Case Study on Ayurvedic Management of Muscular Dystrophy in a 6-Year-Old Boy

ABSTRACT

Muscular dystrophy (MD) is a group of progressive genetic disorders characterized by muscle wasting and weakness. Conventional management is largely supportive with no curative therapy. Ayurveda offers a holistic approach focusing on strengthening muscles, nourishing dhatus, and improving quality of life. This case study presents a 6-year-old boy diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, managed through Ayurvedic treatments including  shashtika shali pinda sweda, ksheeradhara, abhyangam,  matra basti, tila pinda swedam, snehapanam and rasayana therapy. Significant improvement in muscle strength, reduction in fatigue, and enhanced daily activities were noted after 1 months of treatment.

INTRODUCTION

Muscular dystrophy is a genetic disorder with progressive degeneration of skeletal muscles, often diagnosed in childhood. Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is the most common form. Modern medicine offers physiotherapy, steroids, and supportive care but lacks curative solutions. In Ayurveda, it can be correlated to Mamsa Dhatu Kshaya and Beejadushtijanya Vata Vyadhi. Treatment aims to strengthen muscles (balya), nourish tissues (brimhana), and pacify vata dosha.

PATIENT INFORMATION

• Name:  S. RAVANAK
• Age/Gender: 6 yrs, Male
• Address: 4-134/A, palair, kharnmam, telangana -507157

PRESENTING COMPLAINTS:

• Progressive weakness of lower limbs since age 2
• Difficulty in rising from sitting position
• H/O Frequent falls while walking
• Fatigue after mild exertion
• Duration of Illness: 4 years
• Past Medical History: Normal birth history, immunized as per schedule
• Family History: non-consanguineous marriage, younger brother(2 yrs old) also has high CPK value (30480 IU/L)

PERSONAL HISTORY:

• Appetite: moderate
• Sleep: sound
• Bowel/Bladder: regular
• Milestones: Achieved normal until 2 years, then delayed gross motor activities

CLINICAL FINDINGS

• GENERAL EXAMINATION:

Height: 104 cm,

Weight: 16 kg

Vitals: Stable

• SYSTEMIC EXAMINATION:

Gower’s sign: positive

 Muscle power:

RANGE OF MOVEMENTS

OTHER EXAMINATION

• Gait Analysis:  waddling along with left side high stepping                                                        
• Postural Assessment: left side – pelvic hike, right side – pelvic drop
• Mild scoliotic changes at lumbar region
• Calf muscle pseudohypertrophy present
• Neurological Tests:          
• Balance:  single leg stance affected
• Co Ordination: normal                                             
• Muscle Tone:  lower limb- hypotonia                

AYURVEDIC EXAMINATION

• Prakriti: Vata-Pitta
• Vikriti: Vata prakopa, Mamsa dhatu kshaya
• Nidana: Beejadosha (genetic), poor mamsa dhatu poshana
• Samprapti: Vata aggravation due to dhatu kshaya → loss of bala and mamsa dhatu

INVESTIGATIONS

CPK: Elevated (25822 IU/L)

Genetic testing: DMD gene mutation detected

Ayurvedic: Clinical assessment based on dosha, dhatu, srotas

DIAGNOSIS

MODERN DIAGNOSIS: DUCHENNE MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY (DMD)

AYURVEDIC DIAGNOSIS:  Beejadushtijanya Mamsa Dhatu Kshaya leading to Vata Vyadhi

TREATMENT PLAN

Shodhana Chikitsa

• Matra Basti with Balashwagandhadi taila – 15 ml, once daily for 7 days

Shamana Chikitsa

Medications (oral):

• Ashwagandha churna – 2 g with milk twice daily
• Brahmi ghrita – 5 ml once daily in the morning
• Gandharvahastadi kashayam – 10 ml twice daily with warm water

Snehapanam

• Medicated ghee is preferred due to its sūkṣma (penetrating) and dhātu-prasadana (tissue purifying and nourishing) qualities.
• Kalyānaka Ghṛta / Brahmi Ghṛta – for neuro-muscular strengthening.
• Given in increasing doses (āccha snehapāna) under supervision.

mātrā snehapāna (small daily dose) is often preferred for long-term nourishment.

  Benefits in Muscular Dystrophy

• Nourishes and strengthens muscles (māṃsa dhātu poshana).
• Delays progression of muscle wasting.
• Improves flexibility and reduces stiffness by pacifying vāta.
• Enhances digestion and metabolism (agni dīpana), thus better nutrient assimilation.
• Supports nerve–muscle coordination (medhya and balya effect).
• Provides ojas vardhana (improves vitality and immunity).

EXTERNAL THERAPIES:

• Abhyanga (Oil Massage): Daily massage with medicated oils like Balashwagandhadi Taila, Ksheerabala Taila, Mahanarayan Taila to nourish muscles and reduce stiffness.

• Swedana (Sudation): Mild fomentation after massage to improve circulation and reduce rigidity.

• Shashtika Shali Pinda Sweda (Njavarakizhi): Bolus massage with medicated rice cooked in milk and herbal decoctions—helps strengthen and bulk up muscles.

• Matrabasti (small-dose medicated enema): With oils like Balataila or Sahacharadi Taila, to balance Vata and support neuromuscular strength.

• Tila pinda swedam:bolus massage prepared with seasame seeds, urad dal in milk

DIET AND LIFESTYLE ADVICE

• Brimhana ahara: milk, ghee, wheat preparations, green gram, dates, nuts
• Avoid ruksha, laghu, vata-aggravating foods (dry, cold, fermented foods)
• Gentle physiotherapy and yoga-based stretching exercises

FOLLOW-UP AND OUTCOMES

Duration of Treatment: 1 months (with 3 follow-ups at monthly intervals)

Observed Improvements:

• Reduction in frequency of falls
• Improved walking stability and stair climbing with support
• Increased appetite and better sleep
• Parents reported child is more active in play
• No major side effects noted

DISCUSSION

Muscular dystrophy has no curative treatment in modern medicine, with management focused on supportive care. In Ayurveda, therapy focuses on pacifying vata dosha, nourishing mamsa dhatu, and promoting ojas. The combination of abhyanga, swedana, basti, and rasayana drugs helped improve functional ability and quality of life. Shashtika Shali Pinda Sweda provided significant brimhana and muscle nourishment. Though not curative, the Ayurvedic approach demonstrated a positive role in slowing disease progression and improving quality of life in this child.

CONCLUSION

Ayurvedic management with balya, brimhana, vatahara, and rasayana therapies showed encouraging results in a 6-year-old boy with muscular dystrophy. This integrative approach may be recommended as supportive care to enhance muscle strength, delay progression, and improve daily functioning in pediatric MD cases.