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

Ascites Symptoms, Causes and Herbal Treatment

ABSTRACT

Ascites also known as Jalodara in Ayurveda is one among Udara Roga. According to Ayurveda Jalodara is the accumulation of water in the abdominal cavity exceeding 25 ml. It often occurs due to cirrhosis or other liver disease. Decreased digestive fire accompanied by unbalanced doshas causes Ascites. Symptoms such as abdominal heaviness and stiffness, shortness of breath, bloating, wheezing, edema of feet, and dilated veins are seen in Ascites. Let’s discuss it in detail.

INTRODUCTION

Ascites are described briefly in Ayurvedic literature. According to Ayurveda, Ascites are caused by various other pathologies like heart disease, liver diseases, splenomegaly, kidney diseases, wasting diseases, etc. Ayurvedic management with drugs that increase digestive fire, hepatoprotective drugs, daily therapeutic purgation and only a milk diet that acts by breaking down the pathogenesis gives good results in ascites. Diet restrictions are majorly advised in Ascites.

MAJOR CAUSES OF ASCITES

Liver diseases like Liver Cirrhosis, Liver Cancer (Cirrhosis being the major cause).
Portal Hypertension
Heart Diseases
Pancreatitis
Hypoalbuminemia
Peritoneal Tuberculosis
Malnutrition

SYMPTOMS OF ASCITES

Large distended Abdomen
Protruded belly button
Lack of appetite
Vomiting
Indigestion
Increased Thirst
Abdominal discomfort
Shortness of Breath
Coughing
Visible veins on the abdomen
Swelling in lower legs
Bloating
Painless swelling in the abdomen

DIAGNOSIS

FLUID SAMPLE: A needle is used to aspirate fluid from your abdomen.
BLOOD TEST : Initial investigations include cell count,differential,total protein.
IMAGING: Images of the inside of your abdomen are taken using ultrasound, MRI, or a CT scan.
LAPAROSCOPY: It is done to rule out the cause of ascites.

AYURVEDIC OVERVIEW

As per the Ayurvedic Point of view, Ascites also known as Jalodara is mainly due to blockages of channels (Strotas) causing heart problems, Kidney diseases, Portal Hypertension, and Liver diseases ultimately leading to Ascites. .It falls under the type of Udara roga. In Ayurveda, aggravated Vata gets accumulated in Udara between skin and muscle tissue leading to swelling, this is being termed as Udararoga. Procedures like Swedana ie. Sedation, Diuresis, Nitya Mridu Virechana ie . regular use of mild purgatives are used. Herbal drugs like Punarnava, Pippali, Haritaki, etc are used along with it drugs that are carminative and hepatoprotective in nature are used. Dietary measures like decreasing salt intake, only a milk diet is recommended.

TREATMENT AS PER AYURVEDA

Ayurveda gives effective results in Ascites by treating Agni (Digestive fire) and unbalanced Dosha. Through Nidana Parivarjana (avoiding causative factors), Agni Deepan (Provocation of digestion), and Nitya Virechana (daily therapeutic purgation followed with sodium restriction is used to treat ascites. Further treatment of ascites is given below:

Herbal Formulations Include

Powders: Patola Muladha Churana, Narayan Churan.
Vati: Arogyavardhini vati, Punarnava Mandoor Vati.
Ghrita: Panchakola Ghrita, Chitrak Ghrita, Nagaradi Ghrita.

Herbal Drugs like Punarnava, Brihata Panchamoola, Shunthi, etc.
Snehana (Oleation): It is used before the Panchakarma treatment. Dashamoola oil and Narayan oil is used in oleation therapy
Swedana (Sedation): Swedan is done to remove toxins accumulated in circulatory channels.
Virechana (Purgation): In Virechan there is induction of purgation to remove toxins from the body. Nitya Virechan is given in ascites. Castor oil with rock salt, castor oil with Triphala kwath, Kutki, Mustaka, Trivrita are used for Nitya Mridu Virechan.
Shastra Karam: It is a surgical procedure done using an instrument. An incision is given on the left side of the abdomen below the umbilicus. A metallic tube is inserted through a puncture and accumulated fluid is drawn out. All the accumulated fluid is not drained out once and this procedure is repeated again. Administration of water is strictly prohibited after Shastra Karama.
Kshara: The patient is given Tikshana Kshara with Gaumutra.

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR ASCITES BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda offers the best combination of effective herbal remedies such as the Ascites Care Pack for the Ayurvedic treatment of Ascites. Ascites care pack contains medicines in the form of Tablets and Capsules. It is a polyherbal pack that contains Punarnava, liver detox capsules, jalodarari rasa, etc. For natural and herbal treatment always look for natural products which contain pure extracts and are formulated under GMP guidelines. Planet Ayurveda products are scientific and certified. They are free from any chemicals, additives, and preservatives. Products of Planet Ayurveda are formulated by MD Doctors and are 100% natural, pure, and free from side effects.

Product List

- 1. Punarnava Capsules
  2. Water-EX tablets
  3. Rencure Formula
  4. Liver detox Capsules
  5. Jalodari Rasa

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

1. Punarnava Capsules

Punarnava capsules are an effective formulation that contains a single herb ie. Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa). Punarnava is helpful in liver abnormalities and in decreasing the accumulation of water in the abdomen by removing excess water through urine.

Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily with warm water after meals.

2. Water-EX tablets

Water-EX tablets are herbal formulations that contain Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Varuna (Crataeva nurvala), and Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris). These herbs in Water Ex Tablets balance Kapha and Vata dosha and are diuretic, demulcent, and anti-inflammatory in nature. Therefore it is helpful in eliminating excess fluid.

Dosage: 2 tablets thrice daily with warm water after meals.

3. Rencure Formula

It is an effective formulation which contains Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Varuna (Crataeva nurvala), Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris), Palash (Butea monosperma), Kasni (Cichorium intybus). It treats kidneys by reducing their destruction, maintaining normal creatinine levels, increasing urine output, treating proteinuria and maintaining normal functioning of kidneys.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily with warm water after meals.

4. Liver Detox Capsules

Liver detox capsules contains hepatoprotective herbs like Katuki (Picrorhiza kurroa), Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), Makoy (Solanum nigrum ), Biranjasipha (Achillea millefolium-yarrow), Jhavuka (Tamarix gallica), Himsra (Capparis spinosa) Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Kasni (Cichorium intybus) which are helpful in removing toxins from liver and maintains fat metabolism. These herbs maintain normal liver activity by normalising liver functioning.

Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily with warm water after meals

5. Jalodari Rasa

It is a wonderful formulation that contains Pippali (Piperlongum), Maricha ( Piper nigrum), Tamra Bhasma (Calx prepared from copper), Turmeric (Curcuma longum), Jaipal (Croton tiglium), Snuhi ksheera (Euphorbia neriifolia). Tamra Bhasma in Jalodari Rasa helps in reducing abdominal distension/pain caused by ascites. It reduces inflammation caused by accumulated fluid by removing excess water from the abdomen./

Dosage: 1 tablet twice daily with warm water after meals.

Contact Planet Ayurveda Support Team to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or Call at 0172-521-4030 (India), +91-172-521-4030 (Outside India) or Whatsapp at (+91) 9915-593-604

CONCLUSION

Alternative treatment for ascites can help in treating ascites and reducing the symptoms of ascites. Water retention and edema in ascites can be easily tackled by Ayurvedic treatment, a good diet followed by precautions. Further complications of ascites can be avoided by following Ayurvedic treatment. Therefore Ayurveda is an authentic and well-proven solution for treating Ascites.

What is Mewing Technique? And How Does It Work?

What is Mewing Technique

Mewing is a facial technique that improves oral posture by positioning your tongue against the roof of the mouth. In simple words, the mewing technique involves the holding of the tongue in a certain position that will help to reshape the bones and muscles of the face over time. This facial technique was developed in the United Kingdom by Dr. John Mew and his son Dr. Mike Mew (both were orthodontists by profession).

Mewing Technique

Particularly, this technique works by placing the tongue on the roof of the mouth (specifically behind the front teeth). Gentle pressure is applied to the area by maintaining the exact position. The technique can be performed throughout the day, whenever the person wants to perform. Also, a person can perform the technique while sleeping or doing daily activities. This technique obviously holds certain benefits that are beneficial for the person on both medical grounds as well as for cosmetic purposes too, such as achieving facial symmetry, making breathing better, lining the teeth in symmetry, improving jawline shape naturally, etc.

However, it is always necessary to consult an expert/professional before attempting such techniques to avoid the side effects and prevent yourself from practicing the wrong methods in the techniques.

How Mewing Technique Works

The mewing technique is performed based on the theory of the orthodontist. They have explained in detail the exact right location for the placement of the tongue to achieve perfect results. Generally, the person is asked to place his tongue specifically on the roof of the mouth, by pressing it against it. Thus, the tongue is the main or can say the must-have necessary part of this technique. The whole technique is based on the tongue and its skills. The pressure applied should be gentle and applied on the upper jaw (maxilla). Performing the same technique daily will improve the general symmetry of the oral cavity including teeth, muscles, and jaw.

The mewing technique also helps in correcting the tongue posture, which is directly helpful in managing breathing problems such as sleep apnea, and the risk of choking while sleeping due to snoring. The technique also deals with other breathing problems that occur due to narrow airways.

How to Mew

The mewing technique is a simple technique to learn, but it needs practice to perform it perfectly. The general steps of mewing (in sequence) are

1. Relaxing the tongue

You need to relax your body and tongue just before starting the technique while preparing yourself to mew.

2. Positioning the tongue

After complete relaxation, slowly place your tongue at its exact position to initiate the mewing. The tongue should be placed against the roof of the mouth, while the tip is touching the back of front positioned teeth.

3. Step 3

Includes applying pressure against the direction in which the tongue is placed. Avoid exerting too much pressure, as this can cause tension in your oral and jaw muscles, that will latterly cause discomfort.

4. Step 4

It is also important to note that proper positioning is necessary to be maintained throughout the time, mewing is being done. Also, the position needs to be the same and not be changed every time you mew.

Also, you should try to place your tongue in this explained position throughout the day, including while talking, eating, as well as sleeping. Practicing wrong mewing can cause pain and discomfort. Thus you must seek advice from an experienced professional to avoid any complications and health discomforts during these techniques.

If you are thinking of practicing mewing, you should first take professional advice and secondly should maintain your oral hygiene. These measures will empower you to perform the technique in the right way and achieve the proper benefits of the mewing technique timely.

The benefits of the mewing technique are abundant as detailed by the orthodontist, but in some evidence, there is no proper information found that can claim its benefits for real. Thus, we can allow this mewing technique without knowing its claimed benefits due to its non-harmful performance steps. Evidence is found that can hamper the results of mewing such as genetic or environmental factors, etc. Thus, overall more research is needed to be done for determining the effectiveness, exact results, risks, and complications of the mewing technique.

Mewing Technique and Ayurveda

The mewing technique is not a part of Ayurveda, yet is related to it because of its natural (non-surgical) tendency to maintain oral shape and other benefits that are naturally assumed to be achieved over time. Ayurveda is well known for its best, side effects free, natural tendencies to achieve wellness and certain goals. Similar properties are seen in the mewing technique that is described to achieve certain goals. Both methods do not involve surgical or chemical usage.

Also, Ayurveda involves many tongue therapies, ancient oral therapies, and mouth exercises, to promote oral well-being. Ayurveda therapies are not indicated to be practiced by yourself and need appropriate guidance and investigations to proceed further. The therapies in Ayurveda involve potent herbs and their extracts to achieve goals, while some are done ideally according to necessity.

However, some Ayurvedic principles may be relevant to the idea behind mewing

In Ayurveda, the tongue is called ‘Jivha’ and is considered an important part of the digestive system, that plays an important role in differentiating the six rasas, facilitating mucous secretion, helping in digestion, and ultimately plays a role in maintaining proper health and overall body well-being. According to ancient Acharya’s the Jivha (tongue) is connected to various body organs and maintains the various functioning of body systems, including the digestive system. Jivha is the natural indicator of many body deformities according to Ayurvedic texts that implicated Jivha as a source of the patient’s Sharirik pariksha.

Conclusion

However, there is no direct connection found between these ancient Ayurvedic principles and this modern mewing technique. Practicing proper tongue posture techniques under the correct guidance can potentially help to improve digestion, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote overall health and vitality.