A Santani Guest’s Experience
| Guest Details | Male / 37 years |
| Diagnosis | Asymptomatic low platelet count through ITP |
| Results | Platelet count increased from 81,000/mm3 before starting Ayurveda treatment to 122,000/mm3 after treatment, a 51% increase, in a span of just 5 days. |
However, through several investigations, his physician had identified a gradual reduction in his platelet count throughout the last 10 years. Paul began the journey of trying to find a solution to maintain the platelet count within the normal range. He started with conventional treatment, but soon realized that it is not a permanent solution and searched for an alternative medical system to cure his disease. After some time he found out about Ayurveda medicine and that it could solve his problem with minimum side effects. He arrived at Santani Wellness Kandy on 29th July 2022 and selected a personalized 5-day wellness package upon consultation with our Ayurvedic doctor. Before beginning his Ayurveda treatment a blood report for his platelet count was taken on 27th July 2022. The results of the report marked a platelet count of 81,000/mm3.
Discussion
Paul was examined as per Ayurveda criteria and his body type/body constitution was recognized as Vatha/Pitta. He had been diagnosed with high levels of Cholesterol and Grade 1 fatty liver which was controlled with medication, other concerns included interrupted sleep patterns, and heavy stress due to the economic crisis as he operates in manufacturing. His objective during this stay was to improve his platelet count through Ayurveda treatment.
A series of Ayurveda treatments were offered to him, including Ayurveda internal cleansing (Panchakarma) procedures, a strict diet plan, daily yoga sessions, and a few activity sessions in order to approach his goal. Initially, his body was prepared for the main internal cleansing treatment by internal and external oleation and sudation for four days, done through a daily treatment with natural herbal preparations. Internal oleation was done through a daily oral dose of medicated ghee. Paul’s Ayurveda treatment included herbal body massage (Abhyanga), pouring oil on the head (Shirodhara), body massage with herbal bolus fomentation (Choorna Swedana), and a few other relaxing treatments. Purgation (Virechana), one of the main internal cleansing methods (Panchakarma) was performed to cleanse internal organs and channels to eliminate excessive Pitta. Furthermore, he attended all daily yoga sessions of hatha yoga and restorative yoga and had individual Yoga Nidra (yogic sleeping) sessions to improve the quality of sleep and eliminate mental stress. He went on a few guided nature walks to achieve a healthy peaceful mind and to restore his mental and spiritual well-being. During his stay, he was advised to take part in a digital detox, with minimum use of mobile phones and other electronic devices. His diet was adjusted with a special detox diet plan including liquid meals specially prepared with vegetables that help in detoxing as well as Vata and Pitta pacifying properties. He also avoided food that has heat-generating properties and consumed food more favourable to his body constitution. After a 5-day stay, he returned home and re-checked his platelet count on 5th August 2022, it had increased by a considerable amount to 122,000/ 10mm3. He had great confidence that Ayurveda was the reason for such a great improvement of his disorder.
What is an Autoimmune Disease?
An autoimmune disease is a condition in which your immune system attacks your body. The natural mechanism of the immune system usually protects the body against foreign invaders like bacteria, viruses, and a variety of biological hazards. The immune system has the ability to distinguish the difference between foreign cells and your own cells, however, with an autoimmune disease, this immune system mistakes a healthy part of your body for foreign cells and releases a protein called autoantibodies to attack your healthy tissues. Scientists in the field of health have identified more than 80 types of autoimmune diseases that have the capability of affecting a wide range of body parts. Common signs of autoimmune diseases include the destruction of body tissue, abnormal growth of an organ, or changes in organ function. Areas often affected by autoimmune disorders have been identified as blood vessels, connective tissues like adipose tissue, cartilage, bone, blood, lymph, skin, muscles, and endocrine glands such as the thyroid and pancreas, etc. The reason for the autoimmune disorders is mostly unknown and scientists have revealed that genetics, diet, infections, and exposure to chemicals have a possible influence on autoimmune disorders. Some of the commonly found autoimmune disorders are Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriasis, SLE, Coeliac disease, etc.
What is Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura?
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a disorder of the blood that lowers the platelet count of blood (thrombocytopenia) due to an unknown cause (idiopathic). As most causes appear to be related to antibodies against platelets, it is also known as an autoimmune disorder, namely immune thrombocytopenic purpura. Although most cases are asymptomatic, very low platelet counts can lead to a bleeding diathesis and purpura. ITP is a disorder that mainly affects the overall count of blood platelets rather than their function. The normal platelet level in a healthy adult is between 150,000 – 450,000/mm3. Platelet counts below 50,000/ mm3 increase the risk of dangerous bleeding from trauma; counts below 20,000/mm3 increase the risk of spontaneous bleeding. ITP may be either acute or chronic. Sometimes the immune system interferes with the functioning of the cells which are responsible for the production of platelets. In children, viral infection is the main cause of ITP. In adults, ITP is mostly considered an autoimmune disorder. In acute ITP cases, patients usually suffer from bruising; petechiae, nosebleeds, and bleeding gums may occur if the platelet count reduces below 20,000/mm3 compared with a normal range of 150,000-400,000/mm3.
Ayurveda for Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
As per Ayurveda, ITP is classified under Raktha Vyadhi which are disorders of the blood, and it can be specifically correlated with Rakthapitta. Rakthapitta defines as a bleeding disorder wherein the blood (Raktha) weakened by Pitta flows out of the orifices. The etiology for the vitiation of Pitta in this disorder are prolonged exposure to heat or sun, excessive consumption of hot, sour, salty, intense, heavy, and corrosive food, excessive grief or anger, and exposure to toxins. One or few of these conditions can impair the Pitta and excessive Pitta consequently attacks the blood and destroys it. The blood that is affected by aggravated Pitta can move upward, downward, or sideways, causing bleeding out of orifices like the nose, ears, mouth, skin, rectum etc. This condition can lead to a reduction in platelet count and interrupts the homeostasis of blood clotting.
