Ayurvedic management of duchenne muscular dystrophy
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Ayurvedic management of duchenne muscular dystrophy
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
*Suryanarayana Mudadla
Assistant Professor, P.G Dept. of Kaumarabhritya, SJGAMC&H Research Centre, Koppal, Karnataka, India.
Radhika Injamuri
M.D. Scholar, Dept. of Kaumarabhritya, S.V.Ayurvedic College, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Ayurvedic management of duchenne muscular dystrophy
Year: 2015
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a prevalent genetic muscular disorder, primarily affecting boys, with an incidence of 1 in 3,600 live births. This X-linked recessive disease is characterized by a deficiency of dystrophin, a protein essential for maintaining muscle cell integrity. The lack of dystrophin leads to progressive muscle weakness, often manifesting in childhood and resulting in loss of ambulation before age 10, with most patients succumbing to respiratory failure or cardiac complications in their early 20s. Given that there is currently no specific treatment available in conventional medicine, early intervention with Ayurvedic therapies may delay the disease's progression and enhance quality of life.
Ayurvedic Perspective on DMD
In Ayurveda, DMD can be understood through the lens of Vata dosha, specifically relating it to the condition of "Bheeja dusti," which affects muscle ('Mamsa') due to genetic factors. The pathogenesis of DMD aligns with the concept of "Adhi bala pravritta vyadhi," where the disturbance in the muscle tissue leads to a reduction in 'Chala guna' (mobility) of Vata, ultimately causing paraplegia and more generalized muscle weakness. The study utilized treatments primarily focused on combating Vata dosha, employing methods like Abhyanga (oil massage), Pinda Sweda (herbal poultice therapy), and Vasti (medicated enema) to improve muscle function and minimize disability.
Effects of Treatment Modalities
The treatment featured a combination of Abhyanga with Bala taila, Shastika shali Pinda Swedana, and followed by Vasti therapy, which spanned over two weeks for 30 children aged between 5 to 16 years. Statistical analyses revealed significant improvements in various physical parameters, including a notable 84% reduction in the frequency of falls while walking. Other improvements were observed in difficulty in walking (37.68%), climbing stairs (38.09%), and muscle power in the upper limbs (64.86%). Additionally, significant reductions in toe walking (54.05%) and improvements in the overall functional abilities of the participants were recorded, reflecting the positive impact of the Ayurvedic interventions.
Conclusion
The study concluded that Ayurvedic treatments have promising efficacy in managing DMD, highlighting substantial functional and physical improvements in the affected children with minimal side effects. The incorporation of holistic approaches like Abhyanga, Pinda Sweda, and Vasti not only addressed the primary symptoms but also contributed to psychological and nutritional enhancements. These findings suggest that Ayurvedic management could serve as a viable complementary approach for improving the quality of life in children suffering from DMD.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and its inheritance?
DMD is a genetic disorder that causes muscle degeneration and weakness. It is an X-linked recessive disease, meaning males are primarily affected, and mothers can be carriers. Approximately 1 in 3600 live born boys are diagnosed with this condition.
What Ayurvedic treatments were used for DMD in the study?
The study involved treatments such as Abhyanga with Bala taila, Shastika shali Pinda swedana, followed by Vasti. These therapies aimed to enhance muscle power, improve mobility, and decrease symptoms associated with DMD in affected children.
What were the observed results from the Ayurvedic treatments for DMD?
The treatments resulted in significant improvements: 84% of children had reduced falls, 37.68% improved walking, and 64.86% increased muscle power in upper limbs. Overall, the therapies provided functional, physical, and emotional benefits.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Ayurvedic management of duchenne muscular dystrophy�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Disease:
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a recessive X-linked genetic disease caused by the absence or defect of dystrophin protein, leading to progressive muscle weakness and degeneration.
2) Abhyanga (Abhyamga):
Abhyanga refers to a therapeutic oil massage used in Ayurveda. For DMD treatment, Bala taila is often applied to increase blood flow and nourish muscles, aiding in the reduction of symptoms such as muscle stiffness and weakness.
3) Pinda (Pimda):
[see source text or glossary: #Pinda#]
4) Bala:
Bala is often an ingredient in Ayurvedic formulations like Bala taila. It is used for its properties that enhance muscle strength and vitality, which are crucial in the management of muscular dystrophies like DMD.
5) Vata:
Vata dosha in Ayurveda is associated with movement and neurological functions. Disorders like DMD are considered to involve Vata dosha, leading to dysfunctions in muscle and nerve activities.
6) Taila:
Taila means oil in Sanskrit and is extensively used in Ayurvedic treatments. Bala taila, a specific medicinal oil, is used in Abhyanga for its muscle-strengthening properties.
7) Balataila (Bala-taila):
[see source text or glossary: #Balataila#]
8) Mamsa (Mamsha):
In Ayurveda, Mamsa refers to muscle tissue. In DMD, the progressive degeneration of Mamsa affects the muscle functionality and strength.
9) Kaumarabhritya (Kaumarabhrtya, Kaumara-bhritya):
Kaumarabhritya is the Ayurvedic branch of pediatrics dealing with childhood disorders. In the context of DMD, this department focuses on interventions to manage symptoms in children.
10) Dosha (Dosa):
[see source text or glossary: #Dosa#]
11) Shali (Sali):
[see source text or glossary: #Sali#]
12) Drug:
In Ayurveda, drugs or Dravyas are often natural substances like herbs and oils used for treatment. The management of DMD involves specific Dravyas like Bala taila and Shastika shali pinda sweda.
13) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine focusing on balancing the body's energies through holistic treatments. DMD management uses therapies like Abhyanga, Pinda sweda, and Vasti from Ayurveda.
14) Mutation:
Mutation in the context of DMD refers to genetic changes in the dystrophin gene, leading to the absence or defect of dystrophin protein. New mutations account for roughly 30% of DMD cases.
15) Dravya:
[see source text or glossary: #Dravya#]
16) Madhu:
Madhu, or honey, is used in Ayurvedic formulations including Vasti preparations for its soothing and healing properties.
17) India:
The study on DMD presented in the text was conducted in India, leveraging Ayurveda, a traditional Indian system of medicine, to managing the condition.
18) Death:
In DMD, death usually occurs around the age of 18-20 years due to complications such as respiratory failure, heart failure, or severe pneumonia.
19) Mamsadhatu (Mamsha-dhatu):
[see source text or glossary: #Mamsadhatu#]
20) Vatadosha (Vatadosa, Vata-dosha):
[see source text or glossary: #Vatadosha#]
21) Karnataka:
Karnataka is an Indian state where part of the research on Ayurvedic management of DMD was conducted, particularly at SJGAMC&H Research Centre.
22) Kashaya (Kasaya):
Kashaya in Ayurveda refers to a decoction or herbal mixture used in therapies such as Vasti. It is prepared using medicinal herbs to address imbalances in doshas.
23) Rakta:
Rakta refers to blood in Ayurveda. Purification of Rakta dhatu is essential for managing diseases involving vitiation of blood-related tissues.
24) Dhatu:
Dhatus are the seven fundamental tissues in Ayurveda. Mamsa (muscle tissue) is one of the dhatus affected in DMD, leading to muscle degeneration.
25) Vayu:
[see source text or glossary: #Vayu#]
26) Food:
Patients undergoing Ayurvedic treatments like Vasti for DMD are advised to consume specific types of food that are neither too Snigdha (oily) nor too Ruksha (dry) to balance doshas.
27) Shashtikashali (Sastikasali, Shashtika-shali):
[see source text or glossary: #Sastika-sali#]
28) Shatapushpa (Satapuspa, Shata-pushpa):
Shatapushpa, an Ayurvedic herb, is used in Vasti preparations for its therapeutic effects on digestive and muscular systems, aiding in the management of disorders like DMD.
29) Raktashali (Raktasali, Rakta-shali):
[see source text or glossary: #Rakta-shali#]
30) Discussion:
In the discussion section, the results and effectiveness of Ayurvedic treatments such as Abhyanga, Pinda sweda, and Vasti in managing DMD symptoms are elaborated. Insights into improvements in muscle function and mobility are provided.
31) Purvakarma (Purvakarman, Purva-karman):
Purvakarma refers to preliminary procedures in Ayurveda that prepare the body for major treatments. For DMD, Snehana and Swedana are done before Vasti to enhance effectiveness.
32) Dhatvagni (Dhatu-agni):
Dhatvagni refers to the metabolic processes specific to each dhatu (tissue). In DMD, Mamsagni, the metabolic process of muscle tissue, is impaired, affecting nourishment and function.
33) Substance:
[see source text or glossary: #Substance#]
34) Vitiation (Vitiated):
Vitiation refers to the imbalance or derangement of doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) in Ayurveda. In DMD, Vata-dosha vitiation affects muscle function and coordination.
35) Stiffness:
Stiffness in the muscles is a common symptom of DMD. Ayurvedic treatments like Abhyanga help reduce muscle stiffness, improving flexibility and mobility.
36) Rasayana (Rasa-ayana):
Rasayana therapy in Ayurveda focuses on rejuvenation, improving strength and immunity. It is crucial in managing chronic conditions like DMD by enhancing overall vitality.
37) Bhutagni (Bhuta-agni):
Bhutagni refers to the metabolic fire within each tissue in Ayurveda. In DMD, the impairment of Mamsagni and Bhutagni leads to improper muscle formation and nutrition.
38) Mamsagni (Mamsa-agni):
[see source text or glossary: #Mamsagni#]
39) Tirupati (Thirupati, Tiruppati):
Tirupati is a city in India where part of the study on Ayurvedic management of DMD was conducted, specifically at S.V. Ayurvedic College.
40) Vatahara (Vata-ahara):
Vatahara refers to treatments or substances that alleviate Vata dosha. In DMD management, Vatahara therapies help reduce muscle tension and improve function.
41) Medicine:
Ayurvedic medicine includes natural remedies and practices like Abhyanga and Vasti to treat conditions like DMD. These methods aim to balance doshas and improve overall health.
42) Snehana:
Snehana indicates oleation therapy in Ayurveda. It is used as a preparatory step in treatments like Vasti to lubricate and prepare the body.
43) Snigdha:
Snigdha implies qualities like moistness and oiliness. These characteristics are considered while administering food and treatments in Ayurveda to balance doshas.
44) Shashtika (Sastika):
[see source text or glossary: #Sastika#]
45) Ruksha (Ruksa):
Ruksha means dry in Ayurveda. Food and treatments are balanced between Snigdha (oily) and Ruksha (dry) qualities to maintain doshic equilibrium in conditions like DMD.
46) Kshaya (Ksaya):
In Ayurveda, Kshaya refers to depletion or loss of tissue, which in DMD occurs in the muscle (Mamsa) due to genetic mutations impacting dystrophin.
47) Andhra (Amdhra):
Andhra Pradesh is an Indian state where part of the research on Ayurvedic treatment for DMD was conducted, particularly S.V. Ayurvedic College in Tirupati.
48) Dhanya:
[see source text or glossary: #Dhanya#]
49) Vyadhin (Vyadhi):
[see source text or glossary: #Vyadhi#]
50) Chala (Chala°):
[see source text or glossary: #Chala#]
51) Karma (Karman):
Karma in the context of health, refers to actions and their consequences. In Ayurveda, past actions are believed to contribute to the current state of health, such as genetic mutations causing DMD.
52) Yashti (Yasti):
Yasti, part of the Vasti preparation, is used for its medicinal properties to nourish and restore muscle function in DMD patients.
53) Surya (Shurya):
[see source text or glossary: #Surya#]
54) Balya:
Balya refers to substances that enhance strength. In Ayurvedic treatment for DMD, drugs with Balya properties like Bala taila are used to improve muscle function.
55) Ayus (Ayush):
[see source text or glossary: #Ayush#]
56) Blood:
Blood is crucial in Ayurveda for the nourishment of tissues (dhatus). Improved circulation through treatments like Abhyanga can help manage muscle degeneration in DMD.
57) Atman (Atma):
[see source text or glossary: #Atma#]
58) Agni:
Agni in Ayurveda refers to digestive and metabolic fire. Proper Agni is essential for the assimilation of nutrients and healthy muscle tissue (Mamsa-dhatu).
59) Adhi:
[see source text or glossary: #Adhi#]
60) Guna:
[see source text or glossary: #Guna#]
61) Hair:
In the Barthel Index used to assess DMD treatment efficacy, grooming includes independent care of hair, reflecting overall functional ability.
62) Milk:
Milk is used as an ingredient in Pinda sweda, providing nourishment and enabling the application of heat to muscles for therapeutic purposes.
63) Pir:
In the context of DMD, affected children may have difficulty keeping up with their peers on the playground due to progressive muscle weakness.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Ayurvedic management of duchenne muscular dystrophy�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Abhyanga, Vasti treatment, Assistant Professor, Ayurvedic Management, Ayurvedic Concept, Ayurvedic Therapy, Clinical presentation, Muscle power, Muscle weakness, Barthel index, Dystrophin protein, Gower's sign, Contractures, M.D. Scholar, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Frequent falls, X-linked inheritance, Functional capabilities, Progressive degeneration.