What is the Effect of Multiple Sclerosis on Brain?
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease of brain and spinal cord. In this disorder, the immune system attacks the myelin (protective sheath) that covers the nerve fibres. As a result, there are communication problems arise between the brain and the rest of the body.
How it Affect the Brain?
Shrinkage or atrophy occurs with ageing due to the loss of neurons but brain shrinkage happens fast in people suffering from multiple sclerosis.
What are the Causes of Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple Sclerosis is considered as an auto-immune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues. The impaired immune system destroys the fatty substance that coats and protects the nerve fibres in the brain and spinal cord (myelin).
What are Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis?
The signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis may vary from person to person and the symptoms depend on the location of affected nerve fibres. Often the movement is affected in MS. Signs and symptoms include:
- Numbness that affects one or more limbs or occur on one side of the body
- Sensations of electric nature that occur with certain neck movements
- Lack of coordination
- Tremors
- Vision problems such as partial or complete loss of vision in one eye with pain during eye movement
- Double vision
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Tingling sensations
- Pain
Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis
There are no specific tests that can diagnose multiple sclerosis. Certain tests such as MRI can help in diagnosing multiple sclerosis, which can reveal the MS lesions in the brain and spinal cord.
What is the Ayurvedic View of Multiple Sclerosis?
Ayurveda is a science of life which is concerned with the maintenance of health in a natural way as well as curing the diseases.
In Ayurveda, multiple sclerosis can be co-related to Snayusada or the aggravation of Vata in Snayu.
(Reference: Ashtanga Hridaya Sutrasthana, Chapter No. 11, Shlok No. 5 & 6).
Meaning: In this shloka, the effects of increased Vata dosha are explained. Vata, when increases causes weakness in the body, black colored skin, there is a desire for hot things, tremors, bloating, fullness, distention of the abdomen, constipation, loss of strength, loss of sleep, loss of sensory functions, irrelevant speech, delusion, dizziness, giddiness, timidity are the symptoms of aggravated Vata dosha.
Ultimately in Multiple Sclerosis, dhatus get damaged. Demyelination indicates:
- Majjadhatukashyam: Decreased majja dhatu causes Asthisoushirya (osteoporosis), Bhrama (giddiness) and Timirdarshana (diminished vision).
- Ojakashayam: Ojakashayam means depletion of immunity which is due to hunger, anger, constant thinking, grief, exertion etc., which leads to phobias, loss of strength, sensory disturbances, exhaustion, increased dryness in the body etc.
- Kaphakashayam: There is a decrease in Kapha dosha in multiple sclerosis, which causes bhrama (hallucinations), hridrava (palpitations), sandhishaithilya (laxity of joints).
How Planet Ayurveda can help in the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis?
The aim of Ayurvedic Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis is to improve the quality of patient’s life and to reduce drug dependency.
Planet Ayurveda offers effective herbal remedies like Brahmi Capsules, Ashwagandha Capsules, Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras, Musli Strength & Atirasadi Churna for Multiple Sclerosis. These remedies subside the Vata dosha and at the same time do not aggravate the other doshas. They are aimed at slowing down or arresting the progress of illness. Unlike corticosteroids, these herbal remedies are 100% safe and effective.
1. Brahmi Capsules
Planet Ayurveda uses the standardized extract of Brahmi herb for the preparation of these capsules. Brahmi helps in the improvement in the cognitive functions of the nervous system. It helps to get rid of the symptoms of MS such as dizziness, fatigue and helps to improve attention span, memory etc.
Dose: 1-2 capsules twice daily, to be taken with plain water after taking meals.
2. Ashwagandha Capsules
Ashwagandha is a wonderful herb having so many health benefits. One of its health benefits is, that it corrects the response of the immune system and balances its functions as well. These capsules are very effective in MS as they prevent the progression of the disease by protecting the myelin sheath against the damage by the immune cells.
Dose: 1-2 capsules to be taken twice daily with plain water after meals.
3. Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras
Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras is classical formulation used in Ayurvedic system of medicine for the treatment of Vata disorders such as spinal cord demyelination, dementia, anxiety, restlessness, tremors, paralysis etc. It is useful in the treatment of multiple sclerosis as it is useful in all types of nervous disorders.
Dose: 1 tablet twice or thrice a day with plain water after taking meals.
4. Musli Strength
Planet Ayurveda’s Musli Strength Capsules contain the standardized extracts of the two herbs Safed Musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum) and Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris). These capsules are useful in maintaining the overall stamina of the body by increasing the muscle mass and reduce fatigue, general debility associated with multiple sclerosis.
Dose: 1-2 capsules twice daily post meals can be taken.
5. Atirasadi Churna
Planet Ayurveda’s Atirasadi Churna is a very effective combination of herbs, which are very useful against weakness, low body weight, fatigue, loss of muscle strength associated with multiple sclerosis.
Dose: Consume 1 teaspoonful of churna with plain water twice a day.
Diet and Lifestyle
- Avoid the intake of processed and packaged foods.
- Take fresh and organic food.
- Include fresh fruits, green salads, nuts, legumes in the diet.
- Avoid the intake of caffeine, alcohol, smoking because they all affect the nervous system.
- Sleeping for 7-8 hours is necessary.
- Meditate to reduce stress.