How Effective Ayurvedic Treatment For Chronic Kidney Disease or Renal Failure?

Ancient Indian System of Medicine is enshrined in Ayurveda which is a Upaveda of Atharva Veda. This system of medicine is about 1500 B. C. old. This system of medicine has been in practice for centuries before the advent of the modern Allopathic system. In Ayurveda, the living man is conceived as a conglomeration of three humours (Vata, Pitta & Kapha), seven basic tissues (Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa, Meda, Asthi, Majja & Shukra) and the waste products of the body such as feces, urine, and sweat.

The health or sickness of a person depends on the presence or absence of a balanced state of the matrix of three humours, seven tissues including the balance between its different constituents. The basic cause of a disease is an imbalance in the above constituents. Now, the question arises can those be kept under equilibrium, the answer is yes and for this, a detailed description is mentioned in Ayurveda and this paves the way for the treatment of any disease.

What is the main cause of this imbalance?

With the advent of the era of industrialization and modernization, knowingly or unknowingly many synthetic chemicals have entered the natural cyclic food chain and their ill-effects have been observed with an increased number of health problems faced by humanity. The indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers, insecticides, and pesticides to increase food production; a change in our working life-style and food, habits have also been a major cause of many diseases. One such health issue is Kidney Disorder/ Renal Failure. The ever-increasing number of kidney patients is a global concern and still, more challenging for doctors are their treatment. The Ayurvedic Physicians are also facing such a big challenge and thousands of patients visit them to get the Ayurvedic treatment for chronic kidney disease or renal failure

The system of treatment is based on the principles of three elements Vaat, Pittah, kaph. Ayurvedic texts describe the natural ways of maintaining a healthy kidney and how those methods could help to prevent/decreasing the frequency of dialysis and gradually eliminating the need for dialysis in the kidney failure patents.

Kidneys are the vital organs of the excretory system that are primarily responsible for detoxification and elimination of metabolic wastes from our body. Renal failure occurs when kidneys stop functioning properly and more than 80% of the nephrons are either impaired (non-functional) or damaged. Such conditions result in the unhealthy rise of creatinine levels, urea levels, and the levels of various electrolytes in the blood. Reasons for this condition could be many, but the outcome of those abnormal levels is the failure of the kidney.

Ayurvedic the perspective of chronic kidney disease (CKD)

According to the ancient texts, kidneys are made up of Rakta and Meda Dhatus. Another important component is the Apana Vayu which is considered essential for optimal functioning of kidneys as it balances Dhatus. Thus, Apana Vayu can positively influence the health of the kidneys. For treating kidney failure, a holistic approach based on AAhar, Vihaar, and Rasayana is to be strictly followed under an expert Ayurvedic Physician. An ancient Natural Ayurvedic therapy for treating renal failure is  shown in the following steps:

Step 1: R- Renal Tissue Repair:

• Repairs the inflamed renal tissue to an optimal extent.

Step 2: E- Electrolyte Imbalance Management:

• Optimizes  the levels of electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium, etc.)
• Maintains the desired electrolyte levels within the normal range.

Step 3: U- Blood Urea Level Management:

• Maintains equilibrium of Blood Urea levels in the body.
• Aims at using quick-acting herbs to normalize Blood Urea levels.

Step 4: C- Serum Creatinine Level Management:

• Restores the Serum Creatinine Levels of the patient to its normal value.
• Gradually restores the functioning of the impaired kidney.

It is important to mention that many diseases such as Diabetic Nephropathy, Nephrotic Syndrome, Nephrolithiasis & Polycystic Kidney Disease is also a major cause of RENAL FAILURE if those are not treated in time.

Another important aspect of treatment is yogic exercises and the diet prescribed in Ayurveda. It refers to the diet which is essential to maintain an equilibrium among different touches of humour and constituents in the body as cited above; and if it is followed under the guidance and supervision of an expert Ayurvedic Physician, it may produce remarkable results. 

The different Yoga exercises mentioned below are highly recommended for the kidney treatment in Ayurveda and the well-being of a person. 

Yoga for kidney health: Sphinx Pose (Salamba Bhujangasana), Sitting Half Spinal Twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana), The Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana), Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana), Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana).

Pranayama for kidney health: Anulom Vilom, Bhramari, & Sheetali Pranayama.

Exercise for kidney disease: Compression bandage/stocking for swelling at ankles, active range of motion for all joints of the upper limb and lower limb range of motion, Ankle Pumps are normally recommended.