POST POLIO SYNDROME AND AYURVEDA

Introduction:
Post poliomyelitis syndrome (PPS) is a condition that affects polio survivors anywhere from 10 to 40 years after recovery from an initial paralytic attack of the poliomyelitis virus. Post-polio syndrome is characterized by a further weakening of muscles that were previously affected by the polio infection.

Post polio syndrome is a very slowly progressing condition marked by long periods of stability. The severity of post-polio syndrome depends on the degree of the residual weakness and disability an individual has after the original polio attack. People who had only minimal symptoms from the original attack and subsequently develop post-polio syndrome will most likely experience only mild post-polio syndrome symptoms. People originally hit hard by the polio virus, which were left with severe residual weakness, may develop a more severe case of post-polio syndrome with a greater loss of muscle function, difficulty in swallowing, and more periods of fatigue.

Symptoms of Post Polio Syndrome

• Unexplained fatigue
• New weakness in muscles
• Pain in muscles or joint
• Scoliosis
• Breathing difficulties
• Swallowing problems
• Depression
• Muscle spasms/twitching
• Sleep problems
• Anxiety
• Muscle atrophy

Ayurvedic Cause for Post Polio Syndrome

Poliomyelitis is caused when there is a divergence in vata-pitta-kamba which affects the dosha (energies of the body). This physiological shift causes toxins (ama) to build up and attack the nervous system. To be treated positively, Ayurveda says that there must be a re-balancing of these dosha's within the body.

Treatment for Post Polio Syndrome

No specific treatment of the disease. Though the modern science is unable to offer a cure, Ayurveda cam alleviate the pain experienced by the sufferers and can also aid the survivor's recovery greatly.

Ayurveda treatments for Post Polio Syndrome:

Ayurveda offers a healing regime of herbal treatments and intensive panchakarma therapies that focus on reducing the symptoms and repair the damage. Ayurvedic treatment is concerned with cleansing body channels, restoring proper digestion and nourishing body tissues and pacifying imbalanced body energies. This is achieved through prescription of cleansing herbal formulas and adjustments to diet and lifestyle. Nourishing herbs are also administered to strengthen the nervous system.

Herbs useful in PPS:

• Daruharidra
• Ashwagandha
• Nimba
• Vana Tulsi
• Twaka
• Lajalu
• Shatapushpa
• Lavanga
• Talisapatra
• Jatiphala
• Aardraka
• Kuchala
• Nirvisha
• Maricha
• Dhanyaka

Ayurvedic medicines useful in PPS:

• Gandhaka rasayana
• Koutaja shilajit
• Ekangveer ras
• Suvarna brahmi vati
• Mahavatavidhwansa
• Sameerpanaga
• Ashwagandharishta
• Nimba Ghanavati

Ayurvedic oils helpful in PPS are:

• Mahamasha tailam
• Vishagarbha tailam
• Maha narayana tailam
• Chandana bala lakshaadi tailam
• Maha bala tailam

Panchakarma therapies helpful in PPS:

• Abhyangam
• Njavarakizhi
• Vasthy
• Siro Dhara
• Pizhichil
• Podikizhi
• Ksheera dhara
• Kadidhara
• Prishta vasthy
• Dhanyamla dhara
• Sirovasthi
• Annalepam

Diet and lifestyle guidance chart for Post Polio Syndrome:

• One should refrain from indulging in physical activities that cause exertion and fatigue.
• Doing exercises is beneficial, but one must not overdo it to the point that it starts hurting.
• Drink a glass of milk at least twice a day. Milk is a rich source of calcium and proteins.
• Avoid getting injured. One should ensure that he or she is wearing a proper footwear that can help a person to avoid getting slipped and keep injuries at bay
• Drink a cup of green tea or ginger tea with licorice daily.
• Aloe vera is good for health in various aspects and also helps people suffering from polio.

(P.S: As every human being is different according to Ayurveda, all have different cures. So, kindly consult us or an Ayurveda doctor before taking any herbal medicines.)

This post is written by Dr.Jaina Patwa who is a Chief Ayurvedic practitioner based at Vile Parle, Mumbai, India. She is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant on Skype. Skype ID - vishwacare

VishwaCARE offers Ayurvedic treatment globally for all chronic and refractory health problems. Dr.Jaina Patwa uses high quality organic herbal extracts which are easy to take, effective and completely safe for long-term use.

For authentic ayurveda treatments or queries, kindly email us on vishwacare.jaina@gmail.com or contact us on +919833998817