Myotonic Dystrophy, Types, Causes, Symptoms and Alternative Treatment
Abstract
Muscle health matters a lot as healthy muscles allow you to move freely and make your body strong. Strong muscles let you enjoy dancing, playing sports, swimming, walking, running and other fun activities. Strong muscles protect our joints and keep them in shape. For example if your muscles are weak and you go through any incident like falling off on the ground your bones get hurt. So to prevent your skeletal system being healthy keep your muscles stronger. There are many diseases that make your muscles affected and about one such disease we are going to discuss in the following article along with its Ayurvedic perspective and Ayurvedic management.
Introduction
Myotonic Dystrophy is one of the Types of Muscular Dystrophy that is one single term for genetic disorders. In these kinds of diseases weakness and progressive muscle loss occur. In Myotonic Dystrophy the muscles are unable to relax immediately after contractions. This condition is inherited from parents to children and the diagnosis is only clear after genetic testing. As this is a genetic condition so this condition can be manageable only. But further we will discuss this condition in detail along with its Ayurvedic view and how the life of the patient with Muscular Dystrophy can be improved with Ayurvedic medications.
Causes of Myotonic Dystrophy
Myotonic Dystrophy is divided into two types that are Type 1 DM and Type 2 DM. Type 1 DM also known as Steinert Disease. This condition occurs when DMPK, a gene present on the 19th chromosome, has abnormality. In type 2 DM abnormality is observed on 3 chromosomes known as ZNF9. changes in structure of both the genes leads to Myotonic Dystrophy. So basically this condition occurs after the gene mutation.
Symptoms of Myotonic Dystrophy
The main thing that happens in this condition is voluntary muscle weakness. The extent of weakness depends upon the type of Myotonic Dystrophy and age of the affected person. Another symptom of this condition is Myotonia, an inability in relaxing muscles. As the condition progresses the heart of the patient develops abnormal rhythm as the heart muscles weaken. The lung muscles also weaken and a patient may feel difficulty in breathing, usually during sleep. In type 1 mostly the GI muscles get affected. Other symptoms include constipation, difficult swallowing, and gallstones can occur. In females the uterus muscles get affected which leads to difficulty in pregnancy and in labour. In later stages cataract develops in the eyes both in type 1 and type 2 DM. in type 1 learning disabilities are also noticed. The congenital type 1 DM children are affected since birth with their cognitive functioning. These children face issues with their speech, vision fatigue and hearing.
Diagnosis of Myotonic Dystrophy
Basically Myotonic Dystrophy can be diagnosed with physical examination. In physical examination a typical pattern of weakness and muscle wasting is noticed along with myotonic as mentioned in the symptoms of Myotonic Dystrophy. The patient has a characteristic feature of weakness and wasting of neck and jaw muscles, men with frontal balding and certain laboratory tests need to be done to confirm the condition. The first test is electromyography (EMG) and the definitive test for this condition is genetic testing.
Ayurvedic View of Myotonic Dystrophy
Myotonic Dystrophy as discussed above is a genetic condition which as per Ayurveda is considered as Beej Dushti. Beej dushti is a condition in which there is a defect in male and female gametes that indulge at the time of fertilization. Which further causes vitiation in the foetus. So if the parent has Myotonic Dystrophy then if vitiated genes come into play while fertilization then the fetus has a chance of developing the same condition. In Myotonic Dystrophy Condition the beej dushti causes aggravation of Vata dosha that leads to weakness in muscles and leads to other symptoms of Myotonic Dystrophy. So as per Ayurveda to manage this condition basically there is a need to pacify vata dosha and provide rejuvenation. For this purpose Planet Ayurveda provides the following ayurvedic management. Let’s have a look at these herbal remedies and how all the ingredients of these remedies help in managing the symptoms of Myotonic Dystrophy !!!!&
Herbal Remedies by Planet Ayurveda for Myotonic Dystrophy
Planet Ayurveda is one of the Ayurvedic supplement companies that is working on the aim of Ayurveda strictly. This company is GMP and ISO certified and all the supplements are prepared under the strict guidance of M.D. Ayurveda practitioners. All the supplements are made up with 100% pure herbs and minerals. The supplements are devoid of added preservatives and synthetic materials. They formulate remedies almost for managing all kinds of health issues and also can be used as a supplement for maintaining good health. Following are the remedies for managing the condition of Myotonic Dystrophy, let’s have a look.
- Tribulus Power
- Ashwagandhadi Ghrit
- Atirasadi Churna
- Boswellia Curcumin
- Gandhak Rasayan
- Bala Ashwagandha Thailam
- Dhanwantharam Tailam
Product Description
1. Tribulus Power
Tribulus Power is a capsule formulation prepared by Planet Ayurveda. These capsules consist of standardized extract of herbs Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris). This herb consists of properties such as sweet, unctuous, coolant and balances Vata, Pitta and Kapha dosha. Also these capsules consist of antioxidant and strengthening properties. So these properties help in assisting symptoms like muscle weakness, fatigue and prevents further damage also.
Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily with warm water after meals.
2. Ashwagandhadi Ghrit
This is a lehya formulation prepared by Planet Ayurveda. This formulation consists of ingredients such as Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica), Cow’s ghee, Cow’s milk, etc. Ashwagandha has various properties which include adaptogenic, improves immunity and prevents cellular damage. So these properties of Ashwagandha makes this ghrit formulation effective in Myotonic dystrophy.
Dosage: 1 tsp twice daily with warm water after meals.
3. Atirasadi Churna
Atirasadi Churna is one of the herbal powder formulations of Planet Ayurveda. This herbal powder consists of powder of various herbs like Safed musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum), Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Kesar (Crocussativus), etc. The properties of the present ingredients in this herbal powder helps in providing strength, boosting immunity as well as helps in improving symptoms of Myotonic Dystrophy.
Dosage: 1 tsp twice daily with warm water after meals.
4. Boswellia Curcumin
Boswellia Curcumin is one of the capsule formulations of Planet Ayurveda. This herbal formulation consists of standardized extract of herbs Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Haridra (Curcuma longa). The capsules consist of various properties like analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, etc. These properties help in rejuvenating the muscle cells as well as preventing further damage. The properties of these capsules assists in reducing muscle pain, muscle weakness, etc
Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily with warm water after meals.
5. Gandhak Rasayan
Gandhak Rasayan by Planet Ayurveda is prepared by using Shuddha Gandhak (Purified sulfur). This formulation is a natural antibiotic, blood purifier, anti-inflammatory and various other properties. This formulation helps in boosting the immunity of the body as well as helps in preventing further progression of the disease in the body.
Dosage: 2 tablets twice daily with warm water after meals
6. Bala Ashwagandha Thailam
Bala Ashwagandha Thailam is one of the Ayurvedic herbal oils that is used for external application. This oil consists of herbs like Bala (Sida cordifolia), Laksha (Laccifer lacca), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Til Taila (Sesamum indicum), etc. This oil effectively balances Vata dosha that is the main cause of this condition. The herbal oil effectively improves bone strength and muscle strength.
7. Dhanwantharam Tailam
Dhanwantharam Tailam consists of ingredients like Bala (Sida cordifolia), Yava (Hordeum vulgare), Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris), Tila Tail (Sesamum indicum) and various others. This oil is one of the best vataj disorders and has a strengthening effect. Rejuvenating herbs are present in this oil so its local application provides nourishment to the muscles. The herbal preparation has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties so it assists in reducing pain and inflammation.
Method of Application: Mix both the oils in equal quantities in one bowl. Now pour water in a container and let it be heated. Now place the bowl inside the container and heat the oil. After heating, apply it locally for 2-3 times a day
Conclusion
Myotonic Dystrophy is one of the types of Muscular Dystrophy that is one single term for genetic disorders. There is gene mutation as per modern science but according to Ayurveda this condition can be considered as Beej Dosha dushti. So in Ayurveda this condition can be managed by safe herbal remedies along with following proper dietary instructions. Herbs like Ashwagandha, Gokshura, Shallaki, Haridra and many others help in managing the symptoms of Myotonic Dystrophy like muscle weakness, fatigue, etc. So if you have this condition you can take these herbal remedies along with following a proper diet chart to manage your condition.
