Dr. Vikram Chauhan, Author at Dr. Vikram Chauhan's Blog

Herbal Remedies for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Treatment

Abstract

The thoracic outlet is a ring located just below the collarbone meaning this region is located in the lower part of the neck, formed by the top ribs and just below the clavicle. It extends to the upper part of the arm. This thoracic outlet is surrounded or formed by the muscles, nerves, vessels and bones. These nerves and vessels are supplying the shoulder as well as arm. When there is any injury or any anatomical defect to this thoracic outlet then the person will suffer from thoracic outlet syndrome. So in this article we will discuss thoracic outlet syndrome and its ayurvedic management.

Introduction

Thoracic outlet syndrome occurs when nerves and vessels in thoracic outlet are compressed by the ribs or neck muscles. When there is compression of nerves, arteries or veins in the pathway from lower neck to the armpit then it leads to a syndrome called thoracic outlet syndrome. Syndrome means group of disorders. This syndrome causes severe pain in the shoulder along with numbness in the hands. This is named after its position (the space between lower neck and upper chest).

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Etiology/Causes

In general the cause of this syndrome is compression of nerves and vessels. Some of the reasons of compression of these nerves and vessels are

1. Anatomical Defects

These defects are present at birth which is also known as congenital defects such as extra rib or abnormally tight fibrous band that connects spine to the rib.

2. Trauma

Any trauma to that region may cause this syndrome. Trauma such as accident or fall from height can cause damage to the internal parts which further compress the nerves and vessels in the thoracic outlet.

3. Repetitive activity

Doing the same thing over and over again, will tear the internal parts around the thoracic outlet such as typing on a computer, lifting things above your head, swimmers, baseball pitchers.

4. Pressure on joints

Obesity is the reason for an undue amount of stress on joints. Someone who is carrying an oversized bag or backpack will show thoracic outlet syndrome symptoms.

5. Weightlifting

The one who is a gym goer may develop thoracic outlet syndrome.

Clinical features/Signs and symptoms

The symptoms of this syndrome vary according to the type of the thoracic outlet syndrome:

1. Neurogenic type of thoracic outlet syndrome

This type of syndrome is related to the abnormalities of bony and soft tissue in the lower neck region. This is the most common type of thoracic outlet syndrome. In this there is a compression of complex nerves (Brachial plexus). Symptoms include numbness of the hands, wasting of hand muscles, tingling and pricking sensation in hands.

2. Venous type of thoracic outlet syndrome

This condition arises due to damage to major veins in the lower neck and upper chest. The symptoms develop suddenly after unusual exercise of the arms. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bluish discoloration of the arm, weakness and heaviness of the neck and arms, dilated veins in the chest wall.

3 . Arterial type of thoracic outlet syndrome

This is a rare type of thoracic outlet syndrome, but this is a serious type of TOS. It is caused by congenital abnormalities in the lower neck and upper chest. Symptoms include cold sensitivity in hands and fingers, numbness, pain and poor blood circulation to the arms and hands.

Risk factors

These people are at high risk developing thoracic outlet syndrome:

Females are more likely diagnosed with this syndrome than males
This is more common in young adults

Diagnosis

Doctor will review the overall symptoms and medical history of the patient along with a physical examination. Some of the imaging diagnostic tests for the diagnosis of this syndrome are:

X-ray: Doctor may order an X-ray which may reveal an extra rib.
Ultrasound: This scan is used to rule out the vascular type of thoracic outlet syndrome.
CT scan: This scan is helpful in identifying the location and cause of vessel compression.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): This may reveal congenital anomalies.
Angiography: This test may help to make blood vessels more visible
Nerve conduction study: This test used a low amount of electrical current to measure nerve’s ability.

Treatment of Thoracic outlet syndrome

Generally a conservative approach is effective against this syndrome. Treatment may include:

Physical therapy: Physical therapy is the first line of treatment in neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome. Doctor will suggest some exercises that strengthen your shoulder muscles.
Medications: Doctor will prescribe you anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxant pain killers.
These medications have their own side effects. They show bad results on prolonged usage. Now I am going to discuss Ayurvedic management for this syndrome.

Herbal Remedies for the Treatment Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Planet Ayurveda provides various herbal products. This is a manufacturing company which manufactures various herbal products with the standardized extracts of potential herbs. This is an internationally certified company. The products are 100% pure and vegetarian and also made under the guidance of expert Ayurvedic physicians. This company offers following herbal products for this syndrome

Yograj Guggul
Boswellia Curcumin
Aamvatantak Churna
Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras
Bone Support Capsules

Herbal Supplements for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Products Description

1. Yograj Guggul

This is a classical Ayurvedic formulation. It is used in various musculoskeletal disorders. It pacifies vata dosha and helps in alleviating the symptoms of this syndrome such as pain. It is prepared from potential herbs such as Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica), Pippali (Piper longum), Vidang (Embelia ribes), Pushkarmoola (Inula racemosa) etc. It is traditionally used in ayurveda for painful joints and muscles. It rejuvenates the muscle strength and neuromuscular system.

Dosage: 1 tablet twice a day with plain water after meals

2. Boswellia Curcumin

It is a poly herbal formulation. It is used in various joint disorders. It is prepared from two effective anti-inflammatory herbs such as Shallaki (Boswellia serrata)and Haridra (Curcuma longa). It increases mobility and reduces joint pain. It is helpful in reducing pain and swelling in joints. This herbal product also has an analgesic effect.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice a day with plain water after meals

3. Aamvatantak Churna

It is the best herbal product for vataj disorders. It is a unique herbal combination for joint pains as it contains Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Suranjan (Colchicum autumnale), Gorakhmundi (Sphaeranthus indicus) etc. This Churna reduces inflammation and swelling.

Dosage: ½ teaspoon twice a day with plain water after meals

4. Vrihat vatchintamani ras

This is the classical ayurvedic formulation. This formulation is used in the treatment of various neurological disorders. It has antioxidant properties and anti-aging properties. It improves the function of nerve cells which are responsible for this disease. It is made using Swarna bhasma, Rajat bhasam, Abhrak bhasma, Loha bhasma, Praval bhasma, Mukta bhasam etc.

Dosage: 1 tablet to be chewed with warm milk twice a day after meal

5. Bone Support

This is a poly herbal formulation used in various musculoskeletal diseases. It makes bones and muscles stronger and healthier. This herbal product is made from the standardized extracts of shuddha Laksha (Laccifer lacca), Hadjod (Cissus quadrangularis), Arjun (Terminalia arjuna) etc. It maintains the proper blood circulation in bones and muscles. It provides strength to the bones.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice a day with plain water after meals

Contact Planet Ayurveda to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or call at +91-172-5214030 Or Check Website – www.PlanetAyurveda.com

Conclusion

We concluded that this disease is well treated by Ayurvedic herbs. Above provided information is right and if someone is suffering from this disease and wants Ayurvedic treatment then he/she can visit Planet Ayurveda Clinic. The herbal products of planet ayurveda are very effective and free from additives and chemicals and have no side effects.

Weight Loss – 7 Food Items That May Help You Lose Weight Naturally

Overview

These days people are having problems with increased body weight and health conditions due to it. Today nearly 1 out of 5 people in developed countries are overweight.

Weight gain is when the bodyweight increases, it involves an increase in muscle mass, fat deposits and excess fluid such as water, etc. Weight gain can be the cause of serious medical issue or may be due to wrong lifestyle and diet

If a lot of weight is gained due to the accumulation of body fat, one may become overweight or obese. The body mass index measures the body weight in proportion to the square of the height and it defines the ratio in optimal, insufficient and excessive body weight.

Sometimes you may unintentionally increase your weight without increasing your food intake but decreasing the physical activities.

There may either be 3 types of fluctuations.

These are:

1) In some cases, weight fluctuations occur periodically every now and then due to menstrual cycles in most of women.

2) Rapid weight gain is often a side effect of some medications, can also lead to unintentional weight gain.

3) Continuous weight gain is an issue of gaining weight due to varying factors like overeating and advancing age.

Here are some additional factors of gaining weight like hormonal changes, during the time of menopause and other factors also noted in the case of women such as pregnancy and after delivery, they gain weight.

Most people are unsure how to lose weight safely and naturally and at this time, everyone is fighting with body weight.

Ayurveda suggests some home and natural remedies that may help in weight loss but before moving forward we also need to take some extra steps which should be added in weight loss trends to avoid continuous weight gain

A person should eat easy to digest food and take the light evening meal
Drink hot water to help cleanse the digestive tract and blockage and flush out the impurities of the body
Avoid eating highly processed, packaged and junk foods
Move your body. Indulge in some physical activities and yoga
Limit your intake of added sugar

7 Food Items That May Help You Lose Weight Naturally

1. Cinnamon Tea and Honey

Like honey, cinnamon has many medicinal properties; it contains antioxidants which help to improve health in various forms. It can help to improve metabolism and improve insulin function, thereby helps in weight loss

Boil a cup of water,
Add1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon powder and let it cool.
Now add a teaspoon of raw and organic honey in it

2. Avocados

This fruit is high in carbohydrates and rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, dietary fiber, and potassium. People who eat avocados on a daily basis tend to have low BMI and avocados can be the perfect addition to vegetable salad. It is a good appetite suppressant.

3. Herbal Green Tea

It is considered to be one of the healthiest beverages on the planet. One of the most recommended beverages which help in weight loss. Green tea is full of antioxidants. These antioxidants boost metabolism and beneficial in weight loss. These days’ people more rely on Green tea among all the healthier beverages which have also been proven effective.

4. Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

It helps to boost our metabolism and helps to lose weight by burning more calories in a day. It has also found to satiate the hunger for longer period of time. Consuming coconut oil every day can burn fat especially belly fat but it is also a fact that finding organic, un refined and virgin coconut oil is difficult

b: It can be considered the alternative of olive and margarine oil for cooking food; and can be added to the salads as well. Adding a teaspoon of coconut oil in the boiling water for every half cup of rice helps to reduce calories if you eat it on daily basis.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is produced through 2 steps of the fermentation process.

The acetic acid present in apple cider vinegar may promote weight loss in several ways:

It lowers the level of blood sugar
Reduces fat storage like fat stored in belly or liver fat
Burns fat
Improves metabolism so it helps to decrease fat and sugar production in the liver
Suppresses appetite. Acetic present in it may suppress centers in the brain to control appetite so the food intake is relatively reduced.

6. Oatmeal

Oatmeal itself can help you lose weight. After eating oatmeal, people feel fuller and less hungry in comparison to other cereals. The fibers and loads of nutrients contained in it are also beneficial for the digestive system.

The snack bar is also to be made by oats which is nutritious but at the same time void of carbohydrates and calories.
Homemade bread and pancake made up of oatmeal flour add to the taste as well as help in weight loss

7. Nuts

Nuts are extremely healthy, they are full of nutrients and antioxidants, may prevent weight gain. Mid day craving can be managed by some of the nuts:

Almonds are considered to be as a pre-workout meal, those who’re looking to shed some weight, almonds can be beneficial for them. They contain the amino acid, which helps you to burn more carbs and calories during the workout.
Walnuts are high in unsaturated fat which is healthier for the heart. It is rich in omega 3 fatty acids, proteins, magnesium and antioxidants. It suppresses your unnecessary craving and stimulates your body to lose weight faster.
Pistachios have fewer calories as compared to most of the nuts. Their high fiber content allows you to feel full without overeating.

Eating all these above foods can help to shed your body weight. But nature has given us many more organic food items as well.

In Ayurveda, piperine present in pepper enhances the metabolism. Taking a pinch of pepper along with honey and lemon in hot water can help in quick weight loss by boosting the process.

There are more such remedies taken from ancient Ayurvedic science that are herbal and natural and helpful for those who are searching for weight loss techniques in modern science which might give some sort of side effects to your body