Abstract

DIABETIC NEUROPATHY AND ITS MANAGEMENT THROUGH AYURVEDA

*Dr. Samidha Sharma, Dr. Durgawati Devi and Dr. Hetal Dave

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Abstract

Introduction: India being the world capital of Diabetes Mellitus which is alarming us with more dreadful complications. Diabetes mellitus is a giant disease considered as one of the arch enemies of the mankind. Diabetic neuropathy is one of the common complications which happens to 50 % of the patients suffering from diabetes where over a period of time nerves get affected and leads to foot ulcers and gait disturbances[1] However, the molecular mechanisms underlying such deficits remain obscure. As no treatment is available to cure this disease so its progression leads to dreadful conditions. As no direct reference is available in Ayurvedic text regarding this, it may be considered as updrava of Madhumeha in which Avaranjanya samprapti of the disease, Kapha and Pitta obstructs the pathway of Vata causing secondary Vataprakopa that leads to diverse scenario of Vataj Nanatamaja Vikara. Thus Prakupitta Pitta and Kapha along with Vata causes symptoms like Padadaha, Padharsha and Padasupti which are also described in Poorvarupa of Prameha Roga. Acharya Chakradutta also has also described Jhunjhunavata in Vatavyadhi chikitsa and has mentioned use of Dashmoola kwatha and Pushkarmoola Churna along with Hingu to cure the Jhunjhunavata. Objectives: To summarize as well as Understanding and Management of Diabetes Neuropathy as per Ayurveda and contemporary science. Method: Ayurveda text, Modern literature, Case reports and Various researches/studies conducted on diabetic neuropathy along with un- derstanding samprapti of the disease and doshic involvement in diabetic neuropathy. Discus-sion: As per Ayurveda, diabetic neuropathy being a progressive complication phase of diabe-tes can be understood as Vata pitta predominant stage of Prameha happening due to vishesha samprapti and excessive loss of the Soumya dhatus as Prabhuta avila mutrata. Mridu Snehana followed by the Shalishastika Pinda Swedana, Nasya, Basti, Patrapinda Sweda is useful in treatment of Diabetes along with Tridosha Shamaka herbs specially Vatashamaka, Shothaha-ra, Nadibalya, Vedana Sthapaka are useful in the state of Diabetic Neuropathy. Conclusion: Diabetic neuropathy is damage to autonomic, motor and / or sensory nerves that results from metabolic or vascular derangements in patients with long standing diabetes mellitus. The Symptoms of the disease like pain (Ruka), tingling sensation (Harsha) and numbness (Supti) are due to vitiation of Vata Dosha. Burning (Daha) sensation is due to provocation of Pitta Dosha. Drugs having Rasayana, Madhumehahara property and Balya property is useful in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy. All this treatment increases the nerve conduction velocity and myelin sheath repair which as a result in overall Neurological improvement. This review summarizes the epidemiology, risk factors, and management of Diabetic Neuropathy and re-lated lower extremity complications.

Keywords: Diabetes Neuropathy, Madhumeha, Prameha, Samprapti.