Ayurvedic Understanding and Management Strategies for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Abstract

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive motor paralysis due to degeneration of motor neuron population in the motor cortex, brain, and spinal cord. This condition reflects the Gati (Motor) and Gandhana hani (Sensory loss), which ultimately can be comprehended under Vatavyadhi. The symptoms of ALS can be well correlated to Sarvanga vata a pathological condition described in Ayurveda, which describes features like Chestahani (loss of motor activity), Vaksthambha (Dysarthria), Ruja (Pain). Ancient Ayurvedic treatises describe physical and mental symptoms associated with degeneration. It includes Dhatu Kshaya (~Muscle wasting), Indriya Kshaya (~Reduced sensory perception), Bala Kshaya (Reduced physical strength), Utsaha Kshaya (~Reduced initiation), etc. In conventional system of medicine, this degeneration can be exemplified by Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Patients with ALS can be treated with Kapha Avrita vata chikitsa with combines herbal and herbo-mineral oral medications along with Panchakarma (Biopurification) procedure including Gut cleansing Virechana (Purgation), Basti (Therapeutic enema) etc.  This article highlights the possible mechanism in the manifestation of the disease ALS, and its possible complementary treatment approaches integrating both Ayurveda and modern medical literature.