Category: Neurological Disorders

Ayurvedic Overview and Treatment for Somatoform

Abstract

Somatoform is a condition of mental disorder associated with unexplained symptoms. It involves various disorders. It is classified into a group of psychic disorders. It experiences that the physical signs and symptoms are nearly related to the stressful life and emotional conflicts. Its incidence occurs mostly in females than males. Usually it is chronic due to being diagnosed late. So today we will read about somatoform disorders in brief in this article.

Ayurvedic Overview and Treatment for Somatoform

Introduction

Somatoform is a disorder of mental illness that is distinguished by physical symptoms like fatigue or pain which leads to emotional distress and impaired functioning. It involves various disorders such as somatic symptom disorder, conversion disorder, hypochondriasis, factitious disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, etc. The patient experiences extreme psychological signs and symptoms. People who are suffering from depression and anxiety are more susceptible to somatoform disorders.

Causes

The exact cause is unknown. Other causes are given below

  • Genetics
  • Learned behavior
  • Sexual abuse
  • Stress
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Child abuse or childhood trauma
  • Family influence
  • Pain sensitivity increased
  • Ignored during child phase

Types along with their symptoms

Conversion disorder

  • Pain
  • Seizures/tremors/paralysis
  • Weakness
  • Dysarthria
  • Dizziness
  • Dysphagia

Hypochondriasis:

  • Sleep disturbed
  • Spending most of the time searching related signs and symptoms on the internet.
  • Consultation with multiple health professionals
  • Overthinking of having serious diseases

Somatic symptom disorder

  • Breathlessness
  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Disturbed bowel habits
  • Fatigue
  • Pain in whole body or localized in any fragment of body
  • Overthinking
  • Events of anxiety attack
  • Lightheadedness

Body dysmorphic disorder

  • Comparison
  • Taking stress about body appearance
  • Over conscious especially for face

Factitious disorder

  • Short temperament
  • Self harming
  • Facking symptoms

Malingering

  • Not obeys the doctor advise
  • Attention seeker
  • Falling sick to prevent from work

Diagnose

  • Psychological evaluation
  • Physical examination

Treatment

  • Relaxation therapy
  • Supportive psychotherapy
  • Family therapy
  • Behavior stress management

Ayurvedic overview

In Ayurveda, we can correlate this somatoform disorder with vatagata vyadhi and anubandha of vayu (Association with vata). It can also be closely related with manovikaras. There are three mana dosha:- Satva, Raja and Tama. Vitiation of these three mana dosha leads to somatoform disorders. Vitiation of Vata dosha along with these three gunas (mana dosha) develops symptoms like unexplained pain, visada (Depression), altered gut movements, excessive overthinking, brahma (Confusion), chittodvega (Anxiety), worrying, anxious behaviour, etc.

Samprapti of vata vyadhi

Vata prakopa due to dhatuksaya

Because of intake of katu rasa (Pungent), tikta rasa (Bitter), kasaya (Astringent), dry and light foods, dry vegetables, millet, leads to the ksaya (Decline) of the dhatus (Body tissues), the srotas (Channels) becomes rikta (Vacant) and vata gets imbalanced or vitiated. This can be correlated with the degenerative changes of the nervous system that may cause multiple nervous disorders.

Vata prakopa due to margavarna

Causative factors such as ama (Undigested toxins), vegasandharana (Suppresses natural urge), marmaghata (Injury to vital points), vistambhi (Constipated diet), etc cause margavarana which means the obstruction of the path. Here the obstruction may be complete or partial leading to riktata (Vacant) of the srotas (Channels) beyond the site of obstruction and leads to vata prakopa.

Treatment

Treatment of manovikara given following

Daivavyapashraya chikitsa (Divine or spiritual therapy)

This treatment is done by mantra ucharan (Chanting of mantra), niyama (Practice of healthy habits), mani dharan (Wearing precious stones or auspicious gems), prayashchit (Atonement of bad or evil deeds) and yatragaman (Visiting sacred places of pilgrimage).

Yuktivyapashraya Chikitsa

It is the treatment involves nasya (Medications through nasal passage), takradhara (Pouring medicated buttermilk on forehead), shirodhara (Pouring ghrita, milk, and medicated oil on the forehead), shirolepa (Apply paste on the head), virechana (Purgation), vaman (Emesis), etc.

Other herbal medicine

  • Ghrita:- Kalyanaka ghrita, Panchagavya ghrita, Brahmi ghrita
  • Arishta:- Ashwagandharishta, Saraswatarishta
  • Rasayan:- Kushmanda rasayan, Brahma rasayan
  • Vati:- Brahmi vati
  • Powders:- Jyotishmati powder, Jatamansi powder, Shankhpushpi powder

Herbal remedies for Somatoform disorder by Planet Ayurveda

Planet ayurveda is a huge manufacturing unit of various herbal remedies for various types of diseases. The company strictly follows all the principles of Ayurveda given in the ancient textbook of Ayurveda Samhita. All the herbal remedies are GMP certified and are safe to consume. All the herbal medications are free from chemical, additives, yeast and other preservatives and have no side effects. Herbs which are used to prepare medications are high in efficacy, pure, natural and all the preparations are 100% vegetarian. Planet Ayurveda provide herbal remedies for somatoform disorder which are given below

Products List

  1. Neurogenie capsules
  2. Boswellia + Curcumin capsules
  3. Phyllanthus niruri capsules
  4. Kalyanaka ghrit
  5. Saraswatarisht

Herbal Remedies for Somatoform DisordersBuy Now: Herbal Remedies For Somatoform Disorders

Products Description

1. Neurogenie capsules

This capsule is a polyherbal containing brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), and ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). It is sweet, astringent and bitter in taste. It is slightly hot and light in effect. It is a pacifier of all the three doshas– vata, pitta and kapha dosha. It possesses various antioxidants and enhances learning power, memory and concentration. It binds the brain to bring cognitive functions and intellectual pursuits. It is a tranquilizer, a muscle relaxant, an antipyretic, an anticonvulsant, carminative, digestive and a good blood detoxifier. It is a choice of medication for vitiated vata dosha that governs the nervous system. It has salutary effects in depression, insomnia, hypertension, anxiety, insanity, hysteria and mental retardation. It is beneficial in all types of epilepsy. It is indicated in splenomegaly, asthma, senile debility, skin diseases and ulcers.

Does:- 2 Capsules twice daily

2. Boswellia + Curcumin capsules

It is a polyherbal capsule containing shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and haridra (Curcuma longa). This medicine is pungent and bitter in taste. Its effect is dry, hot and light. It contains volatile oils, protein, vitamin A, carbohydrates and minerals. It is a known anti bacterial, anti-allergic, diuretic and antioxidant medicine. It alleviates kapha dosha and vata dosha. It acts as digestive, astringent, anti-diabetic and helpful in blood formation. It is used for skin also. It is indicated for pimples, acne, blemishes, burns and liver diseases. It is a natural antibiotic and applied on bruises and cuts. It is used in chronic pruritus and urticaria.

Dose:- 1 Capsule twice daily

3. Phyllanthus niruri capsules

It is a single herbal capsule containing bhumiamla(Phyllanthus niruri). It pacifies vitiated pitta and kapha dosha. It has analgesic, digestive, carminative, hepatoprotective and antispasmodic properties. It is used in hepatitis, skin disorders, hypertension, diabetes and anemia.

Dose :- 1 Capsule twice daily

4. Kalyanaka ghrit

It is described in the ancient textbook of Ayurveda which contain amalaki (Emblica officinalis), haritaki (Terminalia chebula), bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), devadaru (Cedrus deodara), manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), etc. It is astringent, antiseptic, carminative, digestive and an hemostatic agent. It improves the complexion, intelligence, memory, appetizer, a booster of hematopoietic system, a blood detoxifier and purifier. It is bitter, astringent and sweet in taste and dry, hot and heavy in effect but it is a pacifier of all the three dosha- vata, pitta and kapha dosha. It has anti-inflammatory properties and uterine stimulant properties.

It is a medication used to manage the raised uric acid and gouty arthritis, glandular swellings and recurrent skin infections. It is indicated in uterine and urinary infections, dysentery, chronic fever and diarrhea. It helps to gain lusture, smooth, glowing skin and aids to remove discoloration, freckles and pimples free skin. It promotes the healing of skin tissues damaged by infection or injury.

Dose:- 1 Tsp twice daily with milk or warm water

5. Araswatarisht

It is described in ancient textbook of Ayurveda which containing brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), haritaki (Terminalia chebula), adrak (Zingiber officinale), etc. It is katu (Pungent) and tikta (Bitter) in taste and light, hot and unctuous in effect. While pacifying vata and kapha dosha but aggravating pitta dosha. It is a digestive, producing saliva, carminative, diuretic, demulcent and anti-colic. It is a good cardiac stimulant, aphrodisiac and anti rheumatic properties. It helps to nullify toxins produced in the body due to improper digestion. It is very good for controlling the mucus coming with stool. It increases perspiration and stimulates the circulatory system. It relieves congestion and sinusitis. It maintains the hormonal balance and helps in maintaining normal pregnancy. It reduces the general debility in the body. It improves learning capability, memory and concentration power.

Dosage:- 2 Tsp twice daily

Contact Planet Ayurveda Support Team to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or Call at 0172-521-4040 (India), +91-172-521-4040 (Outside India) or Whatsapp at (+91) 9915-593-604

Conclusion

In this article, we read about different types of somatoform disorder which is related to mental illness. In Ayurveda we relate this disease with vitiated vata dosha, association of vata and manovikaras. We can manage this disease by various herbal medicines like brahmi ghrita, saraswatarisht, kalyanaka ghrita, brahmi vati, Neurogenie capsules, etc. In other, we can advise the patient to do meditation, yoga, chanting mantra, etc regularly to keep the mind calm.

Herbal Treatment for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Abstract

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition or psychiatric disorder which may occur when people witness such trauma or shock. A mental disorder is a change in behavioral patterns which causes impairment in personal functioning. A mental disorder is a psychological syndrome which is associated with a disability which increases the risk of death and a certain loss of autonomy. Trauma is a deeply distressing and disturbing situation that affects humans diminishes their sense of self and runs high in emotions. This trauma affects the normal life of a person with an altered mood which she/he used to be in the past. The traumatized person feels permanently damaged if the trauma is gone they don’t feel or believe in this situation. They lead to loss of self-esteem, emptiness and sometimes depression. In this article, we shall see the details of this disorder and management and the traditional view.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Introduction

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a psychiatric disorder in which one witnesses a traumatic event once in a lifetime. It is known as shell shock and battle fatigue syndrome which develops when one experienced terrifying events such as sexual assault, traffic collisions and child abuse. People with PTSD have disturbing thoughts and feelings which are related to experience even though the trauma has ended. There are four types of post-traumatic stress disorder – intrusive memories, avoidance, negative thinking and mood, and various changes in a physical and emotional state. It occurs at any age, in every person of every nationality. Women are more prone than men to getting this disease. PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder is a lasting consequence of trauma which causes fear, helplessness, and horror. Those who suffer prolonged trauma and abuse may develop complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD).

Causes

  • Stressful experience
  • Inherited mental health risk which includes anxiety and depression
  • Domestic violence
  • Child abuse
  • History of drug abuse and alcohol
  • War-related trauma
  • Pregnancy-related trauma
  • Death-related trauma

Signs and Symptoms

These symptoms can be classified into 4 types

1. Intrusive Memories

  • Upsetting dreams and nightmares
  • Unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event
  • Emotional distress and physical reactions which lead to trauma

2. Avoidance

  • Trying to avoid thinking
  • Avoiding places and activities which cause trauma

3. Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood

  • Emotionally disturbed
  • Feeling detached from everyone
  • Lack of interest in activities
  • Memory loss

4. Changes in Physical and Emotional Reactions

  • Trouble sleeping
  • Angry outbursts
  • Guilt and shame

5. Negative Cognitions and Mood

6. Temper Tantrums

7. Use of Alcohol

Pathophysiology

It is divided into two parts

1. Neuroendocrinology

This may be a result of a traumatic injury which causes a reactive adrenaline response which creates various neurological patterns in the brain. During traumatic experience there is a high level of stress hormones which are secreted and suppress hypothalamic activity, causing biochemical changes in the brain and body. It causes low levels of serotonin.

2. Neuroanatomy

Reduced total brain volume and intracranial volume, but with a patient of PTSD have decreased activity. In reports of PTSD, there is a large degree of social anxiety disorder.

Diagnosis

  • Physical examination
  • Screening and assessment

Differential Diagnosis

  • Adjustment disorder
  • Acute stress disorder
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • Complex post-traumatic stress disorder

Treatment

1. Counseling

This includes psychotherapy which is used in the treatment of Post-traumatic stress disorders

  • Cognitive therapy
  • Exposure therapy
  • EMDR (Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing)

2. Medication involves

  • Antidepressants
  • Anti-anxiety medications
  • Prazosin

Complication

  • Depression and anxiety
  • Eating disorders
  • Suicidal thoughts and actions

Ayurvedic Management

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder is a serious disorder which occurs due to various life happenings such as physical assault, roadside traffic accidents and away from loved ones. This includes various signs and symptoms which include anxiety, hallucinations and headache.
  • In ayurveda post-traumatic stress disorder is correlated with the Aggravation of Vata doshas.
  • It includes Vata doshas which further includes majja dhatu and manovaha srotas, manovaha vikara arises because of fear and grief which leads to vitiation of Vata doshas and the mind is the abode of disease which causes physical ailment. The mind works as a dual organ which has extraordinary sense organs. Manas is said to be present throughout the body except for nails, hair and other structures, hence it is the seat of all sense organs.

Treatment

  • Virechana (purgation therapy)
  • Basti (enema)
  • Nasya
  • Abhyanga- daily massage which is helpful in Vata imbalance.
  • Shirodhara- it is treated by pouring buttermilk on the forehead, it helps to balance Vata doshas and clear the srotas and helps to eliminate the sensory overload.
  • Use of ghrita such as panchagavya ghrita, kalyanka ghrita which are helpful in post-traumatic stress disorder used as nasal drops.
  • And ayurveda recommends three types of chikitsa

1. Daivavyapasraya chikitsa (Spiritual therapy)

It refers to the mantra, ausadhi and magala and homa which helps with mental disorders and is helpful in all manas vikara.

2. Yuktivyapasraya chikitsa (rational therapy)

It refers to the use of diet (ahara) and aushadh (drugs). It helps to eliminate the doshas and toxins from the body.

3. Satvavajaya Chikitsa (psychobehavioral therapy)

It helps to restrain the mind from desires from unwholesome objects. It helps to increase the sattva guna by exaggerating the tamas and rajas guna. In this dincharya (daily regimen), ritucharya (seasonal regimen), sadvritta(code of conduct) and achar rasayan are very beneficial.

Herbs Useful in PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)

Mandukparni

Mandukparni (Centella Asiatica) is an ayurvedic medicinal herb which is helpful in liver protective properties, has anti-oxidant properties, and helps to stimulate the immune system. Helps in cell regeneration and promotes skin thickening and in the wound healing process. Mandukhparni helps to increase the level of dopamine in the brain which helps to deal with depression.

Yashtimadhu

Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) helps to cure infertility and has hepatoprotective properties and antioxidant properties. Helps in promoting and improving the skin complexion. In the healing process and provides immunity and is a good hair tonic. Promotes the longevity of life and relieves dysuria and is used in blood disorders.

Brahmi

Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) is a famous ayurvedic herb which helps to improve intelligence and memory and has antioxidant properties. It is useful for high BP and helps to cure anxiety and stress, and is a good antioxidant. Helps to improve psychiatric disorders and improves bronchial disorders. Brahmi improves the quality of life and acts as a cardiac tonic.

Guduchi

Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) is a famous ayurvedic herb which is helpful in cardiac disorders and is well known as an immune modulator which helps to improve immunity. Helps to relieve constipation and balances the tridoshas of the body. Guduchi is helpful in eye disorders and acts as a rejuvenative.

Herbal Remedies for PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is an eminent ISO 9001:2015, GMP certified, and US- FDA registered ayurvedic company which adheres to the objectives of manufacturing quality Ayurvedic products as mentioned in the number of ancient textbooks. These formulations are free from any preservatives and any other kinds of chemicals which have many side effects on the body. Products manufactured at Planet Ayurveda are pure and devoid of any kind of adulteration. These products are purely organic and gluten-free. Planet Ayurveda formulated many herbal remedies for PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) which are helpful in managing the disease without causing any side effects.

Products List

  1. Neurogenie Capsules
  2. Stress Support
  3. Mahakalyanaka Ghrit
  4. Arjun Tea

Herbal Remedies for Post traumatic stress disorder Herbal Supplements for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Products Description

1. Neurogenie Capsules

Neurogenie Capsules are polyherbal capsules made by planet ayurveda using various ingredients such as Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). It is helpful in the treatment of insomnia and improves memory and mental power. Neurogenie Capsules are helpful in nourishing nerves and improving muscular strength, controlling the Vata doshas and stimulating the organs to function properly.

Dosage- 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

2. Stress Support

Stress support capsules are polyherbal capsules made by planet ayurveda using products such as Tagar (Valeriana wallichii), Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). It is helpful in balancing the tridoshas of the body and is beneficial for the nervous system. Helps to relieve stress and anxiety, and fight against depression.

Dosage- 1 capsule twice daily with plain water after meals.

3. Mahakalyanaka Ghrit

Mahakalyanaka Ghrit is a classical ayurvedic formulation which is made by planet ayurveda using ingredients such as Haridra (Curcuma longa), Shalparni (Desmodium gangeticum), Brihati (Solanum indicum) and many more. It is helpful in infertility, anemia and in memory loss problems. Mahakalyanaka ghrit helps to cope with stress disorders as it helps to relax the mind and manage the symptoms.

Dosage- 1 tsp twice daily with warm water.

4. Arjun Tea

Arjun Tea is a herbal tea formulation made by planet ayurveda using ingredients such as Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Chhoti elaichi (Elettaria cardamomum). It is helpful in problems such as hypertension, blocked coronary arteries and in conditions with high cholesterol. Helps to strengthen the heart muscles and arterial system and has the property of antioxidants.

Dosage- 1 cup twice daily.

Contact Planet Ayurveda Support Team to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or Call at 0172-521-4040 (India), +91-172-521-4040 (Outside India) or Whatsapp at (+91) 9915-593-604

Conclusion

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition or psychiatric disorder which may occur when people witness such trauma or shock. It is known as shell shock and battle fatigue syndrome which develops when one experienced terrifying events such as sexual assault, traffic collisions and child abuse. People with PTSD have disturbing thoughts and feelings which are related to experience even though the trauma has ended. In ayurveda post-traumatic stress disorder is correlated with the Aggravation of Vata doshas. It includes Vata doshas which further includes majja dhatu and manovaha srotas, manovaha vikara arises because of fear and grief which leads to vitiation of Vata doshas and the mind is the abode of disease which causes physical ailment. In this article, we discussed the herbal remedies by planet Ayurveda which are beneficial in this.