are "bare". We would then deal specifically with Vata and instead of causing pain deep in the fascia, we would rather provide nourishing and enveloping deep relaxation through a Pristabhyanga.
Or does it affect the thoracic vertebrae, the thoracic region, where the heart beats? The holistic view of Ayurveda enables us to better assess the causes of the symptoms and then choose the right treatment for the individual. There are so many ways to adapt the treatment plan again and again.
Example: In the case of an acute back problem, the client may not be able to lie on their stomach. It is therefore impossible to massage the back. In this case, a "grounding" Padabhyanga (foot massage) may be a much better choice. Vata is reduced and I also reach the body via the foot. Or I can massage the back in a sitting position if lying on the back is not possible. In another case, I might first choose a Vata-reducing, warming diet and then start with a back compress made of comfrey, or apply a Kati-Basti with red light.
We recommend the following treatments and their names for the back:
Pristabhyanga: the classic Ayurvedic back massage. The back is completely oiled with a warm oil and the superficial and deep muscle layers are worked on using many different strokes. Pristabhyanga is often performed before or after a back massage.
Kati-Basti is a local oil enema that uses a chickpea ring to relax the local area of pain and soothe and nourish deep muscle and fascia groups. Performed as a set, i.e. at least 3 times on 3 consecutive days, if possible at the same time.
Kalari Kizhis are particularly effective on the shoulder/neck area. They loosen and release all tense regions. Special herbs are bound in a bag and applied with excellent medicated oils. Kalari techniques and all other full-body massages round off the therapy plan.
Oils: local - medicinal - ayurvedic
- Mahanarayam Tailam
- Karpuradi (with camphor)
- Kottamchokadi
- Balashwaganda
- St. John's wort oil
- arnica
Nutrition: constitutionally appropriate - fresh - digestible
Diet plays a major, sustainable role in Ayurveda. The awareness of eating only what can be digested and what nourishes my dhatus, i.e. all tissues, is a key to success in every Ayurvedic treatment. One is not possible without the other. Everything is connected. My inner attitude, my choice of meals and my lifestyle, my exercise, my sleep. Everything counts, everything has an influence.
The following dhatus are affected when we have back pain:
- Dhatu Mamsa = muscle tissue > movement Determining, nurturing, caring, forgiving, courageous, confident, decisive
- Dhatu Medas = fat and adipose tissue > lubrication satisfaction, love, devotion, lubricity
- Dhatu Asthi = bone and bony tissue > support support, courage, creativity
- Dhatu Majja = bone marrow and brain substance (nerves) > flow of information, abundance, self-confidence
Movement: mindful - moderate - supportive
Yoga has always been described in the Ayurvedic daily routine Dina Charya. In addition to hygiene and self-massage with an Ayurvedic oil, yoga or any other movement that moves the body mindfully contributes to a long and healthy life and to growing old. The goal in Ayurveda is to live to be 100 years old.
Personal conclusion: In my 20 years of practicing massage, I have come to appreciate and love the many different applications of Ayurveda. The possibilities to work individually and holistically, to pick up each client individually and to develop the strategy accordingly is particularly effective and efficient. We guide clients towards self-care, prevention and self-responsibility. This can reduce back problems in the long term. The combination and perspective of Ayurveda enable us to work very precisely and to adapt, expand or change the therapy plan on a daily basis. Ayurveda is more than just a modern lifestyle "tool". It is knowledge that is over 2,500 years old, takes into account the rhythms of nature and its energies and is very easy to implement.
Petra Wolfinger Qualified nurse, Ayurveda practitioner and therapist, lecturer at the European Academy of Ayurveda, co-author of the book "Ayurveda through the menopause" (with Kerstin Rosenberg)
