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Muscular Dystrophy (MD) refers to a medical condition in which the muscles of a person weaken, which can eventually render them unable to walk or move properly. In addition, other organs of the body like the heart can also be affected. Nine types of MD are primarily seen in people, with the Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) said to be the most prevalent. The severity of Muscular Dystrophy varies from individual to individual. While some people with MD can be terribly affected right from childhood, a few others may only experience the negative effects over a long period of time. It is estimated that Muscular Dystrophy affects about 50,000 Americans.

Risks of Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular Dystrophy is caused by genetic defects and disorders. The majority of such medical conditions affects males, with the children receiving the defective gene from their mothers. For female children to be born with muscular dystrophy, both the mother and the father have to suffer from MD. And since this has a very low chance of happening, women are at far less risk of muscular dystrophy. It is estimated that the medical condition affects one out of every 5,000 male children. Another risk factor of MD is a genetic mutation or abnormality, which can be caused by damage to the DNA.

Ayurvedic Treatment of Muscular Dystrophy

Ayurveda can offer effective treatment for Muscular Dystrophy. A treatment used for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy includes the use of Abhyangam in which two attendants massage the person’s back while in a steam bath. The process lasts for about 30 minutes and generally uses BalaTaila as the massaging oil. A PindaSweda massage can also be done using milk, rice, and other ingredients. A Vasti treatment, aimed at expelling toxins from the body is also helpful in fighting the symptoms of muscular dystrophy. The entire treatment can take up to 14 days.

In a study published in 2015, the researchers looked at the effects of Ayurvedic treatment on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. 30 children suffering from the condition, aged between 5 to 16 years old, participated in the study. They were given a strict Ayurvedic treatment consisting of procedures like ShastikaShaliPindaSwedana, Abhyanga using BalaTaila, and Vasti. The treatment was carried out over a period of about 2 weeks. The report concluded that the children experienced an overall improvement in their condition, physically and psychologically, with many of them reporting considerable improvement while walking and climbing.