To study the Ayurvedic perspective of Multiple Sclerosis with special reference to Dhatukshayajanya Vaatvyadhi

Abstract

Ayurveda is an ancient holistic science of life that has put forth etiology of various diseases along with principles for its treatment. The advancement and research in the field of Ayurveda has led to acceptance of Ayurvedic principles and concepts in the understanding and treatment of newly evolving diseases, which are not mentioned in classical texts. Of which Multiple Sclerosis is the one. Multiple Sclerosis, is an autoimmune disease, characterised by chronic inflammation and demyelination with remissions and exacerbations of clinical signs and symptoms. We do not get any direct narration of Multiple Sclerosis in the Ayurvedic text. But on the basis of similarities with the Lakshana and involvement of Dosh, Dushya and Srotas in the etiology of the disease, it can be correlated with Dhatukshyajanya Vaatvyadhi. Vatavyadhi is a broad term, which implies the vitiation of other Dosha and Dushya in a special way by Vayu to produce diseases in the entire body or in a specific part of the body. Thus, the present paper will be a sincere effort to study Multiple Sclerosis under the umbrella of Dhatukshyajanya Vaatvyadhi, which may be useful in identification and treatment of Multiple Sclerosis with the Ayurvedic aspect.