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Friday 27 January 2012

Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment for Wilson Disease

Wilson disease is rare, inherited disorder involving a dysfunctional metabolism due to excessive absorption of copper from the small intestine and decreased excretion from the liver, resulting in an excessive deposition of copper in the liver, brain, and other tissues. Symptoms of this condition include liver dysfunction, jaundice, tremors, uncoordinated movements, psychotic symptoms, Kayser-Fleicher rings in the eyes, arthritis, anemia and kidney disease.  Patients present with liver disease in the first decade of life or acute psychiatric symptoms in the third decade.  Alcohol and other hepato-toxic drugs need to be avoided by such individuals, who may need lifelong and uninterrupted treatment.

Ayurvedic herbal treatment for Wilson disease is aimed at treating the root cause of the condition, preventing or reducing the damage to important organs, and preventing long-term complications.  Most individuals need a lifelong chelating therapy to reduce copper deposition.  Ayurvedic treatment is aimed at improving the excretion of copper through the liver and from the intestines with the help of specific herbal medicines which promote excretion of harmful and toxic substances from the body.

Herbal medicines which have a specific action on the liver, brain the central nervous system as well as other affected organs are also utilised in order to reduce specific tissue and organ damage and help in regeneration of healthy tissue.  Special care needs to be taken to protect the liver, kidneys, and brain.  Herbal medicines also need to be given to control the specific symptoms of affected individuals.

Depending upon the severity of the presenting symptoms in affected individuals, aggressive therapy may be required for about four to six months in order to control the symptoms or possibly bring about a complete remission of symptoms.  After this, maintenance therapy in low doses with just a few medicines can be continued by the patient in order to prevent further deposition of copper in the body.  Ayurvedic herbal treatment thus has a significant role to play in the management and treatment of Wilson disease.

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

Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment for Sjogren's Syndrome

Sjogren's syndrome is also known as sicca complex and is a chronic, autoimmune disorder causing drying and lymphocytic infiltration of the exocrine glands.  This condition is seen more in women and is characterized by symptoms which include dry eyes, dry mouth, fatigue, muscular pains, dry skin, vaginal dryness, involvement of lymph node and parotid gland, polyneuropathy, and diseases of the kidney.  This condition does not involve increased mortality; however, it can cause considerable disability from the symptoms.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment for Sjogren's syndrome is aimed at treating the symptoms as well as removing the root cause of the disease, and also addressing the issue of autoimmune origin.  Herbal medicines which have a specific action on the exocrine glands are used in high doses and for prolonged periods in order to normalise the secretions from these glands, which in turn cause remission of symptoms of this condition.
Herbal medicines are also used to treat the lymphocytic infiltration in order to prevent further damage to the organs and prevent long-term complications.  Immunomodulatory herbal medicines are especially important in the management of this condition since this is a chronic autoimmune disorder.  Immunomodulation helps in obtaining early relief from the symptoms, reducing treatment time, bringing about a complete cure, and preventing a relapse.
Herbal medicines which reduce inflammation and strengthen the nervous system as well as the lymphatic circulation and lymph nodes are useful in the management of this condition.  Medicines which have a protective action on the kidneys are also required to treat this condition and prevent long-term complications.  Since Ayurvedic treatment for this condition requires some time to bring about a remission of symptoms, moisturizers can be utilised in the initial phases of the treatment in order to bring about an early relief from symptoms.
Depending upon the severity of the condition, most individuals affected with this condition require Ayurvedic herbal treatment for 4 to12 months.  Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment thus has a significant role in the management and treatment for Sjogren's syndrome .
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com

Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment for Dumping Syndrome

Dumping syndrome is also known as rapid gastric emptying and is likely to occur after surgery in which the stomach or part of it has been removed.  This condition occurs due to the undigested content of the stomach been transported or dumped into the small intestine too rapidly.  The common symptoms of this condition include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, bloating, dizziness, weakness, and palpitations.  This condition requires dietary adjustments in order to prevent recurrence of symptoms and minimise the severity.  Such individuals are advised smaller meals, preferably without fluids and to avoid extra carbohydrate, fat and acidic foods.

Ayurvedic herbal treatment for dumping syndrome is aimed at helping in digestion of food both within the stomach as well as in the intestines.  Herbal medicines which have a strong digestive action are used so that the majority of the ingested food is digested, absorbed and assimilated properly.  Herbal medicines can also be given to reduce the motility of the remnant part of the stomach as well as the intestines, so as to effectively reduce the dumping seen in this condition.

In addition to the above-mentioned treatment, such individuals can be given long-term specialized Ayurvedic treatments known as ‘Vardhmaan Rasayan’.  Medicines which have a specific action on the small intestines are given in gradually increasing doses on a regular basis till reaching a maximum predetermined those, after which the dose is tapered gradually and then stopped.  This course of treatment is usually given for a period of 19 days, and can be repeated after a gap of one or two weeks.  Medicines selected for this type of treatment depend upon the presenting symptoms in the affected individual.  Such treatments have a very good effect in improving the strength and function of the stomach and small intestine and thereby effectively reduce symptoms.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment thus has a significant role to play in the management and treatment of dumping syndrome.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com

Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment for Dissociative Disorders

Dissociative disorders constitute serious mental illness in which affected individuals escape reality in involuntary and unhealthy ways by suppressing memories or assuming alternate identities, usually to escape from or cope up with some form of trauma.  The common symptoms of this condition include memory loss for certain time periods, events and people, mental health problems, depersonalization, derealization, and a blurred sense of identity.  Dissociative disorders are usually of four types which include amnesia, identity disorder, fugue and the personalization.  Treatment for this condition includes psychotherapy, hypnosis, medication, creative art therapy, and cognitive therapy, in which collective treatment may be required with coordinated efforts by a Psychiatrist, counselor, and social worker, possibly with a support system from family and friends.  Though treatment can be difficult, many individuals suffering from this disorder are able to learn new ways of coping and lead healthy, productive lives.

Ayurvedic herbal treatment can be given either as independent therapy or as a supportive therapy to the modern management of this condition.  Joint teamwork is usually preferable in successfully and safely handling such affected individuals.  Ayurvedic medicines can be used in the management of this condition which help the affected individuals to cope up with trauma and help to adjust and accept reality.  Ayurvedic medicines work on the nervous system as well as the brain and affect the thinking process of individuals in order to remove derealization and depersonalization, and bring about acceptance of reality and normal behaviour.  Treatment needs to be aggressive and long-term in order to bring about good results.

Ayurvedic oral medication can also be supplemented with different Panchkarma treatments such as Shiro Basti, Shirodhara, medicated enemas, and full body massage.  These Panchkarma treatments help to bring about earlier results, and improve the chances of full recovery.  Depending upon the severity of the condition and degree of psychosis, most individuals affected with this condition require treatment ranging from six months to several years.  Ayurvedic herbal treatment thus has definite and significant role to play in the management and treatment of dissociative disorders.

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

Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment for Botulism

Botulism is an illness which causes paralysis of muscles caused by a neurotoxin known as botulism toxin which is produced by a bacterium known as Clostridium botulinum.  This condition causes respiratory paralysis, double or blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty in swallowing, dry mouth and muscle weakness.  Paralysis of the respiratory muscles causes acute respiratory failure which needs to be treated in the intensive care-unit of a hospital with the help of a ventilator, along with nursing care for several weeks.  Individuals who survive an acute episode may experience fatigue and shortness of breath for several years.  Botulism is of 3 types: food borne, wound botulism and infant botulism.  Food borne botulism is considered to be a public health emergency.  The food borne and wound type of botulism can be treated with an antitoxin which blocks the action of the neurotoxin circulating in the blood.

Ayurvedic herbal treatment for botulism is aimed at treating the neurotoxin, removing it from the body, and neutralizing its toxic effects on the body.  Ayurvedic herbal medicines which have a specific action on the nervous system and which strengthen the nerve cells are used in the management of this condition.  Other herbal medicines which improve neuromuscular coordination and prevent muscular paralysis are also very important in the management of this condition.  There are yet other herbal medicines which act on the neurotoxin and remove it from the body circulation either through the kidneys or through the gastrointestinal tract.

Localised treatment in the form of full body massage with medicated oils, and Panchkarma treatments like medicated enemas as are also useful in the management of botulism, along with herbal Ayurvedic medication.  These treatments can also be given as supportive therapy in addition to modern medicines and nursing care.  Especially, patients who have recovered from acute episodes and suffer from long-term fatigue and breathlessness can be helped to recover completely with the help of Ayurvedic treatment.
Depending upon the severity of the condition, most individuals affected with botulism require treatment for about 4 to12 weeks.  Patients with long-term complications may require Ayurvedic herbal treatment for about 4 to 6 months.  Ayurvedic herbal treatment can significantly improve the outcome both in acute botulism as well as in the chronic phase of the disease.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com

Wednesday 25 January 2012

Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment for Dupuytren's Contracture

Dupuytren's contracture is also known as Dupuytren's disease, and is a comparatively uncommon condition in which the connective tissue beneath the skin of the palm gradually contracts and thickens, thus causing a deformity of the hand, with contracture of the ring finger and little finger.  A family history of this condition, diabetes, and history of tobacco and alcohol use are known risk factors for this condition.  Physiotherapy forms an important part of the management of this condition.

Ayurvedic herbal treatment for Dupuytren's contracture is aimed at treating the contracture of the connective tissue in the palm, which is the main cause for this condition.  It is important to diagnose this condition and start treatment at the earliest, in order to obtain maximum benefit from treatment, and avoid long term disability.  Ayurvedic herbal medicines which have a specific action on muscles, tendons, and connective tissue are used in the management of this condition.  Anti-inflammatory medicines also have a role to play in the management of Dupuytren's contracture.

While the main treatment of this condition is in the form of oral medication, it can also be supplemented with localised therapy.  This is done in the form of application of medicated oils, ointments and pastes, which can be followed up with medicated steam fomentation.  Local therapy helps in bringing about relief from muscular spasm and pain, and delay the contracture process.  Thickening and contracture of the connective tissue can also be directly treated with herbal medicines which are known to reduce fibrosis and help in the generation of normal tissue.

Depending upon the stage of presentation of the affected individual, treatment is usually required from periods ranging from 2 to 4 months in order to bring about significant relief in this medical condition.  Ayurvedic herbal treatment thus has a significant role to play in the management and treatment of Dupuytren's contracture.

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

Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment for Cytomegalovirus Infection

Cytomegalovirus infection is a condition which is usually asymptomatic in normal and healthy individuals, but which can cause significant symptoms and affect almost any body organ in immunocompromised individuals.  An infected mother can pass on the infection to her unborn child resulting in significant congenital abnormalities, or the mother may experience frequent abortions.  The prognosis for Cytomegalovirus infection thus usually depends upon the underlying disease as well as the overall immune status of affected individual.

Ayurvedic herbal treatment for Cytomegalovirus infection is usually focused upon improving the immune status of affected individuals.  Ayurvedic herbal immunomodulatory agents are used in high uses so as to boost the immune status in as short time as possible, so as to reduce the total treatment time of affected individual, reduce the severity of symptoms, prevent complications, and avoid recurrence of the infection.  In order to treat the infection, Ayurvedic herbal medicines which have a known anti-viral action can also be used to control the infection at the earliest so as to treat the symptoms and prevent long-term complications.

Pregnant women who are positive for TORCH infections or who have a history of recurrent abortions or congenital abnormalities in the newborn can be treated with Ayurvedic herbal medicines to remove the root cause of the condition.  Treatment for Cytomegalovirus infection can be started about two or three months in advance of conception, so as to prevent complications during childbirth as well as prevent congenital abnormalities in the newborn.

The duration of treatment for Cytomegalovirus infection in immunocompromised individuals depends upon the severity of the infection as well as the immune response of the patient; however, almost all individuals benefit significantly from Ayurvedic herbal treatment and can obtain a long lasting cure from this condition.  Ayurvedic herbal treatment thus has a significant contribution to play in the management and treatment of Cytomegalovirus infection.

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