How can Ayurveda help reverse Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy?

Duchenne muscular dystrophy – The most common and one of the most severe forms of inherited muscular dystrophy

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic neuromuscular illness characterized by dystrophin gene mutations that result in progressive muscle fibre degradation. This causes weakness, which can be evident during ambulation, and eventually, a patient may be unable to carry out everyday activities.

Observations in individuals with DMD…

Muscle weakness often occurs around the age of 4 and progresses rapidly.
Muscle loss begins in the thighs and pelvis and progresses to the arms, causing difficulty standing up.
By the age of 12, most individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy are unable to walk.
Scoliosis is prevalent, and affected muscles may appear larger as fat content increases.
Some people may have intellectual disabilities, while females with a single copy of the defective gene may exhibit modest signs.

Though DMD is not directly associated with any specific disease in Ayurveda, it has, no doubt, a 360-degree treatment plan for it. The Ayurvedic understanding of DMD and treatment is written below.

Ayurvedic understanding of Duchenne muscular dystrophy

As there is no direct recognition of DMD in Ayurveda, its development is explained through the concept of Adibalapravritta Vyadhi (inherited diseases). It causes alterations in shukra-shonita dosha (gametes) and bijabhagavayay dushtijanya vyadhi (a genetic disorder). These alterations are sthanasamshraya (situated), primarily in Mamsa Dhatu (muscle tissue). Moreover, vitiation of vata dosha leads to impairment of mamsa-dhatvagni and medhodhatvagni. As a result, there is the build-up of aberrant tissue called meda dhatu (adipose tissue) in place of Mamsa Dhatu and the formation of dysfunctional Mamsa Dhatu. This impaired Mamsa Dhatu cannot perform her Prakrita Karma, Sharira Pushti, and Meda Dhatu Pushti and exhibits symptoms such as decreased muscle tissue, paresthesia, loose and flabby arteries, sense organ debility, joint pain, and muscle wasting in the hip and cervical region.

Hetu (causative factors)	The diseased condition causes partial vitiation in either the reproductive tissue (Shukra) or the blood component (Shonita) within the physiological framework. This aberration is further distinguished by a specific flaw in the Beejabhag or Beejabhagavaya, which indicates a chromosomal anomaly.
Purvarupa (early symptoms)	A movement deficit in a child’s development can indicate vata vitiation, a concept in Ayurveda that refers to an imbalance of the vata dosha and kapha elements. Additionally, compromised metabolic functions can be linked to pitta dushti, an imbalance of the agni and jala elements in the physiological framework.
Roop (characteristic features)	It includes characteristic features like cardiomyopathy and minor mental retardation or learning difficulties.
Upashaya (reliving factors)	Panchakarma methods such as Shaman Chikitsa provide temporary comfort while also improving quality of life without the need for steroidal formulations.
Samprapti (progression)	This involves multiple stages– Due to nidan sevana Rakta dhatu fails to convert rakta sara bhaga into mamsa and production of ama Mamsa develops inappropriately causing muscular wasting and muscle degeneration This leads to vitiation of pitta dosha kapha kshaya, and vata dosha resulting in mamsa dhatu kshaya This causes uttorottara dhatu detoriation Ultimately leading to Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Management of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in Ayurveda

The management focuses on correcting the agni (energy transformation inside the dhatu), srotorodha (blockage of the srotas/channels of sustenance), and mamsa dhatu kshayas. Internal remedies are administered to boost agni and nourish the mamsa dhatu. The main therapies offered are snehana (internal/external application of suitable oil all over the body), Swedana (mild–for example, njavara kizhi), Nasya (nasal instillation of medicine), Anuvasana Vasthi (enema with suitable oil), and Rasayana therapy (nourishing treatment). Pranayama, yoga, and physiotherapy are all effective. Beejabhaga avayava dushti-related conditions cannot be entirely treated.

Ayurvedic therapies

Shodhana karma	Procedure
Udvartana	Rookshana Poorvakarma decreases vitiated Kapha due to its dryness, resulting in obstruction-clearing properties. Udwartana can help reduce weight, BMI, body circumference, and skin fold thickness, as well as normalize lipid profiles in cases of dyslipidemia.
Parishekha with Dhanyamla	Pachana medications are also described as a form of Rukshana Chikitsa, and they must be used in conjunction with Deepana Dravya, such as Dhanyamla, to treat DMD initially. Dhanyamla Dhara eliminates the vitiated Vata or Kapha as a result of Ushna Guna and Ushna Veerya. Dhanyamla normalizes metabolism. It can also be used to treat muscular weakness.
Abhyanga	Abhyanga stimulates the circulatory system, increases blood flow, strengthens muscles, releases facial constrictions, reduces connective tissue thickening, and improves flexibility by reducing fibrous adhesions caused by muscle injury.
Swedana	Swedana Karma stimulates metabolic activity, increasing the requirement for oxygen and blood flow. Vasodilation stimulates superficial nerve ends, causing arterioles to dilate reflexively.
Shashtishali Pinda Sweda	Pinda Sweda helps tone the body and relaxes stiff muscles. In essence, it improves the body’s metabolism by increasing blood circulation and oxygen flow. This stimulates the nerves and sweat glands in heated areas.
Vasti karma	Vasti has two actions: eliminating the Dosha and nourishing the body, as described in Gambhiragata. Vata works throughout the body and must be absorbed. Additionally, it aids in the elimination of toxic chemicals associated with sickness in the colon.

Herbal therapies

Ayurvedic herbal therapies are said to provide supportive care for managing symptoms of DMD and improving overall health. Here are some herbal medications that are used in Ayurveda for DMD.

Ashwagandha
Guggulu
Guduchi
Shallaki
Punarnava
Triphala
Bala

Food recommendation for DMD in Ayurveda

Grains

Rice: Easily digestible and nourishing.
Wheat: Strengthening and grounding.

Vegetables

Leafy greens: Rich in vitamins and minerals.
Gourds: Light and easy to digest.

Fruits

Figs: Nourishing and beneficial for muscles.
Dates: Rich in iron and other essential nutrients.

Dairy

Milk: Strengthening, especially when spiced with turmeric or ginger.
Ghee: Enhances digestion and provides good fats.

Spices

Turmeric: Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Ginger: Enhances digestion and has anti-inflammatory effects.
Cumin: Aids digestion and detoxification.

Nuts and Seeds

Almonds: Rich in protein and healthy fats.
Sesame seeds: High in calcium and other essential nutrients.

Wrapping it up…

While Ayurveda does not offer a cure for DMD, its holistic and individualized approach can provide significant support in managing symptoms and improving the quality of life for those affected.

By focusing on balancing doshas, enhancing nutrition, detoxifying the body, and utilizing herbal remedies, Ayurveda can complement conventional treatments and offer a path towards better health and well-being for individuals with DMD.