ANALYSING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS IN AYURVEDA

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease characterized by a triad of inflammation, demyelination, and gliosis. It is a debilitating disorder due to its progressive nature. The probable causes may be hereditary, environmental and autoimmune. It covers a wide spectrum of clinical features like pain, weakness and diminished sensation of different parts of body, deficit of senses, affliction of muscle tone, power and coordination, speech difficulties etc. It is a herculean task to manage such syndromes. Ayurveda stands unique in such progressive incapacitating diseases by improving the Quality of Life especially HRQOL. Health-related quality of life is an important factor for evaluating the effect of interventions, which can be achieved following Ayurveda principles. The time-honored panacea – Ayurveda has a scope in this regard in improving the quality of life of the ailing community. METHODOLOGY: Reviewing the literature, published articles and available case sheets. RESULT: It is observed as a single disease having multiple dimensions. It is difficult to cure the condition; the HRQOL can be improved through Ayurveda management. To achieve this, the concept of Vikalpa Samprapti(Etiopathogenesis) and Anukta Vyadhi(Disease which are not explained in Clas-sics) aids. DISCUSSION: Vikalpa Samprapti is important in understanding and detailing any Anukta Vyadhi. The site of affliction and clinical features are the only evident facts making the disease complex to understand and manage. Ayurveda identifies each disease based on Samprapti Ghatakas(Components in disease manifesta-tion) and approaches each individual based on Rogi Pareeksha(Examination of patient). Avalambhaka, Tarpaka, Sadhaka, Udana, Vyana, and Apana have their Adhishtana (abode) and function close to the Shirohridaya, which also controls the Madhyama Rogamarga. This Sthana along with the aforesaid controls the higher mental function, motor sensory function, which gets impaired on Dosha Dushti along with Dhatu Paaka, makes the Ro-ga progressive and an incapacitating morbidity.