Axillary nerve injury

Āyurveda interprets axillary nerve injury as ekāṅga vāta, a localized vāta disorder affecting the shoulder region. When vāta is disturbed by trauma or compression, majjā dhātu (nerve tissue) becomes impaired, weakening the deltoid and teres minor muscles. This leads to restricted shoulder movement, pain, numbness, and difficulty lifting the arm.

Common Causes of Axillary nerve injury

Shoulder dislocation or fracture of humerus.
Direct trauma or surgical complications.
Prolonged pressure from improper positioning.
Overuse or repetitive strain in athletes.
Vāta aggravation from aging or weakness.

Symptoms of Axillary nerve injury

Weakness in lifting the arm sideways.
Flattening of shoulder contour from muscle wasting.
Numbness over the outer shoulder area.
Pain, stiffness, or restricted shoulder motion.
Difficulty with overhead or heavy activities.

Ayurveda’s Approach to Healing Axillary nerve injury

Abhyanga with vāta-pacifying herbal oils.
Piṇḍa sveda to improve muscle tone and circulation.
Basti therapies for deeper vāta balance.
Herbs like bala, aśvagandhā, and guḍūcī for nerve nourishment.
Physiotherapy, yoga āsanas, and gentle mobility exercises.