I am a 58-year-old man suffering from tremors in my hands, due to which I am unable to write. At times, the tremors affect my whole body. This has adversely affected my performance at work. I do regular exercise, like yoga, and walk about 3km daily. I have consulted neurologists, but have seen no improvement. I am a vegetarian. Can you help?

K.J. Bhattia, Dubai

Tremors are unintentional trembling or shaking movements. They can occur in the hands, head, face, vocal cords, trunk and leg. Tremors are most common in middle-aged and older people, but anyone can have them. Sometimes, nerve diseases such as Parkinson's disease, an overactive thyroid, certain bacterial infection, or certain medicines can cause them. Heavy drinking or withdrawal from alcohol can also cause tremors.

Some forms of the condition, such as an essential tremor, are inherited and run in families. Others have no known cause. Diagnosis is through neurological examination, performance tests and tests to rule out hyperthyroidism and medicinal side effects.

Ayurveda use the term Kampa Vata to denote all kinds of tremor, which is a Vata imbalanced disorder. Therapies like Udvarthanam, Abhyanga, Pinda sweda, Pizhichil, Navarakkizhi, Siro vasthy, Medicated Enema and Nasya rejuvenate and strengthen the nervous system and the muscles.

Nasya therapy has a great role in reducing all types of tremors. Dasamoola* (a blend of ten roots), Ashwagandha* (Withania somnifera), Bala*, Mandookparni*, Brahmi* (Bacopa monnieri), Shankhpushpi*, Sarpagandha* (Rauwolfia serpentina) and Jyotismati* are useful herbs for tremor patients.

  • Take a teaspoon of Kapikachu powder* (Macuna pruriens) mixed with milk at bedtime.
  • Do a self massage with a mixyure of Maha masha thailam* & Maha Narayana thailam*.
  • Ghee preparations like Brahmi ghritam, Mahakalyanaka ghritam*, etc will be helpful.
  • Avoid caffeine, alcohol, learn to relax and sleep and rest well.

You should consult an ayurvedic doctor before you start taking any of these medicines.

*Available at shops selling herbal products