Poliomyelitis is a medical condition resulting from an enteroviral infection which can cause an apparent infection, abortive disease, non-paralytic poliomyelitis, and the paralytic form of poliomyelitis. Non-specific symptoms of disease include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. The non paralytic type exhibits symptoms like neck rigidity, severe headache, back pain, and pain in the lower extremities. The paralytic form of poliomyelitis is characterized by asymmetric loss of muscle function and muscular atrophy involving the major muscle groups in the extremities. Timely and universal vaccination for poliomyelitis is a must in the prevention of this condition, while early treatment and physical rehabilitation can help prevent long-term disability in children with established infection.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment for poliomyelitis is aimed at treating the enteroviral infection, improving the immune status of the affected individual, preserving muscle function of the extremities, and preventing long-term a trophy and disability. Ayurvedic herbal medicines are initially given to treat the viral infection as well as remove the generated toxins from the body either through the gastrointestinal tract or through the kidneys. Herbal immunomodulation is also simultaneously given in order to help reduce treatment time and prevent long-term complications.
Ayurvedic herbal medicines which have a specific anti-inflammatory action on the muscles and tendons are used in the management of this condition. These medicines help to preserve muscle function and strength and avoid degeneration of muscle fiber. Treatment is mainly in the form of oral medication; however this can be supplemented with localised therapy in the form of application of medicated oils, ointments and pastes, followed by medicated steam fomentation. A combination of oral medication and local therapy helps in providing rapid relief from pain, muscle spasm, stiffness and flexibility. Early treatment helps in preventing long-term loss of muscular strength and function and the resulting atrophy and disability.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment thus has a specific role to play in the management and treatment of poliomyelitis.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com
