Ayurvedic understanding of DMD

Modern medicine understanding of DMD

Philosophical basis

Dosha Imbalance: DMD is primarily seen as a disorder resulting from an imbalance of the doshas, especially Vata, which governs movement and neurological functions.

Dhatu (Tissue) Weakness: Ayurveda views muscle (Mamsa dhatu) degeneration in DMD as a weakness or depletion of the dhatus, which are the bodily tissues.

Agni (Digestive Fire): An impaired digestive fire can lead to the formation of ama (toxins), which disrupt normal bodily functions and contribute to disease progression.

Prakriti and Vikriti: The individual’s constitution (Prakriti) and current state of imbalance (Vikriti) are crucial in understanding the disease’s manifestation and progression.

Genetic Disorder: DMD is recognized as a genetic disorder caused by mutations in the DMD gene, which encodes the protein dystrophin.

Molecular and Cellular Pathology: Focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying muscle degeneration.

Etiology and pathogenesis

Genetic and Hereditary Factors: Although not explicitly detailed in classical texts, Ayurveda acknowledges hereditary factors (Beeja dosha) that may predispose individuals to certain conditions.

Lifestyle and Diet: Poor dietary habits, a sedentary lifestyle, and stress are seen as contributing factors that can aggravate dosha imbalance and muscle degeneration.

Accumulation of Toxins: The buildup of Ama can obstruct the channels (Srotas) and disrupt nutrient supply to muscles, leading to their degeneration.

Genetic Mutation: Mutations in the dystrophin gene result in the absence or severe reduction of dystrophin protein, crucial for muscle fiber stability.

Muscle Fiber Damage: Without dystrophin, muscle fibers are more susceptible to damage during contraction and relaxation, leading to progressive muscle degeneration.

Inflammation and Fibrosis: Chronic muscle damage triggers inflammation and fibrosis, further exacerbating muscle weakness and loss of function.

Clinical features

Muscle Weakness and Atrophy: Seen as a manifestation of depleted Mamsa dhatu and aggravated Vata.

Fatigue and Weakness: result from poor nourishment and impaired metabolic processes.

Loss of Function: Progressive loss of muscle function due to continuous dosha imbalance and dhatu depletion.

Early Onset: Symptoms typically appear in early childhood, between ages 2 and 5.

Progressive Muscle Weakness: Begins in the proximal muscles (hips, thighs, shoulders) and progresses to the distal muscles.

Gait abnormalities: difficulty walking, frequent falls, and eventual loss of ambulation.

Cardiopulmonary Complications: The heart and respiratory muscles are also affected, leading to serious complications.

Shortened Lifespan: Advances in medical care have extended life expectancy, but it is still significantly reduced compared to the general population.