Muscular dystrophy is a group of inherited muscle diseases, in
which muscle fibers are unusually susceptible to damage and become
progressively weaker. In the late stages of the disease, fat and
connective tissue often replace muscle fibers. This disease commonly
appears to be due to a genetic deficiency of the muscle protein,
dystrophin. This group of diseases includes Duchenne's muscular
dystrophy, Becker's muscular dystrophy, myotonic dystrophy (also known
as Steinert's disease), facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (also
known as Landouzy-Dejerine dystrophy), limb-girdle muscular dystrophy,
congenital muscular dystrophy, oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy,
distal muscular dystrophy and Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy.
The
Ayurvedic treatment of muscular dystrophy is aimed at treating the
basic pathology of the disease, preventing or reducing further progress
of the disease, preventing or reducing disability and prolonging
survival. Medicines which act on the muscle tissue are used in this
condition. These medicines include Yograj-Guggulu, Kaishor-Guggulu,
Trayo-Dashang-Guggulu, Panch-Tikta-Ghrut-Guggulu, Vat-Gajankush-Ras,
Maha-Vat-Vidhwans-Ras, Ekang-Veer-Ras, Tapyadi-Loh, Agnitundi-Vati,
Vish-Tinduk-Vati, Suvarna-Malini-Vasant, Abhrak-Bhasma, Trivang-Bhasma
and Suvarna-Bhasma. Regular massage of the entire body is also believed
to help in strengthening the muscles. Medicated oils are used for this
purpose, which include Mahanarayan oil, Mahamash oil, and Mahasaindhav
oil. Massage is followed by medicated steam fomentation of Dashmool
Qadha (decoction) and Nirgundi Qadha.
Another important group of
medicines which has high therapeutic value in the treatment of muscular
dystrophy is the category which acts on the 'Mansa' dhatu (tissue).
These medicines include Patol (Tricosanthe dioica), Musta (Cyperus
rotundus), Nimba (Azadirachta indica), Triphala (Three fruits) and Kutaj
(Holarrhina antidysentrica). These medicines have to be given in very
high doses for prolonged periods, in order to reduce muscular weakness.
Early
initiation of treatment in the course of this disease, can help a lot
in reducing future disability and prolonging survival. It is important
to note that regular, prolonged treatment is required in order to get
significant therapeutic results.
