Ayurvedic Treatment For Crest Syndrome With Herbal Remedies
Abstract
The CREST syndrome is made up of a mixing of five diseases and each letter stands for a different disease. C letter stands for Calcinosis which means calcium deposits in the body such as under the skin, and fingers. R letter stands for Raynaud’s phenomenon where due to excessive cold weather and stress the spasm of blood vessels occurs in fingers or toes. E letter stands for Esophageal dysfunction It is a condition where due to acid reflux the motility of the oesophagus decreases. S stands for Sclerodactyly where tightening and thickening of skin occur around fingers and hands resulting in limited mobility and a claw-like appearance. T stands for Telangiectasia where due to the dilation of capillaries red marks are seen on the surface of skin. To diagnose this disease, the symptoms are 2 or 3 out of 5 of CREST disease.
Introduction
CREST as the name suggests Calcinosis, Raynaud phenomenon, Esophageal dysfunction, Sclerodactyly, and Telangiectasia. It is also known as IcSSc (limited cutaneous form of systemic sclerosis). It is a member of a heterogeneous group of Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis) as Scleroderma is an acronym for this syndrome. Scleroderma is derived from Sclera (hard) and derma (skin). Scleroderma is a long-lasting autoimmune disease that results in hardening and thickening of the skin. If left untreated the disease is associated with lung and heart problems. CREST syndrome is a type of scleroderma that is slow in progress and in later stages involves organ involvement.
Causes
The CREST syndrome has an unknown cause but some risk factors are there that cause CREST-
- A typical immune activity
- Environmental factors
- Genetics
- Exposure to chemical or radiation
Symptoms
The CREST syndrome involves the following symptoms-
- Swelling in the joints
- Stiffness in joints
- Arthritis
- Dysphagia due to esophageal deformity
- Calcific nodules under the skin
- Difficulty in breathing
- Pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of the lungs that affects breathing)
- Dizziness
- Heart problems
- Kidney problems
- Swelling and inflammation in hands or face
- Pain in hands and feet
- Exhaustion
- Badly healing wounds
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle stiffness
- Heartburn
- Itchy skin
- Persistent cough
- Hardening and discoloration of skin
- Fatigue
- Breathlessness
- Disturbance in voice
- Bloating
- Diarrhoea
Diagnosis
- Serum blood test – To check the Anti centromere antibodies
- Urine analysis
- Doppler echocardiography
- Antinuclear antibody testing
- Check the skin for its colour and appearance
- Serum creatinine test
- Complete Blood test
- Lung function test – To check breathing problems
- MRI (magnetic resonance imagining) scan
- CT (computerised tomography) scan
- X-ray
- EMG (Electromyography)
- Nerve conduction studies
Treatment
In CREST syndrome the disease involves many functions of the body according to symptoms the treatment is done-
- The main aim of the treatments is –
- To limit the progression of disease
- Reduce inflammation
- And improve the function and quality of life of patients
- Steroids
- Vasodilators
- If sclerosis progresses, stronger immunosuppressants can be given
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Laxatives
- To prevent the hardening of the skin colchicine and D-penicillamine can be given
- Calcium channel blockers
- Prostaglandins
- Antidepressants
- Antihypertensive agents
- Histamine H2 antagonists
- Phosphodiesterase enzyme inhibitors
Ayurveda Aspects For Crest Syndrome
In Ayurveda, the CREST syndrome is correlated with the Uttana Vatarakta which is a part of vatarakta. It is situated between the twak and mamsa. In vatarakta, the vata dosha dominates and causes severe symptoms in the body. Acharya Sushrat is considered under the Vatagata vyadhi but Acharya charaka explained it is due to dusti of vata and rakta dosha.
Uttana Vatarakta in च.चि.२९।२०
“कण्डू दाह रुग आयाम तोद स्फुरण कुच्ञनैः
अन्विता श्यावरक्ता त्वग्बाहो ताम्रा तथेष्यते”
As Uttana vatarakta is situated between the twak and mamsa. Itching, burning sensation, pain, distension, and shrinkage of organs and twak will be shyam, rakta, and Tamra varna.
Place Of Vatarakta In The Body
- Both the hands and legs
- All fingers
- All joints
Causes Of Vatarakta
The causes of Vatarakta are described below-
- Excessive intake of Lavan (salty) substances
- Excessive intake of Amla (sour) substances
- Excessive intake of Kshara (alkaline) substances
- Excessive intake of Katu (pungent) substances
- Excessive intake of Snigdha (oily) substances
- Excessive intake of Suskha (dry) substances
- Excessive intake of Ushna (hot) substances
- Intake of Dadhi (curd)
- Intake of Ikshu (sugarcane)
- Intake of Takra (buttermilk)
- Use of Kulattha daal (Horse gram), and Masha daal (Black gram)
Pathophysiology Of Vatarakta
The vata dosha obstructs the channels and vitates the rakta dosha and later on vitates rakta dosha affecting the whole body and causes symptoms in the body. In later stages, the pitta and kapha dosha join the vata and rakta dosha and make this condition very serious.
Samprapti Ghatk Of Vatarakta
- Dosha – Vata, Rakta
- Dooshya – Rakta, Twak and Mamsa
- Adhistan – Raktavaha srotas
- Avyava – Twak, Mamsa, Sandhi, and both the Hands and legs, all joints
Ayurvedic Treatment
Symptoms Of Vatarakta
The Vatarakta involves the following symptoms-
- Burning sensation
- Itching
- Pain
- Stretching of skin
- Stretching in hands, fingers, and joints
- Discoloration in skin
- Intolerance to cold
The Vatarakta involves the Sodhna and Shaman chikitsa.
1. The Sodhna chikitsa (Purification therapy) involves the following
- Abhyanga – Oil massage with herbal medicines
- Lepa (external application of medicines)
- Swedana – Provides heat to the body
- Upnaha – Apply the warm herbal paste on the body
- Basti (Enema)
2. The shaman chikitsa (pacifying treatment) involves the following
- Kaishore Guggulu
- Manibhadra Gulam
- Maharasnadi kashayam
- Manjishtadi kashayam
Prevention
- Eat easily digestible food
- Avoid cold weather exposure
- Avoid hard, hot, and cold food
- Mild regular exercises
- Yoga – Pranayam and, Anulom Vilom
The Goodnews!?
The good news is that Crest Syndrome is preventable and reversible, but can only be possible by using holistic approach, the one advocated in Ayurveda that addresses the issues from the very root.
Since ancient times, Ayurveda has defined diseases with their symptoms, causes and healing methods with nature.
If you are having any of the above mentioned symptoms, don’t assume it is Crest Syndrome yet without any proper diagnosis because there are other skin related diseases that comes with the same symptoms. Consult with a Doctor for accurate diagnosis to find out if Crest Syndrome is what you are having or any other related disease.
Vine-Health Approach to Crest Syndrome
As a holistic health clinic, we take accurate diagnosis very seriously in order to ascertain the root cause of a particular illness. You will be consulted with our doctor to know the type of test or scan to run base on your symptoms to detect exactly the root cause of your issue to ascertain if Crest Syndrome is your issue or not to ensure appropriate treatment.
Accurate diagnosis is the key to the treatment of any disease.
We can really help you out of the issue!
Contact us for your accurate diagnosis or for any issues