AYURVEDIC TREATMENT FOR SCLERODERMA & THE BEST DIET PLAN

ABSTRACT

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disorder due to the build-up of various fibrous tissues in the skin or anywhere in the body. Skin is the largest organ which covers and protects the body. It has various functions such as it helps stabilise the temperature of the body and keeps bacteria, viruses and other infections far from the body. Skin includes main layers such as Epidermis, Dermis and Hypodermis which are mainly prone to many problems such as Acne, Wrinkles and many autoimmune problems. Approximately 1 inch of the skin has 19 million cells with 60,000 melanocytes, 1000 nerve endings and 20 blood vessels. Skin also plays an important role in immunity which protects the body from various pathogens and water loss. In this article, we are going to discuss various herbal remedies and a natural treatment for Scleroderma along with its Causes, Symptoms and Ayurvedic Aspects in detail.

INTRODUCTION

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disorder which accidentally attacks the body thus affecting the tissues throughout the body. Scleroderma is commonly known as Systemic Sclerosis which involves the hardening and tightening of the skin thus affecting the blood vessels, Internal organs and Digestive tract. Scleroderma happens when the immune system causes the body to make too much protein collagen which is important for the skin and this can further lead to scarring of the Lungs, Kidney thus thickening the blood vessels and damaging the tissues. Scleroderma involves many systems of the body which affects the age group of 30-50 years.

TYPES OF SCLERODERMA

1. LOCALISED SCLERODERMA – Localised Scleroderma affects the skin and it is present under the skin.
2. SYSTEMIC SCLERODERMA – It is known as Systemic Sclerosis which affects the many systems in the body. This leads to damage to the blood vessels and various internal organs such as Heart, Lungs and Kidneys. This also has two types Limited, Diffuse and Sine Sclerosis which involve the skin.
• Diffuse Scleroderma- This means it spreads and covers a larger area which includes the chest, Abdomen, Thighs, Arms and Face region. It can also affect multiple Organs which further include the digestive System, Heart, Lungs and Kidneys.
• Limited Sclerosis- Limited Sclerosis refers to the Acronym Crest Syndrome which stands for Calcinosis (deposits of Calcium), Raynaud’s Syndrome (Numbness and colour changing on the Tips of Fingers and Toes), Esophageal Dysfunction (difficulty in swallowing), Sclerodactyly (Tighten skin) and Telangiectasia (Red spots on the skin).
• Sine Sclerosis- This leads to Limited Sclerosis symptoms which do not include the Skin.

CAUSES OF SCLERODERMA

• Scleroderma is due to overproduction and Accumulation of Collagen in the tissues in the body.
• Collagen is usually a fibrous type of protein which makes the connective tissues which includes the skin.
• Genetic Changes – Genes can increase the chance of developing Scleroderma but it cannot be inherited from Parents to Children.
• Environment – Various Environmental factors and chemicals trigger Scleroderma.
• Immune System Changes – Various abnormal and Inflammatory changes can trigger the changes in cells and develop a large amount of collagen in the body which leads to Scleroderma.
• Hormones – Women develop more types of Scleroderma than Men.

SYMPTOMS OF SCLERODERMA

Hardened or Thickened Skin which looks like Shiny and Smooth skin is commonly seen on the Hands and Face.

• Raynaud’s Phenomenon
• Ulcers on the Tip of fingers.
• Small red colour spots on the Face and Chest region
• Difficulty in Swallowing
• Pain in Joints
• Dry Mouth and Eyes (Sjogren’s Syndrome)
• Shortness of breath
• HeartBurn
• Diarrhoea
• Edema

COMPLICATIONS OF SCLERODERMA

1. Fingertips – Commonly Raynaud’s phenomenon causes restriction of blood flow and causes damage to the tissue. In some cases it causes tissues of fingers to die.
2. Lungs – Scarring of tissues of the lungs which develops high pressure in the arteries of the Lungs
3. Kidneys – Causes sudden Renal Crisis which increases the sudden Blood pressure and Rapid failure of Kidneys.
4. Heart – It leads to sudden scarring of the Heart which increases the risk of Congestive heart failure and causes inflammation of the sac around the Heart.
5. Teeth – There is tightening of the facial skin which causes narrowing of the mouth, increases the risk of Dental decay and does not produce the normal amount of Saliva.
6. Digestive System – This leads to Heartburn and swallowing difficulty, which leads to various problems and absorption problems due to the overgrowth of bacteria in the intestine.
7. Joints – This causes tightness in joints which leads to restriction in flexibility and movement in the hands.

DIAGNOSIS OF SCLERODERMA

• Imaging Tests such as X-rays and CT Scans
• Blood Tests
• Gastrointestinal Tests
• Pulmonary Function Test
• Heart Markers- EKGs and Echocardiograms
• Biopsy of the Skin
• Endoscopy

TREATMENT OF SCLERODERMA

1. Treatment of Skin – Do not allow them to dry up
2. Immunosuppressants – Stop the damage of healthy cells and tissues
3. Physical therapy – For improving the physical moves.
4. Light Therapy – Helps in treating thickened skin and keeps focus on the UV Lights to treat various skin disorders.
5. Stem cell transplant – Helps replace the damaged cell with healthy donor cells.

AYURVEDIC ASPECT

Ayurveda is considered by many researchers to be the oldest healing discipline. Ayurveda means “The Science of Life” in Sanskrit. Indian origins of Ayurvedic knowledge date back over 5,000 years, and it is commonly referred to as the “Mother of All Healing.” According to Ayurveda, imbalances in vata, pitta, or kapha can lead to diseases by impairing cellular function. It is also possible for toxins to cause disease. According to Ayurveda, the body, mind, and consciousness cooperate to maintain balance. They are just seen as various aspects of the individual. Understanding the interactions between vata, pitta, and kapha is essential to learning how to balance the body, mind, and consciousness. In Ayurveda, Scleroderma is due to an imbalance of Vata doshas which can be correlated with Uttana Vatarakta. This Vata imbalance leads to various abnormalities in the functions of the Brain, Nerves and immune system. Ayurveda for Scleroderma is really helpful in treating the disease without any side effects as there are various herbal remedies in ayurveda which will be helpful in this problem.

NIDANA (CAUSES) OF SCLERODERMA

1. Physical Exertion
2. Consumption of cold food
3. Tissue depletion
4. Suppression of Natural Urge

CHIKITSA (LINE OF TREATMENT)

Chikitsa involves Shodhana and Shamana Therapy

1. SHODHANA CHIKITSA
• Basti (enema)
• Abhyanga (massage on body)
• Swedana (Sudation)
• Bloodletting
2. UTTANA VATARAKTA CAN BE HANDLED WITH
• Lepa (medicated paste)
• Parisheka (pouring of medicated liquid over the affected area)
• Upanaha (Poultice)
• Avagahana (liquid dip on the affected area)

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR SCLERODERMA BY PLANET AYURVEDA

An esteemed and well-known company, Planet Ayurveda, distributes herbal goods all over the world that are made under the guidance of knowledgeable ayurveda physicians. There are no chemicals, additions, or preservatives of any type in these herbal formulas, making them safe. Without having any negative effects, these herbal medicines work with the body to balance out dosha imbalances. The following drugs are available from Planet Ayurveda, along with herbal supplements that benefit this condition.”

PRODUCTS LIST

1. Ashwagandha Capsules
2. Boswellia Curcumin
3. Gotu Kola Capsules
4. Sanjivani Vati
5. Gandhak Rasayan
6. Sinhnaad Guggul

PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION

1.ASHWAGANDHA CAPSULES

Ashwagandha Capsules is a single herbal standardised capsule formulation which is made of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Ashwagandha has anti-inflammatory properties which help improve overall health. Ashwagandha is useful in regenerating the new skin cells.

Dosage- 1 Capsule twice daily after meals with Plain Water.

2.BOSWELLIA CURCUMIN

Boswellia Curcumin is a polyherbal Capsule formulation which is manufactured by Planet Ayurveda using Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Curcumin (Curcumin longa). These herbs have anti-inflammatory properties which are useful in fighting against inflammation. These Capsules help provide support to the functioning of Joints, improve the structure of Cartilage and maintain a healthy cardiovascular system.

Dosage- 1 capsule twice daily after meals with Plain Water.

3.GOTU KOLA CAPSULES

Gotu Kola Capsules is a single herbal formulation which contains a single standardised extract of Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) manufactured by Planet Ayurveda. These Capsules help promote the health of the body. These capsules are helpful in Scleroderma patients by pacifying the Pitta doshas, improving the circulation of blood in the body and maintaining a healthy metabolism.

Dosage- 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water

4.SANJIVANI VATI

Sanjivani Vati is a classical Ayurvedic formulation which is manufactured by Planet Ayurveda using Vidanga (Embelia ribes), Pippali (Piper longum), Vacha (Acorus calmus), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Shuddh Vatsnabh (Aconitum ferox) and many more. These tablets are useful in all kinds of Autoimmune disorders and help to remove the accumulated toxins from the body and improve the health of the digestive system.

Dosage- 1-2 tablets twice daily after meals with Plain Water.

5.GANDHAK RASAYAN

Gandhak Rasayan is a classical Ayurvedic formulation manufactured by Planet Ayurveda using Shuddh Gandhak (Purified Sulphur). These tablets help in enhancing the immune system. Gandhak Rasayan has Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial and Antibacterial properties. Balances tridoshas of the body and are beneficial in Scleroderma patients which removes the dead surface of the skin.

Dosage- 1-2 tablets twice daily after meals with Plain Water.

6.SINHNAAD GUGGUL

Sinhnaad Guggul is a classical Ayurvedic formulation which is manufactured by Planet Ayurveda using Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Amla (Emblica officinalis), Shuddh Guggul (Commiphora mukul) and many more. Sinhnaad Guggul is known as Vatari Guggul, which helps detoxify the body and provides relief from Toxins.

Dosage- 1-2 tablets twice daily after meals with Plain Water.

DIET FOR SCLERODERMA

India’s Ayurveda is a holistic medical system that emphasises fostering mental and physical equilibrium. Ayurveda is regarded as having three sub-pillars, the greatest of which is Ahara (Thrayo-Upasthamba).

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian medical system that dates back to between 2500 and 500 BC. “Science of life” is how the Sanskrit term “ayurveda” is translated. Ayurveda is a comprehensive medical system in India that covers disease prevention and treatment; however, one of its main focuses is feeding the body in a way that is in harmony and balance with nature. Creating a healthy daily routine is the main focus of Ayurveda, which results in a surprisingly good regularity that is helpful for agni. Routines assist Agni in acclimating to eating at regular times by fostering a sense of regularity and lowering stress. When meals are correctly spaced out and we don’t snack in between, we can fully digest before ingesting more food. Because snacking reduces agni, the digestive fire, before the previous meal has had a chance to fully digest, Ayurveda advises against it. So, in this article, we are going to discuss the diet plan which will be helpful in Scleroderma patients along with Herbal medicines which play an important role in the alternative treatment of Scleroderma.

CONCLUSION

An autoimmune condition called scleroderma comes on by the accumulation of different fibrous tissues in the skin or other parts of the body. The largest organ covering and shielding the body, the skin serves several purposes, including regulating body temperature and warding off bacteria, viruses, and other illnesses. Often referred to as systemic sclerosis, scleroderma causes the skin to become tighter and harder, which affects the digestive tract, internal organs, and blood vessels. In Ayurveda, Scleroderma is due to an imbalance of Vata doshas which can be correlated with Uttana Vatarakta. In this article, we discussed various Causes, Symptoms and Ayurvedic Aspects in detail along with the Diet which will help play an important role in Scleroderma along with the Natural Alternative treatment with no side effects on the body.