Congestive Cardiac Failure (CCF) – Modern (Allopathic) Versus Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

 The heart acts as a mechanical pump to supply oxygenated blood along with nutrients to all parts of the body. Congestive cardiac failure (CCF) is a medical condition in which the heart loses its normal efficiency. If left untreated, this condition worsens over time and may lead to a complete failure of the heart, thereby causing death. CCF can be caused due to coronary artery disease (CAD), heart attack, cardiomyopathy, congenital heart defects, high blood pressure, valvular diseases of the heart, as well as general medical conditions like thyroid disease, and kidney disease.

Common symptoms of CCF include breathlessness on exertion or at rest, congested lungs, fluid and water retention (causing swelling of feet and – later on - bloating of the entire body), loss of appetite, nausea, dizziness, fatigue and weakness, and rapid or irregular heartbeat. Not all symptoms may be present in all affected individuals; and some may have no symptoms at all, at least in the initial phase of the disease.

Early diagnosis and management of this medical condition is important in order to prevent permanent and irreversible damage to the heart and increased mortality. The goal of the modern (Allopathic) system of medicines is to treat the known cause, ease symptoms, improve quality of life, prevent the condition from worsening, and reduce the need for hospitalization as well as the risk of death.

Some of the medicines commonly used include ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, beta blockers, blood vessel dilators, digoxin, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, potassium, magnesium, and heart pump medications. Regular graded exercises, lifestyle modifications and regular, lifelong medical follow ups are important to maintain a good quality of life and achieve good heart control with medications. Lifestyle modifications include quitting smoking and alcohol consumption, changing diet, and reducing weight.

For patients with specific causes and advanced or severe disease, surgical treatment options may be offered. These include coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), heart valve surgery, implantable left ventricular assist device (LVAD), and heart transplant. Heart failure management is thus a team effort and includes the services of cardiology physicians and surgeons, nurses, dietitians, physiotherapists, social workers and counselors.

In addition to modern conservative care, institution of aggressive Ayurvedic treatment to treat both the cause and effects of CCF can result in highly gratifying results. Ayurvedic medicines are very effective in quickly controlling high blood pressure; this reduces the work load on the heart thereby reducing heart muscle fatigue and compromised pumping action. Herbal medicines work very well to reduce atherosclerosis and obstruction in narrowed coronary vessels so as to improve the blood flow to the heart muscles. Damage to heart muscles due to valvular insufficiency, heart muscle disease, or alcohol and drug abuse can be corrected using specific herbal therapy for the same. Work efficiency of the heart can be improved using appropriate herbo-mineral therapy.

With regular treatment, affected individuals notice a definite improvement in symptoms like swelling, breathlessness, fatigue and reduced appetite. Objective tests like chest x-ray and 2-d echo test reveal improvement in such parameters as reduction in the size of enlarged heart chambers, improved valvular efficiency, improved heart ejection fraction, reduced load on the lungs, and resolution of swelling in and around the pericardium.

Ayurvedic herbal treatment can thus be judiciously used to treat refractory patients having CCF. Concurrent Ayurvedic treatment can dramatically improve the overall outlook of long term treatment of CCF and significantly bring down mortality resulting from this condition.

The writer, Dr A A Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com To start Ayurvedic herbal treatment for CCF, kindly click here

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – Modern (Allopathic) Versus Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

 Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic mental health condition in which uncontrollable obsessions lead to compulsive behaviour. Obsessions revolve around fears (e. g. fear of germs), the need for symmetry, or unwanted thoughts related to taboo subjects or self-harm. Compulsive behaviour causes repetitive actions like frequent washing of hands, rearranging things, and repetition of words. This condition can cause frequent work absenteeism, loss of quality of life, health issues, personal distress, family disruptions, and social embarrassment.

While the exact cause of this condition is as yet unknown, it is believed that genetics, changes in brain structure and function, and an unhealthy environment, may contribute. This condition usually manifests in teenage or young adult years. While most affected individuals are otherwise completely normal, a few may have concurrent mental health issues like anxiety, depression, bipolar disease, schizophrenia, substance abuse disorder, or tics. A diagnosis is usually made using psychological evaluation while doing a clinical examination and laboratory tests to rule out other conditions.

Treatment in the modern (Allopathic) system of medicines is with medications and therapy. Medications include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants, such as fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline and clomipramine. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is considered quite effective for OCD management. It addresses the relationship of thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Exposure and response prevention is a type of CBT in which the therapist helps the client improve coping skills by a gradual exposure and practice in handling the situation or thoughts. Patients who have delusional or suicidal thoughts, and concurrent psychoses, may require hospitalization. Support groups help to cope with the condition and also with rehabilitation.

Most individuals affected with OCD usually first approach a psychiatrist for medication; however, other than controlling anxiety, these medicines usually do not offer any substantial relief. Cognitive and Behavioural Therapy (CBT) offers some benefit to such people. The advantage of Ayurvedic medicines is that these medicines are safe for long-term use and actually treat the root problem in OCD. The medicines help affected individuals to develop sufficient understanding and will power to control their obsession and curtail their compulsive behaviour. Regular Ayurvedic treatment for 6-8 months gives people affected with OCD sufficient control over themselves, and allows them freedom to enjoy their lives without the shackles of this affliction.

People who concurrently show signs of some psychiatric disorder need to be treated for that condition too. Treatment for refractory patients can be given in a combined form, with a combination of Ayurvedic medicines and CBT or Ayurvedic medicines combined with modern anti-psychotic drugs. In such situations, regular supervision of a psychiatrist is recommended. However, for nearly 90 % of people with OCD, Ayurvedic medicines and some simple counselling suffice to give significant relief from this condition.

The writer, Dr A A Mundewadi, is available as an Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com To start Ayurvedic herbal treatment for OCD, kindly click here

Addiction – Modern (Allopathic) Versus Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

 Physical and emotional dependence on alcohol, tobacco, or drugs is labeled as addiction. Severe addictions can cause ill health, antisocial behavior, absence from work, emotional and physical trauma to the family, economic deprivation, and significantly increased morbidity and mortality. Usually, family members bring the affected individual for treatment; a few individuals come directly seeking treatment. Drug addiction is best treated in a specialized institution using a multi-disciplinary approach. However, most patients having tobacco or alcohol addiction can be safely treated on an outpatient basis.

Treatment of severe addiction usually includes bio-feedback therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, experiential therapy, holistic therapy, motivational enhancement therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. One or more modalities may be combined to provide a tailor-made treatment protocol suited to each individual’s requirement.

Modern (allopathic) medicines used in the treatment of addiction include benzodiazepines, antidepressants, clonidine, naltrexone, acamprosate, disulfiram, methadone, and buprenorphine. The aim is to reduce craving and help with withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, tremors, depression, nausea, muscle aches, sweating, and convulsions. Group counseling and one-on-one counseling by an experienced counselor help to cope up with the treatment process as well as with rehabilitation.

The mainstay of Ayurvedic herbal treatment while handling addiction is to normalize and protect the metabolism of the body as well as the mental state of affected individuals. Herbal medicines are given to improve liver function, detoxify body tissues, protect the heart and nervous system, and improve elimination through the intestines and kidneys. Herbal medicines are also given to improve alertness, concentration and confidence, while reducing stress.

Affected individuals are advised a diet consisting predominantly of milk, ghee, honey, fruits, and vegetables. Recommendations are given to be in good company, remain busy, and get involved in interesting and fruitful work. Professional counseling may be required for serious emotional, family and work related issues.

Ayurvedic treatment has a very good effect on people affected with alcohol and tobacco addiction. Some individuals have reported giving up the use of tobacco or alcohol within just one week of starting treatment. However, it is important to not discontinue treatment due to a risk of relapse. An average of four to eight months’ treatment is usually required to completely get an individual off the addiction. It is important to monitor the patient and see that all vital organs are working well and the person is mentally stable.

The writer, Dr A A Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com For Ayurvedic herbal treatment of addiction, kindly click here