Multiple Sclerosis: The Ayurvedic Concept

Table of Contents

Introduction

Undigested foods, especially greasy foods e.g. fat, oil, butter, etc., turn acid and have toxic effects on the components of blood. “Ama” is the Ayurvedic term for the undigested foods. The essence of well-digested foods, in general, should be sweet in taste which is the source of nutrients for bodily tissues. The essence of greasy foods (undigested) assimilated through the portal veins results in a pathogenic defect of serum. In this condition, some characteristic symptoms such as anorexia, fever, the tendency to vomit, pain or heaviness in the legs, body ache, drowsiness, blurred vision, and wearisome, etc. can be developed. This stage of pathogenic defect of serum, if is neglected and at the same time, if there are more greasy foods in the diet and indigestion, the mutual balanced co-ordinations of the nervous system, vein system, and artery system can be destroyed. The loss of balanced coordination of the three bodily systems is called “Tridosha”. The loss of mutual coordination of the major bodily systems caused by the toxic essence of the undigested greasy foods is called “Ama-Tridosha”. Ayurveda points out that Ama-Tridosha is the fundamental cause of multiple sclerosis (MS). In this sense, it is clear that Ama is the pathogenic agent of MS. This is the theory of Ayurveda.

The function of the nervous system controls and regulates the function of the artery system (Kapha) and the function of the artery system controls and regulates the function of the nervous system. They have bilateral balanced co-ordinations. The functions of the nervous system and artery system, both combinely control and regulate the function of the vein system (Pitta) and the function of the vein system controls and regulate the functions of them. This is the mutual balanced coordination of the three major bodily systems that, in fact, is the significance of health. The loss of coordination of them, either one of them or two or all of them results in morbid conditions and manifests the symptoms of disease. This is the general theory of Ayurveda to present the facts of health and illness.

It is well investigated that in the case of MS, the functions of all the bodily systems are found out of control. As a result, the case of MS can develop symptoms concerning the aggravated nervous system, vein system, and artery system. Paralysis, neuralgic pain, numbness, etc. are the symptoms of the aggravated nervous system. The aggravated vein system in general, develops the symptoms of fever, hot sensation, inflammation, etc. In the same way, symptoms of thickening, blockage, exudation, etc. are signs of an aggravated artery system. Regarding this principle, it is clear that MS is a disease of physical disorder caused by the toxic essence of undigested foods, especially fat, oil, peanut butter, etc.

The pathogenic agent of MS can be active in three morbid stages: first stage – active in serum; second stage – active in the constituents of fat; and third stage – active in the nervous tissues.

The pathogenic agent of MS when active in the serum, and circulating through the blood vessels, causes mucus exudation and blockage in the duct systems. In this condition, the patient complains often of fever, body ache, anorexia, drowsiness (sleepy all the time), goose pimples, pain or heaviness in the legs (especially in the thigh), blurred vision (sometimes even blindness), vomiting and wearisome. These are the primitive symptoms of MS, which are always confusing for proper diagnosis. These symptoms come and go, also, are curable with symptomatic treatment and fasting. This is the first stage of MS.

However, the patients with MS with primitive symptoms, if it is not well treated and at the same time, if there is a heavy diet including greasy foods; meat; milk products, etc., the pathogenic agent of MS can affect the constituents of fat resulting in less coagulation. The less coagulated fat is similar to the nature of mucus and mixes each other. The mucus mixed with semi-liquid fat circulating throughout the body thickens the wall of the blood vessels of the thigh. Therefore, the patient of MS in general, complains of the symptoms of paralysis of the thigh or legs. The symptoms of paralysis of the thigh or legs, in the beginning, come and go and result in the weak function of the legs. This is the second stage of MS, which is considered still curable with proper treatment based on the drugs, which are counteractive to the bodily grease.

The patient of MS with the symptoms of paralysis, if treated with the regular drugs for paralysis, which contain oil massage, greasy enema, etc. can worsen the symptoms resulting in permanent paralysis of the legs. This is the third stage of MS, which is very difficult to cure. In this stage, the pathogenic agent of MS can destroy the constituent of nervous tissues and result in tremors, hot sensations, severe pain, etc.

The Ayurvedic principle of general treatment to restore the balance of the bodily systems is based on “Panchakarma”, the medical practice of the use of enema, laxative and emetic drugs. The enema made from medicinal decoction and grease is used to restore the balance of the aggravated function of the nervous system; the laxative drugs are found very effective to prescribe to restore the balance of the aggravated function of the vein system; the emetic drugs are beneficial to prescribe to restore the balance of the aggravated function of the artery system. However, in the treatment of MS, these medical practices are found more harmful. Therefore, the case of MS is very difficult to cure. However, the first stage and the second stage are not difficult to cure, if they are diagnosed properly.

Regarding all these facts, Ayurvedic texts present the case of MS in the special chapter of “Urustambha”.

Causes of Multiple Sclerosis

Wrong diagnosis and treatment are the main cause of MS, because in the case of MS, in the beginning, is limited within the symptoms of pathogenic defect of serum.

The cause of pathogenic defect of serum is considered as the undigested greasy foods e.g. oil, peanut butter, milk products (except cheese), etc. It has been investigated that the greasy foods eaten during the period when the meal is half-digested in the stomach especially cause the pathogenic defect of serum. Also, during the period of digestion of greasy foods, any hot and cold drinks can cause pathogenic defects in serum.

Excessive or daily indulgence in yogurt (curd); milk; meat; alcoholic beverage; liquid diet; overeating; sleeping during the day; awakening at night; vigorous exercise; fear; withholding the natural urges of stool, urine, and gas; malpractice of fasting also, can be the cause of pathogenic defect of serum.

In the stage of pathogenic defect of serum, any wrong treatment based on oil massage, greasy enema, heavy diet including meat and milk products, etc. can be the cause of MS.

Regular treatment of paralysis based on laxatives, oily drugs, etc. worsens the symptoms of MS manifested during the period of second stage.

The drugs and diet, which aggravate the function of the nervous system, can be the cause of permanent paralysis.

Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis

The symptoms of MS developed in different stages can be divided into three categories:

The pathogenic agent of MS when is active in the serum, the patient with MS complains of drowsiness, sleep all the time, wearisome, anorexia, fever, body ache, goose pimples, vomiting, pain in the legs, blurred vision, jerking and especially weakness. These symptoms come and go not even being known what is the cause of them. However, the recurrent problem is the characteristic of the case of MS. Ayurveda considers that these are the primitive symptoms of MS, which are very common during the period of activity of the artery system. It is well investigated that during the developing period of the body (in general, sixteen to thirty years of age), the artery system becomes more active. This is especially true for women. Therefore, the problem of MS is very common for women as well as during the age of thirty. Someone fat and weak does not follow this rule.

In the primitive stage of MS, if it is not well treated and at the same time if there is a heavy diet including meat, milk products, greasy foods, etc. the patient of MS complains of weakness, heaviness, numbness, especially legs; difficulty to walk and move the legs; the symptoms of paralysis, especially effecting the legs without the sensation of coldness: hot sensation; severe pain. These symptoms come and go. The regular treatment of paralysis based on oily drugs, laxatives, oil massage, etc. worsens the symptoms of paralysis. These are the second main stage symptoms of MS, which depend upon the activity of the pathogenic agent of MS in the constituents of fat.

The pathogenic agent of MS when active in the constituents of the nervous tissues, results in functional disorder of the nerves. This is the third stage of MS. In this stage, the patient of MS complains of tremor, hot sensation, severe pain, counteraction of the paralyzed legs, numbness, heaviness, atrophy, and permanent paralysis. Ayurveda considers that the third stage of MS is not curable; however, it can be well maintained for a few years to survive.

Patients with MS, in the advanced stage, sometimes can have the problem of insomnia with severe pain and dry feelings, which are considered bad side effects of drugs prescribed for MS treatment.

Prevention of Multiple Sclerosis

In the sense of prevention of MS, the pathogenic defect of serum has to be fixed as soon as possible with fasting, exercise, digestive drugs, sunbathing, and less drinking water or any liquid.

The patient, if does not feel weak, also mild laxative and emetic drugs can be prescribed for a short time, especially at the beginning stage.

Greasy foods should not be taken at all; the overeating habit is prohibited; the time of meal should be regular; milk products, meat, and alcohol are prohibited; the natural urges of gas, urine, and stool should not be withheld; sleeping during the day is very harmful; salt and salty food preparations should be avoided time to time; sweet fruits and foods except honey are prohibited.

Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis

The general treatment of MS is divided into two stages: first-stage treatment and second-stage treatment. The first stage of treatment is based on digestive drugs and medicine for symptomatic treatment. The treatment for the second stage contains drugs, which counteract the bodily grease; decrease weight; and keep balance in the bodily systems.

The pathogenic defect of serum, which causes the primitive symptoms of MS, can be fixed with treatment based on digestive drugs. Pippalyadi Churna, the standard compound of Piper longum and some other digestive herbs, or Dhanyapanchakam, the standard compound of coriander, etc. is beneficial to prescribe for digestion of undigested greasy foods, which causes pathogenic defects of serum. During the treatment with digestive drugs, fasting, exercise, and less salt, a dry diet has medicinal value. Some drugs for symptomatic treatment e.g. general pyretic drugs for fever and body aches; anti-emetic drugs for vomiting etc. can be prescribed in time.

The pathogenic agent of MS when is active in the constituents of fat, causes the symptoms of paralysis of the legs (sometimes even the hands). In this stage, the internal and external treatments must be based on the drugs, that counteract the bodily grease e.g. fat, mucus, etc. The treatment based on the counteracting bodily grease is called “Ruksopachara”. For this treatment, some drugs, which are bitter, pungent, astringent, or dilatory in effect, are prescribed. Gugguluyoga, a compound of Balsamodendron mukul with some other herbs; Shilajatu, a compound of bitumen (rock secretion) with some other herbs; Devadaruchurnam, a compound of Cedrus deodar with some other herbs, etc. are special drugs, which are prescribed with honey to take in the treatment of MS. These drugs have special medicinal values to counteract the grease from the body, which results in no more thickening of the blood vessel’s walls; no more accumulation of the mucus mixed with semi-liquid fat; normal function of the paralyzed legs. These drugs have to be prescribed for three to six months with a proper diet.

It is very important to pay attention that during the treatment with these drugs, the nervous system should not be aggravated. For that, some counteracting drugs, which help to restore the balance of the nervous system should be prescribed side by side. Ayurveda points out that the drugs, which counteract the bodily grease (Kapha), can aggravate the function of the nervous system (Vata). In this condition, the symptoms of MS can be worse along with insomnia, severe pain, hot sensation, and permanent damage of paralyzed nerves. Yogaraja Guggulu, the compound of Balsamodendron Mukul with other minerals and herbs is found to be the best remedy to maintain the balance of the nervous system.

During the treatment of MS, the symptoms of paralysis can be changed and cause regular paralysis affecting the nerves. This is very common if the function of the nervous system is aggravated by the drugs counteracting the bodily grease. In this condition, as soon as possible, the basic treatment of MS should be stopped and the regular treatment of paralysis should be prescribed based on the oily drugs. Piluparni Tail, the oily drug made with Bauhinia vahli with other herbs is one of the best oily drugs.

It is well investigated that the case of MS is not easy to cure only with internal treatment. For quick cure, it also needs some specific external treatment to rub on the paralyzed legs and to plaster on. The powder of Pongamia pinnata or Cedrus deodara or Calotropis gigantia is found very effective to rub on. In the same way, the powder of fine clay or brick has medicinal value to rub on with some other herbs and to plaster on with honey and mustard, etc. The application of external treatment has the same effect as internal treatment to avoid the thickening condition of the blood vessel walls and accumulation of mucus with semi-liquid fat.

The advanced stage of MS, which is considered the third stage of MS with the permanent symptoms of paralysis, is not curable. However, to maintain for a few years to survive, it can be treated with regular drugs to keep the balance of the nervous system.

Exercise for MS Patients

Exercise for MS patients is very important, especially for someone who is not so weak. Regular walking in the sandy land or crossing the river or pond is found to be the best exercise for the patient of MS who has periodical symptoms of paralysis. If the patient has no power to walk by himself he should have the support of someone and gradually he should try to walk by himself in the presence of a supporter or with a stick etc. During this exercise, it is very important to pay attention that the patient should not be excited otherwise will get traumatic problems. It is often seen that the patient of MS being excited to walk gets problems of traumatic injuries, which in general, results in worse condition of paralysis.

Prohibited Foods

Excessive or daily use of milk, butter, ghee, yogurt (curd);
oil, peanut butter, sesame products;
meat, fish;
alcoholic beverage;
vinegar;
liquid diet;
hot drink especially during the period of digestion of a meal;
starchy foods especially rice;
salt;
sweet or sour fruits

Prohibited Behaviors

Sleeping during the day;
awakening at night;
overeating;
fasting;
vigorous exercise;
fear;
withholding the urges of stool, urine, and gas can aggravate the functions of the artery system and the nervous system, which are found very bad for the patient of MS.

Recommended Diet

Barley;
millet;
beans;
cheese;
honey;
whole wheat bread;
bitter vegetables;
carminative spices;
honey-water to drink;
food preparation with sodium bicarbonate or alkali of barley plant.

Frequently Asked Questions on Multiple Sclerosis

Q1: What is the Ayurvedic perspective on the fundamental cause of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
According to Ayurveda, the fundamental cause of MS is “Ama-Tridosha,” which occurs due to the toxic essence of undigested greasy foods like fat, oil, and butter. This leads to a loss of balanced coordination among the nervous, vein, and artery systems (Tridosha), causing MS.

Q2: How does Ayurveda describe the progression of MS?
MS progresses through three stages according to Ayurveda. The first stage involves pathogenic defects in serum, the second stage affects the constituents of fat, leading to symptoms like paralysis of the thighs or legs, and the third stage involves the nervous tissues, resulting in severe symptoms like tremors and permanent paralysis.

Q3: What are the early symptoms of MS in its first stage?
Early symptoms in the first stage of MS include fever, body ache, anorexia, drowsiness, goose pimples, pain in the legs, blurred vision, vomiting, and wearisome feelings. These symptoms are often confusing for diagnosis and come and go, but are generally treatable with symptomatic treatment and fasting.

Q4: What causes the pathogenic defect of serum, leading to MS?
The pathogenic defect of serum, a precursor to MS, is mainly caused by undigested greasy foods like oil, peanut butter, and certain milk products. Other factors include improper eating habits, excessive indulgence in certain foods and beverages, and certain lifestyle behaviors.

Q5: What are the symptoms in the second stage of MS?
In the second stage, symptoms include weakness, heaviness, numbness in the legs, difficulty walking, and symptoms of paralysis. These symptoms are influenced by diet and may worsen with certain treatments.

Q6: What is the Ayurvedic approach to treating MS?
Ayurvedic treatment for MS is divided into two stages. The first-stage treatment focuses on digestive drugs and symptomatic treatment, while the second-stage treatment uses drugs to counteract bodily grease, decrease weight, and balance bodily systems. Treatment in the third stage of MS is mostly maintenance, as it is considered incurable at this stage.

Q7: What foods and behaviors should be avoided by MS patients?
MS patients should avoid greasy foods, dairy products (except cheese), meat, alcoholic beverages, vinegar, and certain fruits. They should also avoid sleeping during the day, overeating, vigorous exercise, and withholding natural urges like stool and urine.

Q8: What is the recommended diet for someone with MS?
Ayurveda recommends a diet consisting of barley, millet, beans, cheese, honey, whole wheat bread, bitter vegetables, and carminative spices. Drinking honey water and preparing food with sodium bicarbonate or alkali of barley plant is also advised.

Q9: How important is exercise for MS patients, and what type is recommended?
Exercise is crucial for MS patients, especially those not severely weakened. Recommended activities include regular walking on sandy terrain or crossing rivers or ponds. Support may be necessary initially, and care should be taken to avoid over-exertion or excitement.

Q10: What is the Ayurvedic principle behind the treatment of MS?
Ayurvedic treatment for MS involves restoring the balance of the body’s systems. However, common Ayurvedic practices like Panchakarma (use of enema, laxatives, and emetics) are not recommended for MS, as they can be harmful. The treatment focuses on dietary control, lifestyle changes, and specific herbal medications.

Author

Dr. Mana Bajra Bajracharya
PIYUSHABARSHI AUSHADHALAYA
Ayurvedic Clinic
Mahabouddha, Kathmandu, Nepal

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