WHAT EVERYONE IS ASKING ABOUT AYURVEDA TREATMENT ON MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS – YOU SHOULD KNOW THE ANSWER!

In MS, the myelin is attacked by the immune system.  The myelin is the protective sheath that covers the nerve fibres disrupts the communication between the brain and the rest the body. MS can finally lead to permanent damage of the nerves. The area of the spine or brain that gets affected exhibits the symptoms in the corresponding part of the body.

It is more prevalent in Women than men.

There are remission episodes (when the symptoms are subdued or completely absent) that can last for time periods ranging from two weeks to years.

The symptoms and their severity will vary from person to person, and will basically depend on the nerve damage – which nerve is affected and extent of damage. Any part of the body can lose functionality as a result of the nerve damage.

As such, there is no cure for MS. It can be managed and the patient can be assisted to recover after each attack.

Causes of Multiple Sclerosis – shocking but true!

The exact causes are not know but the attributing factors that cause MS can be

• Environment
• Genetics
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Excessive salt intake
• Epstein-Barr virus

Symptoms

The condition affects different parts of the body as it progresses. Therefore the symptoms will surface as per the progression.

The symptoms include:

• Numbness
• Tingling sensation
• Weakness
• Vision changes
• Paralysis
• Vertigo (the person is susceptible to the risk of falls)
• Lack of coordination of limbs (disability to function normally, for example, the person has difficulty walking)
• Muscle spasms and/or involuntary muscle contractions that are painful
• Urinary incontinence
• Sexual dysfunction
• Heat intolerance
• Slurred speech
• Sharp, electrical like pain that occurs in the spine with neck flexion (Lhermitte sign)
• Mental status changes

How is Multiple Sclerosis diagnosed?

For any disease, the correct and in-depth diagnosis is foremost important. It applies for Multiple Sclerosis too. The spectrum of diagnosis for Multiple Sclerosis will include

• Language
• Movement
• Coordination of the limbs
• Body balance
• Vision tests
• Emotional functions
• Mental functions
• Functionality of the senses

Conventional treatment for Multiple Sclerosis

The conventional treatment for Multiple Sclerosis consists of many pharmaceutical drugs. Corticosteroids are mainly the main medications and are administered by intravenous method.

Drugs are also administered for immunotherapy, spasticity, controlling the pain quotient and immunosuppression.

Ayurvedic way of treatment

Ayurvedic treatment is holistic. It consists of

Rogaparisksha – the severity, range and progression of the ailment

Rogipariksha – the body constitution, dosha type, age, present diet, lifestyle, medical history, and family history, tolerance to various therapies or procedures followed in Ayurveda

As per Ayurveda, the probability of Multiple Sclerosis is higher in individuals with the following dosha types/combinations

• Vata dosha
• Pitta dosha
• Kapha dosha
• Pitta dosha+ kapha dosha
• Vata dosha + kapha dosha
• Vata dosha+ pitta dosha
• Vata+pitta+kapha

Ayurveda aims to

• Help the patient conduct the activities of daily living
• Equip the patient with independence
• Keep the family involved and motivated
• Help the patient take correct decisions about his / her own care
• Keep the patient informed about the supportive equipment like braces, walkers, and other such similar ones
• Draw up a customised exercise regime to promote endurance, muscle control and muscle strength
• Work towards restoring gross and fine motor skills
• Manage incontinence (of bowel and bladder)
• Provide support to regain cognitive skills through meditation and yoga techniques

Ayurveda treatment methodologies that are usually recommended for Multiple Sclerosis

• Panchakarma  - especially vasti karma
• Marma points activation – in the head, neck, arms, hands, torso, legs, feet, back, hips
• Herbal health supplements – like simple spices to herbal mixes prepared with expertise; herbs like Ashwagandha, bala, are widely used
• Self-massage training – abyangam training given for self-administration
• Dietary modifications – to be able to fight against Multiple Sclerosis and well as not aggravate it. Usually satvik  foods are recommended; with today’s lifestyle changes the food is best if it is organic as well
• Meditation techniques – to reduce stress and create harmony of the mind
• Customised exercise regimes – through yoga as well as equipment usage in  moderation

Embrace Ayurveda, embrace healthy way of living!

Reference

www.healthline.com