Ayurvedic Massage in sciatica is done to cure and provide relief to the patient. Sciatica is one of the most common forms of neuralgia or pain in the nerves. In Ayurveda, it is called gridhrasi. It affects the great sciatic nerve, which emerges from the pelvis and runs down the back of the thigh. Sciatica occurs due to slip disc in lumber region. It is also caused due to injury or trauma to the vertebral column or to the nerve itself. Sometimes disorder of the hip joint like fibrositis and some disorders of pelvis region cause the disease. The pain is felt in the lower back, buttock, or various parts of the leg and foot. In addition to pain, which is sometimes severe, there may be numbness, muscular weakness, and difficulty in moving or controlling the leg.

Ayurvedic Massage
Ayurveda believes that sciatica is caused by the aggravation of vayu that has resulted from strain to the back due to poor conditioning or posture. Sometimes the vitiation of kapha along with vata brings on the attack. At times constipation precipitates or aggravates an attack of sciatica.

According to Ayurveda, certain special oils like Vishagarbha oil or Prasarani oil is very useful in the treatment of sciatica.

The affected part can be massaged along with medicated oil. The strokes should be started either from the hip joint to foot or from foot to hip joint as the condition demands. After the completion of the massage one has to perform warm compression or fomentation. Along with the ayurvedic massage there are couple of other Ayurvedic remedies that work good on Sciatica.

Other Ayurvedic Remedies
Ayurveda says pulses, beans, and fried foods should be prohibited. Curds and other sour substances should be avoided. Saffron, in small quantities, should be mixed with milk and given to the patient to drink.

It also advises to practice gentle exercises and warns to avoid exposure to damp and cold. Swimming in warm water can be regarded as a good exercise for legs.

The patient should use a hard bed and wear a lumbo-sacral belt. Yogic exercises like Halasana, Shalabhasana, and Bhujangasana may be undertaken after pain has subsided to prevent recurrence of sciatica.