Alternative Treatment For Levator Ani Syndrome

Abstract

There are a number of syndromes or diseases mankind is suffering from. One of such conditions is levator ani syndrome, which occurs due to the spasm or twitching of the levator ani muscle. This results in burning sensation and pain in the rectal part. The pain occurs in episodes. The exact cause of the condition is unknown. In the text below, we shall discuss the condition caused by levator ani syndrome as well as its management in the contemporary system of medicine and traditional system of Ayurvedic medicine. Let's discuss!!

Introduction

Levator ani syndrome is characterised by tenesmus or painful burning sensation in the perineal or rectal area due to spasm of the muscle levator ani. It is a chronic condition characterised by episodic pain and burning sensation in the upper anal canal and rectum. The pain radiates to the hips, tailbone and other structures of the pelvic regions. There is no anatomical or structural abnormality or deformity present in the condition. The condition is only based on the recurring spasm of the levator ani muscle. In Ayurveda, the condition can be compared with the vata dosha and pitta dosha aggravation as the burning sensation is the feature of pitta dosha and the spasm is related to vitiated vata dosha. Further the condition can be related with guda stambh.

Causes Of Levator Ani Syndrome

• Exact cause of Levator Ani syndrome is unknown
• Inflammation of the pelvic area
• After child birth
• Surgery of the pelvic area
• Inflammation of the arcus tendon

Signs and Symptoms

• Irregular and spontaneous pain in the rectum
• Sensation of constant pressure on rectum and burning
• Pain is worse in sitting posture
• Pain worsens with prolonged sitting, stress, defecation, childbirth, surgery and sexual intercourse
• Tenderness on palpation of levator ani muscle
• Constipation
• Urinary incontinence and urgency to pass urine as well Dysuria

Investigations Required

• Stool sample
• Blood work
• Endoscopic and colonoscopy
• Imaging

Management of Levator Ani Syndrome

• Physical therapy
• Electrogalvanic stimulation
• Cyclobenzaprine
• Biofeedback
• Botox injections

Ayurvedic Management of Levator Ani Syndrome

Ayurveda, the life science, is a traditional system of Indian medicine. Ayurveda is based on the three basic principles known as doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha). Any imbalance in the dosha causes disorder and balance of the same is pronounced as health. In the condition of Levator Ani Syndrome, vata, kapha and pitta doshas are vitiated. The condition manifests itself with the painful and burning sensation in the rectum and perineal area. By pacifying the above mentioned vitiated dosha, there are a number of herbs that are useful in the levator ani syndrome. The condition can also be named 'guda stambh' as there is spasm of the levator ani syndrome which is characterised by painful and burning sensation in the rectum. Stambhan is the property of sheeta guna of vata dosha and kapha dosha and ruja (pain) is also related to vata dosha. Whereas the burning sensation is directly linked to the ushna guna (hot property) of pitta dosha. Hence as per the symptoms and the episodic spasm (stambhan) the condition of levator ani syndrome is best correlated with aggravated vata and pitta doshas.

The herbs amla (Emblica officinalis), haritaki (Terminalia chebula), bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica) together pacifies all the three doshas thus is beneficial in levator ani syndrome, tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) etc. Some of the formulations that are known to pacify all the three dosha include Triphala churna, Dashmool kwath, Giloyghan Vati, Yashtimadhu Churna etc.

Herbal Remedies for Levator Ani Syndrome by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is an eminent GMP certified, ISO 9001:2015 certified,and US-FDA registered Ayurvedic Company, which adheres to the objective of manufacturing quality Ayurvedic products as mentioned in a number of ancient texts of Ayurveda. Formulations are manufactured without additives and preservatives and other kinds of chemicals or artificial flavouring agents which can have a number of side effects on the human body. Products manufactured at Planet Ayurveda are pure and devoid of any kind of adulteration. The products are purely organic and vegetarian and gluten free and halal certified. Planet Ayurveda extends some Ayurvedic herbal formulations for the management of the condition of Levator Ani Syndrome.

Following is the list of some herbal products that benefits the person suffering from Levator Ani Syndrome

1. AVIPATTIKAR CHURNA
2. YOGRAJ GUGGUL
3. AROGYAVARDHINI VATI
4. NAVKARSHIK CHURNA
5. DHANWANTHARAM TAILAM
6. ASHWAGANDHA CAPSULES

Products Description

1. AVIPATTIKAR CHURNA

Avipattikar Churna is blend of various herbs including haritaki (Terminalia chebula), bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), amalki (Emblica officinalis), nagarmotha (Cyperus scariosus), vidang (Embelia ribes), choti ela (Elettaria cardamomum), tejpatra (Cinnamomum tamala), lavang (Syzygium aromaticum), nishoth (Operculina turperthum) and marich (Piper nigrum). Avipattikar churna helps in almost every condition of the alimentary canal. Moreover it helps in conditions of constipation that can be a symptom or the aggravating factor of the levator ani syndrome. As Aipattikar churna manages the symptoms of the syndrome, thus it is helpful in the same.

Dosage: One tsp thrice a day 10 mins before a meal with warm water.

2. YOGRAJ GUGGUL

Yograj Guggul is a classical Ayurvedic proprietary formulation. It is a beneficial formulation in the problems related to the musculoskeletal system and neurological system. Yograj Guggul is made up of the herbs guggul (Commiphora mukul), amalaki (Emblica officinalis), bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), haritaki (Terminalia chebula), vidang (Embelia ribes), ela (Elettaria cardamomum), gokshur (Tribulus terrestris), shunthi (Zingiber officinale) etc. The herbs possess anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties. As the formulation provides strength and support to the muscles which makes it an excellent preparation for Levator Ani Syndrome.

Dosage: Two tablets twice twice a day with lukewarm water after meals.

3. AROGYAVARDHINI VATI

Arogyavardhini vati is a classical Ayurvedic formulation that is used in almost every health condition as well as it is also helpful in maintaining general wellness. As the name of the formulation suggests, it helps in increasing the non diseased condition of the person which means it helps in keeping the person free of any health issues or ailments. Arogyavardhini vati is a blend of various herbs that balances the doshas and acts as a rasayana. The herbs include haritaki (Terminalia chebula), bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), amalki (Emblica officinalis), shuddha shilajit (Asphaltum), shuddha guggulu (commiphora mukul), chitrak mool (Plumbago zeylanica), kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa). Arogyavardhini vati balances all the three doshas. It is helpful in levator ani syndrome because of its dosha pacifying properties. Furthermore, as the name of the preparation suggests it helps in improving good health therefore it is useful in eliminating levator ani syndrome.

Dosage: Two tablets twice twice a day with lukewarm water after meals.

4. NAVKARSHIK CHURNA

Navkarshik Churna is a composed of a number of herbs including haritaki (Terminalia chebula), bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), amalki (Emblica officinalis), vacha (Acorus calamus), neem (Azadirachta indica), manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa), giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), daruhaldi (Berberis aristata). The churna benefits the patient with Levator Ani Syndrome by its tridosha balancing properties. Furthermore, Navkarshik churna helps in removing aama dosha which can be a cause of unexplained spasm of the levator ani muscle.

Dosage: 1/2 tsp twice a day with warm water.

5. DHANWANTHARAM TAILAM

Dhanwantharam tailam is used in the condition of weak muscular power. The oil possesses strengthening and power providing properties of the herbs bala (Sida cordifolia), kiulatha (Dolichos biflorus), agnimantha (Clerodendrum phlomidis), prasarini (Paederia foetida), brihati (Solanum indicum), manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), sariva (Hemidesmus indicus) and others. The oil provides energy to the weak muscles. Furthermore, the oil preparation alleviates pain and pacifies vata dosha. As Dhanwantharam thailam reduces pain and provides strength to the muscles, therefore it is useful in levator ani syndrome.

Dosage: Apply locally after warming up the oil and then give hot fomentation over the muscular area.

6. ASHWAGANDHA CAPSULES

Ashwagandha capsules are enriched with the goodness of the herb ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) that possesses rasayana properties. The capsules pacify the vata dosha. And benefits in maintaining the good health of the neurological system. Ashwagandha possesses rasayan properties thus helps in overall management of the bodily functions. In this condition of Levator Ani Syndrome it helps by giving strength to the levator ani muscle. By pacifying the vata dosha it helps in spasmodic condition of the levator ani muscle. By its above said actions, Ashwagandha capsules are of greater benefit in the condition of levator ani syndrome.

Dosage: One capsule twice a day with plain water after meals.

Conclusion

As the condition is chronic and does not get well with time and gets worse with some postures. As there is no permanent cure available for Levator Ani Syndrome which makes it much worrisome. But Ayurveda has got some help to offer. Ayurvedic medicines work on the basis of vitiated dosha. By correcting the dosha imbalance, the condition is managed. In the case of Levator Ani Syndrome, the medicines work on correcting the pitta and vata imbalance. Furthermore, the medicines above provide strength to the muscles and improves overall tone and functioning of the muscles and boosts overall wellness and blesses with long, healthy and prosperous life.

Ayurvedic Treatment For Levator Ani Syndrome

ABSTRACT

Our pelvis contains viscera like the bladder, rectum, and pelvic genital organs; all these organs are surrounded and supported by the muscles of the pelvic floor. Many people suffer from pelvic floor disorders like pelvic floor disorders, urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, hemorrhoids, constipation etc. There is a disorder which is due to the spasm of the pelvic floor muscles which is known as the levator ani syndrome. Mainly it is due to the spasm of the levator ani muscle. We will be discussing the levator ani syndrome in this article.

INTRODUCTION

Levator ani muscle is the broader muscle of the pelvic floor which attaches anteriorly to the pubic bones and posteriorly to the ischial spines and to the thickened fascia of the obturator internus muscle. It is the most important muscle of the pelvic floor as it helps in the voiding of the urine, defecation, sexual function. This occurs when the pelvic floor muscles are too tight or in the state of continuous spasm which causes discomfort in the related areas.

It is known by different names like:

1. Chronic anorectal pain
2. Chronic proctalgia
3. Levator spasm
4. Pelvic tension myalgia
5. Piriformis syndrome
6. Puborectalis syndrome

In ayurveda this problem can occur due to the vitiation of the vata dosha in the pelvic area. The main site of vata dosha is below the navel and the pelvic area is dominated by the vata dosha. There are 5 types of vata dosha pran vayu, udaan vayu, samaan vayu, apan vayu (sush/nidan/1/12). The vata dosha which is present in the pelvic floor is known as the apan vayu. This type of vayu is responsible for the passage of urine, feces, semen, and fetus outside the body. Vata dosha is responsible for the movement and dryness in the body, and in levator ani syndrome there is stiffness and spasm of the levator ani muscles which is due to the afflicted vata dosha in the body.

CAUSES OF THE LEVATOR ANI SYNDROME

There is not known exact cause of the levator ani syndrome, it can be associated with the following conditions

1. Stopping the urge to urinate and passing stool, in ayurveda also this is known as veg dharan which aggravates the vata dosha in the pelvic area.
2. This can be related to the vulvodynia
3. Injury around or on the pelvic area
4. Intercourse also if it is painful
5. There can be chronic pelvic pain related like IBS, endometriosis or interstitial cystitis

According to Ayurveda, these conditions will aggravate the vata dosha mainly apan vayu which is in the pelvic area and will create the symptoms of levator ani syndrome.

SYMPTOMS OF THE LEVATOR ANI SYNDROME

As this is a syndrome it will cause many associated symptoms like:

1. Pain - Patient may experience pain which is usually not associated with the bowel movement. It can be mild to severe, which is an on and off type.
2. Urinary and bowel problems - Due to the dysfunction of levator ani muscle there is disturbed urinary and bowel problems like bloating, urge to urinate, often urgently or without being able to void urine, pain in the bladder.
3. Sexual problems - This condition can cause pain in during the intercourse or after intercourse in women and painful ejaculation in men, premature ejaculation, or erectile dysfunction in men.

TREATMENT

Different approaches are there to handle this condition like

• Physiotherapy which includes massage, heat and biofeedback from a physiotherapist who is trained in pelvic floor dysfunction.
• Muscle relaxants can be used like gabapentin or pregabalin.
• Corticosteroid or botox injection on the affected area.
• Having acupuncture therapy
• Nerve stimulation therapy
• Sex therapy

HOME REMEDIES

Different home remedies can be used to have symptomatic relief from the discomfort of the levator ani syndrome

1. Patients can take over the counter pain relievers
2. Sitz bath in warm water can be of help
3. Different exercises like deep squats, happy baby poses, leg up the wall.

AYURVEDIC TREATMENT

As this is a vaat dominated disorder, the treatments which will pacify the vata dosha will be able to treat the levator ani syndrome. Panchkarma procedures like snehan (oelation) in the form of massage, sweden (sudation), basti karma (herbal enema), basti karma is the best treatment for any disorder related to the vata dosha. Conservative treatment can be done with the help of herbs which will pacify the vata doshas. Herbs should be used in the form of ghrita or oil forms that are really effective for the vata dosha.

TREATMENT FROM PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda has many medications which are able to treat the vata dosha of the body. It has a wide variety of medication to treat the diseases related to the vata dosha. There is a perfect combination of medications for levator ani syndrome which are made under the pure and hygienic environment all the medications are standardized according to ayurvedic pharmacopeia which are made under the guidance of expert ayurvedic doctors. These medications are free from the fillers and preservatives.

LIST OF MEDICATIONS WHICH CAN BE USED ARE:

1. Avipattikar Churna
2. Yograj Guggul
3. Arogyavardhini Vati
4. Navkarshik Churna
5. Dhanwantharam Thailam
6. Ashwagandha Capsules

Herbal Remedies for Levator Ani Syndrome

PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION

1. Avipattikar Churna

This churna contains ingredients like triphala, pippali (Piper longum), sonth (Zingiber officinale), lavang (Syzygium aromaticum), Nishoth (Operculina turpethum) etc all these ingredients are very effective for the treatment of the vata dosha, mainly for the treatment of the apana vayu.

Dosage - 1 teaspoon thrice 10 mins before a meal with warm water.

2. Yograj Guggul

This contains major ingredients like gokshura (Tribulus terrestris), chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica), guggul (Commiphora mukul), rasna (Alpinia galanga) this medication will act as a very good muscle relaxant and prevents the pain related to any area in the body.

Dosage - 2 tablets twice a day with warm water after meals.

3. Arogyavardhni Vati

Main ingredients in this formulation are haritaki (Terminalia chebula), bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), shudh shilajit (purified asphaltum), kutki (picrorhiza kurroa), shuddha parad (purified mercury) this medication is used in wide variety of disorder and it can be used for the treatment of levator ani syndrome as this will decrease the pain and help in regular bowel movements.

Dosage - ½ tablet twice a day with plain water.

4. Navkarshik Churna

This churna is patent medication of planet ayurveda it contains ingredients like amla (Emblica officinalis), haritaki (Terminalia chebula), bahera (Terminalia bellirica), vacha (acorus calamus), manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) etc all these ingredients are helpful in the balancing vata dosha and will relieve the symptoms like muscle pain.

Dosage - 1/2 teaspoon twice a day with warm water.

5. Dhanwantharam Thailam

This oil contains ingredients like balaa (Sida cordifolia), yava (Hordeum vulgare), dashmoola (group of 10 herbs). Massage with this oil will be helpful in strengthening the pelvic muscles and reduce the vata dosha.

Usage - apply locally after warming up and then give hot fomentation over the muscular area.

6. Ashwagandha Capsules

These capsules contain extracts of the ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) which is helpful in strengthening the pelvic floor muscles and reducing the pain.

Dosage - 1 capsule twice after meals with plain water.

CONCLUSION

This is a disorder in which there is discomfort in the pelvic floor due to the spasm of the levator ani muscle. This is a really painful condition in which there symptoms like bloating, pain in the pelvic area, difficulty in voiding urine and feces. This disease is not having any treatment in modern medication; only symptomatic relief is there as this disease arises due to the aggravation of vata dosha due to various reasons in the pelvic floor; it can be treated according to that. The medications and procedures which will pacify the vata dosha in the body will be helpful in treating the condition. For more information visit www.PlanetAyurveda.com

Contact my assistant to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at - costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or call at +91-172-5214040