Marfan syndrome is an inherited condition in which a gene determining the structure of fibrinill, a protein important for the formation of connective tissue, is defective. The gene dysfunction can cause different types of symptoms of differing severity which can affect almost all the body systems including the skeleton, eyes, heart, medicines, nervous system, skin, and lungs. The modern management for Marfan syndrome is mostly supportive and symptomatic.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment for Marfan syndrome is aimed at giving symptomatic treatment for the presenting problems in the affected individual, as well as treating the root cause of the condition. The affected individual is examined closely for a dysfunction of the systems of the body, especially the cardiovascular system, the skin, and the joints. Specific treatment is given for the presenting symptoms of dysfunctional organs and systems. In addition, since the primary disorder related to Marfan syndrome is a dysfunction of the connective tissue, Ayurvedic herbal medicines which target the connective tissue are used specifically in high doses and for prolonged periods. Ayurvedic herbal medicines which act on the blood, the muscle, as well as the fat tissue are used together; a combination of these medicines act on the connective tissue. The combined action of these medicines is to help remove the flaccidity and weakness of the connective tissue, and give strength and tensile capacity to the connective tissue at the microcellular level for all the affected organs. This treatment gradually reduces organ and system dysfunction, and helps the affected individual to gain muscular strength and tone, and improved muscular coordination and movement.
Treatment for Marfan syndrome is mostly in the form of oral medication, with the use of Ayurvedic herbal medicines on a prolonged basis, usually about six to nine months. Treatment for this duration usually helps most individuals affected with Marfan syndrome to improve their quality of life and to gain efficiency and confidence for day-to-day activities. Localised treatment in the form of application of medicated oils on the entire body is also done in order to supplement the oral treatment. Local application of oils can be followed by hot fomentation with medicated steam. Such treatments help to improve the overall results obtained with Ayurvedic herbal treatment.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment can thus be efficiently utilised in the management and treatment of Marfan syndrome.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com
