Sarcopenia Ayurvedic Treatment

The progressive loss of muscle mass and strength (muscle atrophy) due to ageing is called sarcopenia. The number and size of muscle fibers are reduced here. Sarcopenia also affects obese people (sarcopenic obesity), and it has a high risk of complications like fall, fractures etc. The causes other than ageing are physical inactivity, malnutrition, inadequate protein intake, arthritis, insulin resistance, obesity, COPD, other chronic diseases like diabetes, inability to convert protein to energy, nerve dysfunction to send signals to muscles etc.

Sarcopenia Signs and Symptoms

The people with sarcopenia develops muscle weakness, difficulty to do daily activities, reduced muscle bulk, slow walking, inability to climb the stairs, frequent falls or fractures etc.

Sarcopenia Ayurvedic Analysis

Mamsadhatu kshaya (reduced quality and quantity of muscle tissue) is a general feature of ageing, and it may occur in relation to chronic diseases, malnutrition etc. It causes weakness, body pain, reduced bulk of muscles etc. The person cannot withstand heavy physical exertion. Vata is the aggravated dosha here. Dhatukshaya occurs due to srotorodha and agnimandya.

Sarcopenia Causative Factors (Ayurveda)

Vata is aggravated by ageing, inactivity/ over-activity, constant intake of bitter/ astringent/ pungent tastes, increased intake of alcohol, taking less amount of food, dry and cold food etc. Deranged production of mamsa dhatu (muscles) is caused by srotorodha (blockage of channels involved in production of mamsa dhatu from rakta dhatu), and is again caused by agnimandya (reduced power of transforming energy).

Possible Complications in Sarcopenia Disease

The common complications are increased risk of falls, frails, fractures etc, long-time hospitalization, poor quality of life, difficulty to perform daily activities, high rate of dependency etc.

Other systemic diseases and precautions to be taken

Sarcopenia in obese person is more difficult to cure as the chances of complications are more. Consider other diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, kidney diseases etc before planning treatment.

Sarcopenia Disease Management with Ayurveda Treatment

The management is focused on correcting agni, removing srotorodha and mamsa dhatukshaya. Internal medicines are given along with snehana (external/ internal/ both), swedana (eg: pizhichil), nasya (nasal instillation of medicine), virechana (purgation therapy), vasthi (enema with suitable drugs), lepana (external application of medicines), rasayana chikilsa (rejuvenation therapy) etc. Along with these, exercise, yoga, meditation etc are also recommended.

Diet

The diet must include pulses, milk, whole grains, millets, small fishes, nuts etc. Reduce the intake of food items having bitter/ astringent taste, very cold and dry food etc.

Exercise

Mild to moderate exercise are recommended to perform in sarcopenia as per the direction of physician. Yoga, meditation, and pranayama are also beneficial.

Sarcopenia Preventive Aspects in Ayurveda

Even though weakness of muscles is natural in old age, its severity and complications can be prevented by regular physical activity and nutritious diet. Oil massage and warm water bath, nasal administration of suitable oil (nasya), rasayana therapy etc can help a lot.

Importance of Diet

Dietary supplement of protein, omega-3 fatty acid, and vitamins are essential to maintain muscle health. Along with treatment, healthy food is also important to achieve good results.