Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis or MS is a disease in which the insulation of the nerve cell fibers of the brain and spinal cord are destroyed, causing various disturbances of the central nervous system. Whether the disease is autoimmune or inflammatory is still debated. The word 'sclerosis' means hardening. In this disease, structures like nerve fibers start loosing their flexibility and become hard. So is the name multiple sclerosis. Disease usually begins in the first half of life and is more common among women.
Causes :
Several factors have been under scanner for possibly causing MS, however none of them has been established as the cause of the disease. Heredity, infections, smoking, alcoholism, mental stress etc are few such factors whose causal relationship with MS is being studied but not yet established.
Symptoms
Weakness
Fatigue
Problems in speech
Difficulty in swallowing
Loss of control
Pain in nerves
Weakness in muscles
Urinary incontinence
Diarrohea or constipation
Recurrent facial palsy
View Of Ayurveda
In Ayurveda, this is condition is seen as a body energy disorder. Improper digestion leads to the formation of toxins and the blockage of the minute channels of the body. These blockages obstruct the movement of certain body energies, giving rise to neuro-muscular disorders. Blockages in channels and vitiated doshas seem to result in permanent damage of dhatus (tissues). Ayurvedic treatment consists of the elimination of toxins and restoration of digestive fire with herbal formulas. Proper diet and regimen are also advised in addition to the prescription of nerve tonics, to restore the function of the nervous system.
Diet & Lifestyle Advice
Though no specific cause has been determined in MS, persons suffering from it often give history of bad lifestyle, addictions, bad food habits, mental stress or contact with hazardous chemicals etc. Rather than curing the disease, preventing it seems achievable.
Eating healthy food (mainly vegetarian), maintaining proper food timings and sleep timings, doing regular physician exercises, managing mental stresses properly, avoiding addictions etc seem to hold the key in this direction.
Attention should be paid towards the nervous system. Doing Yogasan, Pranayam and meditation prove useful for the health of nervous system. Eating food articles which nourish the nervous system (e.g. almond, walnut etc) may also prove meaningful.
With the help of proper treatment, panchkarma, yoga, diet & life-style management & ayurvedic medicine, The management of Multiple Sclerosis disease can helps the patient to enjoy happier & healthier life.