Effective Ayurvedic Treatment for Tardive Dyskinesia with Diet & Herbal Remedies
Abstract
Our nervous system is responsible for voluntary and involuntary movements of the body. Voluntary movements are those which occur by a person’s will or thinking while involuntary movements are those movements that occur without a person’s will or thinking. These are the natural processes that occur. Sometimes when these natural processes are affected, various types of movement disorders occur. Due to these movement disorders, some involuntary movements occur that are not controlled by a person’s will. Tardive Dyskinesia is a disorder that is related to involuntary movement that is not natural. In this article, we are going to study in detail about Tardive Dyskinesia. Let’s start!
Introduction
Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) is a movement disorder in which there is an involuntary muscle movement. The word Tardive means “delayed” and Dyskinesia means “involuntary muscle movement”. This disorder can be characterised by repetitive movements of eye blinking, lip smacking, chewing movements etc. This disease may occur due to long-term use of antipsychotic medicines which are mostly taken by patients of Schizophrenia and bipolar disorders. These antipsychotic drugs are mainly dopamine receptor-blocking drugs. According to various studies, about 20-50% of people taking neuroleptics will develop Tardive Dyskinesia on long-term use. In this article, we are going to study in detail about causes, signs, symptoms, diagnosis, Ayurveda correlation, diet and Ayurveda management through classical texts and Ayurveda formulations of Planet Ayurveda. Let’s start in detail!
Causes
Tardive Dyskinesia may occur due to long-term use of certain medicines like neuroleptics, antidepressants or many others. However, the exact cause of Tardive Dyskinesia is still unknown. However, according to some researchers, these are Dopamine receptor-blocking medications that block dopamine for a long time. Due to this, it makes dopamine receptors more sensitive which affects basal ganglia mostly. These basal ganglia are responsible for movement control of the body. These extra-sensitive receptors result in involuntary movements.
Drugs that are responsible for Tardive Dyskinesia are as follows:
- Antipsychotic/li>
- Antidepressant
- Antiseizure drugs
- Antihistamines
- Antimalarials
Signs of Tardive Dyskinesia
Tardive Dyskinesia is a rare condition that occurs from the side effects of certain medicines. Some of the common signs of Tardive Dyskinesia are as follows:
- Fast Blinking of eyes
- Finger movement like piano playing
- Jerking movements of arms and legs
Symptoms of Tardive Dyskinesia
Tardive Dyskinesia is a movement-related disorder. Its common signs and symptoms are as follows:
- Repetitive movements of the face, neck arms and legs
- Lip smacking
- Sticking out the tongue
- Stiff neck
- Difficulty swallowing
- Rapid eye blinking
- Jaw swinging
- Restlessness
- Duck-like gait
Diagnosis of Tardive Dyskinesia
Tardive Dyskinesia can be diagnosed by taking proper history of the patient. Some physical and neurological exams can be done to evaluate the level of consciousness, reflexes and coordination of the body. There is no specific test to rule out Tardive Dyskinesia, but we can perform the following test to rule out associated conditions with it that are as follows:
CT or MRI of the brain to rule out associated conditions like Parkinson’s disease or Huntington’s disease
Management of Tardive Dyskinesia
The condition of Tardive Dyskinesia can be managed by using drugs like vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT), valbenazine etc. to control unwanted and involuntary movements.
Ayurveda Aspect of Tardive Dyskinesia
Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) is a condition in which there is an uncontrolled movement of the parts of the body. In Ayurveda, there is no direct correlation with any disease. However, it can be correlated with Vataj Vyadhi (diseases that occur due to vitiation of Vata) dosha and more probably with Kampavata (Type of Vata Vyadhi). According to Acharya Charaka, there are 80 types of diseases that occur due to vitiation of Vata diseases. Vata dosha is responsible for all types of movements in the body. Due to Vata imbalance, there is an increase in movement of the body which leads to symptoms like Repetitive movements of the face, neck arms and legs, rapid eye blinking etc. In 80 types of Vata Vyadhi, Tardive Dyskinesia can be probably correlated with Kamapvata in which the word Kampa means tremors and Vata stands for vitiation of Vatadosha. In Kampavata, there is an increase in body movements as compared to normal.
Ayurvedic Management of Tardive Dyskinesia
According to Ayurveda, Tardive Dyskinesia is related to Kampavata which is one of Vataj Vyadhi. For the management of this condition, one should take medicine which can help in balancing Vata dosha. The common line of treatment for the management of Vata vyadhi are as follows:
क्रियामतः परं सिद्धां वातरोगापहां शृणु |
केवलं निरुपस्तम्भमादौ स्नेहैरुपाचरेत् ||
वायुं सर्पिर्वसातैलमज्जपानैर्नरं ततः |
Ancient Reference – (चरक संहिता सूत्रस्थान 28/75)
According to the above Shloka, The treatment of diseases that occur by vitiation of Vata dosha can be done by oleation therapy (Snehana) by using ghee, muscle fat, oil and bone marrow. Some of the Ayurvedic Herbs that can be given for the management of Vata Vyadhi are Devadaru, Bala, Atibala, Dashmoola etc.
Panchkarma for Tardive Dyskinesia
- Snehan (Oleation Therapy) – It involves the intake of medicated ghee or oil. Snehan can be done by using Saraswatha ghrit, Kalyanaka Ghrit, Bala Tailam, Tiktakam Ghritam etc.
- Swedana (Sudation Therapy) – Sudation or sweating therapy is a procedure in which sweating is produced. This therapy provides strength to the body and improves metabolism.
- Abhyanga (Massage Therapy) – Massage with medicated oil or ghee can be done which helps in the management of aggravated Vata dosha. Massage also helps in relieving symptoms of Tardive Dyskinesia like repetitive movements of parts of the body. It can be done by using Balashwagandhadi tailam, Mahamasha Tailam, Sahacharadi Tailam, Gugguluyiktakam ghritam etc.
- Virechana (Purgation) – Virechana helps in the management of Doshas by removing accumulated toxins from the body by using medicated herbs. Virechana can be done by using Gandharvahastadi Kashayam, Sukumara Ghritam etc.
- Nasya – It is a therapy in which the herb is administered in the body through nasal passage.
- Basti (Medicated Enema) – Basti is the introduction of decoction or oil made by medicated oil through the rectum. Niruha Basti is more effective in this condition. Niruha basti can be given by using Erandumuladi kashaya, Dashmoola Ksheera etc.
Diet for Tardive Dyskinesia
- Fruits like Pomegranate, Mango, Papaya, Cherries, Banana, Apricots, Apple etc.
- Vegetables like beetroot, turnip, carrot, potato etc.
- Intake of cow ghee and oil
- Intake of cow milk
- Intake of spices like fennel, cloves, turmeric, ajwain, black pepper, cardamom etc.
Herbal Remedies for Tardive Dyskinesia by Planet Ayurveda
Planet Ayurveda has manufactured a wide range of Ayurvedic medicines for the last 25 years. All the medicines are formed after a series of clinical tests and trials. These medicines are available in various formulations like Oil, Decoction, Tablets, Capsules, Powder, Syrup and many others. All the Medicines are formed by efficient and natural herbs and minerals. Herbal extracts that are used for the formation of medicines are highly effective. In this article, we are going to study some formulations for Tardive Dyskinesia formed by Planet Ayurveda.
- Neurogenie Capsules
- Kalyanaka Ghrita
- Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras
- Vikramprash
- Saraswatarisht
Products Description
1. Neurogenie Capsules
This herbal formulation contains a standard extract of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). These herbs contain calming effects that help in the management of stress and repetitive movements of the body. The adaptogenic effect of these herbs helps in the management of stress and improves the capacity of focus. The neuroprotective properties of these herbs are useful in improving nervous system-related diseases.
Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily with water after meals.
2. Kalyanaka Ghrit
This formulation contains Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haridra (Curcuma longa) and many more. It is a classical formulation which helps in the management of various conditions of the nervous system. Kalyanaka Ghrita helps in the management of tremors and helps in the management of excess Vata Dosha. It provides a protective effect on the nervous system.
Dosage: 1 tsp twice daily with warm milk or water or as directed by the physician.
3. Vrihat VatChintamani Ras
It is a classical formulation that is made up of Swarna Bhasma, Rajata Bhasma, Loha Bhasma, Pravala Bhasma and many more. This formulation helps in the management of healthy functions of the nervous system. It helps in the balancing of aggravated Vata dosha. It manages anxiety, tremors and stress.
Dosage: 1 tablet twice daily with water after meals.
4. Vikramprash
It is a jelly-like formulation made up of Bilva (Aegle marmelos), Agnimantha (Premna mucronata), Patla (Sterospermum suveolens), Prishnaparni (Uraria picta) and many more. This is an effective formulation that helps in maintaining all doshas, especially Vata dosha. It contains antioxidants,
immunomodulating and calming properties that help improve immunity and slow down the repetitive movements of the body. It provides strength to the nervous system.
Dosage: 1 tsp twice daily with lukewarm water after meals.
5. Saraswatharist
This formulation contains ingredients like Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Saunf (Foeniculum vulgare), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) and many more. This formulation is in the form of liquid (Arishta) which is very effective for the nervous system health. It acts as a nervous tonic and memory booster. It provides calming effects to the nervous system that help in the management of symptoms like repetitive movement and anxiety.
Dosage: 2 tsp twice daily with equal water after meals.
Conclusion
Tardive Dyskinesia is a condition that mainly occurs due to long-term use of various medicines like neuroleptics, antidepressants or many others. It is a disease that is related to muscle movement. In this condition, there is involuntary or uncontrolled muscle movement of the body parts. This condition occurs due to aggravated Vata dosha and can be effectively managed by using Ayurvedic formulations. Ayurveda medicines along with a healthy diet and lifestyle can help in managing Tardive Dyskinesia. Various formulations of Planet Ayurveda that are discussed above can also help in the management of this condition very effectively.
