Myasthenia Gravis – An Autoimmune Disease in Ayurvedic perspective
Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular disorder that weakens the skeletal muscles (the muscles your body uses for movement). Myasthenia Gravisis a Latin and Greek word in origin, which means grave and severe muscle weakness. This disease is more common in women younger than 40 and men older than 60.
Due to this condition, the muscles feel weak and tired, especially the ones you use for things like opening your eyes, speaking clearly, and doing everyday activities like climbing stairs or lifting things. Even though there’s no cure for myasthenia gravis, there are treatments available in Ayurveda to help you manage these problems.
Sagging of the eyelids, double vision, impaired speech, difficulty in swallowing and chewing, altered facial expressions, forced respiration, and weakness of the neck, arms, and legs are some of the most prominent Myasthenia Gravis symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis
- Muscle Weakness: The primary and hallmark symptom of Myasthenia Gravis is muscle weakness. This weakness is distinctive in that it typically worsens with muscle use and improves with rest.
- Variable Muscle Involvement: MG can affect different muscle groups in the body. It often targets specific muscles more than others, leading to various manifestations.
- Ocular Symptoms: MG commonly affects the muscles around the eyes, resulting in:
(a)Droopy Eyelids (Ptosis): One or both eyelids may droop, impairing vision.
(b)Double Vision (Diplopia): Seeing two images of a single object due to impaired eye muscle coordination.
- Facial and Throat Muscle Symptoms: MG can involve facial and throat muscles, leading to:
(a) Difficulty Chewing: Weakness in the jaw muscles can make chewing difficult.
(b) Trouble Speaking: Weakness in facial muscles can affect speech articulation.
(c) Swallowing Difficulties: Weakened throat muscles may lead to swallowing problems.
(d) Crooked Face: Facial muscle weakness may cause facial asymmetry.
- Neck Muscle Weakness: MG can affect the muscles in the neck, resulting in:
(a)Difficulty Holding the Head Up: Weakened neck muscles can make it challenging to support the head’s weight.
- Leg Muscle Involvement: The condition may also impact the muscles in the legs, leading to:
(a)Difficulty Walking: Weakened leg muscles can make walking and moving around challenging.
(b)Difficulty Standing: Prolonged standing may become difficult due to muscle fatigue.
Ayurvedic Remedies for Myasthenia Gravis
According to Ayurveda, Myasthenia Gravis is caused due to vitiation of Vata and Kapha Dosha at the site of muscles. It is also caused by to impairment of the metabolic fire- Agni, which leads to the accumulation of ama in the body. Thus suppression of Agni leads to the aggravation of Doshas.
Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to managing Myasthenia gravis, with several natural treatments that are believed to be beneficial:
- Ashwagandha: This herbal adaptogen is used to reduce stress and improve overall health by strengthening the immune system, potentially alleviating the symptoms of myasthenia gravis.
- Panchakarma: Panchakarma is an Ayurvedic detoxification therapy consisting of various treatments designed to cleanse the body and eliminate toxins. It is thought to be helpful for various health issues, including neurological disorders.
- Yoga and Pranayama– This helps to reduce stress and boost Ojas. It also helps to improve neural networks and bring back communication with muscles thereby enhancing muscle strength.
Ayurvedic therapies for Myasthenia gravis focus on enhancing muscle strength. These therapies include Snehapana (internal use of medicated ghee), Swedana (steam therapy), Nasya (nasal drops), and Vasti (enema). Additionally, applying medicated pastes (Lepana) is recommended to improve muscle function. It is then followed by Rasayana therapy (boosting immunity and providing nourishment to the tissues). Making appropriate dietary and lifestyle adjustments can also help slow down the progression of the disease.
Importance of Diet
The importance of diet in managing myasthenia gravis cannot be overstated. Since individuals with this condition often experience difficulty in chewing and swallowing food, it is advisable to opt for a diet that is either semi-solid or liquid in consistency, as these types of foods require less effort during chewing and swallowing.
However, it’s crucial to ensure that the chosen diet remains nutritious and balanced to support overall health and well-being. Incorporating a variety of nutrient-rich foods into your diet can provide essential vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for managing myasthenia gravis and maintaining your strength.
Ayurclinic point of view
At Ayurclinic, we initiate treatment with a comprehensive assessment, considering the patient’s unique constitution, underlying imbalances, and the severity of the condition. This personalized approach helps determine the most effective Ayurvedic therapies and herbal formulations to address the root causes of Myasthenia Gravis and manage its symptoms. We also recommend Panchakarma therapies, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle modifications tailored to the individual’s needs. Our expert Ayurveda practitioners closely monitor progress and make necessary adjustments to treatment plans. With a focus on natural healing and restoring the body’s balance, we offer the best Ayurveda treatments for Myasthenia Gravis in Melbourne, providing patients with holistic care and long-lasting relief.
Conclusion
In conclusion, living with Myasthenia Gravis can present various challenges due to muscle weakness that affects everyday activities. While there is no cure for this condition, Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to managing its symptoms and improving overall quality of life.
With a commitment to natural healing and holistic care, Ayurclinic Melbourne remains the top choice for those seeking relief from Myasthenia Gravis and a better quality of life.
Choose Ayurveda to choose a better life! Book an appointment with us to know more about Myasthenia Gravis and treatment procedures.