Treatment for Cervical Dystonia by Herbal Remedies
Abstract
Neurological and musculoskeletal disorders are one of the major disorders in the elderly and adult population worldwide. Movement or motility of the body is a blessing and sometimes the mobility and movement of the body or body parts are hampered due to injuries, deficiencies, degenerative conditions. In Ayurveda, all the bodily movements and locomotion depend on the vata dosha or in other words all movements of the body and inside are governed by vata dosha. In this text. We shall discuss the condition of cervical dystonia in detail and we shall also have a look at its management in the contemporary system of medicine and traditional Indian system of Ayurveda. Let’s get started!!
Introduction
Dystonia is a neurological hyperkinetic movement disorder which is characterised by repetitive or sustained contractions of the muscles that result in repetitive and twisting movements of abnormal fixed positions. Cervical dystonia, likewise called convulsive torticollis, is an excruciating condition wherein your neck muscles contract automatically, making your head diversion aside. Cervical dystonia can likewise make your head wildly slant forward or in reverse. It is an uncommon issue that can happen at whatever stage in life, cervical dystonia most frequently happens in moderately aged individuals, ladies more than men.
Ayurvedic Overview
Vata dosha is responsible for all bodily functions. Contractions, relaxations, movements etc all the mobility in the body is governed by the vata dosha particularly the vyana vayu. As vyana vayu stays everywhere in the body. Thus any vitiation of the vata dosha leads to the hampering of the normal functioning of the nervous system and muscular contractions and relaxations. So we can correlate cervical dystonia with vata vyadhi. Let’s discuss the causes, clinical features, risk factors, complications and management of the condition of cervical dystonia.
Causes of Cervical Dystonia
The exact cause of cervical dystonia is unknown though some theories such as a family history that is related to hereditary condition, mutated games and injuries related to head, shoulder and neck have been postulated.
Types of Cervical Dystonia/Spasmodic Torticollis
Cervical dystonia can be classified into two subcategories
- Primary
- Secondary
Primary
Primary cervical dystonia is defined as having no other abnormality other than dystonic movement and occasional tremor in the neck. Primary cervical dystonia is mostly inherited.
Secondary
When other conditions result in the spasmodic torticollis/ cervical dystonia, it is known as secondary. These conditions are as follows:
- Central nervous system tumour
- Drug induced
- Metabolic
- Paraneoplastic syndromes
- Toxins
- Peripheral or central trauma
- Kernicterus
- Encephalitis
- Cerebrovascular disease
- Central pontine myelinolysis
Risk Factors
- Women are more likely to develop cervical dystonia
- Having a family history of cervical dystonia is also are prone to develop cervical dystonia
- Usually the condition occurs after the age of 30 years
Signs and Symptoms
- The muscle contractions can lead to head twisting to a number of directions such as chin toward shoulder, ear towards shoulder, chin straight down and chin straight up.
- A jerking head motion may also be seen.
- Neck pain that usually radiate into the shoulders,
Investigations
- Nerve conduction
- The most often used scale to rate the severity of cervical dystonia is the Toronto western Spasmodic Torticollis rating Scale (TWSTRS).
Management of Cervical Dystonia
- Analgesics are used in to manage pain
- Antispasmodics
- Botulinum toxin
- Physical therapy
Ayurvedic Aspect and Management of Cervical Dystonia
Ayurveda is a great science that has been serving mankind from ages physically, mentally and spiritually. Ayurveda is an old age science that revolves around the basic three humours of the body namely, vata, pitta and kapha. These are called doshas in ayurveda. These dosha within normal range represents health, whereas any imbalance leads to disease.
Vata dosha, the main dosha that is associated with the body movements and neurological system.
So with the symptoms, the correlation of cervical dystonia can be best established with vata vyadhi. As the spasmodic and repetitive contractions of the neck muscles are due to the vitiation of the vata dosha. Hence, this can be managed with the vata pacifying herbs and medicines.
Following are some of the Formulations that helps in Managing Cervical Dystonia
- Erandadi guggulu
- Agnitundi vati
- Sameer Pannag rasa
- Ajmodadi churna
- Shankh bhasma
- Ashwagandharishta
- Dashmoolarishta
- Rason ksheera paka
- Erand mool kwath
- Errand sneha
- Brahmi vati
- Brihat vata chintamani rasa
- Chintamani chaturmukh ras
- Mrig Shringa bhasma
Pathya (Beneficial)
- Mung
- Masoor
- Ginger
- CowMilk
- CowGhee (Clarified butter)
- Maamsrasa
- Yava
- Punarnava
- Draksha (Vitis vinifera)
- Pomegranate
- Following the daily regimen, seasonal regimen as mentioned in the Ayurvedic texts.
Apathya (Disease aggravating)
- Bitter, astringent food
- Chickpeas
- Peas
- Kodo
- Holding natural urges
- Sleeping during the day
- Stress and tension.
Herbal Remedies for Cervical Dystonia by Planet Ayurveda
Planet Ayurveda is an emerging GMP certified, ISO 9001:2015 certified and US-FDA registered Ayurvedic Company, which adhered to the objective of manufacturing quality Ayurvedic products as mentioned in the various ancient texts of Ayurveda and spreading Ayurveda across the globe. Products are formulated without preservatives and additives or any other kinds of chemicals or artificial flavouring agents which causes a number of ill effects on the human body. Products formulated at Planet Ayurveda are pure and do not contain any kind of adulteration. The products are purely organic, vegetarian and gluten free. Planet Ayurveda presents its herbal medicines that can be used in the condition of cervical dystonia.
Given Below are some of the Medicines that effectively manages the Condition of Cervical Dystonia
- ASHWAGANDHA CAPSULES
- BRAHMI CAPSULES
- BOSWELLIA CURCUMIN
- YOGRAJ GUGGUL
- AAMVATANTAK CHURNA
- GILOY CAPSULES
Product Description
1. ASHWAGANDHA CAPSULES
Ashwagandha capsules are enriched with the goodness of the herb ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) that possesses rasayana properties. The capsules pacify the vata dosha. And benefits in maintaining the good health of the neurological system. As ashwagandha possesses rasayanic properties thus helps in overall management of the bodily functions. In this condition of cervical dystonia it helps by giving strength to the muscle. By pacifying the vata dosha it helps in the spasmodic condition of the neck/cervical muscle. By its above said actions, Ashwagandha capsules are of greater benefit in the condition of cervical dystonia.
Dosage: One capsule twice daily with warm water, after meals.
2. BRAHMI CAPSULES
Brahmi Capsule is a product of Planet Ayurveda formulated with the tremendous herb Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri). It is a sheet virya (cold potency) that has soothing properties. Brahmi is very good medhya rasayan (brain tonic), agnivardhak (increases digestive fire ) and rasayan (immunomodulator) according to Acharya Charak.Brahmi contains powerful antioxidants that boost brain function, reduce inflammation, lowers blood pressure and prevents anxiety and stress. By pacifying the vata dosha, it helps in normalising the muscle functions and a good neurological system. Hence it works tremendously in managing cervical dystonia.
Dosage: One capsule twice a day with lukewarm water after meals.
3. BOSWELLIA CURCUMIN
Boswellia Curcumin capsules, a product of Planet Ayurveda, are enriched with goodness of the herbs shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and haridra (Curcuma longa). Both the herbs possess antiinflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties. Boswellia Curcumin reduces the pain and other symptoms associated with sacroiliac joint dysfunction and also helps in the healing process of the affected joint. Therefore, Boswellia Curcumin is beneficial in the condition of cervical dystonia. This product of Planet Ayurveda is a gem in the condition of inflamed muscle and effectively manages cervical dystonia and brings back normal posture
Dosage: Two capsules twice a day with warm water after meals.
4. YOGRAJ GUGGUL
Yograj Guggul is a classical ayurvedic proprietary medicine. It is a helpful formulation in the musculoskeletal and neurological system’s disorders. It contains the herbs amalaki (Emblica officinalis), guggul (Commiphora mukul), haritaki (Terminalia chebula), ela (Elettaria cardamomum), vidang (Embelia ribes), gokshur (Tribulus terrestris), shunthi (Zingiber officinale), bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica) etc. The herbs of the formulation possess properties that enhance muscle and bone health. By its anti-inflammatory property Yograj Guggul is best to manage cervical dystonia. .
Dosage –two tablets twice a day
5. AAMVATANTAK CHURNA
Aamvatantak Churna, is a product of Planet Ayurveda, is known to pacify kapha and vata doshas, which are the culprit of cervical dystonia. The product contains ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), suranjaan (Colchicum autumnale), haridra (Curcuma longa), methi (Trigonella foenumgraecum), gorakhmundi (Sphaeranthus indicus) and sonth (Zingiber officinale). Aamvatantak Churna clears aam and relieves the patient from stiffness and eases motion of the neck. As the name of the formulation suggests it is a formulation that ends the condition of amavata. It removes the ama which eventually clears the blockage and helps in proper digestion. And by pacifying the vata dosha it helps in managing cervical dystonia.
Dosage – one tsp twice a day with warm water
6. GILOY CAPSULES
Giloy capsules are filled with the rasayana properties of herb giloy (Tinospora cordifolia). As giloy is rasayan it benefits every system of the body positively. Furthermore, giloy cleanses the blood and removes toxins out of it. Giloy pacifies all the three dosha thus benefiting in the condition of cervical dystonia. As it cleanses the blood and pacifies the vata, kapha and pitta dosha thus overcomes the condition of cervical dystonia.
Dosage: Two tablets thrice a day
CONTACT PLANET AYURVEDA TO PROVIDE YOU THE COSTING / ORDERING AND DELIVERY INFORMATION AT – COSTING.PLANETAYURVEDA@GMAIL.COM OR CALL AT +91-172-5214040
Conclusion
Cervical dystonia is an irritating and troublesome condition associated with pain and muscle spasm that leads to abnormal face structures. The exact cause of the disease is unknown though some assumptions or theories have been given in some texts and articles. Though Ayurveda suggests that the disease is due to the vitiated vata dosha. Furthermore, the management of cervical dystonia, in the contemporary system of medicines has nothing but antispasmodics and analgesics medicines and surgery involves some risk. Whereas Ayurveda, with its herbal and herbomineral medicines, effectively manages the condition of cervical dystonia. We have discussed the classical and formulations prepared by Planet Ayurveda that manages cervical dystonia to the maximum by pacifying the vata dosha and providing strength to the nerves and muscles.
