Treatment of Tourette Syndrome in Ayurveda with Herbal Remedies
Abstract
Tourette syndrome is a prevalent neurobehavioral condition that usually develops in childhood and affects boys more often than girls. Tics are often preceded by premonitory sensory impulses, and this characteristic aids in separating them from other hyperkinetic movement disorders. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, learning challenges, and impulse control disorder are frequently linked to Tourette syndrome. This complex disorder’s mechanism is poorly known. Numerous imaging and postmortem studies have revealed that the dopaminergic system and circuits connected to the basal ganglia may be involved. Even though it is thought to be a hereditary illness that may be affected by environmental variables, a thorough search has not yet been able to identify the genes that cause it.

Introduction
It is possible that Tourette syndrome is the result of abnormal brain development trajectories because the onset of involuntary movements, vocalisations, and subsequent natural history of Tourette syndrome occur in a predictable pattern over the first two to three decades of life. Basal ganglia abnormalities are thought to be the pathophysiology of Tourette syndrome, and this theory dominates discussions of the brain system abnormalities that underlie Tourette syndrome. Tourette syndrome is the diagnosis when there are both motor and phonic tics; they start before the age of 18, and they last for more than a year. Recent estimates show that children are more likely than adults to have Tourette syndrome, with epidemiological studies estimating that 0.5% to 1.0% of kids have the condition. The estimated prevalence of Tourette syndrome in adults is significantly lower, by a factor of about 10, which is consistent with the unique natural history of the condition.
Definition
Involuntary movements that are repeated, largely stereotyped, and typically of short duration are known as motor and phonic tics. Tics can be easy or difficult. Simple tics are quick, pointless movements that frequently only use one muscle group. Complex tics take longer to develop and may involve vocalizations or movements that appear to be coordinated. Some basic tics, known as “dystonic tics,” last longer. Tics differ from the chorea-athetosis-ballism spectrum’s random movements and the majority of myoclonus types due to their largely stereotyped nature. Tics typically do not occur as quickly as ordinary myoclonus. Anatomically, motor tics are distributed in a distinctive way. There is a rostrocaudal gradient of tic expression, with the majority of motor tics including eye, facial, neck, and shoulder movements, even if truncal and limb tics are frequently observed in clinical settings. Tics are a common occurrence that often starts in childhood and is frequently fleeting. Adult-onset tics are rare. Some people simply experience motor tics, whereas others may have one continuous tic.
Classification Of Tourette Syndrome
Simple:
Simple tics are fleeting, short, repetitive motions involving a limited number of muscle units. They happen more often than complex tics.
Simple motor tics consist of:
- Other eye motions, such as blinking
- Grimacing face
- Shoulders hunching
- Jerking of the head or shoulders
Simple vocal tics consist of:
- Throat clearing repeatedly
- Sniffing
- a barking grunt
Complex:
Complex tics are distinct, well-coordinated movements that involve several different muscle units across the body. One example of a complex motor tic is a grimace that is accompanied with a head twist and shoulder shrug.
The following complicated motor tics may also seem intentional:
- Touching or sniffing something
- Jumping, hopping, and bending
- Twisting
Complex vocal tics can include:
- Repeating one’s own sentences or words
- Using someone else’s words or phrases in your own (echolalia)
- Uttering coarse, offensive, or profane language (coprolalia)
Triggers Of Tics
Tics can get worse with elation or worry and improve with quiet, focused activity. Tics can be brought on or made worse by specific physical sensations; for instance, wearing a tight collar might bring on neck tics. It may cause similar sounds when you hear someone else sniff or clear their throat. Tics do not go away during light sleep, but they are frequently greatly reduced, profound sleep is when they totally disappear.
Causes Of Tourette Syndrome
TS comes from an unknown source, despite this. The frontal lobes, cortex, and basal ganglia are among the areas of the brain that are implicated. These locations are connected through circuitry. Dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine are examples of neurotransmitters that facilitate communication between neurons.
Symptoms
Some people with TS are able to suppress or otherwise control their tics to decrease how much of an impact they have on everyday life, despite the fact that TS symptoms are unwanted and unplanned (involuntary). But people with TS frequently report feeling so tense while attempting to suppress their ticks that they believe the tick must be let out (against their will). Though they may appear to be intentional or willful, tics brought on by an environmental trigger are not.
Management
- There is no specific management for Tourette syndrome. This is managed only symptomatically.
- However, if the symptoms are mild and do not cause any impairment, there is no need to treat them.
- But if symptoms occur and interfere with the daily routine and functions, there are some effective medications like
- Dopamine blockers
- Alpha-adrenergic agonists, etc.
Ayurvedic View
Tourette syndrome is related to vata vyadhi in many Ayurvedic texts. The term “Vata Vyadhi” refers to a group of disorders induced by vitiated vata. Vata Vyadhi treats a wide spectrum of neurological, neuromusculoskeletal, and degenerative illnesses. Vata is in charge of all central nervous system functions in the body. It is in charge of all bodily activities and disorders induced by Vata in its vitiated state, known as Vatavyadhi. Although Vata is present in everyone, it does not cause sickness in everyone. Only vitiated Vata is responsible for sickness; there are over 80 Nanatmaj Vyadhi. According to Charak, the causes of all these Vatavyadhi can be classified into two types: Dhatu kshaya janya and Margavarodhjanya. Brihana is used to treat Dhatu Kshaya Janya, and Vata-Anulomak Chikitsa is used to treat Margavarodhjanya. Rasayana medicines are used to treat neurotransmitter dysfunction. When Vata is inflamed, it causes numerous ailments in the body and deteriorates or lowers strength, complexion, happiness, and vitality throughout the lifespan of an individual. It affects the mind and senses, destroys, deforms, or retains the embryo for longer lengths of time, causes dread, anguish, attachment, humility, extreme delirium, and takes away life.
Definition Of Vata Vyadhi
Any specific state created by vitiated Vata Dosha is referred to as vatavyadhi.
Causes Of Vitiation Of Vata Dosha
It is separated into two categories:
1. Dhatukshayajanya Hetu: Due to the consumption of dry, cold, deficient, and light food, excessive sex, sleeplessness, improper treatments, expelling of Dosha (during the course of treatments such as emesis, purgation, etc.), or bloodletting, depletion of body tissue, worry, grief, extreme debility due to protracted diseases, use of uncomfortable beds or seats, anger, day sleep, or even with fright, suppression of natural urges, Vata has become exacerbated. These Hetu are in charge of all tissue loss. This vitiated Vata fills the body’s empty channels, resulting in a wide range of generalised and localised illnesses.
2. Margavrodhjanya Hetu includes hetu that leads to ama formation. Margavrodhjanya Hetu can also contain obstructions to the various channels caused by Kapha, Mala, and other factors.
Samprapti
Vata might become aggravated due to Dhatu Kshaya (diminution of tissue elements) or Avarana (obstruction of its passage). With its Laghu, Ruksha, Khara, and Parusha Guna, exacerbated Vata vitiates Strotas, making these Rikta Strotas prone to Dosha Sthansanshraya (lodging). Chakrapani commented on Rikta Strotas, saying that there is “Snehadi Guna Shunyatvam.” The body’s channels lost their protective sheaths and properties such as unctuousness, smoothness, and stickiness, among others. When vitiated Vata occupies the vulnerable Strotas, it produces Ekanga (restricted to certain portions of the body) or Sarvanga (all over the body) Vyadhi. Vata Vyadhi refers to Vyadhi that manifests in a specific area of the body or throughout the entire body.
Management
- Snehan (oleation therapy)
- Sweden (sudation therapy)
- Sanshodhan (mild purgations)
Planet Ayurveda’s Herbal Remedies For Tourette Syndrome
Planet Ayurveda produces Ayurvedic medications made exclusively from plants. All of our goods are GMP-certified and vegan. This medication has no chemicals, additives, or preservatives.
Planet Ayurveda offers the following natural therapies for Tourette syndrome:
Product Description
1. Neurogenie Capsules
Planet Ayurveda’s Neurogenie capsules are capsule formulations. It is a blend of Brahmi and Ashwagandha. Both of these are beneficial for nerve strengthening and relaxation. As the name implies (Withania somnifera), Somnifera is a calming, sleep-inducing, and nerve-relaxing herb. Both of these herbs are also beneficial for sleep difficulties and headaches. It aids in the treatment of Tourette syndrome by lowering nerve activity.
Dosage:The suggested dosage is 1 capsule twice daily, taken after food.
2. Medhya Churna
Medhya churna is a powder composition that has been reported in traditional preparations. Vacha (Acorus calamus), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Ajmoda (Carum roxburghianum), Sonth (Zinziber officinalis), Maricha (Piper nigrum), Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), and Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) are blended together. These medications contain anti-inflammatory qualities as well as nerve-strengthening and relaxation properties. Ashwagandha also aids in dosha balance. As a result, this churna formulation has a significant effect on tourette syndrome and other CNS illnesses.
Dosage:Scrub the tongue with a 1/4th teaspoon of warm milk twice.
3. Neuroplan Syrup
This is a syrup formulation made by MD experts of planet Ayurveda. This formulation is made with the following drugs: Brahmi (Bacopa monerie), Mandukaparni (Centella asiatica), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), Jyotishmati (Celastrus paniculatus), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Maricha (Piper nigrum), etc. This formulation is beneficial in the nervous system and nerve disorders, and it has great results in Tourette syndrome.
Dosage:2 teaspoons in warm water twice daily.
4. Brahmi Ghrit
This is a traditional Ayurvedic composition that uses brahmi as the main ingredient. Brahmi is thought to be the finest for nerve and mind relaxation. Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), Kutha (Saussurea lappa), and ghee are used to make it. These medications together are best for managing Tourette syndrome.
Dosage:1 teaspoon in warm water twice daily.
5. Stress Support
Stress Support is a Capsule formulation created by MD professionals at Planet Ayurveda. It combines Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Tagar (Valeriana wallichii), and Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri). These three medications are thought to be the most effective for central nervous system and nervous system problems. It is also beneficial in the treatment of Tourette syndrome.
Dosage: The suggested dosage is one capsule taken twice daily with warm water.
Conclusion
The entire body is the residence of all three Doshas, and equilibrium leads to good health or disease. Vata, in its natural state, maintains the mechanisms of the entire body. It executes all bodily functions, assists sense organs in gathering information, and regulates the mind. Thus, the functions of Vata Dosha correspond not only to nervous system functions but also to system functions concerned with the regulation, signaling, conduction, and control of information in the body. In a nutshell, vitiated Vata affects all of the body’s major systems, including the musculoskeletal, neurohormonal, neuromuscular, and circulatory systems. Vata imbalance causes chronic degenerative alterations in organs. Thus, studying Vatavyadhi categorization aids in determining cause, prognosis, and specific treatment approaches.
October 24, 2023
Concept of Sapta Dhatu in Ayurveda

Abstract
According to the Ancient Ayurvedic texts- to maintain Swasthya i.e. health our Sharira (body) needs to have maintained compatibility between Dosha, Dhatu, and Mala. Basically, harmony among these components is essential to maintain health. ‘Sapta Dhatu’(The seven bodily tissues) as the name itself says – ‘Sapta’ means seven and ‘Dhatu’ is that which supports or better to say holds the body. Let’s discuss it in detail!
Introduction
According to Texts and Samhitas of Ayurveda, these Dhatus provide
Nourishment & growth to the entire body. Here the 7 dhatus consist of
- Rasa (Plasma, WBC, lymph)
- Rakta (RBCs & platelets)
- Mamsa (Muscle tissues)
- Meda (Adipose/fat tissue)
- Asthi (Bones/Skeletal tissues)
- Majja (Bone marrow)
- Shukra (Reproductive tissue)
These are responsible for prime functions of the body. Rasa which is first
among all the dhatus provides nourishment to the other 6 dhatus. Rasa indicates Ahara rasa (Chyle) which is absorbed from Ahara is the diet we consume. Dhatu refers to the 7 structural components of the body, Acharya Sushruta in (S.Su.14/10) says that Rasa dhatu provides nourishment to rakta dhatu, rakta dhatu to mamsa dhatu, mamsa dhatu to meda dhatu, meda dhatu to asthi dhatu and so on.
समदोषः समाग्निश्च समधातु मलःक्रियाः।
प्रसन्नात्मेन्द्रियमनः स्वस्थइतिअभिधीयते॥ (S.Su 14/41)
- Acharya Sushruta says that the sense of well being of Atma (soul), Mana (mind) and Indriyas (sense organs) is attained by a state of equilibrium between dosha, dhatu and mala. And alteration in them causes diseases.
- So, Ayurveda believes that all the dhatus are nourished by the food we eat. If vitiation of dosha takes place in any dhatu then it will affect all the next dhatus.
- When dhatus are at the state of equilibrium, it prevents diseases,elements of tissues develop properly hence it slows down ageing. Each of these seven dhatus have their own updhatus (Produced by dhatus during metabolism), particular pramanas (normal values) in Anjali pramana (its a unit of measurement of liquid in Ayurveda) & predominance of different
- Mahabhutas (According to Ayurveda all living and nonliving things are made of 5 mahabhuta – Prithvi, Agni, Vayu, Jala & Akash are called Panchmahabhutas).
- According to Acharya, Sushruta dosha gets severity (mahatwa) and stability (sthiratwa) when it invades the Dhatus of the body. It becomes even more difficult to manage, when they have invaded the deeper dhatu and say this should be treated as soon as possible to avoid severity.
Rasa Dhatu
Rasa dhatu has a predominance of Jala Mahabhuta. So this predominance keeps rasa dhatu in liquid form. Rasa basically means something that is mobile, hence this dhatu provides mobility. Dhatu which is circulated continuously in the body is the Rasa dhatu. This dhatu is formed from previously digested food.The important karma/function of Rasa dhatu is Prerana that means satisfaction or feeling of freshness. Acharya Sushruta in S.Su15/51 says that Rasa dhatu by supplying fluid & minerals to every cell of the body keeps the body and mind fresh.
- Predominant Mahabhuta – Jala
- Updhatu of Rasa Dhatu- Stanya (breast milk), rajas (menstrual fluid)
- Pramana – 9 Anjali
Physiological Functions of Rasa Dhatu Includes
When the rasa dhatu is in sam awastha that is neither increased or decreased the person feels cheerful, happy and as it nourishes the skin so the skin too looks nourished moisturised and also it nourishes the next dhatu that is rakta dhatu.
When the rasa dhatu depletes it makes one’s skin dry and hard, the person is pale, lean, fatigued, the person can’t tolerate loud noises or voices, the person experiences exhaustion, thirst, feeling of fear, pain in chest.
When the rasa dhatu elevates the person loses appetite , saliva secretion increases, nausea, vomiting, feels heavy, feels cold and sleeps a lot more than usual and bad taste in mouth is felt.
Rakta Dhatu
The physiological function of rakta dhatu that can be correlated to blood (RBC,WBC & Platelets) in modern Science.
- Updhatu of Rakta Dhatu – Kandara (tendons) & sira (blood vessels)
- Predominant mahabhuta – Agni & Jala
- Pramana – 8 anjali
The main function of rakta dhatu is to nourish mamsa dhatu. The rakta dhatu is inseparable from the Pitta dosha. So when rakta dhatu decreases from its usual pramana it diminishes the pitta dhatu and that makes the person feel cold.Even the lustre of skin loses and becomes dull and dusty.
Elevation of Rakta dhatu increases the guna (properties) of Pitta dosha and that makes the person feel warmer than usual. The built up heat in the body, tries to release it along with the malas of the body.this ultimately increases bowel movements of the body even the stools can be loose too. This also increases the frequency of urine.
Mamsa Dhatu
The physiological function of Mamsa dhatu is to strengthen the body, to build tissues of muscle in various regions of the body like in the neck, shoulders and thighs. Also the Mamsa dhatu provides nourishment to Meda dhatu.
- Updhatu of Mamsa Dhatu includes Vasa (fatty material), Shat twacha (seven layers of skin).
- Predominant Mahabhuta – Prithvi
- Pramana – Male – 500 & Female – 520 in nos.
- Depletion of mamsa dhatu causes debility to the sense organs,it emaciates the cheeks and buttocks,or collapse of blood vessels may also take place, and a person can also experience joint pain.
- Elevation of the Rakta dhatu can cause obesity, breathing disorders, increase of the abdomen and flanks, fatigue, bad smell from one’s body etc.
Meda Dhatu
Meda dhatu which can be correlated to Adipose Tissue in modern, The General function of meda dhatu is Snehan (that which provides lubrication). Its function consists of nourishment of asthi dhatu.
- The Updhatus – sweda(sweat) Snayu (ligament), sandhi (joints).
- Predominant mahabhutas are Prithvi & Jala.
- Pramana – 2 anjali
If Meda dhatu depletes it can cause enlargement of spleen and also difficulty in movement of joints. Its depletion also increases the urge to eat fatty food.
When Meda dhatu increases than its usual amount the person feels tired and fatigued, fat in regions like abdomen, neck, thighs etc. the person has a foul smell in his/her sweat and experiences breathlessness.
Asthi Dhatu
Asthi dhatu can be correlated with the skeletal tissues or the bones. Dharana can be considered as the general function of Asthi dhatu.
- Its updhatu includes Danta (teeth).
- Predominant mahabhuta are Prithvi & Vayu.
- Pramana – 360 in nos.
So as per qualities of vayu mahabhuta, Asthi is dry & rough and as like prithvi mahabhuta it is strong & heavy. Physiological functions of Asthi dhatu are that it gives good stability and structure to the body along with a hard working capacity. It nourishes the majja dhatu.
When the amount of Asthi dhatu decreases that its required amount there will be pain in bones (pricking type of pain) & the bones become porous which makes the bone prone to fractures even with a mild trauma. Depletion of this dhatu also leads to hair fall, fragile nails or even falling of teeth.
Similarly, increase in the dhatu leads to unusual growth of bones, teeth can be developed one over the other.
Majja Dhatu
This dhatu is located deep inside the asthi dhatu and are formed when during the formation of asthi dhatu a cavity is left in them, it is formed by nourishing tissues of fat. The Majja dhatu strengthens the bone and also makes the bone flexible. It also balances the dryness of asthi dhatu.
- Its updhatu is Kesha (hair).
- Predominant mahabhuta – Jala
- Pramana – 1 anjali
So, depletion in the levels of Majja dhatu weakens the bones which eventually causes pain in the joints, giddiness and also the depletion of this dhatu causes depletion of Shukra dhatu too.
Elevations in the level of this dhatu leads to heaviness of the whole body especially eyes.
Shukra Dhatu
Shukra is the seventh and the final dhatu in the dhatu formation cycle. Ayurveda considers shukra as the male semen and the female egg. Hence a person with healthy shukra has a brightness of confidence in his/her eyes, and also has a brighter skin.
- Predominant mahabhuta is Jala (water)
- Its updhatu is Ojas (immunity)
- Pramana – ½ anjali
In case of depletion of Shukra dhatu ejaculation is delayed or even semen mixed with blood can ejaculate, which ultimately causes pain in the testicles. The person will also be weak and an increase in thirst can also be seen. Exhaustion, dryness in mouth, general body aches, impotency can also be seen.
Elevation in Shukra dhatu may lead to a person’s increased desire towards
coitus, development of stone in the seminal tract can take place.
Conclusion
The above article concludes that the elevation or depletion of any particular dhatu leads to disease. That’s why all the dhatu should be nourished well for their proper functioning and to attain good immunity in order to stabilise the body. A proper harmony between the doshas and dhatus should also be maintained in order to attain a healthy life.