Muscular Dystrophy is a Musculoskeletal disease that consists of progressive muscle weakness, loss of muscle mass, frequent falls, intellectual disabilities, and gait disturbances, It affects all age groups and is mainly seen in boys. There are numerous types of muscular dystrophy among them Duchene Muscular Dystrophy ( DMD) is commonest one. In Ayurveda, Acharya considers it as Adibala Pravruthha Vyadhi ( Due to irregularities in shukra as well as shonitha ie spermatozoa, and ova. Srotho rodha (obstruction in tissue micro channels ) will affect the Dhatvagni ( metabolism ) which will lead to Aama (Toxin) formation followed by Kapha dosha. It will manifest as Mamsagata Vata ( Vata Dosha vitiation in Mamsa Dhathu).

Vata, pitta, and Kapha Doshas are the basic elements of the body that helps to maintain a healthy life. Ayurveda defines Muscular Dystrophy as Mamsa Sosha which is mainly due to an imbalance in Vata Dosha and Saptha Dhathus. Saptha Dhathus(Rasa, Raktha, Mamsa, Medha, Asthi, Majja, Sukra ) are basic elements that help to maintain body structure and all of them have their own Dhatvagni (Digestive Fire ). Vitiation of any of these digestive fire or dhathus will lead to improper absorption of nutrients. Deranged metabolism and improper absorption will lead to Mamsa Sosha 

Sanjeevanam Ayurveda Hospital situated in Cochin (the best muscular dystrophy treatment in Kerala) has unique and effective individualized protocols for Muscular Dystrophy. Individualised protocols were formulated based on paraspara dhatupaka and level of Agni(Digestive fire). Deepana (a process that stimulates the digestive system) Pachana (a process that leads to the digestion of unwanted waste products) herbal formulations help to maintain the Agni( Digestive Fire) and Udvarthana (powder massage), Dhnyamla Dhara ( herbal steaming using fermented cereals liquids ) like Rookshana procedures helps to reduce the Srothorodha. Deepana, Pachana, and Rookshana procedure helps in the removal of undigested waste products residing in the tissue levels and helps to bring them to koshta ( digestive tract), by means of bio purificatory principles of Ayurveda, which can eliminate doshas completely from the koshta. Other treatment Modalities like Abhyanga (oil massage) Sweda karmas (pinda svedas ) help to pacify the vata dosha and supports improving Muscle Tone.

Duchene Muscular Dystrophy and Becker Muscular Dystrophy have similar symptoms and are caused by a mutation in the same gene. Becker Muscular Dystrophy manifests in later life and is less severe as compared to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Most common in males and its prevalence rate is 14 per 100000 births. DMD manifest before the age of 5 years and Becker Muscular Dystrophy occurs in later life. Initially, weakness persists in the upper arm and legs and then affected other parts like the heart, lungs, throat, stomach, intestine, spine 

Muscular Dystrophy is caused by mutations in the gene responsible for healthy muscle structure and function. Mutation means cells that should maintain your muscles can no longer fulfil their role, which will lead to muscle weakness and progressive disability.

The protein associated with the DMD gene was identified and named Dystrophin. It is located in the short arm of the X chromosome, in the Xp21. The mutated DMD gene fails to produce any functional dystrophin. Dystrophin acts as a membrane stabilizer during muscle contraction to prevent contraction-induced damage  . Lack of production of dystrophin will lead to progressive muscle weakness

Muscular Dystrophy occurs irrespective of sex, age, and race, Among them Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is the commonest one. People with a family history of Muscular Dystrophy are at high risk of developing the disease or passing it to their own children 

1. Trouble walking
2. Difficulty in using arms –muscles of the Arm and Shoulder are affected
3. Breathing difficulties – DMD patients eventually needed breathing assisting devices
4. Curved spine (Scoliosis )
5. Heart related issues
6. Swallowing issues

If your child has problems like frequent falls, difficulty in getting up from a sitting position, difficulty in running and jumping, waddling gait, muscle pain and stiffness, difficulty in climbing stairs, and other day-to-day activities of the child are getting affected, you would need to consult a doctor immediately.

Sanjeevanam Ayurveda Hospital situated in Cochin (the best muscular dystrophy treatment in Kerala) has unique and effective individualized protocols for Muscular Dystrophy. Deepana (a process that stimulates the digestive system) Pachana (a process that leads to the digestion of unwanted waste products) herbal formulations help to maintain the Agni( Digestive Fire) and udvarthana (powder massage),Dhnyamla Dhara ( herbal steaming using fermented cereals liquids ) like rookshana procedures helps to reduce the Srothorodha. Deepana,Pachana, and Rookshana procedure helps in the removal of undigested waste products residing in the tissue levels and helps to bring them to Koshta ( digestive tract), by Means Bio- purificatory principles of Ayurveda, can eliminate doshas completely from the Koshta. Other treatment modalities like Abhyanga (oil massage) Sweda karmas (pinda svedas ) help to pacify the vata dosha and supports improving Muscle Tone.

Sanjeevanam way blends Herbal medication, Bio-purificatory measures of Ayurveda (Panchakarma), Limited physiotherapy, Diet modifications, Pranayama, and Yogic practices to help for improving the quality of life of the child 

Yoga practices and Pranayama (Breathing exercises ) help to improve the quality of life of Muscular Dystrophy-affected individuals. Yoga helps to increase lung health, circulation, and, muscle tone

Useful yogasana 

1. Surya Namaskar
2. Bhujanghasana
3. Gomukhasana
4. Pavanamuktasana
5. Parvatasna
6. Paschimottasana
7. Padmasana
8. Virabhadrasana
9. Virasana

Usefull Pranayama

1. Nadi Sodhana
2. Anulom-vilom
3. Bhramari Pranayama

Useful Meditation 

1. Nada anusandhana
2. OM meditation

Muscular dystrophy-affected individuals needed a well-balanced diet which should be a good source of energy and should support muscle development. Obesity and undernourishment in muscular dystrophy-affected individuals play an important role which leads to serious health issues. Obesity enhances muscle weakness and limits mobility while undernutrition leads to a lack of nutrients supply to the body 

Nutritional Assessment 

The dietary needs of Muscular Dystrophy individuals are different from patient to patient. Regular weight assessments, calorific requirement estimation, proper diet plan which should meet daily requirements, supplyments which compensate deficiencies in diet, close monitoring of other issues like poor weight gain, obesity, gastrointestinal issues, swallowing problems, and dehydration which is essentially required for the assessment and management

Diet recommendations

High protein, low fat, low carbohydrate diets are generally advised
chicken, fish, egg, and veggies like soy and beans have high protein content which helps muscle repair and regeneration
beans, legumes, whole grains, and non-starchy vegetables like cauliflower, and cabbage are good sources of carbohydrates with low glycemic index milk, cheese, yoghurt, broccoli, spinach, and salmon are calcium rich and dairy products and fishes which is rich in vitamin D helps to enhance muscle as well as bone health fresh fruits which are a higher source of fibre and antioxidants should be added to the diet Avoid processed foods, white bread, sugar, pasta, and carbonated drinks, butter, fatty meat

Ashwagandha-The rejuvenating and regenerative properties of ashwagandha can help to maintain muscle volume. It can promote the regeneration of the muscle and gradually restore muscle volume 

Giloy – acts as an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant agent which helps to reduce the damage to the muscle

Arjuna – helps to reduce cardiac complications of the diseases, supports and strengthens the cardiac muscles 

Brahmi- Brahmi helps to improve muscle mass and enhances the function of nerves

Muscular dystrophy is a genetic disease condition characterized by progressive degeneration of the bodily muscles leading to severe disabilities. Fortunately for some, there are ayurvedic treatments for muscular dystrophy in Kerala. The Sanjeevanam Ayurvedic Hospital is a renowned Ayurvedic treatment centre for muscular dystrophy in Cochin. By employing a unique, individualized treatment regime, Sanjeevanam offers the best muscular dystrophy treatment in Kerala.

Ayurveda offers some extraordinary treatment regimes that effectively slow down the progression of this debilitating disease and reduce the distressful symptoms associated with it. Muscle weakness happens due to the death of muscle cells and tissues and their inability to regenerate again. The ayurvedic method of treatment involves a series of treatment modalities including specific massages, appropriate nutrition, specific yoga asanas, scientifically tested herbal ayurvedic medicines for muscular dystrophy and lifestyle modifications.

Holistic ayurvedic medications for muscular dystrophy and neuromuscular disabilities in both young children as well as adults have presented with significant improvement in joint strength and better range of movement. For DMD disease treatment in Ayurveda, Sanjeevanam ayurveda hospital in Cochin offers one of the best options. You could even stay over at this hospital with its resort-like ambience, where every entertainment, amenities and facility is provided for patient comfort. The ayurvedic therapies offered here include Udwertana with steam, Dhanyamla dhara, Abhyanga and Swedam, Nasya karma, Karna pooranam and Snehapanam. Depending on the patient’s condition, these can be followed up with Shiro dhara, Virechanam, Shiro vasti, Shiro pichu, Sarvanga dhara, Navara kizhi, Vasti, Rasayana chikitsa, etc.
Come to Sanjeevanam for the best ayurvedic treatment for muscular dystrophy in Kerala!