Muscular Dystrophy Ayurveda Treatment
What is muscular dystrophy?
Muscular dystrophy is a group of muscular ailments which are characterized by the progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass. It effects people of all the age group. There are different types of muscular dystrophy and most common symptoms can be seen in boys during childhood. In muscular dystrophy abnormal genes hinder the production of proteins which are needed in the formation of healthy muscles.
In Ayurveda, Acharyas carefully consider this condition as Adibala-pravrit (disease that occurs by defects in shukra i.e. spermatozoa and shonita i.e. ova or we can say hereditary) with Mamsagata Vata (Vata dosha vitiation in Mamsa dhatu) due to Srotorodha (obstruction in tissue microchannels). There is depletion of Dhatvagni (metabolism) paving the way of ama (toxins) formation, followed by vitiation of Kaphadosha. While Srotorodha produces hypertrophy in particular region, Vata is manifested first as Prakopa(vitiation) and then depletion occurs. This complex pathogenesis may be responsible for progressive wasting and necrosis of the affected muscle fibers.
What does Ayurveda say about muscular dystrophy?
For a healthy body there are three doshas – vata, pitta and kapha that are required in a balanced state. Muscular dystrophy is described as the “mamsashosha” in ayurveda. According to Ayurveda, muscular dystrophy is due to imbalance of vata dosha and sapta dhatus (basic elements to maintain body structure). Sapta dhatus involve rasa, rakta, mamsa, meda, asthi, majja and shukra which builds our body, each sapta dhatu has its own digestive fire (Dhatwagni). Vitiation in digestive fire of any of these dhatu leads to improper absorption of nutrients which result in weakness.
How is muscular dystrophy managed in Ayurveda?
In Ayurveda for the management of this disorder, concept of the paraspar dhatu paka is of prime importance whereas Acharyas have mentioned specific chikitsa sootra for the condition by considering its severity which can easily be understood by the physicians.
Acharyas while explaining the dhatupaka avastha clearly signifies the importance of Agni which is responsible for the formation of the next dhatus. Thus correction of agni should be done by administration of deepana and pachana dravyas in order to strengthen the process. Doshas must be balanced and metabolic toxins must be eliminated from dhatus through panchakarma.
The pre-operative process quoted by Acharyas has the concept of “Brhmanyastu mrudu langyet “that signifies the usage of Rukshana for better brihmana treatment modalities. For example, udvartana which helps in the removal of srotorodha and does Sthiri karana of angas. Pachana medicines are also explained as a mode of Rukshana chikitsa and it is also must in the treatment of muscular dystrophy initially with deepana, like parisheka with Dhanyamla.
Panchakarma, the penta bio purifactory methods of Ayurveda i.e. Vamana, Virechana , Niruha, Anuvasan and Nasya are of prime importance. After the purification, rasyana therapy can be adopted. Not only these invasive therapies like virechana, vasti etc. but upkarma, i.e, Para panchakarma procedures are very much essential for the same. It is very well understood in the treatment principle of Vataroga by Charaka and Yogaratnakar that upakarmas like Abhyanga, Svedana are having prime treatment modalities. Snehana both bahya and abhyantra helps to pacify the vata dosha.
In contrast Abhyanga a variety of bahya sneha with medicated oils helps in subsiding the vata dosha, improves muscle tone and makes the body compact. Whereas swedana like Shastikashaali pinda swedana also improves the tone of the body.
What are the Ayurveda treatments for muscular dystrophy and what is the mode of action?
Swedana karma increases the metabolic activity which in turn increases the oxygen demand and blood flow. This vasodilatation stimulates the superficial nerve ending causing a reflex dilatation of the arterioles. Due to the effect of heat on the sensory nerve endings, there will be a reflex stimulation of sweat glands in the areas exposed to heat. This rise in temperature induces muscle relaxation and increases the efficacy of muscle action as the increased blood supply ensures the optimum condition for muscle contraction. Swedana also acts by the mechanism of thermo regulation regulated by skin and coordinated with the functions of the other excretory organs. It is supplied with many groups of nerves, which conduct various stimuli. The secretion of sweat is under nervous system control especially autonomous. Thus swedana can bring about changes indirectly on the autonomic nervous system and the heat can bring about changes in conduction of nerve stimuli by changing sodium ion concentration.
What are the types of muscular dystrophy?
There are several types of muscular dystrophy, few are explained below with symptoms:-
1. Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Mostly affects :
This is the most common type of muscular dystrophy which affects boys mostly at the age of 2 and 3 years.
Symptoms may include:
- Difficulty in running and jumping
- Learning disabilities
- Problems in getting up from a lying and sitting position
- Walking on toes
- Quick falls
- Pain in muscles
2. Becker muscular dystrophy
This type of dystrophy is also similar to Duchenne muscular dystrophy but it is less severe. It also occurs in the boys at the age of 11 and 25 years.
Symptoms may include:
- Weakness in legs and arms
- Muscle cramps
- Difficulty in getting up from floor
3. Congenital muscular dystrophy
It occurs between birth and age of 2 years.
Symptoms may include:
- Difficulty to sit and stand without support
- Vision problems
4. Myotonic dystrophy
It is also called as Steinert’s disease or dystrophia myotonic. Myotonic dystrophy is characterized by the inability in the muscle relaxation after they contract. It may affect the various parts of body like adrenal glands, heart, eyes, facial muscles and central nervous system. Usual onset is between the age group of 20 and 30.
Symptoms may include:
- Poor vision
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Early baldness
- Problem in lifting neck due to muscle weakness
- Weight loss
What are the causes of muscular dystrophy?
Certain genes are involved in making proteins that protect muscle fibers. Muscular dystrophy occurs when one of these genes is defective. Each form of muscular dystrophy is caused by a genetic mutation particular to that type of disease. Most of these mutations are inherited.
What are the risk factors of muscular dystrophy?
Muscular dystrophy occurs in both sexes and in all ages and races. However, the most common variety Duchenne usually occurs in young boys. People with a family history of muscular dystrophy are at higher risk of developing the disease or passing it on to their children.
What are the complications of muscular dystrophy?
The complications of progressive muscle weakness include:
- Trouble walking – Some people with muscular dystrophy eventually need to use a wheelchair.
- Trouble using arms – Daily activities can become more difficult if the muscles of the arms and shoulders are affected.
- Shortening of muscles or tendons around joints (contractures) – Contractures can further limit mobility.
- Breathing problems – Progressive weakness can affect the muscles associated with breathing. People with muscular dystrophy might eventually need to use a breathing assistance device (ventilator), initially at night but possibly also during the day.
- Curved spine (scoliosis) – Weakened muscles might be unable to hold the spine straight.
- Heart problems – Muscular dystrophy can reduce the efficiency of the heart muscle.
- Swallowing problems – If the muscles involved with swallowing are affected, nutritional problems and aspiration pneumonia can develop.
Importance of Yoga in Muscular Dystrophy
Yoga has also shown to improve a muscular dystrophy patient’s digestion and aid the elimination of toxins. In muscular dystrophy, yoga can help to cope up with symptoms and improve the quality of life. Regular practice of yoga can improve blood circulation and strengthens the weakening muscles.
Useful Yogasanas include:
- Surya Namaskar
- Nadi Shodhana Pranayama
- Bhramari Pranayama
- Anuloma – Vilom Pranayama
- Nada Anusadhana
- OM meditation