Ayurvedic Management Of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a health condition in which the immune system of the body attacks its tissues. Multiple sclerosis is a condition where an insulating Myelin sheath that covers and protects the nerve fibers of the brain and spinal cord is damaged. Under this condition, the central nervous system disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system like the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. Symptoms can include numbness, paralysis, fatigue, dizziness, emotional instability, memory problems, chronic pain, and vision impairment. Multiple sclerosis typically affects people between the ages of 20 and 40, and women outnumber men by a factor of two.

According to Ayurveda, multiple sclerosis occurs due to the imbalance of Vata dosha. Multiple Sclerosis is termed as Kapha roga in Ayurveda.

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Types Of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis can be generally of four types.

• Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS)

  Most people with MS are initially diagnosed with Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis. People in the age group of 20 to 30 years are mostly affected with RRMS. RRMS generally lasts anywhere from 24 hours to several weeks.

• Secondary-Progressive MS (SPMS)

  In SPMS, the disability worsens steadily over time without intermittent recovery.

• Primary-Progressive MS (PPMS)

  PPMS is a peculiar type of MS. PPMS is the stage where brain and nerve function worsen without notable periods of remission and relapse.

• Progressive-Relapsing MS (PRMS)

  Only 5% of people suffer from PRMS. PRMS steadily worsens from the beginning, with acute exacerbations.

Four types of Multiple sclerosis are Relapsing-Remitting MS(RRMS), Secondary-Progressive MS (SPMS), Primary-Progressive MS (PPMS), and Progressive-Relapsing MS (PRMS).

Symptoms Of Multiple Sclerosis

Early signs of multiple sclerosis can be easily identified by keenly observing the symptoms associated with it. The symptoms may differ from person to person. General symptoms indicative of multiple sclerosis are:

• Partial or complete loss of vision

  People who suffer from multiple sclerosis face partial or complete loss of vision.

• Fatigue

  People with multiple sclerosis face difficulty in doing their normal day-to-day activities due to fatigue.

• Numbness or weakness

  A needle-type sensation usually affects the face, body, arms, or legs.

• Acute chronic pain

  Acute chronic pain on various parts of the body is another symptom of multiple sclerosis.

• Lhermitte’s sign

  People with multiple sclerosis face an electric shock-like sensation that occurs on flexion of the neck.

• Problem with bladder or bowel function

  Constipation and loss of bladder control are the early signs of multiple sclerosis.

• Slurred speech

  Slurred speech means difficulty in pronouncing words, change in rhythm during talking, etc.

• Sexual dysfunction

  People with multiple sclerosis lose their interest in sex.

• Cognitive problems

  People with multiple sclerosis face difficulty in concentrating, memory problems, shortened attention span, etc.

• Emotional instability

  Emotional instability like mood swings, irritability, etc are other signs of multiple sclerosis.

• Dizziness and Vertigo

  People with multiple sclerosis face problems like dizziness, difficulty in balancing while standing, and a feel of lightheadedness.

Some common early symptoms of multiple sclerosis are numbness, dizziness, loss of vision, cognitive problems, emotional instability, slurred speech, sexual dysfunction, Lhermitte’s sign, a problem with bladder or bowel function, acute chronic pain, and fatigue.

Causes Of Multiple Sclerosis

The exact causes of multiple sclerosis are under research by scientists. As per Ayurveda, an imbalance of Vata dosha leads to the development of multiple sclerosis. However, some general chances for the development of multiple sclerosis are:

• Age

  Multiple sclerosis mainly affects people with the age group of 20 to 40years.

• Gender

  Multiple sclerosis mostly affects women more than men.

• Genetics

  For people with a family history of multiple sclerosis, there are chances to develop this disease in the next generation also.

• Environmental factors

  Multiple sclerosis mostly affects people who live in temperate climates.

• Infections

  Viruses that lead to the development of multiple sclerosis are mononucleosis, human herpesvirus type 6 (HHV6), and mycoplasma pneumonia.

• Vitamin D deficiency

  Low exposure to sunlight or vitamin D deficiency leads to the chances of development of Multiple sclerosis.

• Smoking

  People with the habit of smoking face more symptoms of multiple sclerosis more than non-smokers.

• Deficiency of Vitamin B 12

  Vitamin B produces Myelin. Multiple sclerosis is caused by damage to the myelin sheath. This sheath is the protective covering that surrounds nerve cells. Hence, deficiency of Vitamin B 12 develops chances of Multiple sclerosis.

The general causes for the development of multiple sclerosis are age, gender, environmental factors, genetics, deficiency of Vitamin D, deficiency of Vitamin B 12, smoking, and viral infections.

Herbal Remedies To Cure Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms

Herbs are the real gift of nature. Herbs are rich in medicinal properties with lots of health benefits. Here is the list of certain herbs that helps to cure Multiple sclerosis symptoms naturally.

• Brahmi

  Bramhi has been used in Ayurveda to boost memory from ancient days onwards. Brahmi with milk for stimulation of the brain in the morning, consumed on an empty stomach and in the evening – one or two hours before bed helps to prevent multiple sclerosis symptoms. .

• Ashwagandha

  Ashwagandha is rich in anti-inflammatory properties and helps in boosting brain function naturally. The anti-stress properties ashwagandha helps to get rid of anxiety symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis.

• Ginkgo biloba

  The extracts of Ginkgo Biloba are very effective in improving brain function and mitigating memory.

• Green tea

  Green tea is rich in antioxidants and epigallocatechin-3-gallate that boosts the immune system and brain cells naturally.

• Ginger

  Ginger is rich in anti-inflammatory properties that help to prevent the inflammation around the nerves and muscles that causes the stiffness and physical pain common with MS.

• Gotu Kola

  Gotu Kola has been widely used in Ayurveda to prepare various Ayurvedic formulations. Gotu kola can effectively treat fatigue, eye diseases, swelling, and inflammations. .

• Giloy

  Giloy is very effective in strengthening our immune system, which aids in the fight against bacterial and viral infections.

Certain herbs that help to get rid of MS symptoms are ginger, ginkgo biloba, gotu kola, brahmi, ashwagandha, giloy, and green tea.

Ahar (diet) And Vihar (lifestyle) Recommendations

A healthy diet and lifestyle habits help to prevent the occurrence of MS symptoms.

Ahar (diet) recommendations

• Include more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet as they are rich in fiber and are rich in antioxidants.
• Control the use of dairy products as they produce more fats and develop the chances of Multiple sclerosis symptoms.
• Control the use of spicy foods.

• Regular exercise for a minimum of 30 minutes helps to get relief from fatigue and dizziness symptoms.
• Get a minimum of 20 minutes of sunshine to get enough Vitamin D that helps to prevent Multiple sclerosis symptoms.
• Regular practice of yoga helps to get relief from fatigue, pain, weakness, bladder function, or difficulty walking.

Ayurvedic Treatment For Multiple Sclerosis

Ayurveda is the science of life that originated in India that aids to find out the root cause of every disease and provides treatments based on identifying the body type of each person.

Multiple Sclerosis can be effectively treated in Ayurveda naturally without any side effects. Ayurveda believes that tridosha imbalances lead to the development of most diseases. According to Ayurveda Multiple Sclerosis occurs due to the imbalance of Vata dosha.

Treatment Methods

Ayurveda recommends mainly five treatments to cure MS symptoms. They are Panchakarma, Samsaman, Kavya Kalpa, Sattvavajaya, and Langhana therapy.

• Samsodhan

  Samsodhan is a purification treatment in Ayurveda. Panchakarma treatment is widely recommended in Ayurveda to cure multiple sclerosis symptoms. Through this treatment, body toxins are expelled naturally. Panchakarma treatment includes

  Brahmana Vasthi: Brahmana Vasti is a significant Ayurvedic treatment where certain herbal oils and herbal extracts are applied through the rectum to nourish the body and help to get relief from MS symptoms.

  Nasya: Nasya is the method of administering medicated oils through the nostrils to clear the head and nasal passage. The treatment boosts the nervous system naturally.

  Abhyanga: Ayurveda is a massage therapy using medicated oils to the whole body. Abhyanga helps to expel body toxins and brings a balance between tridoshas.

  Lepa: Lepa is the application of herbal paste to the whole body and head that helps to prevent inflammation naturally.

  Taila vestana: Taila vestana consists of applying a band of cloth over the body soaked in specific herbal Ayurvedic oil, and pouring medicated oil to the head that helps to nourish the nervous system and prevents various Multiple Sclerosis symptoms.

  Panchakarma treatments eliminate Multiple Sclerosis symptoms without any occurrence.

• Samsaman

  Samsaman is the stage of giving palliative care to patients who suffer from Multiple sclerosis through researched internal medicines with rich anti-inflammatory properties. The therapy may be required to be performed for at least 3-4 years. This consists of dietary regulations, lifestyle control, and specific instructions to preclude the collection of doshas in the body. The problem would be resolved from the root by ayurvedic treatment for multiple sclerosis. Only herbal oils and medicines are used in Ayurveda treatment. Therefore, eliminating any chances of side effects that can harm the person’s body.

• Kaya Kalpa

  Kavya Kalpa is an Ayurvedic rejuvenating therapy that helps to regenerate the entire body, mind, and soul. The treatment helps to improve immunity, memory power, relieves stress, and corrects metabolism.

• Sattvavajaya (counseling/psychotherapy)

  The therapy aims to concentrate on the intelligence, consciousness, memory, and spiritual aspects of the affected individuals. Sttvavajaya also aims to withdraw our minds from unwholesome objects. .

• Langhana therapy

  Langhana therapy is widely used in Ayurveda for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment which concentrates on removing the accumulation of ama and pitta/ Kapha doshas. .

Samsodhan, Samsaman, Kavya Kalpa, Langhana therapy, and Sattvavajaya are the ayurvedic treatments that help to get rid of Multiple Sclerosis symptoms. Ayurvedic treatments aim to bring a balance between Vata, Pitta, and Kapha dosha. The treatments help to rejuvenate the body, mind, and soul. Ayurveda provides treatments based on the body type of each person.

Conclusion

The information related to Ayurvedic treatment for Multiple Sclerosis was obtained from ancient Ayurvedic resources. Kindly consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before using any herbs or herbal formulas.

References

• Charaka Samhita.