Author: Dr. Vikram Chauhan

Relation of Hemapheresis with Raktashodhana in Ayurveda

Abstract

Hemapheresis is the collection of blood components or the removal of the parts of blood using automated equipment. We will tell about the process, indications and how this is related to ayurveda and certain medications of this disease. In this method rakt shodan is done to detoxify the impurities. And certain other procedures of panchkarma are done to remove the impurities and  herbs are also provided that we will discuss further.

Hemapheresis

Introduction

Hemapheresis is the therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) which involves removing blood from the donor. In this particular part of blood such as plasma and platelet is removed, and removing part then it is returned to the bloodstream of the patient and donor. TpE is a safe procedure and well tolerated. Death is rare 0.1% of all procedures. It is the unilateral paresis , the weakness of the one side of the body. In this various processes are done like erythrocytapheresis , plasmapheresis, plateletpheresis.

Process of Hemapheresis

Hemapheresis involves the direct blood into the donor veins through tubing to a machine which separates blood and its components. This procedure is generally centrifugation. After this separation the desired component is removed and the other is reinfused into the patient. This is a painless procedure and 2 hour time is required for this process. There are four centrifugation variables- the first variable is the speed and bowl diameter, the second is sit time, in the third solutes are added and the fourth is plasma volume and cellular content.

There are various categories of collection of component

  • Plasmapheresis– is useful in ABO blood group patients, in this procedure fresh frozen plasma is collected.
  • Erythrocytapheresis-Is the removal of erythrocytes from whole blood and is mainly done in sickle cell anaemia patients.
  • Plateletpheresis – It is a blood platelet in which a collection of the platelets is done by apheresis using various components.
  • Leukapheresis– removal of the basophils, or the patients who are ineffective for traditional therapy.
  • Stem cell harvesting– They are circulating bone cells into bone marrow transplants.

Indications

  • Guillain barre syndrome -is the rare disorder which attacks the nerves  of the immune system.
  • Myasthenia gravis(acute short term treatment) is characterised by weakness and fatigueness of the muscles.
  • Good posture syndrome – is an acute illness which affects the lungs and kidneys.
  • Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy- is the neurological disorder progressively weakness and sensory functions in arms and legs

Relation of Hemapheresis with Raktashodhana

Raktshodhana is the process where the detoxification is done by many various methods. It cleanses the body and removes the impurities out of it . These procedures are performed by the ayurveda doctors. It is the purification of blood which can be done by two methods

  • Local purification which can be done of the localised area of the hand legs which is not spreading.
  • Systemic purification- This is further explained in panchkarma. This is done by four methods :
  • Shrings (by the use of horns)
  • Jaloukavacharna (leech therapy)
  • Siravedan (multiple punctures)
  • Alabu (gourds)

A siravedann process is also done, that is venesection. In the systemic purification there is the whole body involved. Certain herbs are also provided such as tikta kashaya katu ras that are beneficial in blood purifications.

Raktamokshan

1. Jaloka Avacharan

This is ashastrakrita. Jaloka mainly live in cold places and are mainly found in water. There are 12 types of jaloka found, in which 6 are savish jaloka and 6 are nirvish jaloka. Mainly known as leech therapy. Leech therapy (hirudotherapy) – has 34 components. Leech has 32 brains and has an olive colured background. Leech is stored in non chlorinated water, and stored in a tight fit box, change of water is needed twice a week.

  • Chemical constituents of saliva of leech
    • Hirudin- It is an anticoagulant
    • Hyaluronidase-  Foster the flow of blood
  • Hirudotherapy Properties -act as bloodletting, anticoagulant, thrombolytic, immunostimulating.

2. Alabu

This process is done in kapha dushti. Alabu is ruksha, katu, tikshna gunayukt. Alabu has a length of 12 angula. In this bitter gourd is used for this procedure. The affected site is cleaned with all aseptic procedures and fire is extinguished at the affected site and one end of bitter gourd is opened and let drink of blood. After this the gourd is taken out and certain ayurveda thailam ghrita are used for healing.

3. Shringi

This process is done for vat dushti. Shringi is madhur, ushan, snigdha gunyukt. Shring is a cow horn for expelling blood out. In this fluid and pus are coming out of the orifice, on one side hand is kept and from other side blood is drawn out. This is hot in potency and is viable for letting blood out which is caused by vata dushti. But when the dushti is due to kapha dosha then the use of shrings are not used as thickness of blood is more.The horn used in this process should be conical shape.

4. Siravedan

Siravedan is a bloodletting procedure by puncturing. Not more than 768ml of blood should not be expelled out.Different types of instruments are used for blood letting such as kuthari instrument, vrihimukha instrument. Siravedan is mainly done in varsha kaal, grishm ritu, hemant ritu. Siravedan is contraindicated in extreme cold, and hot climates. In siravedan the physician should tap the vein and by holding a sharp instrument must puncture the vein without shaking the hand. After the procedure the site must be washed. Patients who undergo venesection must avoid heat, fear, prolonged sitting because this increases pitta dosha. Ideal siravedan brings lightness in the body.

Herbs Used As Raktashodhak

  1. Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia): It is a famous herb for blood detoxification. Manjistha has guru guna, rooksha (dry), tikta rasa ( bitter) madhura (sweet) and ushana (hot). It balances kapha and pitta. It cleanses the blood and boosts immunity. It provides clear skin.Manjistha is thick and long which has coloured bark.The flowers are small and green in colour. This herb is mainly found in many parts of the world which is called by many different names in every part. It has detoxifying properties, anti-inflammatory  and antimicrobial properties.
  2. Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus): has madhur ( sweet) and tikta (bitter) rasa, has guru guna ( heavy) and snigdha (oily) and is coolant. Sariva is widely used in treatment of anorexia, mennorrhagia.This herb undergoes sweet taste after digestion. Sariva is very helpful in low digestion strength and balances kapha and vata. The root part is used.
  3. Haridra (Curcuma longa): Haridra increases agni as it has ushna virya (hot)  katu tikta ras, haridra cleanses and detoxifies ras (digestive juice) Haridra enables the free moving of vata which is blocked by contaminated kapha and pitta. Haridra has antioxidant property which enable the free circulation of oxygen as many nutrients to the cells.
  4. Neem(Azadirachta indus): known as margosa tree. It has tikta (bitter) and kashaya ras (astringent) laghu guna (light) and katu vipaka.It balances vata dosha and removes ama, purifies the blood and it has antibacterial and antiviral properties. It is a natural detoxifier. It has cold potency, easily digestible and relieves excessive thirst and cures cough. Neem is very useful in healing wounds and in many skin diseases.It balances the pitta dosha, helps in diabetes.
  5. Guduchi-(Tinospora cordifolia): has kshaya(astringent) and tikta ras (bitter) ,has laghu guna (light) with ushna veerya (hot). Used in treatment of many diseases like fever, diabetes, urinary tract infection. It balances tridoshas (vata ,pitta, kapha). It rejuvenates the body and relieves aama digestion. It is hot in potency so it works well in a burning sensation. The main part used is the stem. Guduchi along with jaggery is used to relieve constipation, and is good in anaemic patients.

Conclusion

Hemaphersis is the therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) which involves removing blood from the donor. It involves the direct blood into the donor veins through tubing to a machine which separates blood and its components. Hemapheresis is related to ayurveda by raktshodana and process of raktamokshana is done by jaloka, alabu, shring and siravedan,which helps in expelling of blood and its toxins from the body.Certain ayurveda herbs are also indicated in hemapheresis such as manjistha, neem, sariva,guduchi are explained as above. If you have any query you may contact us on www.PlanetAyurveda.com.

Alternative Treatment For Essential Tremors With Herbal Remedies

Abstract

Tremors refer to the involuntary movement of the voluntary muscles, in simple words it is rhythmic shaking of the body. It is a result of involuntary relaxation and contraction of the muscle cells. Tremors can be observed in various disorders and can be a result of a variety of health changes. Essential tremors is one such type of condition which will be discussed along with its symptoms, causes, ayurvedic aspect, etc. in the following article.

essential tremors

Introduction

Essential tremors is a neurological condition characterized by involuntary tremors (rhythmic shaking). It can affect any part of the body but tremors can be observed in the hands very clearly. The person affected by the condition of essential tremors may observe tremoring hands while performing various day to day life tasks such as tying shoe laces, holding a cup, writing, etc. Essential tremors may not be a life threatening condition but it depreciates the quality of life of the sufferer. The presenting clinical features of the patient suffering from essential tremors will be discussed as follows.

Symptoms

The patient suffering from essential tremors presents with various symptoms such as the tremors initially affect one side of the body and gradually begins to involve the other parts. The essential tremors can be seen very prominently on the hands, one hand in the beginning and gradually to both the hands. The essential tremors can be seen to worsen with the movement. The tremors associated with the condition of Essential tremors can be confused with that of Parkinson’s disease. It should be differentiated wisely by analyzing the situation of the patient thoroughly.

Causes

The exact cause underlying the condition of essential tremors is still not known. In the majority of cases, altered genetic composition is one of the reasons responsible for the condition of essential tremors. There could be various aggravating factors that worsen the essential tremors such as emotional stress, fatigue, extreme temperatures, intake of caffeine, etc.

Diagnosis

Essential tremors can be diagnosed by examining the presenting features of the condition. There is no specific examination or lab investigation used to differentially diagnose the condition of essential tremors. The keen observation of the symptoms presented by the patient is the sole source of diagnosing the condition of essential tremors.

Ayurvedic Aspect

Essential tremors are explained according to the modern perspective as above, ayurveda presents an unique concept regarding the condition of essential tremors which will be described as follows. The condition of essential tremors can be correlated with kampavata according to the ayurvedic literature. The vitiation of vata dosha in the body leads to various abnormalities. One such condition is the kampavata. The vata dosha is responsible for all the types of movements in the body and when in normal levels, it helps in the appropriate body movements. In the condition of kampavata, the levels of vata dosha get vitiated and the vitiated vata dosha starts spreading in the whole body and results in abnormal and involuntary movements in the body. The main line of management will include pacifying the excessive levels of vata dosha from the body. This can be done by using vata shamak (pacifying) herbal formulations such as ashwagandha ghan vati, vrihat vat chintamani ras etc. These herbal formulations will be described in detail in the following article.

Herbal Remedies For Essential Tremors by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda prepares medicinal formulations that contain natural herbs beneficial for the health of the body. Planet Ayurveda is providing various preparations of natural herbs such as ashwagandha ghan vati, vrihat vat chintamani ras, neurogenie capsule, musli strength, dashmool capsules,etc. which is prepared using authentic ways and provide great results in improving the condition of essential tremors. All the herbal products manufactured here are free from chemicals, preservatives, starch, additives, colors and fillers. These products are hundred percent natural and are formulated by MD Ayurvedic doctors with deep knowledge of Ayurveda and many years of experience. The formulations are prepared strictly according to the procedures described in the samhitas (classical texts) and therefore are very effective in promoting the health of the patient and managing the diseased state effectively. The products beneficial for improving the condition of essential tremors is described as follows

  1. Ashwagandhaghan Vati
  2. Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras
  3. Musli Strength Capsules
  4. Dashmoola Capsules
  5. Neurogenie Capsules

essential tremors care pack

Products Description

1. Ashwagandhaghan Vati

Ashwagandhaghan vati is prepared by planet Ayurveda. It contains natural extracts of a very beneficial ayurvedic herb known as ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Ashwagandha is very helpful in balancing the vata dosha and hence, also useful in improving the neurological condition of the body. Balancing the vata dosha will help to improve the condition of essential tremors.

Dose -Two tablets to be taken two times a day, after meals.

2. Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras

Vrihat vatchintamani ras is a wonderful ayurvedic formulation which contains various ayurvedic components such as Swarna Bhasma (calx of gold), Rajat Bhasma (calx of silver), Loha Bhasma (calx of iron) etc.Vrihat vatchintamani ras is very effective in pacifying the excessive vata and pitta dosha from the body. It will help to manage the tremors effectively and hence improving the quality of life of the patient suffering from essential tremors.

Dose – One tablet to be taken two times a day, to be chewed, after meals.

3. Musli Strength Capsules

Musli Strength Capsules are prepared by planet ayurveda containing natural extracts of safed musli (Asparagus adscendens) and gokshura (Tribulus terrestris). These capsules help to pacify the vitiated vata dosha from the body. It is also known to increase the strength of the body. Thus, improving the condition of essential tremors.

Dose – One capsule to be taken two times a day, after meals.

4. Dashmoola Capsules

Dashmoola capsules are prepared by Planet Ayurveda. It contains natural extracts of ayurvedic herbs such as Bilwa (Aegle marmelos), Shyonak (Oroxylum indicum), Patla (Stereospermum suaveolens), Agnimantha   (Clerodendrum phlomidis) etc. Dashmoola capsules contain ten ayurvedic herbs that are very effective in pacifying the excessive vata dosha from the body and hence, improving the condition of essential tremors.

Dose – One capsule to be taken two times a day, after meals.

5. Neurogenie Capsules

Neurogenie Capsules are formulated by ayurvedic experts in planet ayurveda. It contains two wonderful ayurvedic herbs namely brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) and ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). These two herbs are known to be very effective and beneficial for the nervous system. They help to pacify the excessive vata dosha and also provide strength to the nerves and the brain.

Dose – One capsule to be taken two times a day, after meals.

Conclusion

So, it can be concluded that although essential tremors may not be a life threatening condition but it depletes the quality of life of the patient. The ayurvedic remedies are effective enough to manage the condition appropriately. And by balancing the vitiated dosha, one can reduce the hindrance created by the condition of essential tremors. By following ayurvedic diet, lifestyle and medicines, one can improve the condition and quality of life of the essential tremors patient. In case of any query regarding any health condition you can visit www.PlanetAyurveda.com