How to Treat Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in Ayurveda?

What is Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy?

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a rare form of disorder which is progressive in nature and occurs primarily in males but in rare cases, it may affect females too. It is one of the nine types of muscular dystrophy which causes progressive weakness and atrophy (loss) of the heart and skeletal muscles. It is considered as an inherited X chromosome linked recessive myopathy. According to the modern system of medicine, there is no treatment of duchenne muscular dystrophy.

What are the Causes of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy?

According to researchers, the protein associated with this gene is identified as dystrophin. Lack of dystrophin in the muscle cells causes them to be fragile and easily damaged. It has an X-linked recessive inheritance pattern and is passed on by the mother.

What are the Symptoms of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy?

The onset of symptoms of this disorder occurs in early childhood, usually between the age group of 3-5 years. Some of the symptoms are:

• Muscle weakness that affects muscles of the pelvic area, thighs, shoulders and later it affects the skeletal muscles of the arms, legs and trunk.
• The calves are often enlarged
• In early teenage, the heart and respiratory muscles are also affected.
• Children may have a history of delayed walking.
• Gait disturbances may often become apparent at 3-4 years of age.
• Neck flexor muscle weakness is early.

What is the Treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy?

In modern medicine, corticosteroids are the only pharmacological palliative treatment available for duchenne muscular dystrophy but these drugs are associated with many side effects so there is a need for alternative treatments which do not have any side effects and that can control the progression of the disease.

What is the Pathogenesis of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy according to Ayurveda?

• In Ayurveda, the concept of muscular dystrophy was clearly understood thousands of years back with its severity and it was termed as Ashadya in Ayurveda.
• In Ayurvedic classics, the pathogenesis of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy can be clearly understood by the concept of Adibala Parvritta Vyadhi. The pathogenesis occurs due to Bheejabagahaavyavadushti which lead to Vata prakopa and due to this, there is sthanasamshraya in mamsa and medo dhatu.
• Master Charak has clearly mentioned that there is a close relation of mamsa and medo dhatu with dhatukashaya vata pathogenesis which in turn degrades and causes dushti (defect in the sacrolemmal membrane).
• There is an involvement of the dhatuvagnimandhya which causes kashaya. This agnimandya caused at the level of dhatus leads to the formation of Ama.
• Thus, this complex pathogenesis is indeed responsible for the progressive wasting as well as necrosis of muscle fibres.

(Reference: Charak Samhita Sutrasthana, Chapter No. 17, Shloka No. 65)

Meaning: In this shloka, the symptoms of muscle wasting are described. According to this shloka, symptoms occur such as dryness occurs around the waist, neck and abdominal region.

Diagnosis of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

It can be diagnosed by certain blood tests as damaged muscles release enzymes such as Creatinine Kinase (CK) into the blood. The presence of high levels of CK in the blood indicates muscular dystrophy.

How Planet Ayurveda can help in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy?

Planet Ayurveda offers effective herbal remedies such as Muscular Dystrophy Care Pack, which is very helpful in reducing the deformities by slowing down the process of muscle destruction by improving Agni. Agni is considered as a key factor to synthesize the protein.

The Ayurvedic treatment for duchenne muscular dystrophy can improve the quality of life of the patients.

Muscular Dystrophy Care Pack

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Products Description

1. Ashwagandha Capsules

The standardized extract of the herb Withania somnifera is used for the preparation of Planet Ayurveda's Ashwagandha Capsules. Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is categorized under Vata vikar and ashwagandha is one of the best herbs for balancing Vata dosha and for strengthening the muscles. Ashwagandha herb acts as Rasayana and useful in neuro-muscular disorders such as treating muscle wasting, emaciation as it improves muscle mass and strength.

Dose: 1 Capsules twice daily with plain water after taking meals.

2. Atirasadi Churna

Planet Ayurveda's Atirasadi Churna is a mixture of dried extracts of various herbs that are useful in providing muscular strength to the patients suffering from duchenne muscular dystrophy. All the herbs used in this powder are meant to strengthen the muscles naturally without causing any side effects.

Dose: Take 1 teaspoonful of Atirasadi churna with water or milk after taking meals.

3. Balaswagandhadi Thailam

It is an Ayurvedic preparation by Planet Ayurveda which acts as rejuvenative, restorative, improves nerve conduction, and strengthens the muscles and tones upthe nerves. Therefore, this oil is recommended for the patients suffering from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

How to use: For external application only. Massage with oil 1-2 times a day.

4. Yograj Guggul

Yograj Guggul is a classical Ayurvedic medicine having Commiphoramukul (guggul) as its base. This tablet mainly balances the Vata dosha and Vata roga such as neurological disorders and used as a rejuvenative therapy in ayurvedic system of medicine and acts as a muscle relaxant as well.

Dose: 2 tablets twice daily with plain water after taking meals.

Recommendations

In addition to these herbal remedies, some yoga postures such as Tadasana, Trikonasana, Vakrasana, etc. are beneficial and Pranayam such as Bhramari Pranayama, Ardha Shalabhasana are quite beneficial.