Myopathy Ayurvedic Treatment

Myopathy is a term used to describe diseases of the skeletal muscles (those which attached to bones). It may be congenital (from birth) or acquired (developed gradually after birth). There are many types of myopathies.

Myopathy Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of each myopathy are different. Congenital myopathy usually affects central part of the body and its symptoms begins from early childhood. They will not worsen by time. Mitochondrial myopathies are due to defects in mitochondria (energy house in cells). It causes muscle weakness and disorders of heart, brain etc. Other varieties of congenital myopathy are metabolic myopathy, muscular dystrophy etc. Acquired myopathies are developed due to certain medications, following infections etc. The varieties are autoimmune myopathy (when the immune system attacks body’s own cells), toxic myopathy (as some toxic substances or medicines interfere with muscle function), endocrine myopathy (related to some hormonal issues- eg: hypothyroidism), infectious myopathy (following some infections) etc.

The common symptoms are muscle pain, weakness of muscles, stiffness, fatigue after activities and general weakness.

Myopathy Ayurvedic Analysis

Srotorodha leads to mamsadhatu kshaya which causes weakness of mamsa dhatu (muscle tissue). The development of mamsa dhatu interrupts also by Beejabhaga avayava dushti (congenital causes).

Myopathy Causative Factors (Ayurveda)

The reason of beejabhaga avayava dushti is unknown. Srotorodha (blockage of channels nourishing dhatu) is caused by agnimandya (weakened agni/ transforming energy in dhatu).

Possible Complications of Myopathy Disease

Myopathies gradually lead to difficulty to perform daily activities (waking from sitting posture, combing hair etc) in adults. Congenital myopathies cause delayed growth, difficulty with speech and swallowing food and drinks.

Other systemic diseases and precautions to be taken

Consider conditions like hormonal dysfunctions (eg: hyper/ hypothyroidism), infections, autoimmune disorders and medical history before planning the treatment.

Myopathy Disease Management with Ayurveda Treatment

Mamsa dhatu kshaya caused by beejabhaga avayava dushti cannot be cured completely. For others, symptomatic care along with correction of agnimandya and srotorodha, remedies for dhatuvruddhi (nourishment of weakened tissue) and rasayana (correcting the process of normal development of dhatu/ tissues) are provided. Internal medications, snehana (internal and external), swedana (eg: njavara kizhi), nasya (nasal instillation of medicine), brumhana vasthi (enema with drugs that produce nourishing effect) etc are the common line of treatment. There may be differences in medicines or procedures depending on the cause of disease, state of dosha and several other factors.

Diet

The diet should contain more whole grains, vegetables, nuts, fruits, water etc. Avoid spicy/ dry/ very cold food.

Exercise

The symptoms aggravate after activities, and hence mild loosening exercises, pranayama etc can be done as per physician’s advice.

Myopathy Preventive Aspects in Ayurveda

Congenital myopathies are not preventable. Others can be prevented by taking proper care of the infections, hormonal disorders etc.

Importance of Diet

Nourishing diet can prevent worsening of the condition. Food items that further aggravate vata (eg: dry and cold food, skipping meals) will surely exacerbate the symptoms.