Category: Blood Disorders

October 14, 2023

Ayurveda relation of Hemapheresis with Raktashodhana

Abstract

Hemapheresis is the process of selective collection of any blood component, with the use of automated equipment. In this process components of blood ie: RBC, WBC, plasma and platelets are removed from the patient ‘s body to achieve patient health and provide relief in symptoms. These diseases are not completely prevented but the symptoms and conditions are manageable. Let’s discuss Hemapheresis in detail about Hemapheresis.

Hemapheresis

Introduction

In the process of hemapheresis there is a removal of whole blood from the body of the donor. It is the process by which one or more components are withdrawn from the blood and returned by transfusion of remaining blood to the donor. Hemapheresis is considered as a supportive treatment for auto-immune and blood disorders. In auto-immune disorders the body produces antibodies which attack its own immune system and create infection in the blood. Ayurveda produces some of the great herbs and therapies which are very effective in cleansing the blood, in which leech therapy is very important. Rakta shodhana and Rakta mokshana are the procedures that are involved in hemapheresis. The blood is alive, contains living cells and is the fluid of health, transporting disease fighting substances to the tissue and waste to kidneys. The components of blood ie. red blood cells and white blood cells are responsible for nourishment and cleansing the body, blood also carries the oxygen to all body parts. When the body grows, it faces toxins, environmental pathogens and contaminated food by which the blood gets infected which causes the blood disorders.

Process of Hemapheresis

In this process the blood is taken from the donor’s body and then blood is removed from the donor’s body through a needle. Removed blood is mixed with the anticoagulant and separated in separators which works on the centrifugation process. Where the desired component is separated and the blood is returned to the donor’s body results in the filtered plasma.

The components which are separated are

Leukocytes (leukapheresis)
Plasma (Plasmapheresis)
Platelets (Plateletpheresis)

Leukapheresis: White blood cells (leukocytes) are removed from the patient’s body if the patient is suffering from a disease like thrombosis.

Plasmapheresis

Plasma is the important component of the blood and contains antibodies and antigen- antibody complexes which may contribute to effects of autoimmune disorders. Plasma removal helps in reducing the circulating antibodies and immune complexes. In case a large amount of plasma is removed, the plasma from a healthy donor is given to the patient which is called plasma exchange.
Plateletpheresis: This is very rare like: Myeloproliferative disorders, platelet count can be very high. Removal of platelets is helpful in Platelet removal and can help to avoid complications of thrombosis and bleeding.

Indications of Hemapheresis

Indications of Hemapheresis are

Malaria
Leukocytosis
Sickle cell disease
Liver transplantation
Familial cholesterolemia
Lung transplantation
Wilson disease
Hemolytic disease of foetus
Inflammatory bowel disease
Thrombocytosis
Myasthenia gravis
Kidney transplantation
Aplastic anaemia
Dermatomyositis
Systemic amyloidosis
Burn with circulatory shock
Acute liver failure
Dilated cardiomyopathy
Multiple sclerosis
ABO- Incompatible hematopoietic solid organ transplantation
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
Auto-immune hemolytic anaemia
Age-related macular degeneration
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Coagulation factor inhibitors
ABO- Incompatible hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Ayurvedic Overview of Hemaphereis

In Ayurveda blood is known as rakta and a very important component of the human body, disorders of blood cause prolonged and chronic disease. Acharya Shusruta who is known as father of surgery considered Rakta as a fourth dosha, mainly three doshas are the base of the body ie. Vata, Pitta and Kapha but Acharya Shusruta has also described Rakta as a fourth dosha. In Ayurvedic perceptive when doshas contaminates the blood it results in blood disorders which in ayurveda is called as Rakta Pradosaja Vikara, and there are many rakta-pradosja vikara and their modern co-relation which are as follows

Pleeha (Splenomegaly)
Vidhradi (Abscess)
Pama (Scabies)
Kamala (Jaundice)
Neelika (Hyperpigmentation)
Arsha (Piles)
Asya paka (Stomatitis/ Mouth ulcers)
Mashaka (Elevated moles)
Shwitra (Leucoderma/vitiligo)
Charamadala (Dermatitis)
Kotha (Urticaria)
Tilkalka ( Black Moles)
Vyanga (Freckles)
Visarpa (Herpes)
Indralupta (Alopecia)
Asru Dhara (Menorrhagia)
Kushtha (Leprosy)
Guda pak (Inflammation of anal canal)
Raktapitta (Bleeding disorders)
Vatashonit (Gout arthritis)
Medhra paka (Inflammation of penis)
Arbuda (Tumours)
Piplu (Port wine mark)
Gulma (Abdominal tumours)

Ayurveda Relation of Hemapheresis with Raktashodhana

Hemapheresis is related with Rakta Shodhana (purifying blood) and Rakta mokshana in Ayurveda and raktashodhana is the process which is used to purify the blood by using various herbs. There is also another process by which the vitiated Rakta is balanced which is known as Raktamokshna (bloodletting). Now we do not have to confuse rakta shodhana and rakta mokshana, both the processes are quite different. Purifying the blood through the herbs and natural remedies is called Rakta shodhana and where the toxins are very high and Rakta shodhna is not enough, in that case Rakta mokshana is used. Herbs which are used in Rakta shodhana are as follows

Effective Herbs to Purify the Blood

Guduchi
Haridra
Manjishtha
Neem
Sariva

Guduchi (Tinospora Cordifolia)

Guduchi is very useful in the aggravation of Tridoshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) , has anti- inflammatory properties and gives relief from the pain. This herb plays a great role in conditions of worm infestation, gives relief in jaundice, and increases the blood cells. Guduchi is very effective in chronic fever, in skin disorders and also reduces the weakness.

Haridra (Curcuma Longa)

The herb pacifies the Tridoshas and purifies the blood and is useful in preparation of the Red Blood cells. Haridra contains antiprotozoal, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties and useful in anaemia, leprosy haemorrhage and diabetes etc.

Manjishtha (Rubia Cordifolia)

Manjishtha pacifies the vitiated rakta and contains properties like: anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and anti protozoal. The herb is very effective in leprosy and in wound healing. It purifies the blood completely and acts as a rasanya and also gives relief from stress. The herb is very effective in female reproduction, contains diabetic properties, boosts the stamina and removes the toxins.

Neem (Azadirachta Indica)

Neem contains various properties and is helpful in many problems, it mainly pacifies the Pitta dosha due to its soothing and cooling effects. This herb is used in healing of the wound, abscess, blood disorders, alopecia, itching and greying of the hairs.

Sariva (Hemidesmus Indicus)

Sariva is useful in pacifying all tridoshas, has anti-inflammatory properties and contains a cooling effect. Sariva acts as a rasayana and is diuretic, it increases sexual activity and also increases fertility. The herb contains blood cleansing properties and is helpful in conditions like: syphilis, elephantiasis and leprosy etc. This herb is very useful in digestive problems and also acts as a diuretic.

Rakta Mokshana Therapy

Acharya Sushruta has described raktamokshana as a type of panchkarma. Rakta mokshana is used when there is a presence of high toxins and rakata shodhana is not enough. Some of the natural sources (ie. Instrumental and non-instrumental) used in this therapy are

Instrumental (Shastra)

Siravedha and Pracchan (Vein puncturing)
Non- instrumental (Anu-shastra): Alabu (Pitcher gourd), Jaloka (Leech therapy) and Shrunga (Cow’s horn method)
Instrumental

Siravedha (Venepuncture)

This procedure is very useful in destroying the disease from the root. Venepuncture in Shalya tantra is considered as the half complete therapy for numerous diseases as blood is the pathogenic factor in most of the diseases.

Prachana (Blood Letting by Puncturing)

In this procedure torniquet is applied slightly above the affected area and multiple incisions are made by using the sharp instrument and avoiding the vital structures. The incisions are not made very deep, superficial, should not be done transversally and are made very quickly in the upward direction.

Non- Instrumental

Alabu (Blood letting through pitcher guard)
The process is used in aggravated Kapha dosha and pacifies the aggravated Kapha dosha. In this procedure, small incisions are made on skin and after that the pitcher guard made hollow within, creating vacuum pressure by lighting the diya. Now the guard is kept at incised skin through blood is sucked by vacuum pressure, thus doing blood letting.

Jaloka (Leech Therapy)

This is the most important therapy in the raktamokshana and is a commonly followed procedure for blood letting. In aggravated Pitta vitiated rakta dosha this is very helpful as the leeches reside in the cold conditions. Jaloka is very useful in acne and skin disorders, the procedure is used in the patients who are scared from other bloodletting procedures.The saliva of leech contains the chemical Hirudin which is anticoagulant and prevents the blood from coagulation and inhibits the platelet aggregation and increase fluids and blood flow from the affected area. Leech only takes the blood which is vitiated and corrects microcirculation disorders. The therapeutic properties of this procedure are: it is immunostimulating, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and atherosclerotic.

Types of Leech

There are mainly two types of leeches are considered ie. Poisonous and non- poisonous. Poisonous is called Savish and has 6 more types, non- poisonous is known as Nirvish contains 6 types. These types are described in (Sushruta Sutrasthana chapter/13 Sloka 11/12)

Poisonous (Savish Jaloka)

Krishna
Karbura
Algarda
Indrayudha
Samudrika
Gochandana

Non-poisonous (Nirvish Jaloka)

Kapila
Pingla
Shankh Mukhi
Mushika
Pundrikmukhi
Saavrika

Shrunga (Blood Letting Using Cow’s Horn)

In this procedure the selected cow’s horn is collected which is open at both ends, this is mainly used in Vata vitiated rakta. Small and multiple incisions are made over the affected area. The one side of the horn is placed at the incised skin and from the other side suction is created by the mouth which leads to blood letting. This procedure can be compared with cupping therapy.

Conclusion

Hemapheresis is the process used in vitiated blood, as our body grows the blood gets affected by various types of environmental factors and by toxins. In Hemapheresis one or more components are withdrawal to achieve the health of the patient. Vitiated blood causes in many blood disorders ie, Rakta pradosja vikara, in blood disorders it is very important to purify the blood. Ayurveda includes two main therapies ie. Rakta shodhana and Rakta mokshana and the bloodletting therapy by leech is one of the most easy and beneficial procedures in the Rakta mokshana. The procedures which are given in this article only remove the vitiated blood from the body. The herbs which are described here are used to pacify the blood and also provide strength to the immune system and have no side effects.

August 1, 2023

Capillary Hemangiomas Treatment in Ayurveda with Herbal Remedies

ABSTRACT

Hemangiomas or infantile hemangiomas are the non cancerous growth of the blood vessels which are found on the skin. The blood vessels are the components of the circulatory system which transports the blood throughout the body. It transports cells, nutrients and oxygen to the tissues of the body, sustains life as body tissues rely on functions. There are usually five types of blood vessels- arteries (which carry blood away from heart), The arterioles, Capillaries (where exchange of water and chemicals occurs), The venules, Veins (which carry blood from capillaries back towards the heart). Some structures such as cartilage, cornea of eye, lens and epithelium do not contain blood vessels and hence are avascular. The arteries and veins have three layers- The inner layer (is the thinnest layer), middle layer (thickest layer in arteries) and the outer layer (thickest layer in veins). Blood vessels connect to form a diffuse vascular supply known as anastomosis. Main function is to transport blood throughout the circulatory system. The arteries transport oxygenated blood from lungs to body and veins transport deoxygenated blood from body to lungs. Usually blood is propelled through the arteries and arterioles through pressure which is generated by heartbeat. In this article we are going to discuss its causes, treatment, and ayurvedic management of Capillary Hemangiomas.

Capillary Hemangioma

INTRODUCTION

Hemangioma is a benign vascular tumor which is derived from the blood vessels cells, and most commonly seen in infants so known as infantile hemangioma. It is also known as the Strawberry mark which is present at the birth time or usually in the first weeks of life. It can occur anywhere in the body such as on the face, scalp, chest and back. Hemangioma looks like a rubbery lump which is made up of extra blood vessels in the part of the skin. They are usually harmless and they tend to resolve on their own. It is made up of rapidly dividing cells of the blood vessels (endothelial cells). About 75% of people aged above 75 or older have cherry hemangioma. Hemangiomas are common, non cancerous tumors which can be removed by surgery and don’t come back. When a hemangioma disappears it leaves skin scarred and pigmented. It can grow anywhere in the body which are common and harmless. The size and appearance of the hemangioma varies as some are white, bluish soft mass under the skin. Infantile girls are more prone to this condition as compared to boys.

FACTS

It is the extra growth of blood vessels formed on the skin, scalp and any part of the body.
The main symptoms include are bright red color bumps and patches on the surface of the skin
It may include treatment such as beta blockers and laser dye to remove hemangiomas.
Capillary hemangioma is a vascular anomaly, which leads to overgrowth of small blood vessels in normal tissues.
Nearly 10% hemangioma is seen in children’s orbit and eyelids, an account of nearly one in ten cases.

TYPES OF HEMANGIOMAS

There are two types of hemangiomas

1. Capillary Hemangioma

Infantile hemangiomas (strawberry hemangioma)

These are common growth of the blood vessels and more commonly seen in childrens, 12% of the babies by their first year. They look like a red bulge on the skin which grows normally between 1 quarter to some inches in size. Sometimes they are related to some disorders such as in the nervous system or in the spine. It may also be seen in the liver and brain.

Cherry hemangiomas

They are small, dot-like red blood vessels found on the torso. They are very common in adults and they are found in groups of a few dozen.

2. Cavernous Hemangioma

They form in the deeper layers of the skin, often seen around the eyes. They look like clusters of wide blood vessels which appear red to dark blue under the skin. It can lead to various problems regarding eye development such as amblyopia, cataracts.

Histopathology of Infantile Hemangioma

It has triphasic evolution

Early proliferative or growth phase- There is rapid growth during the three months, deep infantile hemangioma tends to proliferate for a longer period of time.
Plateau Phase- This lesion remains stable and for some period of months.
Involution Phase- This phase is seen within the first year of life, continuing for several years. This hemangioma is softer, more compressible and the colour is red to purple. There are many residual changes such as fibrofatty tissue, skin laxity.

CAUSES

Hemangiomas are caused by the blood vessels which do not form properly. They grouped together into a dense clump.

SYMPTOMS

Hemangiomas of the skin usually appear as small red bumps, as they grow they look like burgundy color birthmarks. Sometimes the internal organs are present inside the body. It mainly affects gastrointestinal tract and liver such as

Nausea
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Fullness of the abdomen

In a child’s first year, red marks grow rapidly into spongy, rubber-like bumps which stick out of the skin. When hemangioma enters a rest phase it begins to disappear slowly.

DEVELOPMENT OF HEMANGIOMAS

1. On the skin

There is abnormal proliferation of blood vessels in one area of the body. It forms in the top layer of the skin or sometimes in the fatty layer which is a subcutaneous layer. They are not usually present at birth.

2. On the liver

They are hepatic hemangiomas, on the surface of the liver. The non infantile hemangiomas of the liver are sensitive to estrogen. The excess estrogen can spur the growth of the liver and during pregnancy it can increase the size of hemangiomas.

Besides the skin and liver hemangiomas can grow within body such as

Kidneys
Colon
Brain
Lungs

DIAGNOSIS

Ultrasound
MRI
CT Scan

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS

Congenital hemangioma
Pyogenic granuloma
Venous malformations
Malignant tumors such as sarcoma, neuroblastoma
Tufted hemangioma
Port wine stain

TREATMENT

1. Beta Blockers Drugs

In small superficial hemangiomas a gel (Timolol) can be applied to the affected area, severe infantile hemangioma is treated with oral solution of propranolol.

2. Corticosteroid Medications

It is injected into the nodule and directly applied to the skin

3. Laser Surgery

It removes the thin hemangioma and treats the sore on hemangioma.

COMPLICATION

Ulceration it include anogenital area, axilla and neck
Ophthalmologic complication such as tear duct obstruction, amblyopia
Airway obstruction in nasal, subglottic passages
Difficulties in feeding
Cosmetic disfigurement include large facial area
PHACES syndrome
LUMBAR syndrome with lumbosacral hemangiomas, myelopathy, anorectal arterial and renal anomalies.

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT

In ayurveda Capillary hemangioma is correlated with Raktavahyanarbud. These arbud (tumors) are sehaj (congenital) and sudamarbud (benign tumors). The benign tumors are devoid of suppuration and formed by meda (tissues which involve fat), kapha (blood vessels which are primarily involved). They are steady in nature and have a cyst like appearance. As it has cutaneous appearance, the birthmark is related to nayagach, which is described as minor skin disorders which is congenital and has brown, black birthmarks which are black in color and are often painless. If the dhatus and body tissues are not in equal proportion it is meant to be diseases, and dhatus aggravate leads to imbalance. The imbalance of agni is the main reason for the disproportion of seven dhatus. In arbud attack the uncontrollable development of cells varies the growth and rate.

HERBS USEFUL FOR CAPILLARY HEMANGIOMA

HARIDRA

Haridra (Curcuma longa) is useful and famous ayurvedic herb which has tikta katu rasa, katu vipaka and ruksha guna which helps to remove the blocked pathway of blood vessels makes the circulation of blood and passage of nutrient easy, maintains the normal blood functioning. It has immune modulating action and has antioxidant properties. Haridra restores the haematopoietic functions and removes the blockage in the liver.

VARUNA

Varuna (Crataeva nurvala) is a famous diuretic herb which is useful in migraine, intestinal worms and in renal calculi. It has ushna veerya, balances kapha and vata dosha and is light (laghu) to digest. It is a useful herb in abdominal tumors and in blood disorders. Useful herb in vata disorders such as paralysis, neuralgia. Its bark is useful in the treatment of liver and spleen disorders and in various skin disorders.

TEJAPATRA

Tejapatra (Cinnamomum tamala) is an herb used in the treatment of bad odor from mouth, dental caries and in tuberculosis. It has katu (pungent), tikta (bitter) taste. Has ushna veerya and helps to reduce the vitiated kapha and vata dosha, and increases pitta dosha. It is helpful in rhinitis, anorexia and in itching. Helps to reduce palpitation, improve lung capacity and is used as an appetizer which improves digestion.

KANCHNAAR

Kanchnaar (Bauhinia variegata) is an ayurvedic herb used in the treatment of thyroid, cervical lymphadenitis. It has Laghu (light to digest), rooksha (dry) qualities. It has sheetal veerya and relieves kapha and pitta dosha. It is a useful herb in the treatment of bleeding disorders, menorrhagia, in various skin diseases. It helps to relieve worm infestation, in rectal prolapse condition.

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR CAPILLARY HEMANGIOMA BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda is a GMP certified clinic which formulates their own herbal remedies and is used in every health condition. These formulations are prepared under the strict guidance of M.D experts. These remedies are free from any preservatives, resins and any other artificial synthetic material. These remedies are 100% pure and are used without causing any side effects. For this purpose planet ayurveda provided many herbal remedies which provided great relief.

PRODUCTS LIST

Kanchnaar Guggul
Graviola Capsules
Boswellia Curcumin
Nirgundi Oil

PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION

1. Kanchnaar Guggul

Kanchnaar Guggul are herbal tablets formulated by planet ayurveda using ingredients such as Kanchar Bark (Bauhinia variegata), Haritaki (Terminalia billerica), Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), Guggul (Commiphora mukul). These tablets help in reducing cancerous growth and provide nourishment to the affected area. Useful in Goitre, cysts, tumors and in various skin diseases.

Dosage- 1-2 tablets twice daily with lukewarm water.

2. Graviola Capsules

Graviola Capsules are single herbal capsules which are formulated by planet ayurveda using ingredients such as Graviola (Annona muricata). These capsules have various properties such as Anti bacterial, anti mutagenic, and have acetogenin constituent which is helpful against every cancer cell. Helps to boost the immune system and has an effect on tumors.

Dosage- 1-2 capsules twice daily.

3. Boswellia Curcumin

Boswellia Curcumin is polyherbal capsules which are formulated by planet ayurveda using ingredients such as Shallaki (Boswellia serrata), Curcumin (Curcuma longa). It is very helpful in treating joint disorders and in inflammatory diseases. It helps to pacify the doshas and helps in removing the toxins from the body, providing good blood functioning.

Dosage- 1 capsule twice daily with plain water after meals.

4. Nirgundi Oil

Nirgundi Oil is herbal oil formulation prepared by planet ayurveda using ingredients such as Tila Oil (Sesamum indicum), Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), Kalahari (Gloriosa superba) and many more. This helps to treat many pain disorders and it has katu (pungent) Vipaka, with hot potency. Nirgundi oil acts as a analgesic, in female ailments and premenstrual syndrome. It is useful in many inflammatory conditions.

Method of applications- Apply over the affected people twice daily.

Contact Planet Ayurveda Support Team to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or Call at 0172-521-4040 (India), +91-172-521-4040 (Outside India) or Whatsapp at (+91) 9915-593-604

CONCLUSION

Hemangiomas or infantile hemangiomas are the non cancerous growth of the blood vessels which are found on the skin. The blood vessels are the components of the circulatory system which transports the blood throughout the body. It is also known as the Strawberry mark which is present at the birth time or usually in the first weeks of life. It can occur anywhere in the body such as on the face, scalp, chest and back. Hemangioma looks like a rubbery lump which is made up of extra blood vessels in the part of the skin. Planet Ayurveda provides many herbal remedies which will provide great relief without causing any side effects and maintain a healthy living.