How can Ayurveda Help in Treating Achondroplasia?

There are a different type of genetic disorder one of them is achondroplasia that is a rare inherited bone disorder. It is a less common type of disorder that occurs in one in 40,000 live births. Achondroplasia is a type of dwarfism that is most common in children. The arms and legs of the child are very short as compared to the length of the body. The trunk is in normal size and the head is bit larger. In achondroplasia, the average height of males is about four feet, four inches (52 inches) and females with a height of four feet, one inch (49 inches). These people are with normal intelligence.

A new mutation with early development is seen in 80 percent of the cases. In other cases, it is inherited from parents. It occurs due to a mutation in fibroblast growth factor receptor 3. The diagnosis of this disorder is based on genetic testing.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Achondroplasia?

The signs and symptoms of achondroplasia are mentioned below:

• The arms, legs, and fingers are shortened. The thighs and upper arms are shortened than the lower legs and forearms.
• Size of the head is large with a flattened nasal bridge and prominent head.
• Misalinged and crowded teeth.
• Lordosis in which lower spine is curved that can lead to kyphosis.
• In adolescence, small vertebral canals lead to spinal cord compression. Most of the time children having achondroplasia may die due to compression of the upper end of spinal cord. It may interfere with breathing.
• Loose joints
• Muscle tone is poor
• Lower legs are bowed
• Feet are flat, broad and short
• Presence of extra space between the ring and middle fingers
• Apnea (for a short period breathing stops or slow down)
• Intelligence is normal
• Frequent infections in the middle ear that lead to hearing loss
• The Lifespan of these people are normal
• It may delay the developmental milestones like walking that occur between the age of 18 to 24 months instead of that it may start around one year of age

What are the Causes of Achondroplasia?

It is an autosomal disease that is caused due to the abnormal formation of the cartilage. Both male and female are in equal proportion affected by this disorder. For this disorder, only one gene is necessary to have the trait.

How We Can Make the Diagnosis of Achondroplasia?

This disorder can be diagnosed through ultrasound before or after the birth of a baby . Complete medical history and physical examination are required. DNA testing can be done before the birth of a child. Through ultrasound findings for parents, we can detect the high risk of achondroplasia in children.

What is the Treatment for Achondroplasia?

In allopathy treatment for the disorder is done with growth hormone but that is not the right way. In Ayurveda, we have numerous herbs that will balance and manage this condition in a natural way. According to Ayurveda, this disorder is due to the imbalance of three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) in the body that is responsible for abnormal mutations of the genes. Planet Ayurveda, an Ayurvedic clinic provides different herbal products like digestion support, ashwagandha capsules, daily essentials, and coral calcium complex capsules that will manage the condition of achondroplasia. So, now will discuss these all products in detail with their usage.

1. Ashwagandha Capsules

The standardized extract of herb (Withania somnifera) is used for the formation of the capsules. This herb acts as a nervine tonic. It maintains the overall nervous system. This herb is used from ancient time for its wonderful medicinal properties.

गंधानता वजिनमदिरश्वगंधा हया हृय। वरदा बलदा कुष्ठ गंन्धिनी।

(Bhavprakash nighantu 189)

This shloka represents that the synonyms of ashwagndha are ashwagndha, hyahriya, vrahkarni, varda, balda, kushtgandhini, and baji. The two mains are bajigandha and hyagaandha.

These capsules support the growth hormones in the body. All the signs and symptoms related to achondroplasia is managed with the regular use of these capsules. Weakness in the nerves is controlled with the regular use of these capsules.

Recommended Dosage: Take two capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

2. Coral Calcium Capsules

These capsules are prepared from ingredients like parval pishti, akik pishti, jawar mohra pishti, kamdudha ras, mukta pishti, and guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) that give natural calcium to the body. The regular use of these capsules makes the bones stronger. The stunned growth is managed with the use of these capsules. All signs and symptoms related to achondroplasia are managed with coral calcium capsules.

Recommended Dosage: Take one capsule twice daily with plain water after meals.

3. Digestion Support

The capsules give good results in digestion related issues. These capsules are prepared from herbs like Amla (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), Saunf (Foeniculum vulgare), Dhania (Coriander sativum), Jeerak (Cyminum cuminum), and Pippali (Piper longum) that in combination makes a strong digestive system. Various herbs in it maintain symptoms related to achondroplasia. As these herbs show antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, carminative, etc properties.

Recommended Dosage: Take two capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

4. Daily Essentials Capsule

As the name suggests it provides all the essential vitamins and minerals to the body. These capsules increase the immunity in the body, it acts as a natural anti-oxidant, provides longevity, delays the ageing process. The ingredients that are used for the preparation of these capsules are Grape seed (Vitis vinifera), Cow colostrum (Bovine colostrum), Bhumi amalaki (Phyllanthus niruri), and Green tea (Camellia sinesis) that in combination give good results. Daily essential capsules deal with all signs and symptoms related to achondroplasia.

Recommended dosage: One capsule twice daily with plain water after meals.

The use of all these herbal products gives effective result in achondroplasia. Along with these medicines maintain a healthy lifestyle and eating habits. Always avoid eating fast, fried, processed food items that are not healthy for our body as it weakens our immune system.