Raynaud’s phenomenon is a condition that causes the blood vessels in the extremities to narrow, restricting blood flow. The episodes or “attacks” usually affect the fingers and toes. In rare cases, attacks occur in other areas such as the ears, tongue, or nose. An attack usually happens from exposure to cold temperatures or emotional stress.

Sign  and symptoms?

Color Changes- As your blood vessels constrict limiting circulation to your extremities, you’ll notice your skin change color to a pale blue to red or white. All people  do not necessarily experience all three color changes.

Feeling Cold and Numbness  -Because your fingers, toes, ears, nose, or other parts of the body aren’t receiving oxygen-rich blood, they’ll feel cold, maybe even numb.

Warmth Tingling or Throbbing -Towards the end of an episode, your blood circulation will return, and the once-cold, blue parts of your body may feel sensations of tingling or throbbing as they warm back up again.

Skin Ulcers or Gangrene- During extended or frequent attacks, your skin may develop painful sores, especially on your fingertips. In worst case scenarios, this lack of circulation and oxygen to your fingers and toes can lead to gangrene, or tissue death.

In Ayurveda

Siragata Vata is an Ekanga (localized) Vatavyadhi described in Ayurveda  . It is better correlated with Raynaud’s disease in modern medical science. Obstruction of channels aggravate Vata Dosha. Obstructive arterial diseases like arteriosclerosis, burger’s disease, thoracic outlet syndrome increase the incidence of Raynaud’s Phenomenon.

Management

Modern sciences used vasodilator drugs for the treatment of Raynaud’s disease which may harmful to other body system.

Ayurvedic treatment therapy like Snehana, Swedana, Upanaha, leech therapy etc. can be effective for Raynaud’s disease without any harmful effect to other body organs.

Dr Saleek Ali N.K
Medical Officer
Dr. P. Alikutty's Ayurveda and Modern Hospital - Kottakkal