Myelodysplastic
Syndrome (MDS) is a medical disorder resulting from dysfunctional bone marrow
production. While there is a simple and universal paucity of red blood cells and
white blood cells in aplastic anemia, in MDS, in addition, these cells also display
morphological abnormalities. MDS causes
symptoms of anemia, fatigue, fever, heart disease, bleeding, reduced urine
output and shock. MDS can be primary or secondary; the later type is usually
caused by the side effects of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, viral infection,
exposure to chemicals, and a genetic disposition.
MDS can be
successfully treated with the help of Ayurvedic herbal medicines which have a
specific action on the bone marrow.
Medicines which are effective on the Majja dhatu (tissue) are useful in
the management of MDS; in addition
medicines which act on the blood tissue as well as liver and spleen are also
effective in the management of symptoms. Medicines need to be given in high
doses and for prolonged periods on order to be effective, so that they can bring
about a remission and prevent relapse.
In order to increase
the effectiveness of treatment and reduce treatment time, simple Ayurvedic
Panchkarma procedures are added to the oral treatment. These include giving a series of medicated
enemas (basti); especially, a medicine known as Tikta Ksheer can be effectively
used as a series in the management of MDS.
This enema is known as Tikta Ksheer Basti. Given in small amounts (100ml), these can be
safely administered, without any contraindications, to all affected individuals
without any risk of side effects.
Treatment ranging
from six to ten months is usually very effectively in successfully managing
patients affected with MDS. It is important to initiate treatment at an early
stage in order to bring about an early and complete treatment response as well
as prevent further complications such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML). At this point, it is heartening to note that
even such complications can be effectively treated with Ayurvedic medicines.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment can thus significantly reduce morbidity and
mortality from MDS and most such patients can be very successfully managed on a
long-term basis.
The writer, Dr. A. A.
Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com
