AYURVEDIC TREATMENT OF RAYNAUD’S PHENOMENON
Raynaud’s Phenomenon is a rare disorder of the blood vessels. The disorder affects the small arteries which supply blood to the skin, mainly the fingers and the toes. This disorder is caused by the narrowing or constriction of blood vessels, for a brief period, when an individual feels excessively cold or emotionally stressed.
A Raynaud’s attack occurs when the temporary narrowing of blood vessels, due to an overreaction to cold or stress, limits the flow of the blood to the skin (vasospasm). As a result, the affected areas, like fingers and toes, become numb and turn white, and then bluish in color. Upon the return of the flow of blood after warming, the affected area turns red, and there is a throbbing or tingling sensation.
Raynaud’s attacks are generally triggered by cold temperatures – for example- exposure to cold while putting hands in cold water, taking things out from a freezer, or going out in cold air — or emotional stress.
Raynaud’s phenomenon mostly affects the people living in colder climatic regions, women being at a higher risk of this disorder as compared to men.
Types of Raynaud’s Phenomenon:
Raynaud’s Phenomenon is of two types-
- Primary Raynaud’s
- Secondary Raynaud’s.
Primary Raynaud’s is a common type of Raynaud’s which requires no treatment beyond self-care, like dressing up warmly. This kind of Raynaud’s attacks usually start occurring between 15 and 30 years of age; with a family history of Raynaud’s also increases an individual’s risk for this disorder.
Secondary Raynaud’s is a less common type of the disorder and a more serious one. It generally affects the people at around 40 years of age; and is caused by some underlying health problem or other factors, including connective tissue diseases, health conditions which are affecting the arteries, carpal tunnel syndrome, smoking, repetitive action of hands, injuries to hands/feet, and use of certain medications like beta-blockers.
Raynaud’s Phenomenon is typically not a serious health condition, but, in severe cases of Secondary Raynaud’s, the reduced blood flow or completely blockage of the arteries can cause sores (skin ulcers) or dead tissue (gangrene), which can be difficult to treat. Hence, in some rare, untreated cases, the removal of the affected body part (amputation) may be required.
Symptoms of Raynaud’s Phenomenon:
The most common symptoms of Raynaud’s Phenomenon are:
- Cold fingers or toes
- Numbness in the affected area
- Change in skin color in response to cold or stress
- Prickly feeling or stinging/throbbing pain upon return of blood flow after warming.
Ayurvedic Perspective of Raynaud’s Phenomenon:
Ayurveda is an ancient form of the medical system, which is based on the concept that health and well-being are related to an equilibrium of the body’s three ‘Doshas’ — Vata, Pitta, and Kapha — any imbalance of these doshas puts individuals at the risk of diseases.
According to Ayurveda, Raynaud’s Phenomenon is a disorder affecting the body’s blood circulatory system or ‘Raktavaha sorta,’ which is the channel that carries and nourishes the blood. The circulation of blood in the body is governed by the Vyana Vayu sub dosha of Vata which is responsible for movement from the center of the body to the periphery. A disturbance in the structures of the Raktavaha srota affects the flow of Vata in the circulatory system, thereby obstructing the normal directional flow of Vata in the channel.
For the management of Raynaud’s phenomenon in accordance with Ayurveda principles, Ayurveda practitioners use herbal formulations which can improve the flow of blood in the body, so that the attacks of the disease can be prevented. Moreover, patients are also advised to make some dietary changes, control their stress levels, do regular exercise, and keep their hands and feet warm.
Treatment of Raynaud’s Phenomenon:
The treatment for Raynaud’s phenomenon may include the use of drugs that keep the blood vessels open, relax the blood vessels, and control blood pressure (in case of patients suffering from Secondary Raynaud’s). However, in severe cases in which the condition does not improve, doctors may suggest surgical procedures that involve cutting the nerves to the blood vessels and potential amputation.
Raynaud’s phenomenon can be managed in a safe and natural manner with the help of some effective herbal products available from reputed herbal manufacturing Planet Ayurveda. These herbal products are prepared by Ayurveda experts and do not contain any chemicals, preservatives, additives, fillers or artificial colors.
Planet Ayurveda’s herbal products for the management of Raynaud’s Phenomenon include:
- Stress Support Capsules
- Manjistha Capsules
- Punarnava Mandoor Tablets
- Wheatgrass Powder
1. Stress Support Capsules:
Some well-known potent herbs are combined for the preparation of these capsules, including Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Brahmi (Bacopa monneiri), Tagar (Valeriana wallichi), and Jatamansi (Nordostachyes jatamansi).
Patients suffering from Raynaud’s phenomenon can get benefit from the use of these capsules because of their herbal components it can manage disorders of the nervous system, control blood pressure, relieve stress/anxiety, and balance the body’s Vata dosha.
Dosage: 1-2 capsules, two times a day after 30 mins of the meals.
2. Manjistha Capsules:
A standardized extract of ‘Manjistha’ herb (Rubia cordifolia) is used for preparing these capsules. This herb is widely used in Ayurveda because of its anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, astringent, antispasmodic, blood purifier, and immunity-enhancer properties.
The use of Manjistha capsules can be extremely beneficial for managing Raynaud’s phenomenon because the capsules have the ability to manage blood disorders, treat skin problems, eliminate toxins from the body, and maintain the balance of the body’s doshas.
Dosage: 2 capsules, two times a day after 30 mins of the meals.
3. Punarnava Mandoor Tablets:
The preparation of these tablets involves the use of a combination of several potent herbs, including Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa), Mandoor Bhasma (Ferric oxide calx), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Shunti (Zingiber officinale), Pippali (Piper longum), Maricha (Piper nigrum), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Chavya (Piper chaba), Vidanga (Embelia ribes), and Chitrak Mool (Plumbago zeylanica).
The use of these tablets can benefit patients suffering from Raynaud’s phenomenon because the herbal components of the tablets have proven abilities to improve the quality of blood, increase blood count, control cholesterol, remove toxins from the body, and treat a number of other health conditions.
Dosage: 2 capsules, two times a day after 30 mins of the meals.
4. Wheatgrass Powder:
Wheatgrass powder is obtained from dehydrating the extracted juice of Wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum), which is a type of grass that is allowed to grow naturally in the field for at least three months, and then dehydrated and consumed as a nutritional supplement. Wheatgrass is believed to have high iron content, and it also contains Vitamin A, B, C & K, amino acids, minerals, and essential fatty acids.
The use of Wheatgrass powder can be beneficial for managing Raynaud’s phenomenon because of its effective antibacterial and restorative properties. The powder also has the ability to enter the bloodstream quickly, control blood sugar level, maintain cholesterol level, improve digestion, detoxify the body, lower down the blood pressure by expanding the blood pathways in the body, and pacify the Vata, Pitta and Kapha doshas.
Dosage: One teaspoonful of the powder, 2-3 times a day.
Conclusion:
Planet Ayurveda’s herbal products are completely safe to use. However, it is recommended that people affected by Raynaud’s phenomenon should use herbal products after consultation with an experienced Ayurveda practitioner.
If you are suffering from this disease you can visit our website:www.planetayurveda.com
