Category: Herbal Remedies

October 14, 2023

Ayurveda relation of Hemapheresis with Raktashodhana

Abstract

Hemapheresis is the process of selective collection of any blood component, with the use of automated equipment. In this process components of blood ie: RBC, WBC, plasma and platelets are removed from the patient ‘s body to achieve patient health and provide relief in symptoms. These diseases are not completely prevented but the symptoms and conditions are manageable. Let’s discuss Hemapheresis in detail about Hemapheresis.

Hemapheresis

Introduction

In the process of hemapheresis there is a removal of whole blood from the body of the donor. It is the process by which one or more components are withdrawn from the blood and returned by transfusion of remaining blood to the donor. Hemapheresis is considered as a supportive treatment for auto-immune and blood disorders. In auto-immune disorders the body produces antibodies which attack its own immune system and create infection in the blood. Ayurveda produces some of the great herbs and therapies which are very effective in cleansing the blood, in which leech therapy is very important. Rakta shodhana and Rakta mokshana are the procedures that are involved in hemapheresis. The blood is alive, contains living cells and is the fluid of health, transporting disease fighting substances to the tissue and waste to kidneys. The components of blood ie. red blood cells and white blood cells are responsible for nourishment and cleansing the body, blood also carries the oxygen to all body parts. When the body grows, it faces toxins, environmental pathogens and contaminated food by which the blood gets infected which causes the blood disorders.

Process of Hemapheresis

In this process the blood is taken from the donor’s body and then blood is removed from the donor’s body through a needle. Removed blood is mixed with the anticoagulant and separated in separators which works on the centrifugation process. Where the desired component is separated and the blood is returned to the donor’s body results in the filtered plasma.

The components which are separated are

  • Leukocytes (leukapheresis)
  • Plasma (Plasmapheresis)
  • Platelets (Plateletpheresis)

Leukapheresis: White blood cells (leukocytes) are removed from the patient’s body if the patient is suffering from a disease like thrombosis.

Plasmapheresis

Plasma is the important component of the blood and contains antibodies and antigen- antibody complexes which may contribute to effects of autoimmune disorders. Plasma removal helps in reducing the circulating antibodies and immune complexes. In case a large amount of plasma is removed, the plasma from a healthy donor is given to the patient which is called plasma exchange.
Plateletpheresis: This is very rare like: Myeloproliferative disorders, platelet count can be very high. Removal of platelets is helpful in Platelet removal and can help to avoid complications of thrombosis and bleeding.

Indications of Hemapheresis

Indications of Hemapheresis are

  • Malaria
  • Leukocytosis
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Liver transplantation
  • Familial cholesterolemia
  • Lung transplantation
  • Wilson disease
  • Hemolytic disease of foetus
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Thrombocytosis
  • Myasthenia gravis
  • Kidney transplantation
  • Aplastic anaemia
  • Dermatomyositis
  • Systemic amyloidosis
  • Burn with circulatory shock
  • Acute liver failure
  • Dilated cardiomyopathy
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • ABO- Incompatible hematopoietic solid organ transplantation
  • Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
  • Auto-immune hemolytic anaemia
  • Age-related macular degeneration
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
  • Coagulation factor inhibitors
  • ABO- Incompatible hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Ayurvedic Overview of Hemaphereis

In Ayurveda blood is known as rakta and a very important component of the human body, disorders of blood cause prolonged and chronic disease. Acharya Shusruta who is known as father of surgery considered Rakta as a fourth dosha, mainly three doshas are the base of the body ie. Vata, Pitta and Kapha but Acharya Shusruta has also described Rakta as a fourth dosha. In Ayurvedic perceptive when doshas contaminates the blood it results in blood disorders which in ayurveda is called as Rakta Pradosaja Vikara, and there are many rakta-pradosja vikara and their modern co-relation which are as follows

  • Pleeha (Splenomegaly)
  • Vidhradi (Abscess)
  • Pama (Scabies)
  • Kamala (Jaundice)
  • Neelika (Hyperpigmentation)
  • Arsha (Piles)
  • Asya paka (Stomatitis/ Mouth ulcers)
  • Mashaka (Elevated moles)
  • Shwitra (Leucoderma/vitiligo)
  • Charamadala (Dermatitis)
  • Kotha (Urticaria)
  • Tilkalka ( Black Moles)
  • Vyanga (Freckles)
  • Visarpa (Herpes)
  • Indralupta (Alopecia)
  • Asru Dhara (Menorrhagia)
  • Kushtha (Leprosy)
  • Guda pak (Inflammation of anal canal)
  • Raktapitta (Bleeding disorders)
  • Vatashonit (Gout arthritis)
  • Medhra paka (Inflammation of penis)
  • Arbuda (Tumours)
  • Piplu (Port wine mark)
  • Gulma (Abdominal tumours)

Ayurveda Relation of Hemapheresis with Raktashodhana

Hemapheresis is related with Rakta Shodhana (purifying blood) and Rakta mokshana in Ayurveda and raktashodhana is the process which is used to purify the blood by using various herbs. There is also another process by which the vitiated Rakta is balanced which is known as Raktamokshna (bloodletting). Now we do not have to confuse rakta shodhana and rakta mokshana, both the processes are quite different. Purifying the blood through the herbs and natural remedies is called Rakta shodhana and where the toxins are very high and Rakta shodhna is not enough, in that case Rakta mokshana is used. Herbs which are used in Rakta shodhana are as follows

Effective Herbs to Purify the Blood

  • Guduchi
  • Haridra
  • Manjishtha
  • Neem
  • Sariva

Guduchi (Tinospora Cordifolia)

Guduchi is very useful in the aggravation of Tridoshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) , has anti- inflammatory properties and gives relief from the pain. This herb plays a great role in conditions of worm infestation, gives relief in jaundice, and increases the blood cells. Guduchi is very effective in chronic fever, in skin disorders and also reduces the weakness.

Haridra (Curcuma Longa)

The herb pacifies the Tridoshas and purifies the blood and is useful in preparation of the Red Blood cells. Haridra contains antiprotozoal, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties and useful in anaemia, leprosy haemorrhage and diabetes etc.

Manjishtha (Rubia Cordifolia)

Manjishtha pacifies the vitiated rakta and contains properties like: anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and anti protozoal. The herb is very effective in leprosy and in wound healing. It purifies the blood completely and acts as a rasanya and also gives relief from stress. The herb is very effective in female reproduction, contains diabetic properties, boosts the stamina and removes the toxins.

Neem (Azadirachta Indica)

Neem contains various properties and is helpful in many problems, it mainly pacifies the Pitta dosha due to its soothing and cooling effects. This herb is used in healing of the wound, abscess, blood disorders, alopecia, itching and greying of the hairs.

Sariva (Hemidesmus Indicus)

Sariva is useful in pacifying all tridoshas, has anti-inflammatory properties and contains a cooling effect. Sariva acts as a rasayana and is diuretic, it increases sexual activity and also increases fertility. The herb contains blood cleansing properties and is helpful in conditions like: syphilis, elephantiasis and leprosy etc. This herb is very useful in digestive problems and also acts as a diuretic.

Rakta Mokshana Therapy

Acharya Sushruta has described raktamokshana as a type of panchkarma. Rakta mokshana is used when there is a presence of high toxins and rakata shodhana is not enough. Some of the natural sources (ie. Instrumental and non-instrumental) used in this therapy are

Instrumental (Shastra)

Siravedha and Pracchan (Vein puncturing)
Non- instrumental (Anu-shastra): Alabu (Pitcher gourd), Jaloka (Leech therapy) and Shrunga (Cow’s horn method)
Instrumental

Siravedha (Venepuncture)

This procedure is very useful in destroying the disease from the root. Venepuncture in Shalya tantra is considered as the half complete therapy for numerous diseases as blood is the pathogenic factor in most of the diseases.

Prachana (Blood Letting by Puncturing)

In this procedure torniquet is applied slightly above the affected area and multiple incisions are made by using the sharp instrument and avoiding the vital structures. The incisions are not made very deep, superficial, should not be done transversally and are made very quickly in the upward direction.

Non- Instrumental

Alabu (Blood letting through pitcher guard)
The process is used in aggravated Kapha dosha and pacifies the aggravated Kapha dosha. In this procedure, small incisions are made on skin and after that the pitcher guard made hollow within, creating vacuum pressure by lighting the diya. Now the guard is kept at incised skin through blood is sucked by vacuum pressure, thus doing blood letting.

Jaloka (Leech Therapy)

This is the most important therapy in the raktamokshana and is a commonly followed procedure for blood letting. In aggravated Pitta vitiated rakta dosha this is very helpful as the leeches reside in the cold conditions. Jaloka is very useful in acne and skin disorders, the procedure is used in the patients who are scared from other bloodletting procedures.The saliva of leech contains the chemical Hirudin which is anticoagulant and prevents the blood from coagulation and inhibits the platelet aggregation and increase fluids and blood flow from the affected area. Leech only takes the blood which is vitiated and corrects microcirculation disorders. The therapeutic properties of this procedure are: it is immunostimulating, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and atherosclerotic.

Types of Leech

There are mainly two types of leeches are considered ie. Poisonous and non- poisonous. Poisonous is called Savish and has 6 more types, non- poisonous is known as Nirvish contains 6 types. These types are described in (Sushruta Sutrasthana chapter/13 Sloka 11/12)

Poisonous (Savish Jaloka)

  • Krishna
  • Karbura
  • Algarda
  • Indrayudha
  • Samudrika
  • Gochandana

Non-poisonous (Nirvish Jaloka)

  • Kapila
  • Pingla
  • Shankh Mukhi
  • Mushika
  • Pundrikmukhi
  • Saavrika

Shrunga (Blood Letting Using Cow’s Horn)

In this procedure the selected cow’s horn is collected which is open at both ends, this is mainly used in Vata vitiated rakta. Small and multiple incisions are made over the affected area. The one side of the horn is placed at the incised skin and from the other side suction is created by the mouth which leads to blood letting. This procedure can be compared with cupping therapy.

Conclusion

Hemapheresis is the process used in vitiated blood, as our body grows the blood gets affected by various types of environmental factors and by toxins. In Hemapheresis one or more components are withdrawal to achieve the health of the patient. Vitiated blood causes in many blood disorders ie, Rakta pradosja vikara, in blood disorders it is very important to purify the blood. Ayurveda includes two main therapies ie. Rakta shodhana and Rakta mokshana and the bloodletting therapy by leech is one of the most easy and beneficial procedures in the Rakta mokshana. The procedures which are given in this article only remove the vitiated blood from the body. The herbs which are described here are used to pacify the blood and also provide strength to the immune system and have no side effects.

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September 28, 2023

TESTOSTERONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY – TYPES, SYMPTOMS AND AYURVEDIC TREATMENT

ABSTRACT

Testosterone deficiency is the most common deficiency observed in the male world. Testosterone plays a vital role in the body and its deficiency shows immediate signs. With increased stress and an unhealthy lifestyle, infections, and trauma this problem is increasing and increasing only. Men, mostly tend to avoid going to doctors due to embarrassment or unknowingness which leads to the worsening of the case with increasing age. In Modern Pathy, they consider testosterone replacement therapy as a go-to and easy solution for this but not knowing that it can have both good and bad sides. In this article, we will go through information about testosterone, introduction to testosterone replacement therapy, its needs, types, the procedure of getting it, pros and cons, and ayurvedic solutions at planet ayurveda replacing this therapy.

INTRODUCTION TO TESTOSTERONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY

Whenever we discuss manliness or masculinity, testosterone levels are the major parameter considered, and so is the increasing trend of testosterone replacement therapy for treating the deficiency. Testosterone replacement therapy or also known as androgen replacement therapy is considered for males having symptoms of hypogonadism and having decreased testosterone levels. It can also be defined as the dysfunction of gonads. Testosterone can be taken in multiple forms under the guidance of a physician but when abused for non-medical usage like bodybuilding, increasing stamina, or enhancing sexual performance, it can lead to a plethora of side effects.

WHAT IS TESTOSTERONE

Testosterone is a major androgen found in males and in minute amounts in females. In males, testosterone plays a large number of important roles: –

  • Development of genital organs (Penis and testes),
  • Voice deepening during teenage years,
  • Maintaining the density of bones,
  • Maintaining libido,
  • Sperm production,
  • Growth of facials and body hair,
  • Muscle mass and strength,
  • RBCs production,
  • Stamina,
  • Distribution of fat,
  • Regulation of fertility

Normal levels: – The normal levels for a male aged between 19 – 49 years are considered 249 – 836 ng/dL; for males over 50 years, it is between 192 – 740 ng/dL. Testosterone production falls by 30% in the 70s and 80s and when they drop below 300 the person is diagnosed with testosterone deficiency.

CAUSES OF  TESTOSTERONE DEFICIENCY

There can be multiple causes leading to testosterone deficiency and these can include: –

  • Steroid abuse,
  • Delayed puberty,
  • Excessive estrogen,
  • Klinefelter’s syndrome,
  • Injury to testes or orchitis,
  • Pituitary gland dysfunctioning,
  • Alcohol abuse,
  • Renal diseases,
  • HIV/AIDS,
  • Kalmaan’s Syndrome,
  • Trauma to the head,
  • Metabolic disorders like Hemachormatosis,
  • Chemotherapy

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

  • Male pattern baldness,
  • Mood swings,
  • Extreme fatigue,
  • Weak bones,
  • Erection difficulty,
  • Anemia,
  • Low libido,
  • Less semen volume,
  • Smaller testicles,
  • Muscle mass loss,
  • Weight gain (mostly body fat).

To combat all these signs and symptoms testosterone replacement therapy is usually considered widely.

TYPES OF TESTOSTERONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY

To administer testosterone to a patient there are multiple ways from which individual can choose: –

  • Oral testosterone: – These tablets are consumed twice daily within dosages ranging from 225 – 396 mg but long-term consumption can cause liver damage, stroke, and hypertension.
  • Intranasal form: – Testosterone gel is applied inside the nose thrice daily keeping intervals of 6-8 hours.
  • Implants/Pellets: – Testosterone pellets are implanted by the doctor under the skin of the buttock or hip that gradually dissolves and releases testosterone slowly and can work for upto 3-6 months with varying doses.
  • Transdermal/Topical: – Testroene gels or cream can be applied on the skin which can help achieve more stable testosterone levels. The patient shall avoid making any skin contact with another person around.
  • Injectables: – One or two shots can be given intramuscularly to the patient every week or every two weeks.
  • Buccal or cheeks patches: – These patches are applied twice daily with a gap of 12 hours and they release testosterone slowly in a 12 hours time period.

The cost of this therapy varies from patient to patient and can vary a lot depending upon the following factors: –

  • Medication types,
  • Dosage,
  • Mode of administration.

WHO REQUIRES TESTOSTERONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY

TRT is required by individuals who upon testing show low testosterone levels and have symptoms like: –

  1. Male pattern baldness,
  2. Extreme exhaustion,
  3. Mood swings,
  4. Small testicles,
  5. Less semen production,
  6. Reduced libido,
  7. A fall in muscle mass and increase in fat,
  8. Weaker bones and reduced bone mineral density,
  9. Trouble in getting and maintaining erections.

PROS AND CONS OF TESTOSTERONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY

Every treatment or therapy is having its good or bad sides and just like that testosterone replacement therapy can have pros and cons both of which are mentioned below: –

Pros

TRT can have the following benefits: –

  1. Mood improvement,
  2. Anti-aging effects,
  3. Increased libido,
  4. Improved sexual performance
  5. Improved sexual functions,
  6. Increased energy,
  7. Increased muscle strength,
  8. Increased bone mineral density,
  9. Increase in lean muscle mass,
  10. Increased fat burning,
  11. Improved cognition,
  12. Improved erythropoiesis,
  13. Stable blood sugar levels.

Cons

TRT can lead to multiple complications if not taken with proper guidance. These can be:

  1. Skin issues like acne, rashes, and itch,
  2. Mental symptoms like anxiety, anger, and aggressiveness,
  3. Priapism,
  4. Hair loss (male pattern baldness),
  5. Deep vein thrombosis,
  6. Bladder irritability,
  7. High Blood pressure,
  8. Prostatomegaly,
  9. Gynecomastia,
  10. Decreased sperm production,
  11. Testis shrinkage,
  12. Liver issues,
  13. Blood cell increase leads to an increased risk of clot formation.

Patients with obstructive sleep apnea, urinary symptoms, blood issues, prostate cancer and raised Prostate-specific antigen, and Heart diseases shall avoid opting for Testosterone replacement therapy as it can lead to a worsening of the case.

AYURVEDIC CONCEPT OF LOW TESTOSTERONE

According to Ayurveda, testosterone levels can not fall if the person is having normal BMI and proper sleep schedule, takes a proper diet excluding drugs and alcohol, and exercises enough but with age this hormone can fall as this process is natural and connect be stopped. As per the Ayurvedic concept, the fall in testosterone can be observed due to the vitiation of vata dosha which in turn can vitiate other doshas and put the system out of work leading to hormone imbalance. Vajikarana therapy is considered for the management of low testosterone conditions in Ayurveda after performing purification of the whole body by Basti or medicated enema. This therapy involves sexual stimulation and increases libido improving fertility, sexual health, and quantity along with the quality of reproductive elements. The process of Vajikarana therapy involves: –

  • Apyayana or the nourishment process involves the nourishment of shukra dhatu and helps to improve the overall quality and quantity,
  • Prasadana is a clearing and soothing effect that helps to pacify the vitiated dosha,
  • Upachaya (increasing) is a process of increasing the shukra dhatu,
  • Shukrajanana or genesis promotes the formation of shukra dhatu.

There are many herbal formulations also available in the market that helps to boost testosterone quality and quantity. Planet Ayurveda also manufactures pur herbal formulations based on time-tested formulas and methods that are mentioned in ancient texts written by Ayurveda experts. All the medications are prepared under the strict guidance of MD Ayurveda experts and follow the classical methods only.

For low testosterone levels, a special pack has been formulated by Planet Ayurveda experts named TRT CARE PACK. This pack includes:-

Herbal Remedies for Somatoform disorders

1. Tribulus Power

These are capsules formulated from the purest extracts of Gokshura or Tribulus Terrestris which is a known aphrodisiac and helps to improve athletic performance by increasing energy, the sexual functions, and helps in infertility cases, and improving libido as well. It also boosts the testosterone levels in the body, strengthens the tissues of the penis, and supports stronger erections. Gokshura is also believed to have positive effects on prostate disorders and urinary retention issues.

Dosage: – 1 capsule twice daily with plain water, after meals.

2. Atirasadi Churna

This product has been formed after a great amount of research and study of ancient texts and is a perfect remedy for low testosterone cases. The word when split into two means Ati e. full of and rasa i.e. juice or full of power. This churna is a blend of Safed and Kali Musli, Ashwagandha, Gokshura, Shatavari, Kesar, and many more herbal ingredients useful in boosting testosterone levels without any side effects.

Dosage: – 1 capsule twice daily with plain water, after meals.

3. Male Support Formula

These capsules are known as “Herbal Viagra” and contain pure extracts of Ashwagandha, Gokshura, and Shilajit and are known to improve the symptoms of testosterone deficiency and keep male sexual health at its best without any addiction or side effects. It also helps to provide emotional stability to patients having issues at home or work that might lead to hormonal imbalances.

Dosage: – 1 teaspoonful daily with plain water, after meals.

4. Musli Strength

The formulation is created by the addition of both Gokshura and Safed Musli which are the most renowned herbs in Ayurveda for their effects on male sexual health and well-being making this formulation the best aphrodisiac and super helpful in improving sexual functions, testosterone levels, and stamina. This formulation is also observed to help improve blood circulation in the body along with stabilising hormones and fighting long-standing infertility.

Dosage: – 1 capsule twice daily with plain water, after meals.

5. Amalaki Rasayan

This formulation is formed with extracts of Indian gooseberry or Amla which is known as the best fruit in the whole dietary system as it is a rich source of vitamin C. This is an aphrodisiac (Vrishya) herb that boosts sexual functions and also keeps infections and cellular damage away as it is rich in antioxidants. It also keeps mood swings and sexual weakness away by boosting stamina and immunity. Amla also helps to keep the temperature maintained in the scrotum so that sperm production can be done at a normal rate.

Dosage: – 1 capsule twice daily with plain water, after meals.

CONCLUSION

Testosterone deficiency is becoming common and common with an increase in stress and improper lifestyle. Men tend to feel embarrassed and seek no medical care due to shame which leads to the worsening of the cases. Consumption of steroids and over-the-counter medications leads to even worse consequences in later life. Testosterone replacement therapy seems like the perfect solution to this but it has multiple side effects that are not taken under proper guidance. At Planet Ayurveda, we have done proper research for a long time on such cases and come up with multiple herbal solutions that help to restore normal testosterone levels without any addictions and side effects.

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