Ayurvedic Treatment of Muscular Dystrophy

ABSTRACT

Myotonic Dystrophy is a complex disorder that affects many organs in the body. 1 out of 8000 people worldwide has Myotonic Dystrophy. Symptoms usually show up in the early 20s and 30s, but can happen at any age. Myotonic Dystrophy is the most common type of Muscular Dystrophy. The condition of the person gets worse over time and may lead to many abnormalities altogether and you may need a wheelchair/braces (hand and legs braces) for support. In this article, you will get to know some more about this disease and will discuss how Ayurveda can help to manage Myotonic Dystrophy.

INTRODUCTION

Myotonic Dystrophy is defined as an inability to relax muscles which leads to progressive wasting and weakness of the muscles. It can also involve the shrinkage of muscle tissue. This is also known as dystrophia myotonica. It is clinically a heterogeneous disorder.

It has mainly of 2 types

Type 1 =  Due to a change in the DMPK gene. It affects the function of the brain, heart, and also skeletal muscles, which can lead to symptoms like- shortness of breath, and difficulty in breathing.

Type 2 =  Mutation in CNBP gene leads to type 2 Myotonic Dystrophy. Symptoms of this type involve abnormal functioning of various muscles and tissue cells.

Ayurvedic Aspect

In Ayurveda, we correlate Myotonic Dystrophy with Mamsakshaya (loss or impairment of muscles). Mams is the third dhatu from the seven dhatus of the human body. Impairment of mams occurs due to aggravation of Vata dosha. Destruction of mams dhatu leads to a subsequent loss of the following five dhatus and impairment of body areas connected to them. Ayurvedic management works on the protocol of nourishing the muscles and over the progression of the disease to the next level. Myotonic Dystrophy has unfortunate impacts throughout the body which are managed with Ayurveda, which helps in delaying the process of loss of muscles. The treatment is explained further in the article.

Symptoms

The main symptom of Myotonic Dystrophy is the weakness of muscles. Other symptoms vary according to the type of Myotonic Dystrophy a person is affected by.

Muscular symptoms

• Difficult releasing grip
• Hands and feet muscles weakness

Non-muscular symptoms

• Learning difficulties
• Cataract
• Daytime sleepiness
• Slurred speech
• Diabetes
• Cardiac abnormalities

Causes

Genetic mutations are the only known cause of Myotonic Dystrophy. In Ayurveda, this condition occurs due to Vata dosha imbalance.

Diagnosis

• Clinical history
• Family history
• Physical examination

Laboratory studies

• Blood work
• Electromyography
• Muscle biopsy

Treatment

There is no definite treatment for v in allopathy as well. The basic treatment if followed is to manage the symptoms like myopia, weakness, pain, cataract, breathing, and cardiac problems. Basically, symptomatic treatment is done.

Ayurvedic treatment by Planet Ayurveda

Ayurvedic Treatment for Myotonic Dystrophy involves various protocols. These modalities altogether help in the recovery of patients to a large extent. It improves the overall condition of the patient to a greater degree.

1. Panchkarma therapies

Panchkarma therapies include abhyanga, sweden, virecahan, basti, shiro dhara, sarvang dhara along with nasya. These therapies are done with various medicated oils and herbs, prescribed by the ayurvedic doctor according to the condition, age, as well as other factors of the patient. These therapies help in strengthening the muscles and delaying the further progression of the disease. These therapies are done by experts under the guidance of an Ayurveda doctor.

2. Yoga

Certain yoga asanas also strengthen muscles and can be practiced easily at home. Yoga is a free-of-cost therapy for the betterment of the conditions of the person. It just involves your dedication and hard work. Some of the yoga asanas you can do are – Vakrasana, Tadasana, Pranayam, etc, according to the recommendation of your ayurvedic doctor.

Herbal remedies for Myotonic dystrophy by PLanet Ayurveda

These ayurvedic medicines are used to suppress the condition of the patient. Planet Ayurveda provides effective treatment for Myotonic Dystrophy. Planet Ayurveda is a herbal medicine manufacturing company in India. Their products are 100% pure and are made from standardized extracts of various medicinal herbs. Our company is internationally certified and people worldwide are using the products and medicines. Medicines are prepared according to government guidelines.

Ayurveda medicines for Myotonic Dystrophy by Planet Ayurveda are

1. Tribulus Powder

This is a capsule preparation made with the use of Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris). Gokshur due to its various properties like Shoolhara, brihana, tridoshshaman (balances tridosha in the body) is used in various diseases. It may help resolve various complications and associated symptoms of non-muscular myotonic dystrophy.

Dosage – Take 1 teaspoon twice daily.

2. Ashwagandha Ghrit

This is an ayurvedic medicine of the herb Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in ghee form. This herb increases body strength and immunity to fight against the disease. Ashwagandha is a very potent herb and has remarkable results in various diseases. This ghrit will balance tridoshas in the body and help in recovering the patient’s condition.

Dosage – Have 1 teaspoon twice a day.

3. Atirasadi Churna

This herbal churna is prepared with the combination of  herbs – Safed musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum), Kali musli (Curculigo orchioides), Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), etc. It pacifies Vata dosha, balances Pitta dosha and nourishes Kapha dosha. This churna also supports functioning of Dhatus that ultimately strengthens mams dhatu and helps in recovery of myotonic dystrophy patients.

Dosage – Consume 1 teaspoon with water after meals.

4. Boswellia Curcumin

These wonderful capsules are prepared with a combination of two herbs Curcumin (Curcuma longa) and Shallaki (Boswellia serrata). These herbs increase immunity and act as an antioxidant. Its anti-inflammatory herbs reduce symptoms of sciatica. These capsules are helpful in various bone conditions like- osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis along with sciatica (pelvis or hip bones deformation causative sciatica). These capsules will improve blood circulation in the lower body, and promote joint health.

Dosage – Take 1 capsule twice daily.

5. Gandhak Rasayan

These herbal capsules are made of Shuddha Gandhak (Purified sulfur). These capsules are 100% pure and vegetarian. Gandhak is helpful in diseases like scabies, itching, and various skin and fungal infections. Each capsule contains 500 mg of purified sulfur. It can also reduce symptoms of pain and also acts as a Rasayana that is for great use in myotonic dystrophy patients.

Dosage – Take 2 tablets twice daily.

6. Balashawagandha Oil

This whole body rejuvenating oil is prepared from Laksha (Laccifer lacca), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Bala (Sida cordifolia), Oil of sesamum indicum, Mastu (supernatant liquid of curd), Durva (Cynodon dactylon), Chandana (Red sandalwood), Jalada (Cyperus rotundus), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Padmakesara (Nelumbium speciosum), Agaru (Aquilaria agallocha), etc. This oil strengthens the muscles, ligaments, and nerves by massaging regularly. It helps to build up mass. So it is highly recommended for muscular dystrophy (myotonic dystrophy), like health conditions.

Dosage – Heat and apply the oil on the muscles of the affected part or the whole body (externally).

7. Dhanwantaram Oil

This herbal oil is made from Shyonaka (Oroxylum indicum), Shalparni (Desmodium gangeticum), Bilva (Aegle marmelos), Agnimantha (Premna mucronata), Kola (Ziziphus jujuba), Balamoola (Sisa cordifolia), Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris), Kantkari (Solanum xanthocarpum), Gambhari (Gmelina arborea, Prishnaparni (Uraria picta), etc. This oil due to its anti-inflammatory properties helps to reduce inflammation. Massaging oil regularly pacifies the Vata dosha. It also helps in rebuilding the myelin sheath on the nerves which will reduce numbness, irritation, and pain sensations. It also reduces weakness and improves the overall condition of the person.

Dosage –– Heat and apply the oil on muscles, hands, feet (externally),

Contact my assistant to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or call at +91-172-5214040

Conclusion

Since Myotonic Dystrophy has no particular treatment in modern pathy as well, it could be difficult to treat the condition and steroids could add fuel to the fire. Ayurveda has confirmed possible recovery and has been authenticated to be the most effective treatment for Myotonic Dystrophy without any side effects. Visit our clinics for better recovery from such a disease. Our talented doctors are treating various patients very effectively. For any queries or online consultation visit us at www.planetayurveda.com