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Thursday 15 August 2013

Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment for Ataxia Telangiectasia

Ataxia telangiectasia, also known as A-T or Louis Bar Syndrome, is a rare and inherited neuro-degenerative disease.  This disease is characterized by ataxia or poor coordination and movements as well as involuntary movements due to dysfunction of the cerebellum; dilated capillaries in different parts of the body – especially in the eyes - known as telangiectasia; a reduced immunity, causing a predisposition to infections of the ear, sinuses and lungs; an inability to repair broken DNA, thereby increasing the risk of cancer; delayed milestones; early ageing; and feeding as well as swallowing problems.

This disease usually makes an appearance in early childhood.  The conservative management of this condition includes symptomatic treatment as well as special education and supervision by a team of experts.  Ayurvedic treatment can be judiciously utilised to control and manage all the symptoms of this condition.  Ayurvedic herbal medicines are primarily used to strengthen the different parts of the brain and nerves, especially the cerebellum.  Herbal medicines are also given to improve neuromuscular coordination and strengthen nerves, muscles and tendons.

Concurrent herbal treatment also needs to be given to boost the immune status of the body and normalize damaged DNA in order to prevent the risk of infections and cancers, as well as to prevent early ageing and normalize growth of the body tissues.  Treatment also needs to be given to treat dilated capillaries and strengthen blood vessels.  Overall, medicines which normalize the growth of all the tissues in the body are useful in the management of this condition.  If required, localized supplementary treatment in the form of full body massage can also be done with the help of medicated herbal oils.

The normal life expectancy for individuals with ataxia telangiectasia is about 25 years; modern management has enabled a much longer survival for affected individuals.  Additional Ayurvedic treatment can help to significantly control and treat most of the symptoms of this disease.  Ayurvedic herbal treatment can therefore definitely help to improve the quality of life of patients affected with ataxia telangiectasia.

The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com

Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment for Interstitial Cystitis


Interstitial cystitis, also known as IC, is characterized by recurring discomfort or pain in the bladder and surrounding region.  This condition is more common in women.  The severity and frequency of symptoms varies from person-to-person, and is usually associated with a frequency of urination or an urgent need to pass urine.  IC is also aggravated by menstruation and vaginal intercourse.

Diagnosis of interstitial cystitis can only be made when there is no known or demonstrable cause for the condition, such as infection or urinary stones.  This condition is usually associated with an irritable or scarred bladder wall.  Minute bleeding spots or patches of broken skin or ulcers can also be seen within the bladder wall.  Irritable bowel syndrome may also be associated with this condition.  The modern management of interstitial cystitis includes bladder distension, bladder instillation, oral medications, electrical nerve stimulation, bladder training and surgery.  Although different treatment modalities provide some sort of relief from the condition; however, none of these have so far proved to be a definite cure for interstitial cystitis.

Ayurvedic treatment can be effectively used for the treatment of interstitial cystitis.  The demonstrable pathology of the disease can be treated by using medicines to reduce the irritation or stiffness of the bladder muscles.  Medicines can also be given to treat inflammation and ulceration which is commonly seen in this condition.  In addition, herbal medicines which have a strengthening effect on the entire genitourinary tract can be used judiciously to bring about considerable relief in the management of this condition.  Associated symptoms like irritable bowel syndrome also need to be treated separately.

Ayurvedic herbal treatment of interstitial cystitis needs to be given for periods ranging from two months to six months, depending upon the severity of the disease and individual response to the medicines.  Overall, the majority of individuals affected with interstitial cystitis can be given significant relief with the use of Ayurvedic herbal medicines.

The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com