Hemophilia is a medical condition in which the blood clotting function is reduced severely, making the sufferer bleed profusely even for a small injury. It is mainly caused by a lack of a coagulation factor called factor VIII. The medical condition can be fatal if the internal bleeding occurs within a vital organ like the brain. Hemophilia can be cured through regular allopathic treatments, but there are many other alternative treatments like Ayurveda that offer a good cure too.

This article discusses what hemophilia is, along with various methods of hemophilia diagnosis and alternative ayurvedic treatment one can opt for.

1. What is hemophilia?

Hemophilia occurs because the blood doesn’t clot like it should as there is a defect in one of the clotting factor genes on the X chromosome. Usually, it occurs in men as the gene is passed from mother to son. Males lack a second X chromosome and cannot make up for the defective gene. Females have XX sex chromosomes, and men have XY sex chromosomes. So females might be the carriers of the disorder, but for her to have the disease, she should have an abnormal gene on both of her X chromosomes, which is a rarity. Often, hemophilia occurs due to spontaneous genetic mutation too. It can develop when the body forms antibodies to clotting factors in the blood, which do not allow the clotting factors to work.

2. Diagnosis

The best way to diagnose this disease is through medical history and blood tests. In case, a person has recurrent bleeding problems; the doctor will find out more about their family medical history and follow it up with a physical examination. Blood tests are also performed as part of hemophilia diagnosis to check how long it takes for the blood to clot and what are the levels of clotting factors and to decide the adequate treatment methods. The doctor will also examine which of the clotting factors are missing, if any. Blood tests will also determine the type and severity of hemophilia. As part of the diagnosis of the condition for pregnant women who are carriers of hemophilia, doctors can test the fetus for the condition after ten weeks of pregnancy.

3. Treating hemophilia

There are many mainstream treatments for this condition, including, replacement therapy, which some need continuously, while others get it done only on demand when the bleeding occurs. Besides this, there are Ayurvedic treatment methods for hemophilia. As this is an alternative treatment method, it is essential for one to consult their doctor before opting for it. Ayurveda suggests some simple home remedies and lifestyle changes to avoid pitta dosha (it is the Ayurvedic mind-body type that is linked to fire and water). It is hot in nature and governs your metabolism. In many people, this pitta dosha is high and can lead to many problems and diseases. Hemophilia is one such problem. Thus, if one corrects this imbalance, they can get cured of it easily. To get the balance back, it’s best to avoid pitta aggravating factors like:

• Deep-fried foods
• Spicy food including capsicum, green chili, etc
• Exposure to hot weather, steam bath, sauna
• Smoking and alcohol
• Fermented foods

In addition, consuming certain herbs like Manjishta, Amla, and Guduchi can reduce the heat in the body. These Ayurvedic remedies can be a way of containing or reducing the symptoms but are not a cure for hemophilia.