Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a medical condition that makes the immune system mistakenly attack its protective layer of the nerve cells. The condition primarily affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, which are important parts of the central nervous system that helps control everything from moving muscles to processing senses.
In MS, the immune system damages the myelin sheath, the protective covering that covers nerve fibres. This damage affects communication between the brain and rest of the body and leads to problems like blurred eyesight, poor coordination, weak muscles and numbness.
Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS): This is when a person experiences their first episode of symptoms that suggest MS but has not fully developed the disease.
Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS): This is the most common form involving episodes of new or worsening symptoms followed by periods of recovery.
Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS): After years of relapsing-remitting MS, some individuals develop SPMS, characterised by progressive worsening of the disease with or without relapses.
Primary Progressive MS (PPMS): Symptoms gradually become worse over time without clear relapses or remissions.
According to Ayurveda, one of the main contributors to autoimmune diseases such as MS is 'Ama'. Ama is a toxic byproduct of poor digestion that may build up in the body and adhere to tissues. In MS, Ama sticks to the myelin sheath. The immune system then attempts to kill Ama but accidentally damages nerve sheaths because it is difficult to separate Ama from the myelin. Also, any previous injury to the Majja Dhatus (nerve sheaths) before the disease appears can also trigger MS.
MS is a complex disease with causes that aren’t fully understood. Scientists believe it is a combination of genetic, environmental and possibly infectious factors. The main cause of MS remains unidentified, although the following factors are thought to raise the risk.
Genetic Predisposition: Having a family member who has MS puts you at higher risk, which indicates a genetic element to the illness.
Viral Infections: Some viral infections, particularly those caused by Epstein Barr virus (which causes mononucleosis) are believed to trigger MS by affecting the immune system.
Vitamin D Deficiency: Low levels of Vitamin D are linked with a heightened risk of MS. Vitamin D is believed to play a significant regulatory role in the immune system and protecting from autoimmune problems.
Geographical Factors: MS is more prevalent in countries far from the equator. This indicates that sunlight and Vitamin D may influence the risk.
Smoking: Smoking tobacco is a significant risk factor which increases risk of MS and could worsen the disease's progression.
Obesity: Being overweight during adolescence has been associated with a greater risk of developing MS.
Autoimmune Reactions: MS may occur partly because the immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues (myelin sheath covering nerve fibers).
Gender: Women are about two to three times more likely to develop relapsing MS compared to men, which is the most prevalent type of the disease.
MS can show up in many different ways and signs and symptoms differ greatly from person to person. While MS can be unpredictable, there are certain Multiple Sclerosis symptoms that many people experience as the disease affects the nervous system.
The most obvious Multiple Sclerosis symptoms are:
Common problems include complete or partial vision loss (one eye at a time), prolonged double vision, and blurry vision.
Patients commonly report muscle stiffness and involuntary muscle spasms, particularly in the legs.
Some report feeling numb or tingling in different body parts.
MS could result in poor coordination and unsteady gait, making it hard to walk or do regular tasks with ease.
This is one of the most common Multiple Sclerosis symptoms, where people experience intense tiredness but not due to exertion.
Episodes of dizziness and vertigo are frequent and can impair balance and movement in MS patients.
These include increased frequency or urgency in urination, difficulty emptying the bladder completely and bowel incontinence.
Some MS patients may have problems with memory, focus, attention span and processing information.
Common psychological symptoms associated with the neurological effect of MS include mood swings, irritability, and depression.
Jiva Ayurveda offers holistic Multiple Sclerosis treatment using evidence-based Ayurveda. The treatment plans are customised to target the very root causes of the disease, and instead of just treating symptoms, they focus on holistic healing, balance and stability in totality.
HACCP certified Ayurvedic medicines: These are scientific blends that restore your body's balance and promote emotional health.
Yoga, Meditation and Mindfulness-Practices: These calming practices promote mental health and overall wellness.
Ayurvedic Treatment Methods: Therapies like Panchakarma and various types of massages detoxify the body and create emotional stability.
Diet and Lifestyle Guidance: Expert recommendations on how to modify your diet and lifestyle for better health results.
Ayurveda provides various natural remedies to manage symptoms and delay the onset of Multiple Sclerosis. These traditional medicines focus on balancing the body’s energy system, reducing inflammation and strengthening the nervous system to relieve MS symptoms.
Below are some natural herbs recommended for Multiple Sclerosis treatment in Ayurveda:
Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera): Ashwagandha has adaptogenic properties and can help resist physical and mental stress. It reduces inflammation, increases energy and supports nervous system health, which is appropriate for MS management.
Brahmi: This herb is a cognitive enhancer which can improve memory, focus and mental clarity. Brahmi supports brain health and is helpful for MS related cognitive problems.
Bala (Sida Cordifolia): In Ayurveda, Bala is used to enhance and revitalise the entire body, support muscle tone and lower inflammation in nerves, which is helpful in MS patients.
Shankhapushpi: As a brain tonic, Shankhapushpi promotes mental calmness and helps with anxiety and stress which are common in MS.
Guggulu: Strong anti-inflammatory properties of Guggulu inhibit tissue degeneration and facilitate tissue repair in MS patients.
Guduchi (Tinospora Cordifolia): Guduchi is known to have immune boosting and anti-inflammatory properties which can control autoimmune aspects of MS and symptoms such as muscle stiffness.
Jeevanti (Leptadenia Reticulata): Jeevanti can help improve vitality and overall health by boosting the body's natural resilience in MS patients.
Bhanga (Cannabis Sativa): Bhanga is believed to relieve chronic pain and muscle spasticity, which are common symptoms of MS.
Draksha (Vitis Vinifera): Draksha contains antioxidants and supports nerve function and overall health which may be helpful in MS patients.
Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza Glabra): This Ayurvedic herb supports adrenal function and reduces stress, helping to manage the fatigue and emotional fluctuations associated with MS.
Vidari (Pureria Tuberosa): Vidari has the ability to rejuvenate the body, increase stamina and strengthen the body, helping MS patients cope with physical symptoms.
Ginger (Zinziber Officinale): Ginger has anti-inflammatory effects and promotes digestion and circulation.
Tagar (Valeriana Wallichi): Tagar is known to calm the nerves and improve sleep quality by addressing sleep disturbances associated with MS.
Turmeric (Curcuma Longa): Turmeric contains curcumin, a bioactive compound that has anti-inflammatory properties. Intake of turmeric could ease neurological symptoms in MS patients.
Basant (Hypericum Perforatum): Commonly called St. John's Wort, Basant has mood-stabilising and neuroprotective properties that could aid with the emotional and neurological symptoms of MS.
Kalonji (Nigella Sativa): Also called black cumin, Kalonji modulates the immune system and can be helpful in autoimmune conditions like MS.
Kesar (Crocus Sativus): Kesar (saffron) is high in antioxidants and has mood-enhancing properties which helps MS patients dealing with mood swings.
Ginkgo (Ginkgo Biloba): Ginkgo biloba is known to promote cognitive function and blood flow which can alleviate some cognitive symptoms of MS.
Stress, fatigue, heat, and illness may trigger MS symptoms. Managing these factors can help decrease symptom flare-ups.
Ayurveda can help reduce the risk factors of MS through a balanced diet, stress management and detoxification to prevent Ama accumulation.
Ayurveda suggests a Vata-pacifying diet of warm, cooked foods, whole grains and nuts to control MS symptoms.
Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis is based on an imbalance of Vata dosha using pulse diagnosis and symptom assessment for identifying dosha imbalance.
Yes, gentle yoga can improve flexibility, muscle strength and reduce stress, which is useful for managing MS symptoms.
Adequate sleep, stress reduction, moderate exercise and balanced eating are important lifestyle changes to manage MS symptoms.
Meditation can help reduce stress and improve mental clarity, useful for managing MS symptoms such as fatigue and behavioral issues.
Mental health is important in MS as stress and depression may worsen symptoms. Ayurvedic practices like meditation and yoga can be used to support mental health.
Regular consultations every 3 to 6 months is recommended to adjust treatment plans based on symptom changes and overall health.
Yes, MS signs and symptoms may differ from day to day and person to person. Managing lifestyle factors may help reduce such fluctuations.
Supporting someone with MS involves understanding their needs, being emotionally supportive, and helping them maintain a healthy lifestyle to manage MS symptoms.
