Ayurvedic Treatment Of Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis)
ABSTRACT
The human body is made up of multiple organs and every organ has its specific work and function. For proper functioning of the body, energy is needed. When there is exposure to foreign particles, our body’s natural immune system gets activated and helps against the foreign particle exposure. This is called immunity. When for any reason, our body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy tissues, then this condition is known as Autoimmunity. There are several diseases in which our body’s immune system attacks its own tissues and generates diseases which are known as autoimmune diseases. Here, we are going to discuss such a disease which occurs as a result of Autoimmunity. Scleroderma/Systemic Sclerosis is a type of disease in which the body’s natural immunity is not functioning properly and attacks its own healthy tissues. Scleroderma is a disease with unknown pathogenesis. It is a rare connective tissue disorder. Let’s start a detailed study about Systemic Sclerosis/ Scleroderma.
INTRODUCTION
Scleroderma is a group of autoimmune disorders which is very rare. In this disease, the skin becomes hardened and tightened. Scleroderma is made up of two words that are Sclero (Hard) and Derma (Skin). In this disease thickening and inflammation occurs in the skin and other body areas. It is a perfect example of an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system can not differentiate between healthy tissues and foreign particles. Due to this autoimmune effect, the immune system triggers the body to produce large amounts of collagen protein. Collagen is a protein which in normal amounts helps in supporting the health of connective tissues. When the collagen forms in a large amount it makes skin tissues thicker than normal. Now, let’s start a detailed study about Scleroderma causes, signs, symptoms, diagnosis, its Ayurvedic Overview and Ayurvedic treatment. Also, we learn about the importance of Sclero-Care-Pack by Planet Ayurveda in the management of Scleroderma. Let’s start.
TYPES OF SCLERODERMA
Scleroderma can be divided into two types according to its location of attack which are as follows
- Localised Scleroderma : It is known as Localised Scleroderma when it affects the skin tissues. Localised means present in one area. Usually, it does not spread to other areas of the body which means only one part of the body is affected.
- Systemic Scleroderma : It is known as Systemic Scleroderma which also affects the internal organs of the body like the digestive system or respiratory system etc. It is more serious as compared to Localised Scleroderma as it affects internal organs. Systemic Scleroderma may be diffuse or limited. In Diffuse type of systemic scleroderma, the thickening of the skin is spread to large areas. As it spreads to wide areas it can affect multiple organs at the same time. In limited types of systemic scleroderma, it spreads to a limited area with the symptoms of extra calcium deposition, esophageal dysfunction, skin tightening and numbness of the skin.
CAUSES OF SCLERODERMA
The cause of Scleroderma is not known exactly. But there may be some possible factors which can lead to the disease of Scleroderma
- Immune system : It is an immunity-related disorder in which the immune system accidentally attacks healthy tissues of the body.
- Genetics : It can pass from genes from parents to their children.
- Environmental factors like any exposure to chemicals, viruses or any other microorganisms etc.
- Salty, sour, pungent, acrid, unctuous, hot, undigested food.
- Dry food and fish intake
- Eating before digestion of previous food
- Sleeping in daytime
- Excessive sleep
- Excess anger
- Lack of exercise
- Consumption of sweet taste.
क्लिन्नशुष्काम्बुजानुपमाँसपिन्याकमूलकेः ||
कुलत्थमाषनिष्पावशाकदिपललेक्षुभिः |
दध्यारनालसौवीरशुक्ततक्रसुरासवेः ||
विरुधाध्याशनक्रोधदिवास्वप्नप्रजाग्रेः |
प्रायश्ः सुकुमारणाम् मिष्टान्नसुखभोजिनाम् ||
अचक्रमणशीलानाम कुप्यते वातशोणितम् |
According to the above Ayurveda text, causes of Scleroderma are as follows
SIGNS OF SCLERODERMA
- Dry and itchy skin
- Stiffness in joints
- Tightening of the skin
SYMPTOMS OF SCLERODERMA
Symptoms of Scleroderma may vary from person to person and type of scleroderma. It also depends on the areas of the body that are affected. Here are some of the common symptoms of the Scleroderma
- Joint pain
- Limited mobility of the body due to stiffness of joints
- Itchy and dry skin
- Hair loss
- Thickening of skin
- Swelling
- Changes in skin colour of affected areas
- Muscle weakness
- When the digestive system is involved, it may show symptoms like difficulty in swallowing, bloating, diarrhoea constipation, etc.
- When the respiratory system is involved it may show symptoms like shortness of breath and dizziness.
According to Ayurveda, the signs and symptoms of Scleroderma are as follows
सन्धिशैथिल्यमालस्यम् सदनम् पिडकोदंमः ||
जानुजंघोरुकटय सहस्तपादासङ्गसन्धिषु |
निस्तोद स्फुरणम् भेदो गुरुत्वम् सुप्तिरेव च ||
कण्डुः सन्धिषु रुग्भूत्वा नश्यति चासकृत |
वेवर्ण्य मण्डलोत्पतिवार्तासृक्पूर्वलक्षणम् ||
According to the above text, the signs and symptoms are
- Excessive or unable to sweat.
- Black discolouration of the body
- Insensitivity to touch
- Excessive pain during any injury
- Looseness of joints
- Lethargy
- Spots formation on the body
- Numbness and itching in the calf region, thighs, lumbar region and shoulders
- Pricking pain in joints of hands and legs
- Sudden onset and relief in joints
- Stiffness in joints.
DIAGNOSIS OF SCLERODERMA
Diagnosis of Scleroderma requires a thorough examination and physical and medical history. Following are some of the diagnostic tests that can be performed to diagnose Scleroderma
- ANA (Antinuclear Antibody Assay) test to screen Scleroderma and other connective tissue disorders.
- Nailfold Capillary test which helps in testing whether nail capillaries are larger or normal. This test is important in the examination of any abnormality in nail vessels
- Skin test to measure the skin thickness
- Pulmonary function test in case the respiratory system is involved
- Upper GI testing when the digestive system is involved
AYURVEDIC OVERVIEW OF SCLERODERMA
Scleroderma is a rare autoimmune disorder in which the skin of the body becomes thicker than normal. Usually, it affects the upper skin of the body but it may also affect the inner organs of the body. It is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the healthier cells of the body instead of protecting the body. The immune system in this condition is not able to differentiate between the body’s tissue and foreign invaders. In Ayurveda, Scleroderma can be correlated with Uttan Vata Rakta associated with Twakgata Vata Vyadhi. According to Ayurveda, it is a Yapya Vyadhi (incurable but can be manageable). Vata (dominant) and Rakta (Associated) are the Doshas involved in these conditions. The Dushyas involved are Rasa, Rakta and Mamsa.Vitiation of these Doshas and dushyas can lead to the condition of Uttan Vata Rakta.
DIET FOR SCLERODERMA
भोजनार्थम् रसार्थम् वा विष्किरप्रतुदा हिताः ||
आढक्यश्चणका मुद्गा मसूराः समकुष्ठकाः |
युषार्थम् बहुसर्पिष्कः प्रशस्ता वातशोणिते ||
सुनिषणकवेत्राग्रकाकमाचीशतावरी |
वास्तुकोपोदिकाशाकम् शाकम् सौवर्चलम् तथा ||
घृतमाँसरसेर्भृष्टम् शाकसात्म्याय दापयेत् |
व्यञ्जनार्थं तथा गव्यं माहिषजाम पयो हितम् ||
According to the above text, the diet in Scleroderma is as follows
- Old grains, Raktashali rice
- Tur dal, red lentil and moth beans.
- Cow’s milk, goat milk or buffalo milk
- Makoy (Solanum Nigrum), Shatavari (Asparagus Racemosus) shaak (dishes made up of vegetables and spices) etc.
- Avoid salty and sour taste
- Avoid food which is heavy to digest
- Avoid Pungent taste and hot potency foods
HOME REMEDIES FOR SCLERODERMA
- Paste of turmeric with water
- Decoction of Triphala which contains Amalki (Emblica Officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia Bellerica) and Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula)
- Tulsi tea
- Application of onion juice
AYURVEDIC TREATMENT AND PANCHKARMA IN SCLERODERMA
प्रछनेर्वा सिराभिर्वा यथादोषम् यथाबलम् ||
रुग्दाहशूलतोदार्तासृक् स्राव्यं जलोकसा |
श्रृङ्गस्तुम्बेर्ह्रेत् सुप्तिकण्डुचिमिचिमायनात् ||
देशादेशम् वृजत् स्राव्यं सिराभि प्रछनेन वा |
अङ्गग्लानो न तु स्राव्यं रुक्षे वातोतरे च यत् ||
- Bloodletting by the horn, leech, needle, gourd or scratching after assisting the dosha and strength of the patient.
- In patients having complaints of pain, burning sensation, colic pain and pricking pain leech therapy can be done.
- Bloodletting by Horn is done in the patients having complaints of numbness, itching and tingling sensation.
- If pain radiates from one part to another part then scratching can be done.
- In the case of Excessive dryness in the body parts, bloodletting should be avoided.
Samshodhana chikitsa (purification therapy) can be used as follows
रुक्षेर्वा मृदुभिः शस्तमसकृद्वस्तिकृम च ||
According to the above text,
- Virechan (therapeutic purgation) can be given after Sneh (medicated ghee) administration
- Alternative administration of Anuvasana and Niruha Basti (Therapeutic decoction enema)
- Parisheka (swedana method that involves poring of medicated oil or decoction) with the decoction of avidhai dravya (distilled medicine which does not cause a burning sensation)
- Abhyanga (massage therapy) with Avidahi Taila
Some of the herbal formulations mentioned in Ayurveda texts that are helpful in the management of Scleroderma/Uttan Vata Rakta are Shravnyadi Ghrita, Drakshadi Ghrita, Shatpaka Taila, Tiladi Lepa, Triphladi kalka and many more.
HERBAL REMEDIES FOR SCLERODERMA BY PLANET AYURVEDA
Planet Ayurveda offers a wide and pure range of herbal medicines and formulations. All the formulations are made up after several tests and trials by experts. Planet Ayurveda always promotes Ayurveda by use of efficient herbs and natural extract use. All the formulations of Planet Ayurveda are in the form of oils, tablets, powders, capsules, syrups and many more which make it easy to ingest. That is how Planet Ayurveda promotes ancient Ayurveda. Here, we are going to study such an efficient product by Planet Ayurveda which is very effective in the treatment of Scleroderma. Sclero Care Pack is very effective in Scleroderma management which consists of Ashwagandha Capsules, Boswellia- Curcumin, Gotukola capsules, Sanjivni Vati, Gandhak Rasayan and Shinaad Guggul. All these products are very helpful in the management of Scleroderma. Now, let’s start a detailed study of these products
- Ashwagandha Capsules
- Boswellia-Curcumin
- Gotukola Capsules
- Sanjivani Vati
- Gandhak Rasayan
- Sinhnaad Guggul
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
1. ASHWAGANDHA CAPSULES
Ashwagandha capsules are a single herb formulation of Planet Ayurveda. It consists of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). It helps in supporting skin health. It also helps in reducing inflammation and hydrating the skin. It also prompts the boosting of collagen. Ashwagandha capsules are well-known Kushtgana.
Dosage : 1 capsule twice daily with warm water.
2. Boswellia-Curcumin
This capsule is a polyherbal formulation offered by Planet Ayurveda. There are two herbal ingredients present in the Boswellia-Curcumin that are Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Curcumin (Curcuma longa). These ingredients consist of antioxidant properties. It contains neuroprotective activity and helps in the movement of joints. It also helps in relieving pain and reduces swelling. It is also useful in reducing the stiffness of the joints.
Dosage : 2 capsules daily with warm water.
3. GOTU KOLA CAPSULES
These capsules are also a single herb formulation by Planet Ayurveda. It contains Gotu Kola extracts (Centella asiatica). These capsules help in supporting healthy blood circulation in the body. It helps in pacifying Pitta dosha and supports metabolic rate. It is useful in maintaining all over body health.
Dosage : 2 capsules twice daily with warm water.
4. SANJIVANI VATI
Sanjivani Vati is a classical herbal formation by Planet Ayurveda which contains many ingredients like Triphala which contains Amalki (Emblica officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica) and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Shunthi (Zingiber officinale) and many more. This herbal formulation is very useful in the patients of Scleroderma as it helps manage all Autoimmune disorders. It also helps in reducing inflammation and removes harmful toxins from the body.
Dosage : 2 capsules twice daily with warm water.
5. GANDHAK RASAYAN
Thi formulation is in the form of tablets which contain the pure form of Gandhak i.e. purified sulphur. This tablet of Gandhak Rasayan is very useful in the treatment of Scleroderma as it has an anti-inflammatory function. These tablets help in the overall health of the skin. It promotes immune system health and removes dead skin from the surface. Also, it promotes skin health and reduces inflammation.
Dosage : 2 tablets twice daily with warm water.
6. SINHNAAD GUGGUL
This herbal formulation of Planet Ayurveda contains ingredients like Shuddha Guggul (Commiphora mukul), Eranda Taila (oil of Ricinus communis) and Triphala which contains Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica) and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Shunthi (Zingiber officinale). It helps in relieving the stiffness and swelling. It is also useful in reducing pain in joints. It is very useful in managing skin health. It has anti-inflammatory properties and removes toxins from the body.
Dosage : 2 tablets twice daily with warm water.
CONCLUSION
Scleroderma is a rare autoimmune disorder with a complex pathogenesis. It can spread slowly or rapidly. It can be confined to a single part or can be spread to other body parts. It can attack a single part or may involve multiple organs depending on its type. This autoimmune disorder affects the connective tissues of the body. However, there is no cure for scleroderma but its complications can be avoided if early diagnosis and treatment is done. Complications can lead to many problems related to blood vessels, the digestive system and the respiratory system. In Ayurveda, various herbal formulations help in the Treatment of Scleroderma. Management of such types of conditions can be easily done with Ayurveda formulations and herbs. Sclero Care Pack by Planet Ayurveda is such a remedy which is useful in the management of Scleroderma.
