Author: Dr. Vikram Chauhan

April 12, 2023

Leptomeningeal Enhancement Symptoms And Treatment By Ayurveda

Abstract

Meninges are the membranes that envelop and protect the brain and spinal cord. These meninges are the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater. The main function of the meninges is to protect the CNS (central nervous system). Sometimes there are conditions that these meninges become inflamed or increase in size due to major infections and other serious issues. The increase in the size of these meninges is known as a leptomeningeal enhancement. In the text below, we shall discuss this condition in detail and see its management in the contemporary system of medicine as well as in the traditional system of Ayurvedic medicine. Let’s see !!

Leptomeningeal Enhancement

Introduction

The increase in the brain surface is called pial or pial-arachnoid enhancement and is generally known as a leptomeningeal enhancement. Thin arachnoid film is connected or attached to the inner surface of the dura mater, the pachymeningeal pattern of enhancement can likewise be depicted as a dural-arachnoid enhancement. This enhancement can be due to a number of conditions from infection to tumour. Therefore, the management is needed as soon as leptomeningeal enhancement is detected. Sometimes the patient may be asymptomatic and and sometimes associated with non specific neurological deficits. The conditions can be related to the tridosha imbalance in Ayurvedic context. Now let’s see the causes, classification, features, management and ayurvedic aspect of the condition. 

Causes of Leptomeningeal enhancement

  • Amoebic meningoencephalitis
  • Encephalitis
  • Granulomatous conditions
  • Haemorrhage
  • Tumours/cancers
  • Post operative infection
  • Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis
  • Vasculitis
  • Neurosarcoidosis
  • Neurosyphilis
  • Sturge-Weber syndrome etc

Signs and symptoms

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Double vision
  • Difficult speaking
  • Swallowing difficulty
  • Pain in arms and legs
  • Loss of bladder and bowel control
  • Seizures
  • Weakness
  • Slack of coordination in the arms and legs
  • Fever
  • Hearing loss
  • Back pain

Investigations 

  • Lumbar puncture
  • CT Scan
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Management of Leptomeningeal enhancement 

  • Radiation
  • Intrathecal-thecal chemotherapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Antineoplastic agents
  • Tyrosine kinase inhibitors
  • Antimetabolites
  • Surgical intervention

Ayurvedic aspect and management of Leptomeningeal Enhancement 

Ayurveda, the old age science continuously helps mankind with its marvellous results. Ayurveda revolves around the three basic principles or dosha which are vata, pitta and kapha. There are seven dhatus as well. Any kind of vitiation in these doshas and  dhatus results in disease and within normal range leads to a healthy body, mind and soul. The condition of Leptomeningeal enhancement which we are discussing can not be correlated directly to any disease mentioned in the ayurvedic texts  but according to the symptoms, and findings this can ideally find its place in the disorders referred to as tridoshaja roga.  

Let’s understand how the three dosha are involved in this disease. As the condition can be due to many causative factors which results in enhancement of the meninges. Therefore, the enhancement is the features of vitiated kapha dosha. Further if the condition is due to inflammation caused by infectious agents then this comes out to be a condition due to pitta dosha dominance. And the features such as diplopia, seizures and other neurological features are related to the vitiated vata dosha. Every case of this disease has all the tridosha vitiation and hence regarded as tridoshaja vyadhi. And features of the conditions depend on the dosha predominance.

There are many herbs that are effective correcting the vitiated dosha such as bilva (Aegle marmelos), patla (Stereospermum suaveolens), gambhari (Gmelina arborea), amla (Embelica officinalis), bibhitaki (Terminalia billerica), haritaki (Terminalia chebula), pippali (Piper longum), kachnaar (Bauhinia variegata), prishniparni (Uraria picta), yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), haridra (Curcuma longa),ginger (Zingiber officinale), marich (Piper nigrum), musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum) and various others.

Kanchnaar guggul, Ras Sindur, Haridra khand, Ashwagandha ghan vati, Chandraprabha vati, Shallaki and various other formulations are available that are effective in managing the condition of Leptomeningeal enhancement.

Herbal Remedies for Leptomeningeal enhancement by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is an eminent GMP certified, ISO 9001:2015 certified and US-FDA registered Ayurvedic Company, which adheres to the objective of manufacturing quality Ayurvedic products as mentioned in a number of ancient texts of Ayurveda. Formulations are manufactured without additives and preservatives and other kinds of chemicals or artificial flavouring agents which can have a number of side effects on the human body. Products manufactured at Planet Ayurveda are pure and devoid of any kind of adulteration. The products are purely organic, vegetarian, gluten free and halal certified. Planet Ayurveda presents its product that effectively manages the condition of Leptomeningeal enhancement. 

Following is the list of formulations that are helpful in managing Leptomeningeal Enhancement 

Product List 

  1.  Neurogenie Capsules 
  2.  Yogendra Ras
  3.  Pitta Balance
  4.  Kanchnaar Guggul
  5.  Boswellia Curcumin
  6.  Neuro Plan Syrup
  7.  Musli Strenght Capsules
  8.  Vikramprash
    Herbal Remedies For Leptomeningeal Enhancement 

Herbal Remedies For Leptomeningeal Enhancement 

Product Description

1. Neurogenie Capsules 

Neurogenie capsules are composed of  the herbs which are medhya and promote and improve neurological functions as mentioned in the Ayurvedic texts. The formulation is filled with the properties of herbs brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) and ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). As these are beneficial in promoting muscle health and nerve conduction and their coordination. The herbs in the formulation are vata pacifiers therefore manage the disorders of vata vitiation and restrict and reverse the abnormal growth of the meninges and support the  healthy nervous tissue. With these properties, Neurogenie capsules help in Leptomeningeal enhancement.

Dosage : One capsule twice a day with plain water after meals.

2. Yogendra Ras

Yogendra Ras is a classical Ayurvedic formulation. It is a mineral formulation which is helpful in various health conditions.  It is composed of loha bhasma (iron calx), shuddha parada (purified mercury), gandhak (purified sulphur), ras sindoor, vanga bhasma (tin calx), shuddha mukta (purified pearls), swarna bhasma (gold calx) and abhrak bhasma (purified silica). Yogendra Ras increases the efficacy of other medicines when taken along with it. Yogendra Ras provides strength to the nerves and muscle and helps in good nervous tissue and health. Therefore, Yogendra Ras is beneficial in Leptomeningeal enhancement.

Dosage : One tablet twice a day.

3. Pitta Balance

Pitta balance is a product of Planet Ayurveda that balances the pitta dosha. It is a herbomineral formulation which contains jaharMohra, kaharawa, akik, mukta, giloy satva (Tinospora cordifolia). As it manages the pitta vitiation, thus helps in symptoms associated with vitiated pitta. It reduces the inflammation thus helps in Leptomeningeal enhancement.

 Dosage : One capsule twice a day with plain water after meals.

4. Kanchnaar Guggul

Kanchnaar guggul is beneficial in Leptomeningeal enhancement as it reduces the size of the abnormal enhancement of the meninges. It contains the herbs that are known to reduce the abnormal sizes of the tissues and reduce pain. Ingredients of the formulation include kachnar bark (Bauhinia variegata), amalaki (Emblica officinale), haritaki (Terminalia chebula), bibhitaki (Terminalia billerica), ginger (Zingiber officinale), marich (Piper nigrum), pippali (Piper longum), varuna bark (Crataeva religiosa), tejapatra (Cinnamomum tamala), guggul (Commiphora mukul) etc. The formulation reduces the size of the neoplastic type of Leptomeningeal enhancement. Thus it is a magical formulation that Ayurveda has in uncontrolled and abnormal tissue growths.

Dosage : Two tablets twice a day with lukewarm water.

5. Boswellia Curcumin

Boswellia Curcumin is a product of Planet Ayurveda which is enriched with the goodness of shallaki (Boswellia aristata) and haridra (Curcuma longa). The herbs have healing properties and also possess analgesic effects which makes it an effective formulation in the Leptomeningeal enhancement. It regresses the inflammation, heals the damaged tissue and also alleviates the pain and reduces the abnormal size or enhancement of the meninges.

Dosage : One capsule twice a day.

6. Neuro Plan Syrup

Neuro Plan Syrup is a remarkable formulation for increasing neurological health and managing all the neurological conditions. The syrup contains a variety of herbs which assuredly manages Leptomeningeal enhancement . The syrup is enriched with the properties of mandukaparni (Centella asiatica), jyotishmati (Celastrus paniculata), madhuyashti (Glycyrrhiza glabra), pippali (Piper longum), maricha (Piper nigrum), ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) etc. All the herbs are known to have medhya properties which means these are helpful in maintaining a good neurological health. The herbs heal the damage of the nerves. It improves motor function. It relieves symptoms of vitiated vata dosha. Therefore, by pacifying the vata dosha, it helps in alleviating the seizure-like symptoms of Leptomeningeal enhancement.

Dosage : Two tsp twice a day.

7. Musli Strength Capsules

Musli Strength Capsules are enriched with properties of gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) and safed musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum). Both the herbs pacify vata dosha. As the name suggests Musli Strength Capsules strengthens the muscles and improves neurological health. The capsules help in the neoplastic condition of the nervous tissues and heals the damaged neurons. Therefore, Musli Strength Capsules are helpful in managing Leptomeningeal enhancement.

Dosage : One capsule twice a day.

8. Vikramprash

Vikramprash is a preparation of Planet Ayurveda which is available in jam form. Vikramprash is filled with the herbal properties of  Bilva (Aegle marmelos), Agnimantha (Premna mucronata), Syonak (Oroxylum indicum), Patla (Stereospermum suaveolens), Pippali (Piper longum), Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris), Jivanti (Leptadenia reticulata), Utpal (Nymphaea alba), Musta (Cyperus rotundus) and many other herbs. Drugs that are present in the formulation promotes the wellbeing of  a person because it maintains the dosha levels within normal limits. Antioxidants present in the medicine slow down the ageing process because it is rich in nutrients that rejuvenates body cells. Being fulfilled with the properties of rasayana, Vikramprash helps in boosting immunity that further benefits in disorders of autoimmune, age related and neoplastic origin. With amazing and tridosha balancing  properties, Vikramprash helps in management of Leptomeningeal enhancement.

Dosage : One spoon daily

CONTACT  PLANET AYURVEDA  TO PROVIDE YOU WITH THE    COSTING / ORDERING AND DELIVERY INFORMATION AT – COSTING.PLANETAYURVEDA@GMAIL.COM OR CALL AT +91-172-5214040

Conclusion 

As we discussed Leptomeningeal enhancement, we have come to know that leptomeningeal enhancement is an abnormal growth or enhancement of the meninges that can occur due to a number of factors including infections, tumours, encephalitis, granulomatous conditions, haemorrhage etc. Leptomeningeal enhancement may stay asymptomatic in some cases but in some cases it may lead to a number of troublesome features. In the modern system of medicine, there is no proper management available but chemotherapy and radiation therapy are some of the main management therapies that are performed which does not provide positive effects efficiently but causes a number of side effects which can hamper other functions of the body. Whereas Ayurvedic management is based on correcting the dosha imbalance that causes the disorder and also manages the symptoms impeccably. Further herbs are available that beautifully contain the symptoms and disease to the maximum. Hence, preferring Ayurveda over the side effect causing therapies will eventually provide promising results.

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April 10, 2023

What Is Shiatsu? What Are the Benefits?

Shiatsu- massage

Abstract

Complementary treatment or additional methods of treatment are prevalent for the management of a variety of day to day problems. The complementary or alternative ways of management are ancient and are more preferred these days due to excessive side effects of synthetic medicines and approach towards more natural ways of management. These complementary ways of management were prevalent and important in day to day life as well. Shiatsu is one of the natural ways of relaxing the body, we will discuss elaborately in this article. Let’s read…

Shiatsu Massage Therapy

Introduction and History

Shiatsu is a form of massage that utilises the hands, thumb, or other body parts to apply direct pressure on various points or channels in the body. It is performed through loose clothing and oils are not meant to be used. Massage is a practice that has been present for thousands of years. Shiatsu is one of the famous and ancient massage therapies for relaxation, healing, and relief. Shiatsu is different from other massage therapies as we will discuss. Shiatsu’s origin is in Japan, it is an integrated technique of acupuncture and anma. Some physicians state Shiatsu as an advanced acupressure form. Shiatsu works to reduce the tension, pain and fatigue as it is a massage therapy involving specific body points. Also Shiatsu promotes blood circulation and strengthens the nerves as well. In the Chinese medicine system, qi is the life driving force and vital force for all activities. Shiatsu technique has roots in the qi concept. This technique says good health is a phenomenon associated with unobstructed flow of qi. The blocked or obstructed qi leads to body pain or other digestive issues, this concept is also prevalent in Ayurvedic sciences that poor status of doshas leads to health deterioration.

Basic technique

Basic technique of Shiatsu is to apply pressure. A main aim of Shiatsu practitioners is to apply pressure on parts believed to be energy channels. It will help to balance or make the flow of energy continuous. A shiatsu practitioner may also use palms, elbows, and sometimes feet to apply pressure along energy lines or paths to relieve pain and tension in the body. Before the beginning of the session a practitioner evaluates the person/patient, his/her energy and assesses a person’s state of qi (vital energy or life force) to plan the session.

The varying protocols performed by practitioners are based on the general energy level, presence of blockages, and conditions. The basic manual techniques performed by practitioners are holding, tapping, pressure, stretching, kneading, and soothing, using their thumbs, fingers, palms, and knees. Stretches, rotations, and joint mobilizations are also part of shiatsu. There is no use of oils in this famous technique of Shiatsu and no instrument is used as well. Shiatsu is a massage therapy technique practised with soft and strong pressures on the reflex points of the body. The therapist mainly exerted pressure with his thumbs and fingers—hence its name shiatsu, which means “finger pressure” in Japanese—but also with his or her palms, elbows and sometimes feet.

Benefits

  1. Improved bowel function.
  2. Decreased fatigue.
  3. Pain treatment.
  4. Improved sleep quality.
  5. Improved relaxation.
  6. Decreased depression.
  7. Headache treatment.
  8. Improvement of chronic lower back pain.

Ayurvedic techniques equivalent to  Shiatsu

Ayurveda is ancient science which is more than 3000 years old. Ayurvedic classical treatment has many branches. Panchkarma is one of the branches known for the variety of procedures having external and internal detoxification ways. We will discuss Abhyang and Marma therapy prevalent and performed by Ayurvedic physicians to manage the aggravated doshas.

Abhyang

Abhyang (massage) is a process in which body of a person is oleated with medicated oil with a special movement (gati) and specific pressure. It is done in different postures, seated with legs extended, lying on the back of the body, lying left of the body and lying on the front of body and many more. For the better results 5-10 Mins of massage therapy is used. The Nirgundi oil and Dhanwantharam oil of Planet Ayurveda is helpful in abhyang procedure due to their vata pacifying properties.

The main benefits of Abhyang are

  1. it enhances the age
  2. it helps to relieves the weakness
  3. pacify the aggravated vata dosha,
  4. Strengthen the body
  5. Promote a sound sleep
  6. Reduce the muscle stiffness.
  7. Increase the muscle strength and act as an immunity booster.

Marma Therapy

It is performed as a way to prevent the variety of health issues. Marma therapy helps to promote the blood flow to the target organs and hence reduce the chances of various fatal diseases like cancer. On the basis of classification Marma can be classified as Sadyah pranhar marma, kalantra pranahara marma, vishalyaghan, vaikalyakara marma, rujakara marma. Marma therapy promotes physical and emotional well being. Marma therapy helps to pacify the vitiated doshas even. It is evident in a variety of researches that Marma therapy is beneficial in muscular pain, joint pain, muscular strain, respiratory issues, digestion problems, confusion, anxiety and depression. Marma is helpful in various diseases like Paralysis, sciatica pain, spondylitis, respiratory issues, urinary incontinence and many more.

In Shiatsu oil is not used. But in case of severe pain Nirgundi oil and Dhanwantram oil can be used for the management of pain. Shiatsu can be used in the treatment of a wide range of internal, musculoskeletal, and emotional conditions. It is thought to reduce muscle stiffness, stimulate the skin, aid digestion, and influence the nervous system

Conclusion

Shiatsu helps to promote the person’s health by impacting the internal energy in a very positive manner. This therapy can be indicated in issues associated with Poor posture, arthritis issues, muscular pain, poor digestion and poor bowel movement, injury during sports, fever, asthma, recurrent cold, sciatica, aches and pain, inflammation joint problems such as arthritis, poor sexual health. Other mesmerising benefits are the restoration and maintenance of energy and maintaining the body’s energy. Also it is beneficial to improve circulation, help to reduce stress and promote healing from injuries. The best thing about this technique is that it is non-invasive therapy to deal with diseases. Like Ayurveda techniques the shiatsu is also considered safe under the guidance of trained practitioners.

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