Regarding (DMD) Duchene muscler disorder

Question

Facing challenges while climbing steps, while walking, while get up, sometimes falling. Boy ge is now 7.5 yrs

Dr Sujal Patil · Accepted Answer

For a 7-year-old child facing challenges with physical movements like climbing steps, walking, getting up, and occasional falls, Ayurveda can offer supportive treatments to improve strength, balance, and overall health. Below are some Ayurvedic approaches that can complement conventional medical treatment:

### **Ayurvedic Treatment for a 7-Year-Old:**

1. **Dietary Adjustments:**
   - **Increase nourishment**: Include foods that strengthen bones, muscles, and joints, such as **ghee**, **milk**, **almonds**, and **sesame seeds**. These help promote growth and strengthen the body.
   - **Avoid heavy or processed foods**: Foods that are difficult to digest (like fried or overly spicy foods) can contribute to weak digestion and a lack of energy.
   - **Nutritious herbs**: Ayurveda suggests herbs like **Ashwagandha** (for strength and stamina) and **Shatavari** (for overall vitality). These can be given in age-appropriate doses (consult an Ayurvedic doctor for proper dosage).

2. **Herbal Remedies for Joint and Muscle Health:**
   - **Guggulu**: Known to support joint health and reduce inflammation, it can help improve movement if there's pain or stiffness.
   - **Turmeric (Curcumin)**: A natural anti-inflammatory that can reduce swelling or pain in the joints.
   - **Boswellia (Shallaki)**: Helps improve joint mobility and reduce pain.

3. **Massage (Abhyanga):**
   - Regular **gentle oil massage** with **sesame oil** or **mustard oil** helps strengthen muscles, improve circulation, and calm the nervous system. This can help the child feel more grounded and balanced, improving mobility and reducing falls.
   - Massage also enhances the digestive fire (Agni), ensuring better nutrient absorption to support overall growth and energy.

4. **Yoga and Movement Practices:**
   - Simple **yoga postures** like **Tadasana** (Mountain Pose) and **Vrikshasana** (Tree Pose) can help improve balance, flexibility, and coordination. These can be done in a playful manner to keep the child engaged.
   - Gentle stretches can increase muscle flexibility and strength.

5. **Herbal Teas and Tonics:**
   - **Triphala**: This herbal remedy can help support digestion and remove toxins, improving overall health.
   - **Ashwagandha** or **Guduchi** (Tinospora cordifolia) can help improve stamina, energy, and immune function, addressing fatigue and weakness.

6. **Lifestyle Practices:**
   - Ensure the child gets **adequate rest** and sleep, as recovery and growth happen during rest periods.
   - Avoid excessive screen time or sedentary activities, encouraging physical play to strengthen the muscles and joints.
   - Keep a **consistent routine** for meals, sleep, and physical activities to promote overall health and balance.

### **Consulting an Ayurvedic Practitioner:**
It’s essential to consult with an Ayurvedic doctor to tailor the remedies to the child's specific constitution (Prakriti) and imbalances (Vikriti). An Ayurvedic practitioner can offer customized advice on herbs, oils, and practices suitable for the child’s age and health condition.

### **Note**: 
Ayurveda works best when combined with conventional medical care. If your child’s symptoms are severe or persistent, it is essential to consult a pediatrician to rule out any underlying medical conditions, such as joint issues, muscle disorders, or neurological concerns.

Dr. Ayush Varma · Answer

So, it's concerning that your 7.5-year-old boy is facing these challenges like difficulty climbing steps, walking issues, and even falling sometimes. While classical Ayurveda offers perspectives on musculoskeletal health, conditions like Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) are complex and really require immediate medical attention.

But, from an Ayurvedic standpoint, these kinds of symptoms might be related to vata dosha imbalance, specifically concerning mamsa dhatu (muscle tissue) and asthi dhatu (bone tissue). Ayurveda speaks about nourishing the dhatus to maintain balance and strength. A weak agni, or digestive fire, could also contribute to improper nourishment of the dhatus.

Okay, here are some general suggestions, but remember, following modern medical advice is crucial here:

1. **Diet and Nutrition**: Focus on a diet that is rich in proteins and good fats. Foods like ghee, warm milk with a pinch of turmeric, almonds, and dates can support mamsa dhatu, but always check for any allergies. Include cooked veggies like carrots, beets, and spinach.

2. **Herbal Support**: Some traditional herbs like Ashwagandha and Shatavari might help in building strength and vitality. Consult a local Ayurvedic practitioner for dosage and form suitable for kids.

3. **Massage (Abhyanga)**: Gently massaging with warm sesame oil or Ashwagandha Bala oil can be beneficial. It’s calming for vata and helps nourish the tissues too.

4. **Routine and Activity**: Encourage a routine with mild, supervised exercises if the doctor permits. It’s a balancing act, avoiding overstrain while promoting some movement.

5. **Lifestyle**: Ensure good sleep hygiene and minimize exposure to anything overly stimulating. A calm, stable environment helps balance vata.

While these pointers might support wellness, consult with pediatricians and specialists urgently. Timely professional medical evaluation is vital to understand what's happening and ensure the best care plan. This is not a substitute for professional medical advice, of course, but from an Ayurvedic lens, managing vata can complement medical treatment. Remember, we're blending ancient wisdom with modern knowledge to safeguard health.

Regarding (DMD) Duchene muscler disorder - #2444

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